Product Description
Raised among the Sioux until the age of 15, Charles Alexander Eastman completed his education at the Boston University School of Medicine and then accepted an appointment to a South Dakota Indian reservation, where he was the only doctor available to the victims of the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. Eastman further distinguished himself both as a writer and as a uniquely qualified interpreter of Native American ways. In The Soul of the Indian, Eastman defines American Indian religious life as it existed before contact with missionaries and other whites. Rather than a scientific treatise, Eastman has written a book "as true as I can make it to my childhood teaching and ancestral ideals, but from the human, not the ethnological standpoint." His discussions of the forms of ceremonial and symbolic worship, the unwritten scriptures, and the spirit world emphasize the universal quality and personal appeal of Native American religion. Unabridged republication of the classic 1911 edition.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Soul of the Indian
This book will give you information about the way Indian's feel and think. Great Book.

MUST READ!!
This book outlines the Lakota spirituality before the "white man" came. Excellent read although it puts some of it in a rose-colored light. ... Read more

Product Description
Charles Eastman, or 'Ohiyesa' in Santee, came of age during a period of increasing tension and violence between Native and 'new' Americans. Raised to become a hunter-warrior, he was nevertheless persuaded by his Christianized father to enter the alien world of white society. A remarkably bright student, Eastman graduated from Dartmouth College and the Boston University School of Medicine. Later on he served as government physician at the Pine Ridge Agency (and tended casualties at Wounded Knee), as Indian Inspector for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and as Indian secretary for the YMCA, and helped found the Boy Scouts of America. Concurrently, however, he also worked on special congressional legislation to settle Sioux claims and was a charter member and later president of the Society of American Indians. It was his writing, though, which most clearly established Eastman's determination to hold on to his roots. In works such as "Indian Boyhood", "The Soul of the Indian", and "Indian Heroes and Chieftains" he reconfirmed his native heritage and tried to make white society aware of the Indians' contribution to American civilization. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Autobiography of Ohiyesa
If you have read the writings of Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman); I HIGHLY recommend this book to you.

It helped me understand the forces that shaped this man.

My favorite areas are

The assorted photos of his father "Many Lightnings", his wife, his son Ohiyesa at the age of 5.

Events that occured while he was attending school in the East, and the bigotry he encountered from "SOME" white people.

Events where he served as a medical doctor on the Pine Ridge reservation, and caring for the survivors of the Wounded Knee masacre in 1890.

Events where he traveled among various indian nations to get items used by indians for museums.

Events where he worked with the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls.

And much more.

If this book is your introduction to the writings of Ohiyesa; I would recommend that your next purchase would be "The Soul Of The Indian".

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

From the deep woods to civilization
There are certainly not enough autobiographies of Native Americans, and few that can compare with Eastman's story and journey to find civilization. As Eastman follows Christianity and the White Man's Civilization, he findshimself realizing the paradox of the two worlds. Upon returning to a morecivilized world, he gives a captivating look at how Jesus was an Indian andhow different the White world and Native American world was during hislife. A perfect self-enlightenment book. ... Read more

Product Description
This revised and updated edition contains the most important writings of Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa), the first Native American author to live simultaneously in both the traditional world of the Santee Sioux and the modern civilization of the white man. Dr. Eastman also attended the injured at the Battle of Wounded Knee. Ohiyesa's works represent a complete explanation of the philosophy and moral code of the Plains Indian. Ohiyesa's message speaks to every person who seeks a spiritual way in the midst of a society increasingly dominated by materialism and industrial technology. Sun Dance chief, James Trosper writes, It is a small miracle that these important spiritual teachings have been preserved for us.This new edition contains 10 sepia photographs from Eastman's life and a thought-provoking foreword by Raymond Wilson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Amazing work from Charles Eastman
The author has changed my ideas of who the American Indians are. I was swept away by the descriptions and mesmerized by the spiritual life of a people who were closer to God than I ever imagined.This book should beread at schools and universities. Their history is vital to understand who all of us are.

An essential addition to any Native American or spirituality holding.
Michael Oren Fitzgerald edits THE ESSENTIAL CHARLES EASTMAN, which revises and updates a classic edition containing the writings of the first American Indian medical doctor and co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America. He was the only American Indian author raised to young adulthood in the nomadic lifestyle of the pre-reservation area: this survey includes a biography, complete bibliography of his works, new sepia photos from his life, and more: an essential addition to any Native American or spirituality holding. ... Read more

Product Description
Ohiyesa, a Dakota Indian also known as Charles Alexander Eastman, is one of America's most fascinating and overlooked individuals. Born in Minnesota in 1858, he obtained postgraduate degrees and advised U.S. presidents before returning to traditional living in native forests. This beautifully packaged reissue contains Ohiyesa's insights on spirit, the human experience, and white culture's impact on Native American culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent
Very profound words of wisdom written over 100 years ago.An excellent read and reference to timeless knowledge that crosses over all cultures.I would recommend this book for one's private library or for a great gift.

Ths book is an edited version.
This book is good, but has been heavily edited.

I would recommend against buying this book, but instead buy "The Soul Of an Indian" Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa); published by University of Nebraska Press; ISBN: 0803267010.

Ohiyesa puts his spirituality in simple words without getting bogged down in ceremonies by rote, and dogma.

I HIGHLY recommend the writings by Ohiyesa. Just not this heavily edited version.

I encourage questions and comments via E-Mail. Two Bears.

The Soul of an Indian (C.A.Eastman)
If one wants to know what it is "really" like to have the problems of a drug addict, one doesn't ask the therapist (sorry), but rather the addict. Only a true Native American can explain the life, in its many aspects, of a Native American----and, although we have many examples of the wisdom of Native American chiefs, few attain the level, from a philosophical/religious view, as does Ohiyesa (C. Eastman). He is truly a poet in the simplicity of the words he uses, while simultaneously imparting a veritable glimpse of the meaning behind his words. For this reason alone, he, I believe, will be time-honored, when one wants to get a view of Native American life in the future.
Sadly, but perhaps necessarily, Ohiyesa was torn between two worlds---the white (education and profession, as well as residence in the East) and his heritage, which he felt bound to,as the atrocities continued to unfold in his lifetime, some of which he experienced firsthand.
For persons of "a certain ilk", I believe that the many people who respect the wisdom of "The Prophet" (Khalil Gibran)will equally respect this writing.

Excellent reading challenges your life purposes
The presentation of the indians life and purpose will challenge a persons prespectives of life and the purpose to which all of us have been called. Do you live a life of love or are we so drawn to the material and successorientations of this world that we have lost perspective of the realpurpose of life?Ohiyesa will challenge each of us to look into yourselvesand ask the question do I truly care for what is right or are my valuesbased upon what I have acquired.Do I walk in truth or do I live a lie? Do I care for my neighbor or do I only think of myself?Do I see God inwhat has been created or do I deny His existence?Ohiyesa, willchallenge the very foundations of western society and our ways of thinking. He challenges the christian and the church as presented in our societytoday.Do we live as Christ, or do we use Christ to obtain control?Ifound this book a great treasure of clear thinking and profound statementsthat make me question the values that I have what of you? ... Read more

Product Description
Light on the Indian World combines for the first time the most important writings of Ohiyesa (Charles Eastman), the first Native American author to live simultaneously in both the traditional world of the Santee Sioux and the modern civilization of the white man.

Ohiyesa's works represent the most complete explanation of the philosophy and moral code of the Plains Indian. Providing much of the basis of our knowledge of their sacred worldview in which "we are all related," they sound a profoundly spiritual note which speaks directly to the ecological crisis and the de-humanization of man so often discussed in our time. On a deeper level, Ohiyesa's message speaks to every person who seeks a spiritual way in the midst of a society increasingly dominated by materialism and industrial technology. It was around the turn of the twentieth century that he wrote, "It is my personal belief, after thirty-five years' experience of it, that there is no such thing as "Christian civilization." I beieve that Christianity and modern civilation are opposed and irreconcilable, and that the spirit of Christianity and of our ancient religion is essentially the same."

Ohiyesa's prophetic voice speaks now across centuries with an urgency which is still fresh and original. Not only should students of Native American philosophy carefully read this book, it should be essential reading for all people who search the ancient worlds for light to better understand the problems which press upon us today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

From traditionally raised prereservation Native to physician
I have read quite a few books on traditional native practices from all over the world (not all of those which claim to teach or describe such practices are accurate, quite a few are misguided or outright frauds).I had come across the name Charles Eastman in bibliographies and indices of those works that featured Native North American practices, and thought he was an anthropologist (white) who had done some of the earlier studies, given that many of the works had a publication date in the early 1900s."Light on the Indian World" corrected that misperception.Charles Eastman was a member of the Santee Sioux, born and raised to the age of 15 in the traditional tribal manner, in a tribe that had not yet been forced onto a reservation.

At the request of his father, he joined his father on a reservation, attended school and learned English, then was able to attend college and university, eventually becoming a medical doctor, probably the first Native American to become one.He then returned to his people and worked as a reservation physician, and later lobbyist for native issues in Congress.

What a wonderful gift he has given us!A double digit number of books by his own hand, plus others such as "Light on the Indian World" which are excellent compilations or commentaries of his works.He allows us to see inside the world of the pre-reservation Native Americans, and truly appreciate their world view, such as their relationship with what we might call `the unseen world'.A heart-felt appreciation of the Earth and Nature is exactly what contemporary industrialized nations need, to slow-down the rampant abuse of the Earth's natural resources, which are currently being used up at a rate far exceeding the capacity of the Earth to replace them.Such abuse can only lead to the destruction of those societies founded on the consumption of such resources, and requiring their continued consumption in order to survive.All of the works of Charles Eastman help us see the world around us in a new light, and hopefully change our actions enough to prevent the coming environmental devastation.

Brings out key insights in Charles Eastman's work
Light On The Indian World: The Essential Writings Of Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) is a collection of the writings of Charles Eastman, who was born in 1858 and raised in the traditional nomadic life of the Sioux Native Americans prior to the era of reservations. Critical selections from "The Soul of the Indian," "The Indian Today," "Indian Boyhood," and "From the Deep Woods to Civilization" bring out key insights in Charles Eastman's work that transcend time and generations. Light On The Indian World is a fascinating, engaging, informative and memorable addition to personal, academic, and community library Native American Studies supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections. ... Read more

Product Description
ContentsRED CLOUDSPOTTED TAILLITTLE CROWTAMAHAYGALLCRAZY HORSESITTING BULLRAIN-IN-THE-FACETWO STRIKEAMERICAN HORSEDULL KNIFEROMAN NOSECHIEF JOSEPHLITTLE WOLFHOLE-IN-THE-DAY ... Read more

Product Description
Charles Eastman was a physician and writer who helped found the Boy Scouts. His life with an Indian mother taught him the culture of the American Indian. In this book Eastman, a Santee Sioux Indian, talks about his childhood as an Indian and his training as a warrior.At age 15 Eastman left his culture and all that he knew to begin life in the white man's world. ... Read more

Product Description
First published 1907. Eastman was a Native American, writer, physician and reformer of Santee-Sioux and Anglo-American ancestry. He was active in politics and American Indian rights and helped found the Boy Scouts of America. ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty seven classic Indian folk tales.
Charles Alexander Eastman, author, physician, and reformer. He was of Santee Sioux and Anglo-American ancestry. Active in politics and issues on American Indian rights, he also helped found the Boy Scouts of America. Elaine Goodale Eastman was his wife. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The integrity of Soul
Ohiyesa wrote from his heart about a world for which the western world had no language. Here is a man who was truly caught between two cultures. Raised Lakota, educated as a western physician and fated to be on the Rosebud Reservation during the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, his destiny was to leave a record of what the First Peoples truly believed, and why.
His language swings from simple to more formal. It is obvious that he wants to influence the more well educated western culture of his time. Often, he is awkward. But, always, the soul and integrity of what he is saying shines through.
This book is meant for all who have native blood in their veins and for those who need to understand those that do. It echos the humility that is at the core of all our beliefs. It explains the Integrity of Soul that we have been searching for these many years.

Nothing special
I bought this book on a whim and turned out not to be what I expected. It's a nice easy read but it lacks depth. The text is rather large so the 170 pages would be much less if normal. You definately have to be in the right frame of mind and appreciate thesimplicity or you will be disappointed. Overall, a worthwhile read.

Spiritual matters conveyed in simple language
Ohiyesa wrote this book in 1911, and did a masterful job at conveying spiritual truths in simple language that anyone can understand.

Ohiyesa tries to impart that this form of spirituality is more about a state of mind and heart instead of performing ceremonies by rote.

There are many little gems of wisdom in this book, and it would be a great place to start if you wish to explore the American Indian (Sioux) form of spirituality.

Here are a few of those gems I mentioned above.

Page XII "My little book does not pretend to be a scientific treatise. It is as true as I can nake it to my childhood teaching and ancestral ideals"

Page XIII "We know that the God of the lettered and the unlettered, of the Greek and the barbarian is after all the same God;"

Page 4 "Our faith might not be formulated in creeds, nor forced on any who were unwilling to receive it; hence there was no preaching, proselyting, nor persecution"

Page 4 "He (the indian) would deem it sacriledge to build a house for Him (the Great Spirit) who may be met face to face in the mysterious , shadowy aisles of the primeval forest"

Page 13 "The Indian no more worships the Sun than the Christian adores the Cross"

Page 14 "We believed that the spirit pervades all creation and that every creature posesses a soul in some degree, though not necessarily a soul conscious of itself."

Page 15 "He (The indian) paid homage to the spirits in prescribed prayers and offerings)

Page 45 "In the life of the indian there was only one inevitable duty,--the duty of prayer--the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food."

Much wisdom for a book more than 90 years old!

I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit) ... Read more

Product Description
EVERY age, every race, has its leaders and heroes. There were over sixty distinct tribes of Indians on this continent, each of which boasted its notable men. The names and deeds of some of these men will live in American history, yet in the true sense they are unknown, because misunderstood. I should like to present some of the greatest chiefs of modern times in the light of the native character and ideals, believing that the American people will gladly do them tardy justice.

It is matter of history that the Sioux nation, to which I belong, was originally friendly to the Caucasian peoples which it met in succession-first, to the south the Spaniards; then the French, on the Mississippi River and along the Great Lakes; later the English, and finally the Americans. This powerful tribe then roamed over the whole extent of the Mississippi valley, between that river and the Rockies. Their usages and government united the various bands more closely than was the case with many of the neighboring tribes.

During the early part of the nineteenth century, chiefs such as Wabashaw, Redwing, and Little Six among the eastern Sioux, Conquering Bear, Man-Afraid-of-His-Horse, and Hump of the western bands, were the last of the old type. After these, we have a coterie of new leaders, products of the new conditions brought about by close contact with the conquering race.


Download Indian Heroes And Great Chieftains Now! ... Read more

Product Description
WHAT boy would not be an Indian for a while when he thinks of the freest life in the world? This life was mine. Every day there was a real hunt. There was real game. Occasionally there was a medicine dance away off in the woods where no one could disturb us, in which the boys impersonated their elders, Brave Bull, Standing Elk, High Hawk, Medicine Bear, and the rest. They painted and imitated their fathers and grandfathers to the minutest detail, and accurately too, because they had seen the real thing all their lives.

We were not only good mimics but we were close students of nature. We studied the habits of animals just as you study your books. We watched the men of our people and represented them in our play; then learned to emulate them in our lives.

No people have a better use of their five senses than the children of the wilderness. We could smell as well as hear and see. We could feel and taste as well as we could see and hear. Nowhere has the memory been more fully developed than in the wild life, and I can still see wherein I owe much to my early training.


Download Indian Boyhood Now! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Small book with a BIG impact.
Being part Native American, I thourghly enjoy the history, lore and mystical aspects of the culture. This book was originally written in 1911 by Charles Alexander Eastman, or Ohiyesa. This book is really the mind or thoughts of Ohiyesa. He lived in the "Indian" world (Sioux), and the white man's world and was amazed at the things the white man did and his reasons for it. Still, he understood the white man's thinking. Here he explainsthe Native American thinking on subjects form raising children to death. He was born to a Sioux tribe and raised in their culture, and later sent to the white man's schools, including college, by an uncle. He understands both "worlds" , and has the language of a poet to describe them to us. If you ever wanted to know what the Native Americans were thinking 100 years ago when the white man was industrializing their beautiful countryside, then read this wonderful little book. This book is packed with so much insight. You may even learn something that you can use today in your life. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
I Upon a hanging precipice atop of the Eagle Scout Butte there appeared a motionless and solitary figure--almost eagle-like he perched! The people in the camp below saw him, but none looked at him long. They turned their heads quickly away with a nervous tingling, for the height above the plains was great. Almost spirit-like among the upper clouds the young warrior sat immovable.

It was Antelope. He was fasting and seek- ing a sign from the "Great Mystery," for such was the first step of the young and ambitious Sioux [who wished to be a noted warrior among his people.

He is a princely youth, among the wild Sioux, who hunts for his tribe and not for him- self! His voice is soft and low at the camp- fire of his nation, but terror-giving in the field of battle. Such was Antelope's reputation. The more he sought the "Great Mystery" in solitude, the more gentle and retiring he be- came, and in the same proportion his courage and manliness grew. None could say that he was not a kind son and a good hunter, for he had already passed the "two-arrow-to-kill," his buffalo examination.


Download Old Indian Days Now! ... Read more