It is through the c’anunpa that we are going to survive. But as long as we fail to follow it, that survival will never happen. We’ll end up simply existing in a “guess” world, an uncertain world filled with pain and confusion, that’s all.
Yet, if you are not willing to follow the original instructions, then it is better not to carry a c’anunpa at all. It would be better not to accept it in the beginning. Because, once you carry it, you may try to put it down physically but you are always going to be a c’anunpa carrier in the eyes of the Creator, the Four Winds, and Unci Maka, Grandmother Earth. You cannot turn back. It is a lifetime commitment to Creator and it can be very difficult.
When you are given a c’anunpa to carry, you are asked these four questions:
· You have the c’anunpa and you pray and you think you are safe and that you belong to Creator. But what if a person comes and hits you in the face? What are you going to do? Do you pray? Or do you put the c’anunpa down and start fighting back? If you do that, it means you are weak and cannot carry a c’anunpa.
· So you get past that, and you think it’s done, and you are standing right there praying. But what if a dog comes and urinates on your leg? What are you going to do, kick it away?
This dog symbolizes other people. So the question really means, you’re praying well and doing things right but people are making fun of you or they intimidate you or they misjudge you or judge you unfairly. Or it means people make fun of your half-side or your children and laugh at you and your family. That’s what it means. What will you do then?
· So you think that is all in the past and you’re ok and still standing there praying. But what if somebody came and beat up your loved ones right in front of you? It could be your children or your wife. It could be your dad or some loved one that they beat up right there in front of you. What are you going to do? Are you going to use the c’anunpa to curse them? No. If you do that, you are weak and cannot carry a c’anunpa.
· So you think you got past everything and you’re in the clear and you’re still standing there praying. But what if they kill or brutalize one of your loved ones right in front of you? Are you going to quit the c’anunpa and get angry with the Creator? Are you going to leave everything and walk away? If you do, you are weak and cannot carry a c’anunpa.
They ask you these four things before you accept the c’anunpa. They tell you all these things and then ask you if you still want to carry a c’anunpa. Four times they will ask you. If you agree all four times, then ok.
Then they will say, “You are really unsica, you are a really pitiful human being, but you want to do this.” They will sing an ancient song to you and say, “So now, here is the c’anunpa. Carry this and don’t fool us again. Carry that c’anunpa in a good way. You are now a c’anunpa carrier.”
But remember, you carry that c’anunpa for the people, not for yourself. There’s no private c’anunpa. You help pray for the people who need prayers. You are a strong person. Even though you are pitiful, you are also a strong person and that is why you carry this c’anunpa.
That is why you need to stand like the buffalo against the snow storm or thunderstorm, with your head into the wind.
You do not misuse this c’anunpa in any way or any form. There are seven laws to abide by with the c’anunpa. You must abide by these laws. If somebody doesn’t believe me, hold the c’anunpa bowl, sit someplace by yourself and listen. Then it’s going to repeat these things to you.
· When you make the oath and accept the c’anunpa, you have to have a true wounsila, a true compassion. Not from the mind but from your heart, you must have wounsila.
· You must act with honor and respect towards your mother and father and all living things.
· When you carry a c’anunpa, you also have to have the forgiveness. You have to first forgive yourself for what you did to yourself, not what somebody else did to you. Then you forgive your relatives. Then you forgive the others.
