When one is nude in the lodge they bring in a new energy, a sexual energy, it cannot be avoided for it is one of the most powerful energies there are – it will cause distraction! 

When one sweats they are releasing  toxins in the body which  in this physical process aids one in finding that pure essence of their spiritual being.  Sweating is not about the physical body at all, when clothed we can forget our bodies and when unclothed we always have an awareness of our physical bodies. The idea is to get to a place of no body, and that other energy of male and female unclothed in a lodge will not allow this to happen. The sexual energy even if not felt by all, will be felt by someone and will throw off the energy of the whole experience. When unclothed one is not respecting others and only in the mindset of oneself. 

Respecting Others

Your lodge is your place of worship to speak to your highest self with and to Spirit; it is a place of respect for both worlds. We respect one another and the body is a beautiful thing, yet it is private and different per individual and with respect to all should be covered in a respectable manner. It is not about how just one feels, for one must consider how all feel and of both worlds. It is about Spirit not body! To reach that place of pure Spirit one must respect and be aware of others, as much as they’re own needs being fulfilled.

Leaving the Lodge Early

When one leaves the lodge many things begin to happen: First, you all are going to a place to be in the pure essence of Spirit and your highest self through the duration of the lodge. The further into the depths of time you go in the lodge the more you reach this place of pure essence of you and Spirit. The energy of all the group going there is extremely powerful! When one leaves they break a link in the chain; this whole surge of energy is broken and cannot come back in the same way. Why is one of the sacred laws of the sweat lodge to not allow one back in after leaving? Not only did they break the link of pure essence of Spirit; they put themselves back in the outside world. When they are allowed back in they are not in pure essence anymore, for outside energy has come in and new factors now enter the lodge. Also this persons thoughts are no longer in that place of pure Spirit and it will not come back for them, it now makes the rest of the chain have a weak link and the highest of goals can not be reached.

One must understand the power of the group energy and to get to that place of truly experiencing "True Essence of Spirit". To get to this high place is why some sacred laws must be followed and are done they way they are. This is why when one leaves the lodge they are not allowed back in for they will disrupt the energy again. When one does not come back in the weak link is fixed and the group can continue to that high place. A sweat lodge is not a game and place to share and have fun, it is a place worship for the highest good of all and needs to be taken seriously. It is not wrong if you have to leave the lodge, but one simply needs to understand why they are not allowed back in. The firekeeper is different for even outside, the hot coals of Grandfather spiritually surround him/her.

Partners

When partners are in a lodge they should be setting by one another for it will intensify the energy of the group and bring in more power for they carry great power together, which enhances the essence of the whole group. When you are in a proper partnership, you are not an individual, you have consented to share your energy with someone else and that person does the same. This combination, assuming the reason for the partnership is sharing, is doubly powerful and can enhance the experience of the lives of those that come in contact with you as a partnership.

Menstrual Cycles

In most traditions women on their cycle may not sweat. Reason, during the cycle women are in their place of power and emit certain energies that are opposing the energies being created within the lodge. (This is not to be construed as a negative for it is not, it is simply a different energy!) This will at the very least not allow an atmosphere welcoming to Spirit. At the worst the energy of a cyclic woman can generate confusion and chaos within the lodge and become an intrusion to the rest of the individuals within the lodge.

Remember, you want to reach that place of Pure Essence, Pure Spirit, the Pureness of your Highest Self!! It is more than just sharing; you are sending energy out to the entire universe.

There are reasons for the traditions and why certain sacred laws should not be broken.

One must think deeply about what their actions create and how it effects all not just oneself and this is the difference between being Spiritual and being Spiritual and achieving Wisdom. With Wisdom comes a thought about every action and how it will effect all for the highest purpose.

Many leaders of the INIPI are uncomfortable discussing these issues and many will simply forgo the enforcement of the Sacred Laws in deference to keeping the peace. Recognition of this fact is a responsibility of the prospective sweater and it is up to each of us to be Honorable and Equitable when we celebrate these ceremonies!

Ni-Kso-Ko-Wa!

 

Last Revised 05/25/05