Possibly one of the most spiritually advanced codes of living is The Native American Code of Ethics that was originally published in October 1994 in the Inter-Tribal Times.
It’s a code of ethics that teaches us all how to live our lives in the best possible way, and even transcends the differences among peoples and helps not only to form one’s character, but also molds and shapes each unique culture.
Interestingly, you will find that most of these teachings in this code are found in other beliefs and faiths as well.
THE CODE
1. Rise with the sun to pray- pray alone and often. The Great Spirit will listen only if you speak.
2. Be tolerant of the people who are lost on their path. Ignorance, jealousy, anger, and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.
3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Don’t allow others to create your path for you. It’s your road and yours alone. Others might walk it with you, but nobody can walk it for you.
4. Treat your guest in your home with consideration. Serve them the best food, offer them your best bed and treat them with respect and honor.
5. Don’t take what isn’t yours either from a person, community or culture. It wasn’t earned nor given. It isn’t yours.
6. Respect every little thing placed upon the earth.
7.Honor other peoples’ thoughts, desires, and words. Let each person express themselves.
8. Never speak of others in a mean way. The negative energy you put out into the universe is going to multiply when it returns to you.
9. All people make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.
10. Negative thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and soul. Practice optimism.
11. Nature is not FOR us, but a PART if us.
Animals, plants and every other living creature are all part of our worldly family.
12. Children are the seeds of our future. You need to plant love in their hearts and shower them with wisdom and precious life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to mature.
13. Avoid hurting other people’s heart. The poison of the pain you cause will return to you.
14. Be honest at all times. Honesty and truthfulness are the tests of one’s will within this world.
15. Keep yourself balanced. Work out the body to empower the mind.
16. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional pain. Make conscious decisions regarding who you’ll be and how you’ll react. Be responsible for your actions.
17 . Respect the privacy and personal space of those around you. Don’t touch the personal property of others- especially holy and religious objects. That’s forbidden.
18. Be true to yourself first. You can’t nurture and help others unless you can nurture and help yourself first.
19. Respect others’ religious beliefs. Don’t try to force your beliefs on other people.
20. Share your good fortune with others and participate in charity.
