Black Elk II

Arjuna and Krishan: pre-war
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita

Finishing the story of Black Elk, we once again see a spiritual journey and the impact it has on the voyager. There were several similarities with our previous book Siddhartha. For one, both Black Elk and Siddhartha begin their journey at a young age when they are eager to find purpose and meaning. The journey the protagonist experiences reminded me of the quote Ram Dass references to from the Bhagavad-Gita . The Bhagavad-Gita, a Hindu tale consists of tales and teachings of religion and morality in preparation and during the historical Kurushetra War. The main character Arjuna, experiences a spiritual journey alongside Lord Krishna. Upon fighting in the war, Krishna tells Arjuna to “Prepare for war with peace in thy soul” (Referred to “How Can I Help”, Dass). Similarly, Black Elk prepares for the battle with holy rituals like dancing and meditating (through smoking the pipe). The horse dance seems like a calming experience where Black Elk feels enlightened. He says, “After the horse dance was over, it seemed that I was above the ground and did not touch when I walked. I felt very happy, for I could see that all my people were all happier” (310). Additionally, this experience unifies the tribe in a unique way. Their meetings in the teepees are also symbolic to unity. Black Elk says that “We were all inside the sacred tepee” (325).

Unity through dance
http://www.native-americans-online.com/images/hopespringseternal.jpg

I think our in-class meditation sessions accomplish this as well. Although we are individually engaging in separate mediations, as a class we reach a level of contemplation and peace. These meditation sessions prepare us for in-depth discussions with each other. All of these ceremonies have important symbolism. Once again, Black Elk explains the importance of honoring his totem animal. He says, “This ceremony of the elk was to represent the source of life and the mystery of growing” (325). When he consults his higher spirits, he finds answers to his compelling questions. Going back to the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna seeks answers from Lord Krishna (the manifestation of God). Arjuna’s battle serves as an allegory to the battle of life, good versus evil, and the spiritual journey every individual experiences.

Meditation acts as a guide during one's journey
www.yoga2learn.com/store/images/hpshival.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.yoga2learn.com/store/dnshop/hindupos.htm&usg=__ZcawJZLdeuq5EJPJTu1sNy_TJZk=&h=650&w=527&sz=183&hl=en&start=31&sig2=k1rlkoa76Hcr7DmhLtSR2g&zoom=1&tbnid=hok6zC0ZJ6y38M:&tbnh=159&tbnw=129&ei=HY11TcSfAoG78gbPovniCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhindu%2Bmeditation%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D680%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C636&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=258&vpy=194&dur=416&hovh=249&hovw=202&tx=136&ty=89&oei=F411TdbBIuKR0QGGxu25Bw&page=2&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:31&biw=1280&bih=680

Lastly, both Black Elk, Siddhartha, and the Baghavad Gita explain our journey may not be easy and that we often must make sacrifices. Black Elk’s journey requires him to leave his parents for the greater good of the community. In the midst of this, he finds solidarity through meditation, and communal gatherings. As the journey ends, Black Elk finds peace. He learns more about himself and his existence on earth. His final words of the journey are, “I was not afraid anymore, because, by now, I knew I was going home” (332).