The Seven Sacred Teachings: Fundamental Values Transmitted by Animals
Quick summary
The Seven Sacred Teachings are fundamental Indigenous values represented by seven animal guides. Each teaching directs human behavior towards balance, deep respect for all living things, and inner truth.
The Seven Sacred Teachings: Core Values and Guide Animals
In many Indigenous traditions of North America, teachings are passed down orally, through observation of the land, and through the example of living beings. The Seven Sacred Teachings form a powerful ethical framework: a simple yet demanding path that leads back to what is essential.
These values are often associated with seven animals , not as decorative symbols, but as guides whose behavior reminds us of a truth: nature teaches without words.
What are the Seven Sacred Teachings?
The Seven Sacred Teachings are not fixed rules. They are living principles. They help guide choices, foster a more just relationship with others, and remain in harmony with life.
They are often presented as:
- Love
- Respect
- Courage
- Honesty
- Wisdom
- Humility
- Truth
| Value | Animal guide | Lesson from life |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Eagle | To love unconditionally, to see beyond oneself |
| Respect | Bison | Honor life, take only what is necessary |
| Courage | Bear | To face the truth and stand up |
| Honesty | Wolf | To be true to one's word and to one's essence |
| Wisdom | Owl | Observe, learn, understand before acting |
| Humility | Deer | Moving forward with gentleness, awareness, and balance |
| Truth | Tortoise | Living in coherence between thought, word and action |
An ethical path rooted in nature
Observing an animal is learning without forcing it. Nature shows us when to approach, when to retreat, when to protect, when to listen. That's why these lessons still resonate so strongly today: they lead back to a simple yet solid ethic.
Each value can become a daily intention. An inner question: is this action respectful, honest, courageous, aligned with the truth?
Why do these teachings resonate so much in the United States and Canada?
More and more people are seeking ethical guidelines that are not based on performance. Research related to indigenous values, spiritual teachings, and the wisdom of nature is increasing.
The Seven Sacred Teachings offer a clear path: to connect with life, with community, and with an inner truth that is not negotiable.
Living the Seven Teachings in Daily Life
- Love : choosing an act of kindness without expectation.
- Respect : limit what is taken, give back what is received.
- Courage : to speak a necessary truth, even if uncomfortable.
- Honesty : aligning words and actions.
- Wisdom : observe before judging.
- Humility : remembering that life does not revolve around humans.
- Truth : remain consistent, even when no one is watching.
These values become powerful when they are embodied. They are not meant to be read, but lived.
To uphold the values of life
Handcrafted creations made by Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan, an Ilnu craftsman.
