From the Teachings of Tecumseh
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his religion; respect others in their views and
demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long
and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for
the day when you go over the Great Divide. Always give a word
or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend or even a stranger,
if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people but grovel to
none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the light,
for your life and strength. Give thanks for food and for
the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the
fault lies in yourself. Touch not the poisonous firewater that
makes wise ones turn to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled
with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray
for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different
way. Sing your death song and die lie a hero going home. |