Original Teachings

The contents of this book relate to the unwritten bylaws of the traditional Cherokee people known as the Keetoowah Society. They were previously unwritten because Keetoowah people kept the bylaws in their heads and continually lived them. Each day, in all that they did, they kept the bylaws alive. The Creator gave these Original Teachings to all people. Racism has no place in them. What I am relating in this book is intended for all humanity. The reason for writing this book is that I am troubled by the corruption and erosion of respect for humankind and the Earth in the various organizations and institutions of this world. One could easily point out these maladies in many of the political systems throughout the globe, as well as the world's major religious organizations. Such maladies even exist within our Native American communities, at ceremonial grounds or in Indian churches. In this book, I offer the Original Teachings of Keetoowah to move us all to end conflict with one another, leaving no one out. In ancient times, God told all people that even if there are just three who still follow his Original Instructions, they will be able to help those who have lost sight of them.Today, it's hard to find three good people in any organization in this world. In the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah someone asked whether God would spare their city if they could find thirty good people. God answered, saying: Find ten good people and you'll be spared.To me, this story shows that the Creator walked among people, and He still does. He knew that those who retained and lived his Original Teachings were few. Looking at our original spiritual beliefs and practices, I can see that Keetoowah people are among these few; we never became indifferent to those teachings.This book builds upon my first book, Stand as One, to expand on the concepts there and to offer new insights from Keetoowah Cherokee teachings. I hope it can show how enacting these teachings might restore goodness and hope in the world.