World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide others chanting; this helps the shaman to leave their body and travel great distances to determine the of the sickness. 2.3 Lakota The Lakota were members of the Great Sioux Nation of America. Lakota means “friends or allies”. They were part of the Great Sioux Nation along with the Dakota and Nakota (sharing similar religious beliefs). They are known as the Plains Indians and as the Western Sioux. In movies, the Lakota are often represented as the “typical” Indian that lived on the Plains. The Lakota were nomadic people who worshipped around the movement of the sun and the stars. The Lakota did not have a “system” of religion. Their religion was integrated into their daily life. At the center of their religion is Wakan Tanka, or Tunkashila (Grandfather or Great Spirit). Their religious system is based on that of respect, bravery, wisdom, and generosity. The Lakota’s rich oral history includes that of the Seven Sacred Rites. These rites were handed down from an encounter during the “Starving Times”. Two hunters were not finding game when a woman appeared to them. The first hunter lusted for her and was reduced to dust. The second hunter listened to her instructions and returned to the village and told everyone she had a message for them the next day. He, being of pure heart, goes to the village and carries her message. Ptehincalaskawin (White Buffalo Calf Woman) gives the tribe a sacred pipe and tells that in times of need, they should smoke the pipe and pray for help; the carries their prayers upward. Next, she gives them the Seven Sacred Rites. The first rite – Inikagpi. To renew life. This usually includes a purification in a sweat lodge that is a dome (symbolic of a pregnant woman) where the purpose is to pray for health and well-being. The second rite – Hanbleceyapi. To attain knowledge and understanding. The rite is undertaken with a holy man where the individual goes on a vision quest to communicate with the spirits. The person takes a blanket and a pipe and travels to an isolated hill to pray. In seeking his vision, he does not eat or drink for four days. The third rite – Wanagi Wicagluha, which is the keeping of the spirit. This is performed by someone who has lost a loved one and is mourning. For one year, the spirit stays around the community. The community takes food to a special place to feed the spirit daily. During this time, the love for the spirit is increased in their loved ones. After one year, a ceremony is held to “release” the spirit of the loved one. The fourth rite – Wiwanyang Waipi, which is the sun dance. It is the most important rite and is held during the summer when the moon is full. Those who participate in the ceremony voluntarily make a pledge to make offerings of their flesh to increase the power of the nation. A tree is placed at the center of the ceremony to symbolize Wakan Tanka, the center of the universe. The fifth rite – Unkapi involves making relatives. The youngest in the family performs the rite to bind them to others in the community and to Wakan Tanka. ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 14 of 96