Native American (Abenaki) story - the 7 Grandfathers, or the 7 Sacred teachings

Tibik

A Dragonfly’s message

Once upon a time, when the earth was new, Great Spirit (or you can say God, or the Force, or the Creator, it doesn’t matter, you can use the name that feels best for you) was very busy and so had lost track of everything people were doing. The Spirit was busy making oceans, and mountains, and clouds, and stars… and didn’t think people would get into too much trouble.

But, one day a Dragonfly came to Great Spirit and said “people are not being very respectful… perhaps you should look in on them, Great Spirit.” Great Spirit was very troubled. Dragonflies are very wise, and very good messengers, so he knew if the Dragonfly was coming to him he should listen. “Thank you, Dragonfly, you have done a great service”. The Dragonfly went home, filled with joy that he had helped the Great Spirit.

Great Spirit called Glooskap (his trusted agent) and explained what he had been told, and that he was very troubled. “I have neglected people, and I fear they are not living good lives. Please go look in on them, and find out if they are respecting the earth and the many gifts I have provided?” Glooskap agreed and headed out right away.

Glooskap’s mission

Glooskap changed his appearance so no one would recognise him. He walked until he reached a village. At the first wigwam, he called out “hello? Is anyone there?”

A voice from inside yelled, crossly, “what do you want, stranger?”

“I am looking for a drink of water, please, would you help me? I am lost, and so thirsty”

The man came to the doorway, and with anger chastised Glooskap for bothering him. He refused him help and said, “You should have brought your own cup!” He struck out at Glooskap and knocked him to the ground saying “do not bother me again!”

Glooskap walked to the next wigwam. He could hear a couple fighting, and children crying; the words were very angry and unpleasant, and not at all loving. Hearing poor children cry because their parents were so angry truly upset him.

He then saw two men robbing another man’s wigwam; they not only took everything of value, they destroyed the house when they were done.

All of this was very upsetting. He had gone to hundreds of homes and they were all the same. None of the people lived as Great Spirit intended. His heart was heavy as he knew this news would bring great pain to Great Spirit.

A ray of hope

Glooskap sat on a large boulder by a river, thinking about how he would tell Great Spirit all he had found. As he sat, a young boy came to stand in front of him. “Uncle, you look very troubled, I don't believe you are from around here, you have no pack, no cup, can I get you a drink?”

Young people called older people “Aunt” or “Uncle” back then, to show respect. If the person was much older, they would call them Grandfather or Grandmother.

Glooskap looked at the child. He had sweet, innocent eyes and long black braids.
“Where are your people, child?” he asked, concerned that his parents might be one of those who yelled with such hatred.

The boy looked down. “I have none, I do not wish to live amongst those in the village as they are so unhappy. My parents are gone, and I live on my own in a cavern- I never knew my mother, but my father taught me well before he was lost…I live well.”

Glooskap looked into the child’s heart and saw a simple, kind person who had a hard life. “Yes, please, may I have a drink?”

The child seemed overjoyed to be able to help this stranger. He ran to his home and came back with a carefully and skillfully made bark cup. He went to the river but instead of taking water from the edge, he went out a few feet to get the cleanest, coldest water. He handed the cup to Glooskap.

“This is a fine cup of water, child, thank you. What is your name?”

The boy said, “No one speaks to me except to call me Boy, or other names I would not repeat…. and I do not recall the same my parents gave, as my father just called me "son".

It was clear this was painful. Although there was not much Glooskap could do to change this child's life, he could at least give him a name.

Glooskap said “I will call you “Aboki” then, which as you know means Friend, as I have found a friend in you.” The boy smiled, and said “Thank you, Uncle, that is a fine name”.

Aboki then took out a pouch that had delicious berries and dried venison. “I brought this for your dinner”. Glooskap knew that this was all the child had- but instead of keeping it for himself, he chose to share it with a stranger. Glooskap took it, but said "it s best if we share". He waved his hand in secret and the pouch was refilled. Every time Aboki took something from the pouch it refilled itself. Yet, his hunger was such that he didn’t notice, as he just kept eating instead.

It was getting late. Aboki said “Uncle, my home is very humble, and you are worthy of more, but it is safe, and warm, and dry, and you should be able to rest in the night and then in the morning you can start fresh for your journey home.”

Glooskap smiled and thanked Aboki for his hospitality. When they got to Aboki’s home, Aboki moved all the bedding so his guest could have the best bed by the fire. Out of respect for his hospitality, Glooskap accepted.

All through the night his young host kept the fire alive, ensuring his comfort. In the morning, Aboki gave him a small pack with his bark cup and provisions for his journey. Glooskap promised to visit him again to return his cup and items, and as they walked to the edge of Aboki’s home area Glooskap told him that when he returned, he would bring a great surprise. When he looked back, Aboki was smiling and waving, wishing him well.

Reporting to Great Spirit

When he got back to Great Spirit, Glooskap told Great Spirit of all the homes he visited, and all the horrible things he had seen… and before he could tell Great Spirit about Aboki, Great Spirit started to cry, filled with deep despair because he held himself responsible for the way people behaved. He was in anguish, because he loved people so much and could not see a way to redeem them.

Finally, Glooskap told Great Spirit about Aboki. Great Spirit could see that the young man’s honest and loving spirit was exactly what he needed to bring abut change in all people.

“Go get Aboki and bring him here. He will help me redeem all people, that they will live better lives and live in harmony with each other and the world.”

Glooskap went back to Aboki, but this time did not disguise himself. As he walked to Aboki’s house, Aboki saw him, recognised him, and was in a panic. He knew the great Glooskap and wanted to show his respect. He scrambled to find berries and bring out the last of his dried venison. He rolled out a large log so Glooskap had a place to sit, and made a mat of sphagnum moss and grass to make the great man more comfortable.

"Uncle Glooskap! To what do I owe this great honour” Aboki was so nervous, he fumbled his words so just pointed to the cushions on the log, bidding his guest to sit.

Glooskap smiled. He reached into his bag and took out the bark cup Aboki had given him when he was disguised. "This is a lovely cup, so well made- I believe it belongs to you?" The boy took it, saying “I made this cup, it has my mark!"

Glooskap said "Is there anything you need or that I can do for you?"

Aboki replied "Do you know my friend? He was most kind, if you can do anything for him, that would be so good! He was wandering and had no pack… please, ensure he is safe and well?”

This made Glooskap smile. Here, Aboki had virtually nothing but when given the opportunity to ask a powerful man for anything, he asked for generosity for someone else.

Aboki’s new path

Glooskap told Aboki that Great Spirit was pleased with him and sent Glooskap to ask if Aboki would be willing to do an important job for Great Spirit.

Aboki was shocked. “Me? You need ME?” Glooskap laughed because he realised Aboki had no idea how special he was. He then explained that he himself was the stranger who visited earlier. He explained how Great Spirit had sent him to check in with people, and how everyone he had visited had somehow not behaved very well. "Except you. You were welcoming, and caring, and hospitable- your parents would be most proud." He then explained that this is why Great Spirit needed him to help people learn how to live.

Humbly, Aboki said “If Great Spirit feels I might be useful, then I am his willing servant. I don’t understand how I could be the one he needs, but if he says I am, well, I will do whatever he asks.”

Glooskap told him to take his belongings, as it would be some time before her returned. The boy had only one blanket role. Glooskap picked the boy up to ride on his shoulders and he made giant leaps all across the land until he reached the home of the Great Spirit. It would have taken a human a lifetime to make the journey- but Glooskap made the journey in under an hour.

He introduced Aboki and left him to speak to Great Spirit alone. Later, he heard Great Spirit call him- the boy was snuggled in the furs next to the fire, sleeping. Great Spirit was very happy, saying "this child is pure of heart, with a strong spirit and keen mind, he is perfect for our work…" and told Glooskap that would bring the boy to meet “The Grandfathers”.

Wood for the fire

In the morning, Glooskap brought Aboki to a clearing. There was a firepit in the middle, and seven logs covered with furs, as seats, surrounded it. “Go collect a large supply of wood, and make a fire that will burn all day and night. I will come back later and explain more.”

He left the boy to do as he had been told. Although a huge task, he set about it with joy, singing and smiling.

As he was collected kindling and wood, he found an injured eagle. Its great talons and beak were frightening, but he could not leave such a majestic creature where it could be prey for another animal. He carried the Eagle to the clearing, and made a small nest for it, and then caught a rabbit and gave it to the Eagle to feed him. "wait for me here, and after the fire is made, I will look after you". The Eagle's bright eyes seemed to accept his promise.

He went back out to get more wood, and after a short while he found a young wounded stag. The stag could hardly walk. He could not leave the animal, so he led it to the clearing, where he made a bed of hay and ensured the animal was comfortable. As with the Eagle, he tried to use his words to give comfort and reassurance.

Before he had even left the clearing, he saw a bear but it was thin, weak, and looked very sad. Aboki was terrified, but his heart went out to the poor bear- and he trusted that the animal would know he had good intentions. he led the bear to the clearing where he rolled some boulders and padded them with grass to make the bear a little den. He went to the bees and asked for some honey to help restore the bear to health, and they kindly agreed. He left the bear nibbling on the gifted honeycomb.

He brought back several loads of wood and checked in on all those he had brought to the clearing. All seemed to be happy and doing well, and this made him glad, but he was worried because he had not collected as much as he should have and hoped Glooskap would forgive him, but even if he didn’t, he couldn’t leave all those creatures to their own devices. He felt great empathy and protectiveness over them.

As he headed back to the forest, he saw a large turtle on its back. He turned it over, but it was weak after not eating and drinking. He brought it to the clearing and made a bed with greens and water. He stroked its shell and saw someone had painted it… he knew this harmed the turtle, and took the time to clean his shell. As he did, he spoke gently and apologised to the turtle that one of his kind caused him such harm.

He realised he needed some large pieces of wood, so went into a deeper part of the forest- where he found an injured Raven. As he was carrying raven back to the clearing, he saw an old, ill wolf. He bade the wolf to follow him, and after he settled both Raven and Wolf into comfortable beds, with food, and reassurance, and then checked all his other wards, he realised the sun was setting soon. He headed out once again to get more firewood.

He was dragging back two large logs- enough to keep the fire burning all night- when he heard an owl. He looked in the brush, and there was a large owl who had been injured and could not fly. As he had done with all the others, he settled the owl in and made sure it was safe, warm, and fed. He was worried, so worried, about the wood he had failed to collect, but his fear did not show as he spoke gently to the owl and offered it comfort.

He was splitting the logs when Glooskap returned. Aboki started to say he was sorry for all the animals he had collected, but Glooskap held up his hand. “you brought all these animals back, made beds for them, and fed them, because you felt compassion for them, correct?”

Aboki said “Yes, and I feared if I left them, they might die… I wanted to give them all a chance”.

Glooskap laughed. He clapped his hands. “Alright now, enough is enough!”

Transformation

Glooskap pointed to Eagle. As Aboki looked at the Eagle, he transformed into an old man, who introduced himself as “Love”. He explained that he would teach the boy about the importance of love, which is unconditional and given freely. He said "it is love when you care as much for others as for yourself, seeing everyone as your family".

Next, the Stag also transformed into an elderly man. He said “I am Respect, and I am here to teach you about what it means to give others dignity and treat them with Respect- even if they are weaker, smaller, or not related to you. Respect means treating others as you wish to be treated, and protecting those who are weak."

Each of the animals became an elder.

The man who had been a bear introduced himself as Bravery, which is having the courage to stand up for those who are weaker, to believe in your own abilities, and to stand up for your values. "Bravery means doing the right thing, not because it is easy, but because there is no alternative to doing what is right"

The man who had been the turtle said his name was Truth, and that this represented harmony with the world, not lying, and searching for the truth in all situations. He said "Truth is looking in your heart for what you know is real, and not being swayed by falsehoods or those who offer them…"

The man who had been the Raven introduced himself as Honesty, which is having truthful thought, words, and actions. Honesty is akin to integrity. "Honesty is holding no deceit in your heart, or in your mind, or in your words."

The man who had been the wolf said his name was Humility, and he would teach Aboki to value everyone and not put himself above anyone, as all living beings- and everything is living- has value, purpose, and is precious to the Great Spirit. "I will teach you that you are of value, but that each life is, and you must not think yourself so great as to take away what others need… "

Finally, the man who had been the owl said his name was Wisdom, which is to seek knowledge and understanding, to be patient and introspective, and share knowledge for everyone’s good. "I will teach you to think clearly, to balance what your heart, mind, eyes and spirit all see, so you can always learn and use your learning."

The Grandfathers and their gifts

These are the seven grandfathers- Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom.

Over the weeks, months, and years, each taught him stories, lessons, and subjected him to tests to ensure that he understood.

One of the Grandfathers gave Aboki a handful of grass and told him to collect drinking water. He tried his best, but the blades of grass were not strong enough. So, Grandfather wove and braided them into a little basket- and the child carried the water with ease.
"What has this taught you, child?" the Grandfather asked.

Aboki looked at the grass and reflected. Then he said "That the gifts you all have given me are good, but on their own they cannot give as much as if they are braided together. This cup is not blades of grass... it is more. The teachings cannot provide as much unless they are used together, becoming one way of life just as the grass became one cup..."

The Grandfathers were pleased. "Yes, the teachings must be used together. Love requires respect, respect requires bravery, bravery requires honesty, honesty requires humility, humility requires truth, and truth requires love. None of this can stand alone. You must keep them all, as to leave out even one would be like turning over the full bowl of water... you would lose everything."

The boy reflected. He gathered many, many blades of sweetgrass, and wove them together. He held them out and said "Grandfathers, I hold all the teachings you have so magnanimously given me, woven together... always together, no one greater or lesser, all as one. I promise you I will never forget."

One day, the boy- who was now a young man- went to the Grandfathers and said "I want to go back to my people, to bring these gifts to them, that they may live good lives as you have taught me. I think I am ready."

He was warned that people might not listen, but he said "In time, they will see the importance and value in your teachings. I will be an example to them, so they may live well."

The Grandfathers were pleased. They reported back to Great Spirit that the young man was wise in his ways, understood the values he had been taught, and was committed to living a good life.

The Grandfathers walked with him when he returned to his tribe- even though they were old, Great Spirit put wind under their feet so the journey took no time at all.

When he arrived, people were disrespectful, prideful, and rude. suddenly, Glooskap, the agent of Great Spirit was visible... and he chided them, reminding them of how they had behaved when he last visited. They grew fearful, recognising how badly they had behaved.

From friend to teacher

He then explained that this young man would teach them, and if they valued the gifts of the Great Spirit, they should listen. The young man was gentle, and said "You all have so many wonderful things about you, and I want to help you be happy..."

Great Spirit gently touched their hearts to make them open to the young man. This is rare, as Great Spirit believes that all should have a choice... but he also felt in some ways it was his fault, as he had left them without teachers to tell them how to live. Great Spirit said “This is Kìkìnoamàdjig, and you should be grateful he is here, for he knows much and will help you.” Kìkìnoamàdjig means “teacher”.

Over time, Kìkìnoamàdjig became a respected elder and continued to teach the story of the seven grandfathers. He taught everyone to braid sweetgrass as a reminder of the principles, and how they all must remain together.

He told many stories, and found a wonderful woman to share his life, and had many children, so his stories lived on... reminding people of the teachings by which they should live their life. Despite his importance to the people, he was always happy, always did his fair share of the work, and was always willing to help anyone who needed him. Thus, he taught with the example of his life as much- if not more- than with his words, and this was his greatest strength.

End of the trail

After a long, long life, the teacher was sitting by the fire and he knew his time on Earth was coming to an end. He called over a small child and handed her a piece of braided sweetgrass. Sweetly, she thanked him and said "Grandfather, this is a beautiful gift.. I know a story about this, do you want to hear it? He smiled and said “Please, granddaughter... tell me.... "

She sat close by his side, and said "This is a reminder of the teachings of the 7 Grandfathers, and how we must hold them all together, so they can be strong together and we can be strong as people..."

She picked blades of sweetgrass, and separated them into hanks. As she held out pieces one at a time, she said...

This is Love, and it requires that I show kindness, compassion, concern and regard for myself and for others... it is one of the strongest but is weak if it stands alone.

This is Respect, and it requires that I act considerately towards others, towards the earth, towards all creation, and towards the Creator whose Great Spirit flows in all. I must remember that life is precious, and should be treated with regard.

"This is Bravery... it reminds me to face life with courage and strength, to not hide from my fears, and to not expect others to carry a burden that is mine.”

This is Truth, and it requires me to be completely honest with myself and others, even when I am afraid.

This is Honesty- it requires that I be truthful and genuine, with myself as with others. I must not lie, or cheat, or offer falsehoods...

This is Humility, and it requires that I value others, and not be so proud that I put myself above others... it reminds me to take time and look inward and honestly assess my weaknesses but also my strengths.

And.... this is Wisdom, it requires me to seek knowledge, to learn from my elders and from the world around me, to seek inner counsel from Great Spirit, and to use all the blades of grass when making decisions, when learning, and when acting.

If I use all the blades of grass- (and here, she wove them together and held them up with the braid he had given her)- I will be strong, bring strength to my family and my tribe, and live a good life in appreciation of the gift my life has been."

He smiled. She said "Grandfather, thank you for giving me the braided grass, and for listening to me. You are old, and wise... please, tell me, have I recounted this well? Have I recited it properly? I would be grateful if you would tell me, as you will of course know so much more than me..."

He was overjoyed, seeing that without even realising it she was showing that her life was lived with the principles he had been given so long ago. She was loving, respectful, brave, filled with truth, honest, humble, and wise. She was, herself, a symbol of goodness as much as the braided grass in her hands.

He told her "Child, I have no criticism for you, only a compliment. You have made me happy by telling the story so well. But now, I must rest, as I am old, and my time draws near... so go to your people and leave me here... "

She said "Grandfather, I cannot leave you here alone, especially if you are preparing for your final journey..." and she helped him to her home, where she told her parents about him. They recognised him, and welcomed him with great reverence for they knew he was the one who had brought the teachings which saved his people.

The people prepared a bed for him near the fire, and gave him food, and drink, just as he had done so many years ago for Glooskap, and throughout the night they sang songs and told stories so as he fell asleep, he would have a heart full of all those things that meant so much to him. Kìkìnoamàdjig took off the feather he wore in his hair and gave it to the little girl.

During the night, her father told the little girl that he was the one who brought the teachings to her people, and says that she now will help to teach others. “He gave you his feather to show that you can help your people keep the 7 sacred teachings”.

She went to Kìkìnoamàdjig and said "I understand the gift of your feather, but may I ask, are you sure this is what Great Spirit wants? I trust you, but I just want to be sure, as I am worried I am not good enough… " and he said "Yes, I know you are the one as Great Spirit himself has told me… "

And she said “If Great Spirit feels I might be useful, then I am his willing servant. I don’t understand how I could be the one he needs, but if he says I am, well, I will do whatever he asks.” This brought him much comfort as those were his words so many years ago. The circle had come to its end, and in coming to its end, also to a new beginning.

In the morning, his spirit had left his body behind- Glooskap had come and carried him home. All were very sad and worried that without him, they might forget about the seven Grandfathers... So the young girl made sweetgrass braids for all, and said "as long as we follow the teaching, he remains with us... and we will keep telling his story, for all time..." She put his feather in her hair, and proceeded to make sure that everyone remembered.

And we still braid sweetgrass, and we still tell the story of the seven Grandfathers, and we still seek to live a good life as we have been taught in the story passed down through the generations so we never forget.

(This is not the only version of this story... most Indigenous people have a version of this story, and even within groups the story varies. This is how I learned the story, so this is the story I've given you.)

Santosha12

Love this @Tibik . I hope I'm not hijacking your thread, one of my favourites is 'Abou Ben Adhem'....

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase) woke one night from a deep dream of peace, and saw, within the moonlight of his room, making it rich and like a lilly in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold:- Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the presence in the room he said, "What writest thou?' - The vision raised it's head, And with a look made of sweet accord, Answered, 'The names of those who love the Lord'. 'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay, not so', replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerily still; and said, 'I pray thee, then, Write me as one that loves his fellow men'.

The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night it came again with a great wakening light, and showed the names whom love of God has blessed, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

Written in 1934 by English critic, essayist and poet, Leigh Hunt.