Tecumseh Speaks for All Times
Toronto, Ontario
Okay! So I'm in a rush and I have to put something out there. Tomorrow I'm India bound. On today's trek I thought of heroes. One of my favourite warrior heroes is King Bhismadeva from the Mahabharat and I've quoted him. But I also have my secret heroes to do with my birthplace, Chatham, Ontario. Just down the river from where I grew up an admired warrior, Chief Techumseh, was shot at war in 1813 and died on the spot. And like Bhisma, Tecumseh was not just a warrior, but an eloquent philosopher and speaker.
Here's what Chief Tecumseh said which is truly inspirational.
"Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his religion.
Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light,
for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools
and robs the spirit of its vision.
When your time comes to die,
be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."
7 KM
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