Learning About the Fourth Way...
In a forest lush with towering trees and fragrant with the aroma of damp earth and blooming flowers, Shunkmanu, an elder steeped in wisdom, led his grandchildren, Oliver, Maya, Ella, and Nahtayu, on a tranquil walk. As the children marveled at the beauty of Mother Earth, Shunkmanu felt that this was the right moment to share with them the teachings of the Fourth Way. He stopped by a serene pond, its surface mirroring the sky, and spoke.
"Look at the pond, my grandchildren. Just like it, we stand at a crossroads. Our Human Family has the choice between two paths—one that leads to conflict and destruction, another to the way of peace and prosperity. That's why we talk about the Fourth Way, a way that transcends conflict, assimilation, and resignation."
With her innocent eyes wide open, Ella asked, "What does transcending mean, Grandpa?"
Shunkmanu smiled, "Transcending means to go beyond, to rise above something. In this case, it means to rise above problems and conflicts by understanding and respecting each other."
Maya, always keen to understand the roots of things, questioned, "Why is it called the Fourth Way?"
"Ah," Shunkmanu chuckled, "because it is not assimilation or resignation but a completely new way of thinking. Our Indigenous Peoples have something to offer in this direction—a vision, values, and the capacity to build a future that respects Mother Earth and all her children."
Oliver, a bit more practical, wondered, "So how do we start, Grandpa? What should we do?"
"The first step," Shunkmanu explained, "is to change how we look at the world and each other. We need to appreciate and respect the diverse spiritual beliefs and religious traditions that people have. It's about seeing the world from many different perspectives, not just our own."
Nahtayu, listening attentively, finally said, "So it's like looking at this forest from all sides to understand it?"
"Exactly, Nahtayu," Shunkmanu beamed. "And the Fourth Way asks us to engage with the world actively, with respect for all views, and to strive for a balance that honors Mother Earth and all her children. Our collective future is at stake, and it's our responsibility to walk this path for the generations that will follow."
Shunkmanu took a deep breath, taking in the aroma of the forest around them. "Remember, this isn't just about us. It's about everyone—every tribe, every nation, every person. We all share Mother Earth. We are all Indigenous peoples of Mother Month and must learn to live on it in harmony."
The children nodded, their young hearts touched by the gravity and the hope in their grandfather’s words. As they resumed their walk, each felt a sense of purpose ignite within them, a sacred commitment to the Fourth Way—a commitment to rebuilding trust, promoting mutual understanding, and co-creating a sustainable and harmonious world for themselves and the generations yet to come.
As the family walked deeper into the forest, Shunkmanu felt the urge to delve further into the roots of the Fourth Way and its significance in the context of Indigenous struggles. He cleared his throat, again drawing the attention of Oliver, Maya, Ella, and Nahtayu.
"My grandchildren, over the years, our people and many other Indigenous communities have tried various ways to cope with oppression—from assimilation and resignation to resistance and conflict. But there has always been a core of elders and spiritual leaders who saw the bigger picture and held steadfast to the ancient spiritual vision of the oneness of the Human Family."
The children's eyes were filled with curiosity and attentiveness. Shunkmanu felt their hearts open to receive the wisdom he was about to impart.
"These elders believe in ancient prophecies," he continued. "Prophecies like the Reunion of the Condor and the Eagle, the Eighth Council Fire, the Return of Quetzalcoatl, and the Return of the White Buffalo.
They spoke of the Hopi and Mayan prophecies and the fulfillment of Black Elk’s Daybreak Star Prophesy. Their wisdom was overtaken by voices advocating resistance and violence for a long time. But we believe the time for fulfilling these visions has come."
Maya interjected, "You mean it's time to unite people rather than fight?"
"Exactly," Shunkmanu affirmed. "We are all part of a community, bound by principles of sharing, reciprocity, and mutual responsibility. These are ancient traditions that also resonate with some modern philosophies. For example, many Indigenous communities are not for the private ownership of natural resources but will support their development if it benefits the community."
Nahtayu seemed puzzled, "So, policymakers need to understand our culture, Grandpa?"
Shunkmanu nodded, "Indeed, they must. Making policy without understanding the culture is futile. And remember, culture is not just what we believe; it's what we share. Our values and our legal orders may be different from the developed world, but they have a purpose and wisdom of their own."
Taking it all in, Oliver asked, "What does this mean for us now?"
"It means," Shunkmanu said, "that we are at a critical crossroads. With the rise of Indigenous leadership in recent times, particularly in healing, political, spiritual, and environmental spheres, there’s new hope. We can choose conflict, including war, or the path of forgiveness. Unity in diversity, renewal, and advancement."
Ella looked at her grandfather, "We want peace, Grandpa. How do we make sure it happens?"
Shunkmanu looked into her eyes, then at his grandchildren, "By understanding even those who think they have nothing left to lose. By replacing old passive resignation with social and political activism. By holding to the Fourth Way, the way of building broken trusts, constructive partnerships, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Those who hope for peaceful and harmonious results should support renewal and progress."
As they exited the forest, each felt like they were leaving a sacred space, a classroom of ancient wisdom and timeless truths. Each knew that the Fourth Way wasn't merely a teaching but a path they were now committed to walking for themselves and the generations to come.
In the days ahead, Shunkmanu will share with his Grandchildren more about the Fourth Way, the Pathway unifying our Human Family, Ending War, Lighting the 8th Fire, and leading to the Most Great Peace.
