The Sons of the Wind [antikvár]

D.M. Dooling presents in the following pages the sacred beginnings of the Lakota Nation, a treasured knowledge that has been held for generations only by Holy Men who have been entrusted with such responsibility. It is in these sacred origins that the Lakota Nation find their life-essence, the source of power and direction throughout history which has enabled their spiritual leaders to marshal the people.It is very difficult to isolate a term which best describes the collective powers in the Lakota universe. These powers are godlike and have spiritual qualities which are individually unique. The term "Sacred Beings" is jDerhaps the best English expression for this collective entity and is used throughout this text as well as "Spirits," a much less adequate word.In a very simplified and yet profound manner, the basic guiding principles of Lakota culture are portrayed through the lives of these Sacred Beings. Unashamed of their surly and pouting behavior, these Sacred Beings continually tested the limits of their own powers. They coped with inner family quarrels, had strained relations in their marriages, and had to contend with those among themselves who desired greater powers. Ironically, even as they resolved their conflicts, they discovered newer conflicts within the solution. Time after time, Skan resolved these situations, meting out swift and harsh judgments that became binding for all time. In compliance, the Sacred Beings made amends and worked harder for the benefit of Lakota mankind.In this formative period of the Lakota Nation, animals are people and people are animals. The Pte Oyate (Buffalo People) are the ancestors of the shaggy buffalo that provided sustenance to mankind after having served the Sacred Beings in the regions under the earth. It is from this same underworld region that To-kahe (First Man) was lured to the earth's surface through a risk-taking transition that held the promise of a better life. Once here, Tokahe and his followers were abandoned and forced to fend for themselves. They survived only with the aid of the Sacred Beings;