Native American Beliefs in the Spiritual Realm: Understanding the Concept of Ascension and Nirvana

The Native American perspective on the spiritual realm is deeply entwined with their understanding of nature, interconnectedness, and the universal force that binds everything. This belief system often diverges from concepts such as ascension and samsara, which are more commonly associated with Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. By delving into their spiritual beliefs, we can better understand how Native Americans perceive their existence and relationship to the universe.

Beliefs Through the Lens of Native Americans

Native Americans did not have a written script before the arrival of Europeans, which makes it challenging to pinpoint the precise beliefs of their ancient predecessors. However, through scholarly research and cultural traditions preserved through oral history, we can uncover a rich tapestry of spiritual concepts that offer insight into their worldview.

Spirit and Reality

One of the fundamental concepts in Native American spirituality is the equation of the spiritual and the material world. This idea suggests that the spiritual realm is not separate from the physical world but rather an integral part of it. Just as one can wade in a river or feel the sun on their skin, so too can one experience the spiritual world. This belief is often encapsulated in phrases like:

The spiritual or supernatural world is the same thing as the real world. Every supposed division is completely permeable, and people can access everything spiritual just as easily as they can wade in a river or feel the sun on their skin.

Interconnectedness and Mitakuye Oyasin

A key concept in Southwestern Native American traditions, particularly among the Lakota, is the phrase 'Mitakuye Oyasin,' which translates to 'All my relations' or 'all are related.' This emphasizes the belief that all living beings are interconnected and are part of a larger web of life. Thus, the concept of ascension or samsara does not fit neatly into this worldview, as it is more concerned with maintaining balance and harmony within the interconnected community rather than social status or reincarnation.

The Lakota term 'mitakuye oyasin' means that all are related or all beings are relations of each other. This explains the belief that spirit exists in everything or that everything is connected in some ways. Everything exists in relation to everything else.

The Great Mystery and Wakan-Tanka

Another foundational belief is the concept of the 'Great Mystery,' often referred to as Wakan-Tanka in Lakota tradition. This term loosely translates to 'great or sacred mystery' and represents a belief in a force that is present in all living things and objects. It is akin to the concept of samsara, as it acknowledges a cycle of existence but frames it within the context of a greater, unexplainable force:

Wakan-Tanka loosely means 'great or sacred mystery' and encompasses a belief in spirits that interact with the world in various ways. It is often considered a great force that exists in every person, animal, plant, and every object in existence. It is similar to animism practiced in various pagan religions around the world.

This belief system supports the idea that everything is interconnected and part of a larger spiritual framework, but it differs from samsara in that it does not focus on the cycle of rebirth. Instead, it focuses on the inherent sacredness of all life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Reflection on Bhagavad Gita and Native American Beliefs

To further illustrate the differences and similarities, we can look at concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture. Verses like these:

Maya tatamidam sarvam, jagadhavyaktaa-moortinaa. Matsthaani sarvabhootani, na chaaham teshaam avasthitah. (Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 9, verse 4)

Meaning: All things in this universe are pervaded by Me. In My unmanifest aspect, all beings exist in Me, but I do not exist in them.

Naa matsthaani bhootaani, pashya me yogamaishwaram. Bhootaabhraan naa bhootastho, mamaatmaa bhootabhaavanaah. (Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 9, verse 5)

Meaning: And yet, the beings do not exist in Me. Behold, this is My divine mystery. My Spirit, which is the support of all beings and the source of all things, does not dwell in them.

These verses illustrate the idea of an underlying force or spirit that pervades all existence, much like Wakan-Tanka. However, they also highlight a different perspective on existence and transcendence, which is distinct from the concepts of ascension and samsara.

Conclusion

Native American spirituality provides a unique and profound view of the spiritual world that emphasizes interconnectedness, sacredness, and the natural order. While ascension and samsara are central concepts in some Eastern belief systems, they do not fully capture the Native American perspective on the spiritual realm. By understanding these differences, we can appreciate the richness and depth of Native American spiritual traditions and their contributions to the broader understanding of human existence.