ebooks Native Wisdom: Perceptions of the Natural Way by Ed McGaa; Eagle Man in History

Review

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Ed's View of How Things Are...By Zane IvyI enjoyed this book; even the parts I disagree with...because it seems to be a pretty straightforward/honest depiction of someone's contemporary spirituality and why it is what it is...although the "why" part is often tucked between the lines. As has already been mentioned; the book is basically an extended answer to a set of questions that were presented to different representatives of different spiritual traditions at a specific conference. The book though; is much more. The questions simply give the book some structure. It essentially is a "track" a footprint in the sands of time as it concerns the reconstruction of Lakota spirituality after things started getting a little better in the seventies. It seems to me Ed McGaa is right there at the tail end (and that's not a bad place to be) of that time when the Sun Dance was being started up again; and before a lot of the younger people started getting even a little more "reactionary." If you're "Indian" you might enjoy this book to see how Mr. McGaa sees things from his generational perspective and from his dance of life. If you're American; you should read the book to see what you might have been if history would have progressed a little differently; and how you just might "be" if you start to draw on a little bit of Grandmother Earth's Wisdom. Personally; I believe in assimilation...I think it's high time ALL Americans start assimilating a little bit to some aspects of our Native spirituality. This book can serve as a handbook in that regard.It is not however a "how to" book of Lakota or any other Nation's ceremonies. Because of that; I think I even like this one better than his other book with the pretty cover. There are things I don't particularly like about the book...or the ideas expressed in the book; for e.g. the swipe he takes at Gerald Vizenor; which I think is a tad racist...but at least I can understand that; as it seems they've taken a few literary swings at each other in the past...and I think he has done a slight disservice in not talking a bit more about some of the "problems" we encounter in Native American spiritualities...like putting the whammy on folks; etc.; but I guess he does mention it. Anyway; I really enjoyed it and if you're interested in getting in a place more sane than the mainstream; go ahead and order the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must HaveBy Nancy T.To have this book available to pick up and read anytime; will be a asset to your library. You know; the pace that society is moving in is so fast that I personally believe many of us are going so fast we really don't know where it is we are going. If you make the time for your self to unplug from the pace of the day and want to relax and read something calming and informative; here's the book for you0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well DoneBy Barbara PrattI especially liked the "Question and Answer" format Ed McGaa gave to cover his personal Native American view of spirituality. Laying the information out in this way made it easy for me to see and make comparisons to my own belief system.