Customer Reviews

The Feathered Sun

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If you have ever had the feeling that Native Americans are the heirs to a wisdom tradition of which today's world stands sorely in need, this book will confirm your insight and deepen it. This beautifully produced volume focuses on the spirituality of the nomadic Plains Indians, whose traditional way of life is seeing the divine in nature. Schuon explains why this is neither a romantic, sentimental "deism" nor a profane "naturism." He gives a description of the Indian's soul, of his vision of the world and man's place in it with which we can compare our own, and the contrasts are both significant and informative.

As in his many metaphysical books, the author often makes references to other religions when illustrating a point. Parallels in the spiritual worlds of Shinto, Zen and ancient India appear here. Whatever the similarities and differences between one another, every traditional universe is marked by a sense of totality. There is an all-pervading sense of the sacred at the antipodes of the modern mentality that reflexively treats the world and life as blind "matter" which can be manipulated more or less at will, rather than as forms of the Spirit which command our respect and have principles to teach.

Schuon gives eloquent explanations of the rites and symbols central to North American shamanism, especially that of the sacred pipe. Although the practices of various tribes differed in many details, there is clearly an underlying homogeneity to their beliefs which has made the Indians themselves the symbol of a distinctive spiritual type. The author's colorful paintings are a moving complement to the text. They portray the archetype that has given rise to the Indian genius for combining heroism with a priestly dignity in harmony with the beauty and innocence of nature.

This book is beautiful both in terms of visual design and in terms of the profound study of Native American religion and belief. This book was a real treat to read and enjoy.