Nicholas Black Elk [Hehaka Sapa] (c. December 1863 – August 17 or 19, 1950), a revered figure in Lakota history, was a prominent Wichasha Wakan (Medicine Man or Holy Man) and Heyoka of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe. His life spanned a period of immense upheaval and change for his people, witnessing both moments of triumph and profound tragedy. Quotes from Black Elk, preserved through collaborations with authors, offer invaluable insights into Lakota spirituality, philosophy, and worldview. He lived a life deeply intertwined with the spiritual and physical well-being of his people. From a young age, he was immersed in the traditions and ceremonies that shaped Lakota life.
Black Elk’s experiences shaped his spiritual path. He participated in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, a pivotal event in the history of the American West. At only twelve years old, he witnessed the Lakota and their allies’ victory over General Custer’s forces. However, this triumph was short-lived, as the U.S. government intensified its efforts to subjugate the Native American tribes. He was wounded in the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, a tragic event that marked a turning point in the Lakota’s struggle for survival. This event, where hundreds of unarmed Lakota men, women, and children were killed by U.S. soldiers, left a lasting scar on Black Elk and his people.
His life, marked by both participation in significant historical events and a deep commitment to his people’s spiritual traditions, provides a rich tapestry for understanding the Lakota worldview. Quotes from Black Elk are not merely historical records; they are living testaments to a profound spiritual understanding and a resilient cultural identity.
Black Elk’s wisdom and experiences were documented in two significant works: The Sacred Pipe and Black Elk Speaks. These books, born from collaborations with non-Native authors, have become essential resources for understanding Lakota spirituality and culture.
The Sacred Pipe (1953)
The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux (1953), as told to Joseph Epes Brown, delves into the heart of Lakota religious practices. The book meticulously describes the seven sacred rites, providing detailed explanations of their significance and symbolism. These rites, central to Lakota spiritual life, are presented through Black Elk’s unique perspective and understanding.
Brown’s work with Black Elk resulted in a comprehensive and respectful portrayal of Lakota religious traditions. The book covers seven essential ceremonies:
- The Sweat Lodge Ceremony (Inipi): A purification ritual designed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. The sweat lodge symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth, and the ceremony represents a rebirth.
- The Vision Quest (Hanbleceya): A solitary journey undertaken to seek guidance and understanding from the spirit world. Individuals spend days in isolation, fasting and praying, hoping to receive a vision that will illuminate their path.
- The Sun Dance (Wi Wanyang Wacipi): A complex and sacred ceremony that honors the sun and renews the connection between the people and the Great Spirit. Dancers offer sacrifices of their own bodies as a form of prayer and dedication.
- Making Relatives (Hunkapi): A ceremony that establishes deep and lasting bonds of kinship between individuals or families. It signifies a commitment to mutual support and responsibility.
- The Girl’s Puberty Ceremony (Isnati Awicalowanpi): A rite of passage that marks a young woman’s transition into adulthood. The ceremony celebrates her womanhood and prepares her for her role in the community.
- The Throwing of the Ball (Taptapi): A symbolic game that represents the creation of the universe. The ball represents the sun, and the game symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life and death.
- The Keeping of the Soul (Wanagi Wicagluha): A ceremony performed to honor the deceased and ensure their safe passage to the spirit world. It involves the keeping of a lock of hair or other personal item belonging to the deceased.
The Sacred Pipe provides a profound exploration of these rites, revealing their intricate details and underlying spiritual significance. Through Black Elk’s words, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the Lakota’s reverence for the natural world and their interconnectedness with the spiritual realm.
Black Elk Speaks (1961)
Black Elk Speaks: being the life story of a holy man of the Oglala Sioux (1961), as told to John Neihardt, is perhaps the most well-known and widely read account of Black Elk’s life and spiritual experiences. This book offers a compelling narrative of his life, interwoven with his powerful visions and insights into the Lakota worldview. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to bridge cultural divides.
The book recounts Black Elk’s childhood, his participation in significant historical events, and the profound visions that shaped his life. He shares his understanding of the Great Spirit, the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Here are some Quotes from Black Elk that reflect the essence of his teachings, drawn from Black Elk Speaks:
-
"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us." This quote emphasizes the importance of inner peace and the interconnectedness of all beings with the Great Spirit. It speaks to the Lakota belief in the sacredness of all creation and the need to recognize our place within the larger universe.
-
"I did not know then how much was ended. When I look back now from this high hill of my old age, I can still see the butchered women and children lying heaped and scattered all along the crooked gulch as plain as when I saw them with eyes still young. And I can see that something else died there in the bloody mud, and was buried in the blizzard. A people’s dream died there. It was a beautiful dream." This poignant passage reflects the devastating impact of the Wounded Knee Massacre on the Lakota people and the loss of their way of life. It speaks to the trauma and grief that Black Elk carried throughout his life.
-
"It is in the earth that all life exists. Everything comes from the earth, and everything returns to the earth." This quote highlights the Lakota’s deep connection to the land and their understanding of the cyclical nature of life. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the earth, which is seen as a sacred and life-giving force.
-
"The power of the world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. The sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nests in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same, and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves. Our tepees were round like the nests of birds, and these were always set in a circle, the nation’s hoop, a nest of many nests, where the Great Spirit meant for us to hatch our children." This quote describes the Lakota understanding of the circular nature of the universe and the importance of living in harmony with its rhythms. The circle symbolizes wholeness, interconnectedness, and the continuous cycle of life and death.
-
"Grandfather, Great Spirit, you have been always, and before you nothing has been. There is no one to pray to but you. You are the power that has made everything, and you are the power that makes everything live. Hear me, not for myself, but for my people; I am old. Hear me that they may once more be strong and have the good red road and a shield." This is a prayer reflecting Black Elk’s deep faith and his desire for the well-being of his people. It highlights the Lakota’s reverence for the Great Spirit and their reliance on prayer for guidance and strength.
These Quotes from Black Elk, and countless others within Black Elk Speaks, offer a profound understanding of Lakota spirituality, history, and culture. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and respecting the wisdom of Native American elders.
Black Elk Speaks is more than just a biography; it is a spiritual testament that continues to resonate with readers around the world. It is a call to listen to the wisdom of the earth, to respect the interconnectedness of all things, and to strive for peace and harmony within ourselves and with the world around us. Quotes from Black Elk are a timeless reminder of these important values.