It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being

Hearken, children of the ages, to the sacred words of Sitting Bull, who declared: “It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land.” In these words lies the eternal truth of interconnectedness, humility, and respect for life. Our existence is not solitary; it is sustained by a power greater than ourselves, and in recognition of this, we honor the rights of all beings who share this earth with us.

Sitting Bull teaches that the gift of life carries responsibility. To inhabit the world is not a privilege of dominion alone, but a sacred trust to coexist with others, whether human or animal. Each creature, from the smallest insect to the mightiest bison, holds a portion of the mysterious power that animates the world. To acknowledge this is to practice compassion, restraint, and reverence, ensuring that life flourishes in balance and harmony.

Consider the legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy, whose leaders and citizens adhered to the principle of the “Seventh Generation.” Decisions made today were considered in light of their impact on seven generations yet to come, humans and nature alike. In this practice, the wisdom of Sitting Bull is mirrored: to yield to neighbors and respect their right to the land is to safeguard the continuity of life and the sacred balance of existence.

The ancients themselves revered the principle of universal stewardship. In many cultures—whether in the sacred groves of Greece, the riverine civilizations of India, or the lands of the Maya—humankind was taught to honor the earth and its inhabitants as co-heirs of creation. Sitting Bull’s reflection resonates with this timeless truth: power and being are gifts from a higher source, and the measure of humanity lies in the respect extended to all who share the land.

Thus, his words are both instruction and inspiration: the recognition of the mysterious power that grants life calls for humility and justice. By yielding space and rights to our neighbors, whether human or animal, we honor the sacred order and ensure the health of the land and the survival of all creatures. True wisdom lies in coexistence, not conquest.

Carry this teaching, children of generations yet unborn: walk lightly upon the earth, honor the rights of all life, and remember that the mysterious power that sustains your being also sustains the beings around you. In humility, respect, and care for all, the earth becomes not merely a dwelling, but a living testament to the enduring harmony of life.