WISDOM

Wisdom does not mean "wise". The teaching of wisdom reminds us to cherish our knowledge, our pipes, sweat lodges, fasting, and other sacred ceremonies. Cherishing knowledge can be translated to being grateful which in turn strengthens our relationship to the Creator and the Grandfathers. "Grandfather" is a good spirit that helps us in our journey of life and a Grandfather could be likened to Angels in the Christian church. A pipe is a tool that was envisioned to us in the Stone Age, sent to us from the Creator. We use the pipe to maintain and sustain our relationship with the creator in prayer. The pipe is very much alive, like a human being. The wood of the pipe stem represents honesty and the stone represents strength.

A sweat lodge is a purification ritual that cleans ourselves of inner demons, or "rascals". Sometimes Ojibways refer to the rascals as "Windigo", an evil spirit. Fasting is a time of abstaining from food and water for four days and four nights in the "bush", or forest. Food spirits represents the East door of the sweat lodge, and Water represents the West door. The West and East doors of the lodge reminds us of the strength of food and water. As you know, without food and water life could not be sustained, therefore, understanding our relationships with these two elements helps us to connect with Creation.

Gaining Wisdom through fasting and other ceremonies enables us to live the good life. This is a process that is a lifelong process and not just a "thing" you can go out and get.