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I use the analogy of the Native Americans
Coyote - the Trickster to teach this philosophy and drive home the understanding. The coyote is really a teacher who teaches us about our foibles and weakness's in a way in which we can accept and then take action. Most of us have a deep instinctual knowing of the purpose of our existences. We are continually battling the dark side of spirituality or the forces that conspire to drive us from knowing our desired purpose in life! What distracts from that knowing I call the Seven Coyotes of distraction!
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The Quest for Power |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power of money because that is what society respects and worships. People look to money for all sorts of reasons; rationalizing that with money we can gain the power we need to do the things we think need to be done. |
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Reality: |
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Money is not power, it is one of the false Gods of the flesh. It is simply a means of exchange. People do not respect money at the level of the heart therefore money becomes useless for spiritual things. Neither Christ nor Buddha or any enlightened being had money or placed any value on it. There is nothing wrong with the intent of money, what is wrong is the intent of greed filled individuals who distort and destroy through the use of it. |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power to teach via title or position. People think having a title or position gains them respect and attention. |
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Reality: |
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The power of position or title have no bearing on the teachings of the heart. These things may reach those of us who live in the flesh but not those who live in the heart and spirit. To live in a truly spiritual manner is to live in humble service to others. |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power of strong body and the strength of mind. People admire these attributes and are impressed with their message. |
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Reality: |
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Body and mind are outward appearances and have nothing to do with the grander things of life. Those who have wisdom and truly wish to listen will not listen to an over educated mind or an over developed body. |
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Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power of fear is great and through fear the masses will follow. If I can threaten you with a Devil I can control you. |
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Reality: |
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You can never force acceptance through fear. You can never force understanding through fear. Fear may imprison the logical mind and body but never the spiritual mind or body. |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power of deception will lead the masses to acceptance. Then you can control through the use of more deception. |
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Reality: |
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Nothing can deceive the spiritual heart or mind as the heart will always know of the deception. The trick is not allowing the deception to deceive the logical mind. |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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The power of religion. If one rises to the top of the masses through religion then they can control through the use of religion and thus bring Creator closer. |
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Reality: |
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If one flourishes through religion then there needs to be no control and there needs to be no power. Only Creator can give true power but it is power for true purpose. No church, temple, nor religious cult can give true power. |
Native Americans
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Perception: |
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There is power in healing. Society looks to a healer as all powerful so they will follow. |
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Reality: |
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There are no healers; they are only bridges for the spirit to heal through. A person who says he is a healer is only filling his own ego which diminishes his power. |
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| These are the things that distract us from our true path, they are things of the head and not of the heart. They have little to do with finding one's truth and Creators' real power. The only true power is that of unconditional love. Change cannot be forced for very long, as there will be rebellion as well it should be. The only true change is through the heart and free choice. One must be discerning when choosing their teacher. We can learn from all that we come in contact with but we must be capable of separating good teachings from bad and then maintain the true power of discernment which lays in acceptance and non-judgmental loving of all things. |
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Live in a simple, unobstructed manner. Do not attempt to control your life by controlling others; all you will accomplish is creating pain for yourself and those others. Learn to pray many times during the day and you will be at ease. Place your true faith in yourself and your Creator and your path will be much straighter and relatively clear of obstacles. |