The Bali Four Directions Ceremony for World Peace, with the 8th Fire
The Bali Four Directions Ceremony for World Peace is a collective expression of unity, balance, and reverence for the interconnectedness of all life. It is deeply rooted in the teachings of our Indigenous ancestors of the Americas, emphasizing the sacred understanding that in all directions, all Members of our Human Family hold unique gifts, lessons, and energies bestowed by Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit. This interconnectedness binds us all in a shared journey towards peace and harmony, with each participant playing an integral role.
As participants in this ceremony, we align ourselves with the natural order of creation, calling upon the sacred powers of the East, South, West, North, Father Sky, Mother Earth, and the Sacredness within us. As active contributors, we play a crucial role in the collective journey towards peace. Let us walk this Red Road of Life together in prayerful respect and harmony, knowing that our actions contribute to the whole.
Entering the Sacred Circle
As we enter the circle's heart, we acknowledge that this center is the sacred point of unity and balance, representing the interconnectedness of all life. And the center of the Universe is everywhere.
Here, we greet one another in love and kinship, sing songs to honor the Creator and offer prayers to Wakan Tanka. The circle symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, with no beginning or end, reminding us of the unbroken connection between all beings.
At the beginning of the Ceremony, we will witness a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration. The Ashes of the 8th Fire of World Peace, a sacred fire that symbolizes the global movement towards peace and unity, ignited in Hidalgo, Mexico, on October 28, 2023, will be added to the Sacred Fire of Bali.
This act symbolizes the global movement toward peace and unity, inspiring us all to contribute to this noble cause. It reminds us that the flame of hope can be reignited even in the darkest times.
Our prayers are not just words but powerful intentions that can shape the world. We will first pray and offer our Thanksgiving to Father Sky and Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, for all our Grace and Blessings. Then, we will raise our Prayer for World Peace, knowing that our collective voices, united in prayer, can bring about the change we seek and fill us with hope and optimism.
Turning to the East (Wíyokȟaŋa - Red Sunrise)
We begin by facing the East, the direction of the red sunrise and new beginnings. The East holds the sacred color red, symbolizing the birth of ideas, illumination, and the awakening of the spirit. Here, we call upon the sacred winds to bring clarity and vision, praying that all members of our human family may unite like the sun emerging from the horizon.
Turning to the South (Itókȟaŋ - Yellow Sun)
Next, we turn to the South, where the yellow sun shines strongest at noon. The South represents warmth, growth, and abundance. It reminds us of the vitality and strength of youth and the interconnectedness of all living things. As we stand in this direction, we pray for the renewal of relationships among all human family members, asking for compassion and love to guide our interactions.
Turning to the West (Wíyakpa - Darkness, Thunder, Lightning, and Rain)
We then face the West, where the sun sets and the day transitions to night. The West is a sacred place of reflection, transformation, and spiritual renewal. It is symbolized by the colors of the storm—dark clouds, thunder, lightning, and rain. Here, we pray for healing, the cleansing waters of life to wash away division, and the strength to overcome life's challenges as a united human family.
Turning to the North (Wazíyata - Cleansing Winds)
We turn to the North from the West, where the sacred winds blow strong and clear. The North, associated with the color white, brings the wisdom of our elders and the power of purity, resilience, and endurance. We pray that these cleansing winds will purify our hearts and minds, guiding us on the path of integrity, humility, and justice as we strive for unity across all nations and cultures.
Honoring Father Sky (Makȟátaŋka - Father Sky)
After completing the circle, we pray to Father Sky, who encompasses and shelters all creation. We offer gratitude for the expansive universe, the stars, and the vast celestial forces that inspire and guide us. We ask for the courage to dream and to manifest those dreams in service of peace and harmony for the human family.
Honouring Mother Earth ( Ina Maka) - Beloved Mother Earth)
Turning our attention downward to our Mother Earth, our first teacher and nurturer. She sustains us with abundance and reminds us of our sacred duty to protect her. At this moment, we pray for the healing and restoration of Mother Earth, that her beauty and balance may endure for future generations, reflected in Womankind, who are Life-givers like our Mother Earth.
Walking the Red Road (Čhaŋnúŋpa Lúta Makȟóče - The Red Road of Life)
Finally, we turn inward and pray for ourselves. We ask Wakan Tanka for the strength to walk the Red Road of Life, a path lined with the sacred teachings of our ancestors. This path calls us to live in harmony with creation and to be instruments of unity and peace, embodying the virtues of integrity, humility, compassion, justice, and courage.
Closing the Ceremony
As the circle closes, we join hands, symbolizing our unity as One Human Family. With gratitude in our hearts, we commit to carrying this ceremony's prayers, teachings, and blessings into the world, guided by the sacred understanding that we are all connected—one heart, one mind, one spirit, walking together on the path of life. This commitment is to unify humanity and restore our Mother Earth.
Brother Steven Seagal will attend the Ceremony and join brother Sasha and I for questions and answers. Suthida and I met Brother Steven met at the State of the World Forum in San Francisco where he was on a Panel with my Suthida on Buddhism. We were also together in a consultation circle with the former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, and had some good side visits.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ. We are all related.
Šúŋkmanu Hé Miyédo! Čhaŋnúpa Sápa Hé Miyédo!
Ĥeȟáŋ Wičhášta/Delória Tiwašpaye, Iháŋktȟuŋwaŋ, and Chickasaw Nations.
