Dine Philosophy
The concepts of Western and Dine' philosophies have varied contrasts about how we view Mother Earth. As Dine, we ask Nihodzaan (Mother Earth) for her permission when we take a part of her and, in return, we give a gift as a sign of respect. It is believed the Holy People taught the Dine' to live in harmony with Mother Earth, Father Sky, and the elements like the land, the water, the air and all beings. This is why mountains and water are sacred, endowed with strength, wisdom, and teachings man can access for strength and resources; they represent thinking (nitsahakees), planning (nahat'a), life (iina), and contentment (sahasin). This is an area of knowledge, rest and reverence for all creation (Haa'ayiih doo hodilzin).
The Dine' tradition believes we appreciate and respect for ourselves and we exist according to the creator, Mother Earth and the Universe. As a Dine, we acknowledge reverence and assurance to the creator by offering white cornmeal (t'adidiin) while anointing yourself from the sole of your feet and upwards to the top of the head. This process is to acknowledge your spatial existence, you're sacred name by offering to Mother Earth, the Universe, the cardinal directions, the environment in sacred places like the mountains and nature before acknowledging yourself as a human being as Bila' ashla'ii and Nohookaa' Dine'e. This is a psychological reverence meaning you acknowledge your well-being, to exist and to live a long extended life in Sa Baahozhoonii (old age with guidance) and in Sa'ah Naaghei Bik'eh Hozhoon and to eventually attain the virtues of Yis'ah Na'ada (life's longevity and acumination of all knowledge and wisdom within in one's life time). As a Dine, Bila'ashla'ii, your personal awareness is revered toward the sacredness of nature within the environment, the birds, the animals, and your pathway in life. Others often ask why do you pray to the mountains, the birds, the animals, and why you begin your prayers as "Hozhoo dooleel Shima Nahasdzaan and Shitaa' Yadilhil. The answer is, you are a child of Mother Earth and the Universe is your father and it is an essential right that is practiced according to the standards established by the Holy People.
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