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Monday Morning Greetings #36 – A Commentary on the Lakota Code of Ethics

September 2nd, 2024

A Commentary on the Lakota Code of Ethics[1]

Recently Madhavananda dasa shared with me the Lakota Code of Ethics. Evidently, he saw some depth in it. I did also. The Code expertly provides the basic principles of behavior of this native North American native tribe. More than the clarity and force of its presentation, what struck me is how it demonstrates the universality of truth. We say truth is veda, which means knowledge, but we don’t limit truth to just what is found within a book, no matter how comprehensive the presentation. Truth is embodied in the world. It exists eternally and independently of human creation. A book just encapsulates it and communicates it appropriately to its intended audience. Throughout the ages, and even occasionally in modernity, great thinkers have seen and realized aspects of that truth and have communicated it according to the language and frame of reference of the people of their time.

 

After looking at the Lakota Code, I could write an article on each item listed, but that is far beyond a Monday Morning post. Therefore, I will briefly comment on the first one and then just list the rest. The main thrust of this entry, therefore, is to use the Lakota Code to show the universality of truth, which should become evident when you read it.

 

 

Lakota Code of Ethics

 

  1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.

 

Commentary:

Rise with the sun to pray: According to Vedic calculations, the twenty-four-hour day is precisely divided into thirty muhūrtās, or forty-eight minute periods that reflect the different effects that different parts of the day have on one’s consciousness. The early morning around sunrise, especially the brahma-muhūrtā, the forty-eight minutes before sunrise, have by far the greatest impact on the mind for peace and concentration. Serious spiritual practitioners make good use of those hours to deepen their spiritual life.

 

Pray alone: For meditation we need a time and place reserved exclusively for Krishna where we sit alone separated from all of life’s other responsibilities. That place is called our āsana, literally a seat for exclusive concentration. When the mind becomes focused, āsana becomes upāsanā, which literally means “to sit near (upa).” This conventionally implies worshiping, or serving, as one must be present near the object of worship, not just physically, but in the mind. Without that type of regulation by which our worship can be exclusive and one-pointed, our mind will be divided between the object of worship and our responsibilities and attachments. Yoga or meditation will not take place.

 

Pray Often: To get true realization our thoughts need not only be concentrated and without interruption, but also prolonged. “Practice becomes firmly established when it has been cultivated uninterruptedly and with devotion over a prolonged period of time.” Yoga-sūtras 1.14

 

The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak: “Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers, ‘Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection.’” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.2.10

 

  1. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.

 

  1. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

 

  1. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor.

 

  1. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.

 

  1. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth — whether it be people or plants.

 

  1. Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.

 

  1. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.

 

  1. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.

 

  1. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.

 

  1. Nature is not for us; it is a part of us. It is part of your worldly family.

 

  1. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.

 

  1. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.

 

  1. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of one’s will within this universe.

 

  1. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self — all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.

 

  1. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions.

 

  1. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others—especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.

 

  1. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first.

 

  1. Respect others’ religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others.

 

  1. Share your good fortune with others.

 

 

 

[1] Reprinted, rewritten and edited from September 23, 2019. I am thinking that regularly, not more than once month I will include a reprint from not less than six years ago. There is some good stuff and after 2018 they have not yet been fully edited and refined.

 

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