Walking in Beauty

I often refer to my connection with indigenous wisdom through my native mentors and friends. Today, I have the privilege of experiencing the presence and teachings of Lupita, a Diné elder. The Diné people are sometimes referred to by an old pueblo word, Navajo, but they naturally prefer their self-designation as Diné, “the people.” 

Lupita weaves the stories and history of her people and explains the word hózhó, which means “the beauty way.” Hózhó is the basis for the Diné way of life—a holistic state of beauty, harmony, balance, and health. It is more than a word; it is a way of living that emphasizes interconnection, positive relationships, order, and compassion. It is often translated as, “walking in beauty.” 

Lupita emphasizes the importance of their relationship to the four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind, as well as each other. One of the images she shares is a depiction of two beings, mother earth—with internal symbols of the four elements, and father sky—with internal symbols of the sun, moon, and stars. The pair also represents the union of masculine and feminine energies. All of these themes are commonly depicted in the symbols of Vajrayana Buddhism. 

I’ve met others who recognize the interconnection of both traditions. My friend Willy was a respected member of the Siletz (nach’ikáltzustiwat), an Oregon coast confederation of native peoples. He was also very involved in Vajrayana Buddhism until he died. Like Willy, I seem to have a foot in both indigenous wisdom and the Buddhist tradition because they seem nearly identical in essence. Many nature-based traditions share such similarities.

Throughout my exploration of religions and philosophies from around the world, I’ve come to realize that the most crucial elements revolve around listening to nature’s wisdom and living a compassionate life. My wish is for all beings to walk in beauty and realize our essential interconnectedness. We only need to feel the union of earth and sky within our own experience and realize we all inhabit the same world. This deepens our relationship with all lifeforms. Differences can be celebrated and embraced in the light of that awareness.