My grandmother was a Chippewa Indian. I loved her for many reasons but one that stands out to me was her storytelling. She always wanted to know the latest about what was happening in my life but she also had many stories to tell. One particularly meaningful story for me is the 7 Grandfather Teachings. Interestingly, in my research about the story, it first appeared as the 7 Sacred Teachings of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. I don’t know how it became The 7 Grandfather Teachings but that’s the way stories go.
Many writings on the story refer to it as the story about how to have a successful life. I see the story as a path for living into a community of peace. Each teaching is associated with an animal that in some way reflects the teaching. The first teaching is humility. Look to the wolf, the story says, as an example of humility. In the presence of others, the wolf bows in deference but not in fear. Humans can begin to have good relationships by engaging the practice of having confidence and power but bowing in deference to others.
The second teaching is honesty. Look to Kitchi-Sabe as an example of honesty. Kitchi-Sabe is known as a four-legged creature that walks with two legs. It sounds like Big Foot but who knows? The story says that he cannot move as fast as the 4-legged animals but he accepts himself for who he is. Honesty is for self first. You cannot be honest for others if you cannot first accept yourself for who you are and let that be enough. It is a lesson for me to recognize what is enough and to know that I am always enough for what is right for me.
The third teaching is respect. The model of respect is the buffalo. The story reminds about the time when buffalo were plentiful in the plains. In times past, the buffalo were hunted respectfully. Virtually all of the body was used for some purpose. There is food, clothing, and tools to have and share from the gift of this life. In respect for others, the buffalo sacrifices his life. Peace depends on our ability to treat others and ourselves with respect. At times this means sacrifice and at other times it means receiving a gift gracefully.
The fourth teaching is courage. Our example of courage is the bear. Just as the bear hibernates in winter, so does her courage remain hidden until it is needed. The bear takes care of her young and we take care of our responsibilities. We face our fears and dangers with courage because that is who we are.
The fifth teaching is wisdom. The example of wisdom for us is the beaver. He works and works using his gifts to serve his purpose. He thrives because he uses the gift of his teeth with commitment and effort for building and providing for others. Without using his gift, his teeth would grow until they become unusable. If this happens, the beaver would not be able to serve his purpose. In wisdom he will not fail to use his gift. We must also use our gifts in serving our purposes or risk losing what is important.
The sixth teaching is truth. The turtle is our example of truth. He slowly moves forward with strength and stability understanding all of the teachings. Truth in life is that by incorporating all of the other teachings, we live out our purpose. Truth is about what the journey looks like. It is not just about reaching a particular destination. The spirit of truth also gives us peace because living in it we care for self and others fairly.
The seventh teaching is love. The eagle is our example of love because she exemplifies all of the teachings. She flies high in the sky to see all truth. She lives in humility, honesty, courage, respect, and wisdom. She cares for her young, teaching them by example to live in peace by these principles.
A final sacred teaching is both a condition and result of all these teachings. It is about living in gratitude. Some days it is harder than others to see what we should be grateful for. Every day, however, we receive gifts from what others have done prior to each moment we experience. By accepting the 7 Grandfather Teachings and living them with gratitude, we live into the community of peace.
My grandmother showed me that these are good teachings, and she also reminded me that we always live out these teachings imperfectly. It is the effort that counts, she said, and to remember that this is a good journey.
See more about these teachings and others at davidbouchard.com
Pursuing Peace 
I love it. Mary told me to start reading your blogs. Tom
Excellent. With you and my parents, we are up to almost 1/2 dozen!!