An Introduction A Shining Light Observations The Power of the Pipe Laws of the Lodge Conversations "The land as it is, is my blood" Indian Prayers Love of Country A Perfect Man

slide 4 of 10 "The idea of one Great Oversoul is widely spread among the Indians; not universal, perhaps, but much more widely spread than in the Old World. All of our best Indians believe apparently in one Great God. From among many recorded statements, I quote the following by Grinnell. In his discussion of the Pawnee belief in the Great Spirit, whom they call Tirawa, he says: “Tirawa is an intangible spirit, omnipotent and beneficent. He pervades the universe, and is a Supreme Ruler. Upon His will depends everything that happens." "He can bring good or bad; can give success or failure. Everything rests with Him. . . . nothing is undertaken without a prayer to the Father for assistance. “When the pipe is lighted, the first whiffs are blown to the Deity. When food is eaten, a small portion is placed on the ground [or in the fire] as a sacrifice to Him."