Not a complete autobiography, this focuses on incidents relevant to his training and experiences in his traditional spirituality. At an early age elders noticed he had qualities which would enable him to connect with the spirit beings, so they encouraged him in those qualities. In later life he got involved with university researchers who were interested in proving scientifically what happens during the ceremonies, and those episodes are amusing as Black Elk describes all the problems or misunderstandings these city people have when required to obtain the needed materials. I'm sure he thought that asking for 'wood' would be understood, but they came with lumber. Asking for a tarp and they came with plastic. hmmm.
He is clear that the spirit is universal and is not limited to specific tribes or peoples; it is for all races. It was his given mission to free this knowledge from hiding, to get it known so there could be peace and all people's could live in balance.
This was a good book to read to get an impression of what is possible to ask of the spirits and what is required. Just studying his chapter on Earth People Philosophy will give many lessons to ponder.
He cautions us to remember what we say, to be specific in what we want, to be prepared to fulfill our obligations (or he will have to suffer doing it for us). He teaches us the qualities needed to contact spirit: patience, humility, endurance...woops, have to reread this. ( )

> Babelio : https://www.babelio.com/livres/Black-Elk-Black-Elk--les-voies-sacrees-dun-Sioux-...

> La lecture de ce livre est parfois difficile car L,auteur utilise beaucoup de métaphores pour nous faire ressentir le sens de ses propos et de ses expériences de chaman. Il aborde la réalité de l'homme médecine.
Des textes fascinants à découvrir.
—Danieljean (Babelio)

> Wallace Black Elk est une homme-médecine et leader spirituel sioux. Son histoire personnelle ainsi que les enseignements qui s'intégrent à son récit ont été salués comme une contribution majeure, un des témoignages les plus purs sur le chamanisme et la spiritualité des Indiens en cette deuxième partie du XXè siècle.
—Nouvelles Clés, (5), Printemps 1995 (NS) ( )

Once you get adjusted to the cadence of the storytelling (which I find to be like an elder telling stories) it's a great book of Lakota teachings. ( )

I had the honor & pleasure of knowing and spending time with Grandpa Wallace (not related to Nicholas). He was a great man and was willing to share his knowledge & wisdom with anyone who was willing to listen. He was funny too, but many people didn't catch his subtle sense of humor.

This book is written about his experiences in life and with Tunkashila (Creator). There are many good teachings offered in this book and for anyone interested in modern Native American spirituality this book is a must. ( )