14 quotes
Many of the Indians believed that one may be born more than once, and there were some who claimed to have full knowledge of a former incarnation.
The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation (1911)
In every religion there is an element of the supernatural, varying with the influence of pure reason over its devotees.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
He (the American Indian) believes profoundly in silence – the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of the body, mind and spirit...
Certainly the Indian never doubted the immortal nature of the spirit or soul of man, but neither did he care to speculate upon its probable state or condition in a future life.
The Soul of the Indian: An Interpretation (1911)
The true Indian sets no price upon either his property or his labor. His generosity is limited only by his strength and ability.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
Friendship is held to be the severest test of character. It is easy, we think, to be loyal to a family and clan, whose blood is in your own veins.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
The clan is nothing more than a larger family, with its patriarchal chief as the natural head, and the union of several clans by intermarriage and voluntary connection constitutes the tribe.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
The elements and majestic forces in nature, Lightning, Wind, Water, Fire, and Frost, were regarded with awe as spiritual powers, but always secondary and intermediate in character.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
Love between a man and a woman is founded on the mating instinct and is not free from desire and self-seeking. But to have a friend and to be true under any and all trials is the mark of a man.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
It is a mistake to suppose that Sitting Bull, or any other Indian warrior, was of a murderous disposition. ... The common impression that the Indian is naturally cruel and revengeful is entirely opposed to his philosophy and training.
There was no religious ceremony connected with marriage among us, while on the other hand the relation between man and woman was regarded as in itself mysterious and holy.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
Nearness to nature ... keeps the spirit sensitive to impressions not commonly felt and in touch with the unseen powers.
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)
They [Sitting Bull's people] would not have anything of the white man except his hatchet, gun, and knife. They utterly refused to cede their lands; and as for the rest, they were willing to let him alone as long as he did not interfere with their life and customs, which was not long.
Sitting Bull as Remembered by Charles A. Eastman (1918)
Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth, and the Great Silence alone! What is Silence? It is the Great Mystery! The Holy Silence is His voice!
The Essential Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa): Light on the Indian World (2007)