Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future – Jack Forbes – 1989
Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future
Jack Forbes’ Original Instructions examines the foundational philosophies and worldviews of numerous Indigenous cultures across North and South America. The book presents a compelling argument for the inherent sustainability embedded within traditional Indigenous knowledge systems, contrasting these with the perceived destructive tendencies of Western industrial civilization. Forbes compiles teachings related to concepts like the sacredness of the Earth, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the importance of living in harmony with natural cycles. It isn’t a single, monolithic set of instructions, but rather a constellation of guiding principles repeatedly found across diverse Indigenous societies.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1989, Original Instructions emerged during a period of growing environmental awareness and increasing recognition of the value of Indigenous perspectives. Forbes, himself of Aquarian and Mayan descent, approached the subject not as an outside observer, but as someone deeply connected to the traditions he explores. The work responds to a historical context of colonization and cultural suppression, seeking to recover and revitalize Indigenous wisdom that had been marginalized or actively destroyed. It’s important to understand the book as a product of a specific moment in time, influenced by the Indigenous rights movement and rising ecological concerns. It also reflects a broader interest in alternative worldviews and sustainable living practices.
Who This Book Is For
This work is suitable for readers interested in comparative religion, environmental ethics, Indigenous studies, and alternative philosophies. While academically grounded, it’s written in an accessible style, making it valuable for both students and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of Indigenous worldviews. It’s particularly relevant for those questioning the dominant paradigm of Western culture and seeking more sustainable ways of living. It’s not intended as a comprehensive anthropological study of any single tribe, but rather as a synthesis of common themes found across a range of Indigenous cultures.
Further Reading
- Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt: A classic autobiographical account of a Lakota medicine man’s life and visions.
- Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown: A historical account of the Native American experience from the perspective of Indigenous peoples.
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and plants from an Indigenous perspective.
Disclaimer.
Oraclepedia is an independent educational and cultural project. The material presented explores myths, belief systems, symbolic traditions, and aspects of human perception from historical, cultural, and psychological perspectives.
Content is provided for informational and reflective purposes only and does not promote specific beliefs, spiritual practices, or ideological positions. Interpretations presented reflect scholarly, cultural, or symbolic analysis rather than factual claims about the natural world.