· You cannot kill when you carry the c’anunpa. You cannot carry the c’anunpa if you have blood on your hands. That means, you cannot carry the c’anunpa if you murdered somebody in cold blood, if you murdered a defenseless and peaceful human being.
Having blood on your hands does not apply to those who must kill as warriors, as soldiers in a war. Killing in war is war and there have been wars throughout history. A soldier is not a murderer. My grandpa always said, “When you are a warrior fighting in a battle, kill your enemy without hating them. That way, if they happen to kill you in the battlefield, your spirit will go into the heavens like an arrow shot into the sky.”
· You cannot hate anything or have an angry heart. This also means that you cannot participate in things that create hate like gossip, lies, jealousy, and envy.
· You cannot steal or cheat.
· You must not use the c’anunpa for selfish, hurtful, or greedy reasons.
It all comes down to one little phrase: “Mitakuye oyasin,” we are all One, we are all related in the sacred hoop of life. To have true Mitakuye oyasin, then you must follow these things and carry the c’anunpa in a good way, in the right way.
So, whether you are awarded a c’anunpa or the spirits give you a c’anunpa, it doesn’t matter. Everyone has to follow these original instructions, the protocols as they call it. If they do, then the c’anunpa will continue on for the next generation and the generation after that.
Ho he’cetu yelo. I have spoken these words.
David Swallow, Wowitan Yuha ManiPorcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Reservation
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Schwartz may be reached at SilvrDrach@aol.com
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