The Tree of Peace
THE STORY OF THE SACRED TREE
For all the people of the earth, the Creator has planted a Sacred Tree under which they
may gather, and there find healing, power, wisdom and security. The roots of this tree spread
deep into the body of Mother Earth. Its branches reach upward like hands praying to Father Sky.
The fruits of this tree are the good things the Creator has give to the people teachings that show
the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and many other wonderful gifts.
The ancient ones taught us that the life of the Tree is the life of the people. If the people
wander far away from the protective shadow of the Tree, if they forget to seek the nourishment
of its fruit, or if they should turn against the Tree and attempt to destroy it, great sorrow will fall
upon the people. Many will become sick at heart. The people will lose their power. They will
cease to dream dreams and see visions. They will begin to quarrel among themselves over
worthless trifles. They will become unable to tell the truth and to deal with each other honestly.
They will forget how to survive in their own land. Their lives will become filled with anger and
gloom. Little by little they will poison themselves and all they touch.
It was foretold that these things would come to pass, but that the Tree would never die.
And as long as the Tree lives, the people live. It was also foretold that the day would come when
the people would awaken, as if from a long, drugged sleep; that they would begin, timidly at first
but then with great urgency, to search again for the Sacred Tree.
The knowledge of its whereabouts, and of the fruits that adorn its branches have always
been carefully guarded and preserved within the minds and hearts of our wise elders and leaders.
These humble, loving and dedicated souls will guide anyone who is honestly and sincerely
seeking along the path leading to the protecting shadow of the Sacred Tree.
taken from The Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American spirituality by Judie Bopp
