If you hang around Native people and Red Road ceremonies long enough, eventually you will hear allusions references to "the original instructions." Few people know what these actually are but they they are important. Even medicine women and men can't really explain what this means although most will try. It probably is just common sense stuff: honor the earth, protect the elders and the children, store enough food for hard times, never smile at cougars and never ever listen to bluejays (they are notorious liars).
When it comes to corrections, there were some original thoughts which we have strayed from as well. "Penitent" is the root word for penitentiary. The original idea behind penitentiaries was to be penitent. Those who broke the law were sent to a monastery like setting to live with monks and priests. The idea was to pray, meditate, reflect, and eventually be forgiven for one's sins.
If you go to a monastery or prison, you may notice some subtle similarities. Austere quarters,minimal food and simplicity are the norm......but today the United States, with only 5% of the world's population has 20% of the world's prison population......Somebody must have forgotten the original instructions.....
When it comes to corrections, there were some original thoughts which we have strayed from as well. "Penitent" is the root word for penitentiary. The original idea behind penitentiaries was to be penitent. Those who broke the law were sent to a monastery like setting to live with monks and priests. The idea was to pray, meditate, reflect, and eventually be forgiven for one's sins.
If you go to a monastery or prison, you may notice some subtle similarities. Austere quarters,minimal food and simplicity are the norm......but today the United States, with only 5% of the world's population has 20% of the world's prison population......Somebody must have forgotten the original instructions.....
To Be Continued
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