Teaching spirits
Subtitle: understanding Native American religious traditions
By: Joseph Epes Brown with Emily Cousins.
Contributors: Cousins, Emily, 1969-
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2001
Place of publication: Oxford, [England]; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 140
Subjects: Indians of North America -- Religion; Indian mythology -- North America; Indians of North America -- Rites and ceremonies
Description: Publisher description: Teaching Spirits offers a thematic approach to Native American religious traditions. Within the great multiplicity of Native American cultures, Joseph Epes Brown has perceived certain common themes that resonate within many Native traditions. He demonstrates how themes within native traditions connect with each other, at the same time upholding the integrity of individual traditions. Brown illustrates each of these themes with in-depth explorations of specific native cultures including Lakota, Navajo, Apache, Koyukon, and Ojibwe. Brown demonstrates how Native American values provide an alternative metaphysics that stand opposed to modern materialism. He shows how these spiritual values provide material for a serious rethinking of modern attitudes - especially toward the environment - as well as how they may help non-native peoples develop a more sensitive response to native concerns. Throughout, he draws on his extensive personal experience with Black Elk, who came to symbolize for many the greatness of the imperiled native cultures.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [127]-132) and index.