"Not Just the Great Spirit": Traditional Native American Views of Consciousness
Richard A. Honeycutt
International Journal of Social Work and Human Services Practice July 1, 2018 DOI: 10.13189/ijrh.2018.060303 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that although Native American and other indigenous traditions do not name consciousness as an explicit abstract concept, their teachings on cosmology, the "Good Medicine Path," and healing convey a consistent practical understanding of consciousness that points toward a blessed future. Contends these teachings are best transmitted through simple stories and comments, as children learn from grandparents, and that learners then bear responsibility to live by that understanding. |
Abstract
Although Native Americans, like many indigenous peoples worldwide, speak of many abstract concepts; consciousness, in an explicit sense, is not one of them. However, by learning their teachings about cosmology, the Good Medicine Path, and healing, we can discover a consistent practical view of consciousness that points toward a truly blessed future. We learn these teachings most effectively not by academic discourse, but by hearing simple stories and comments in the way that the children learn from the grandfathers and grandmothers. Having learned these teachings, we take on the responsibility of living according to our new understanding.