PHILLIP SCOTT- REFLECTIONS ON THE RED ROAD Q2 2025

 

Greetings Relations,

 

This ancient passage from the Dharma (the teachings and transmissions of the Buddha) is timely and more relevant than ever for we are dwelling in an age of extreme mis and disinformation. The fabrication and spinning of spurious narratives and the dissemination of falsehoods are rampant and deeply disconcerting.  It is wise not to be gullible and blindly believe all one reads and hears from others, especially on social media. Instead, cultivate discernment and observe caution with what one is receiving and consuming. Gossip, rumors and lies abound and are poisonous forms of addiction and propaganda  In fact, current loopholes in laws allow for the publication of anything on the internet, even if untrue and unsubstantiated. Therefore, in the name of clarity, the Earth is not flat. The Dalai Lama is not a terrorist. Biological viruses and bacteria (our elders on this planet) do actually exist. Such assertions to the contrary are dangerous, damaging and reflect a form of denial as well as ignorance.

 

Furthermore, Indigenous Traditions are not cults and Traditional Medicine people are not cult leaders. The degree of fear in colonized minds continues to lead to the vilification and attempted censure, cancellation and erasure of assemblages of sovereign people who share similar values and perspectives, who embody interdependence and respect for their elders, mentors and the Earth. Additionally, the profound distrust and fracture of families and communities in modern societies stands in stark contrast to those who actually live and espouse cooperation, collaboration, sharing and genuine care for one another. Sadly, such communities are perceived as foreign and threatening. Regardless of what colonized minds believe and insist, Indigenous Traditions are not cults. They are cultures. The moment has arrived for the colonized world to develop cultural sensitivity, awareness and respect toward who and what they do not comprehend. It is time to curtail the incessant falsehoods and heresay which perpetuate misinformation and reinforce the bandwagon of cancellation, division and separation. As my Hunka Lakota mother would often counsel: exercise vigilance in thought, word and action.

 

The hallmark of Indigenous ways of living is the reliance upon direct experience. Personal sovereignty is honoured and celebrated, it is never subverted by relying upon the opinions and experiences of others to formulate one’s impressions and perceptions of the world.  Personal immersion and direct participation are the ways to gain wisdom, clarity and genuine knowledge of self and others. Furthermore, instead of being easily influenced (and controlled) by the views of others and domesticated by the collective, cultivate curiosity, engage in direct inquiry and trust your instinct to determine and discern the truth for yourself. In fact, in Native country, if one has not had an experience of an event or a person, then one is unable to formulate an opinion, proffer a perspective or render a judgment at all. There is simply no frame of reference to make an honest and accurate assessment. While sitting in council during a Sundance on the Rosebud Rez, I witnessed an elder Chief chide a younger leader for speaking from a perspective and position that lacked any experience whatsoever. The elder encouraged him to refrain from commentary until he had backed it up with embodied knowledge. Without the certainty of direct experience, one is acting and speaking from ignorance and therefore, is out of integrity (not walking one’s talk), untrustworthy and any information conveyed is dubious and suspect.

Ancestral Voice is devoted to fostering experiential knowledge through direct immersion and participation. In the month of May we will be offering the Indigenous Journey and Indigenous Healing intensives at the Institute in Novato to cultivate an abiding relationship with one’s Ancestors and Helping Spirits as well as to learn and embody ancient, time tested practices for healing oneself and others. The end of May, we will return to the Lighting in a Bottle Festival in Southern California to support and assist with the Ceremonial Fire.

 

In June, circa the Summer Solstice, members of the Tiospaye (community) and myself will be attending and serving at a Traditional Lakota Sundance in New Mexico.

 

As for approaching highlights in the third and fourth quarters:

In mid July I will be sponsoring another special Ceremony for my birthday followed by returning in August to the Daintree in Queensland Australia to share Ceremony with the local Aborigines, offer teachings and support in the rematriation of the oldest rainforest on the planet.

 

During the week of the Autumnal Equinox in September, back at the Institute, there will be a 6 day immersion in Indigenous Wisdom and Sacred Practices followed by our annual Hanbleceya (Traditional Vision Quest) the second week of October in the Sierras of Northern California. If interested in attending either or both of these offerings, please contact Ancestral Voice.

 

In the midst of composing these reflections, Pope Francis Passed into Spirit. An advocate for environmental justice, immigrants and the impoverished, though considerable work remains in the name of genuine peace and reconciliation, he was the only pontiff to acknowledge and apologize for the heinous crimes the Catholic church perpetrated upon Indigenous Nations around the globe and to rescind the doctrine of discovery, essentially a mandate by the Christian religion to justify the genocide of Native peoples and the theft of the lands they steward. Prayers for his Journey Home.

 

Finally, Ancestral Voice is a community that welcomes ALL people – sovereign, sincere seekers who are mature, responsible and committed to immersing themselves in the arduous and rewarding inner work necessary to liberate themselves from domestication (the herd mentality), the shackles of slumber and to reveal the truth directly from personal experience

 

In conclusion, another quotation from the  Buddha:

Ceremony and community are lived experiences. We invite you to join us to explore, heal and discover for yourself.

 

Blessings,

Phillip