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On September 21, Sam Tso, a respected energy healer and spiritual teacher in the Navajo nation, visited Moravian Theological Seminary to share the Native American spirtual point of view. He discussed spiritual foundations, rituals, and healing practices over a lunchtime lecture.
In his presentation, Sam described the Navajo traditions of little public eye contact and limited word use, explaining that excessive eye contact can allow healers to see concealed problems and pain, and excessive speaking can be seen as rude.
He also compared several Native American spiritual traditions to those of many Christian faiths. For example, the Native American sacred tobacco smoked from a clay pipe is their form of communion, using the act of smoking to bring the community together and the smoke itself, from either a pipe or a fire, to carry their prayers to the Holy People.
The Navajo people believe in a mystical savior called the Child of Everlasting Life, who led their people to food and water in a time of famine. They also live as though they are "on the road of everlasting life."
Sam also shared insight into the healing practices he uses in his practice, describing various blant based treatments and rituals and explaining that each ritual incorporates the six directions the Navajo recognize (North, South, East, West, Up to the heavens, Down to the earth).
Sam served as translator for the Navajo elders in the legal batte for his family and community's right to remain on their ancestral homelands. The lawsuit of his great-great grandmother, Manybeads brought Tso before the United Nations and Congressional Committees in Washington, DC. In the aftermath of the Manybeads lawsuit, Sam continues as a carpenter, silversmith, rock carver, storyteller and teacher. In his community, Sam works with children and adults to help them remember the Navajo traditions and approach to life. He also works as an activist continues on behalf of all people whose rights are being denied or questioned. |
