20 Indigenous/Native American sayings

You can lead a horse to water, but keep it clean.

Is timeless wisdom (prajna) limited to the historical Buddha? There are, in fact, many sources of profound insight and knowledge, much of it coming from this occupied land of the settler colonial project we call the USA. The Indigenous inhabitants kept harmony and balance for more than 10,000 years, and we would do well to learn their lessons of sustainability and preservation. Many Buddhist sayings are collected in the Dhammapada.

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The Dhammapada is the best known and most widely esteemed text in the Pali language collection, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The work is included in the Minor Collection of the Sutra Basket, but its popularity has raised it far above the place it occupies in the texts to the ranks of a world religious classic. Composed in the ancient Pali language spoken by the Buddha, this slim anthology of verses constitutes a perfect compendium of the Buddha's teaching, comprising between its covers all the essential principles elaborated at length in the 40-odd volumes of the Pali canon. According to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, each verse in the Dhammapada was originally spoken by the Buddha in response to a particular event or episode. Accounts of these, along with an explanation of the verses, are preserved in the classic commentary to the work, compiled by the great Buddhaghosa in the fifth century C.E. on the basis or material going back to much more ancient times. The contents of the verses, however, transcend the limited and particular circumstances of their origin, reaching out through the ages to various types of people in all the diverse situations of life

• The Dhammapada: The Buddha's Path of Wisdom

1. "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

This saying or proverb emphasizes the importance of stewardship for [seven] future generations. It calls us to consider the legacy we leave behind [when we leave off using this planet and its resources].

Living with this mindset encourages sustainable practices and a deep respect for nature. Reflecting on this, one might find inspiration to make conscious choices that protect the environment. It’s a reminder that our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow, urging us to be mindful custodians of our planet.

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2. “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the children of the Earth.”

This proverb or traditional saying highlights the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. It teaches that every action has a ripple effect, influencing the broader ecosystem.

Understanding this connection fosters empathy and mindfulness, urging us to live in harmony with nature. It reminds us that our well-being is tied to the health of the planet.

Embracing this wisdom can guide us to make decisions that support ecological balance, promoting a sustainable future for ourselves and [seven] future generations.

3. “Walk lightly in the spring, and you will not disturb the summer.” More

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• Ella Brown; Montezuma Local News (video); Xochitl, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly