Seven Grandfathers' Teachings

Among the Onshokoese people, the Seven Grandfathers' Teachings (Onshokoese:   , Banchu Shorzhohchubyuchi), also known simply the Seven Teachings, are a set of teachings in Mukori that demonstrates what it means to live a “good life". They detail human conduct towards others, the Earth, and all of nature. First recorded in the 6th century writings of TBD, the founder of Transcendental Mukori, these teachings are not attributed to any specific creator, and are adhered to by nearly all Mukori practitioners today regardless of sect. The story, and the teachings have been passed on orally and through writing by elders for centuries.

Background

The Seven Grandfathers were powerful spirits who were appointed by TBD the responsibility of watching over the people. They noticed how difficult life on Earth was for the people and sent the kamui TBD, their helper, down amongst the people to find a person whom they could teach to live in harmony with the Earth. The helper found a newborn child, however the Seven Grandfathers believed him to be too young at that time. TBD was then instructed to take the boy to see the four quarters of the universe in order to give him more time to grow. When he returned, the boy was seven years old. The Grandfathers then began to teach the young boy, and they each presented him with a gift. These gifts were Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Cheerfulness, Humility, and Truth. The boy, now a full-grown man, returned to the people and taught them of the gifts of the Seven Grandfathers. With the gifts and the understanding the people now had, they began to adjust to the daily challenges. The people had learned to live in harmony with the Earth.

In Onshokologist TBD's story TBD, it is stated that the Seven Grandfathers' Teachings were given to the Onshokoese early in their history. The teachings of the seven grandfathers span centuries, and in those centuries the story has been adapted in various ways. He manages to incorporate many traditional teachings into his story about the Seven Grandfathers' Teachings, and also succeeds in showing how a Mukori priest can borrow from traditional teachings and recombine and change them to make them relevant to contemporary issues faced by Onshokoese people.

Teachings

The Seven Grandfathers' Teachings are among the most commonly shared teachings in Onshokoese culture. They hold great significance to the Onshokoese people, and are considered to be one of the founding principles of their way of life.

• Myoshkijii—Wisdom: Represented by the Beaver, to cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people. In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only "wisdom," but also means "prudence," or "intelligence." In addition to "wisdom," this word can also mean "intelligence" or "knowledge."
• Zhihkwo—Love: Represented by the Eagle, to know peace is to know Love. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most. Mutual love between each other is the strongest form of love possible.
• TBD—Respect: Represented by the Buffalo, to honor all of creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.
• Yojadejii—Bravery: Represented by the Bear, Bravery is to face the foe with integrity and to do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.
• TBD—Cheerfulness: Represented by the Turtle, Cheerfulness is to TBD.
• TBD—Humility: Represented by the Wolf, Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. You are equal to others, but you are not better. In addition to "humility", this word can also be translated as "calmness," "meekness," "gentility" or "patience."
• Nidzinjii—Truth: Represented by the Raven, Truth is to always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. Speak the truth, and do not deceive yourself or others.

In Onshokoese society

The Seven Grandfathers' Teachings have been around for centuries, passed on from elders through storytelling. These teachings have helped shape the way of life for Onshokoese people for years and continue to do so. The stories can be adapted to fit specific community values. The teachings have been incorporated by organizations, schools, different programs, artists, individualists, and tribes. In contemporary society, these teachings have been used as a way to heal from and prevent both domestic and sexual violence. When taught in relation to these topics, humility teaches one to find balance, bravery allows individuals to continue living their lives in the face of their fears, honesty teaches people to tell and find the truth, wisdom allows one to know and respect their boundaries, cheerfulness asks that one spread happiness and kindness among others, respect ensures one not be hurtful to themself or others and be accepting, and finally love teaches one how to know and love themself.