Axkekinkewa’kana Hakiwunchi “Teachings from the Earth”

(Also known as the Twelve Laws “Tèlën òk nisha Lilenowòkànà”)

These teachings are given to Our Lenape People by the Manìtowàk/Spirit Beings, as a way in which we should strive to live our lives. They have come to us through the Visions of many, and the lips of Wise Elders. By living our lives according to these teachings, in our hearts, minds, and Spirits, we will be better able to live in peace, harmony and balance with Our Mother Earth/Kohèsena Haki, all of our relations and with each other. And so we are instructed, by the Manìto’wàk, that we are first to live our lives giving no harm to ourselves or to others (except in self defense). In so doing, we are living in a good way, following the path set before us by Our Creator. To do otherwise, by harming others (actions and words), is to empower evil into the world, and into the bodies, hearts, minds and Spirits of those around us. Let us always remember to do only that which we know to be right and good, remembering kindness, being thoughtful towards others, generous and hospitable. Let us remove selfishness, greed, jealousy and hatred from our hearts.  Walk in truth, telling no lies. Strive to live our lives being as an example to others, especially the children. Keep foremost in your mind and heart a love for others. In all of our actions, consider well the effects unto the future generations, those lying in the Earth, looking up, those yet unborn. Know that drugs and alcohol should not touch our lives in any way, as these things are not of our way of life as laid out before us by Our Creator. Avoid these things as you would a dreaded plague, for they will seduce you and pull down one’s Spirit, turning light to darkness. We are instructed that we must strive to live our lives more simply, becoming less materialistic, and to learn the Old Ways of living and surviving from Our Mother Earth. Teach these things to your children especially, for there will come a time when the skills of foraging, growing crops, hunting and fishing will be needed for survival. Only in this way will our future generations continue to be given the gift of life. Partake more of those things which are natural, given by the Creator, and depend less on that which is made by man. The way of life, as set before us by the Creator has become hard to see by many, blinded by the obsession and desire for more and more material things, and we have become lazy, letting machines and others do things for us, when we should and can do such things for ourselves. We must come back to power and control in our lives, and stop letting things control us. Save your seeds (non-hybrid) and learn the ways of growing food and harvesting/storage.


Generosity
Honor
Understanding
Respect
Harmony
Patience
Wisdom
Courage
Thanksgiving
Humility
Faith/Trust
Oneness

 

Return to main Beliefs and Spirituality page