Want a NOOK? Explore Now
A powerful story of one man's redemption through the Lakota Sun Dance ceremony.
• Written by the only white man to be confirmed as a Sundance Chief by traditional Lakota elders.
• Includes forewords by prominent Lakota spiritual leaders Leonard Crow Dog, Charles Chipps, Mary Thunder, and Jamie Sams.
The Sun Dance is the largest and most important ceremony in the Lakota spiritual tradition, the one that ensures the life of the people for another year. In 1988 Michael Hull was extended an invitation to join in a Sun Dance by Lakota elder Leonard Crow Dog— a controversial action because Hull is white. This was the beginning of a spiritual journey that increasingly interwove the life of the author with the people, process, and elements of Lakota spirituality. On this journey on the Red Road, Michael Hull confronted firsthand the transformational power of Lakota spiritual practice and the deep ambivalence many Indians had about opening their ceremonies to a white man.
Sun Dancing presents a profound look at the elements of traditional Lakota ceremonial practice and the ways in which ceremony is regarded as life-giving by the Lakota. Through his commitment to following the Red Road, Michael Hull gradually won acceptance in a community that has rejected other attempts by white America to absorb its spiritual practices, leading to the extraordinary step of his confirmation as a Sun Dance Chief by Leonard Crow Dog and other Lakota spiritual leaders.
"Michael's story is an inspiration to those in search of their truth."
"Hull's words describe a direct, everyday communication with Great Spirit and a relationship with prayer that is equally pure. Essential reading for those interested in honoring and practicing Native spirituality with integrity."
His straightforward storytelling in Sun Dancing shares deep messages about love and finding your true path. This fine, honest book will have particular relevance to many.
"A profound spiritual journey into the largest and most important life-giving ceremony in the Lakota spiritual tradition, by the only white man to be confirmed as a Sun Dance Chief by traditional Lakota elders."
"Overall, Sun Dancing is a fascinating book: one that some will cherish."
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Chief Leonard Crow Dog
Foreword by Mary Thunder
Foreword by Chief Charles Chipps
Foreword by Jamie Sams
1. Sacred Question
2. Sacred Dream
3. Sacredness
4. Sacred Place
5. Sacred Faith
6. Sacred Connection
7. Sacred Space
8. Sacred Relations
9. Sacred Breath
10. Sacred Sight
11. Sacred Gift
12. Sacred Teacher
13. Sacred Balance
14. Sacred Trust
15. Sacred Community
Appendix: Papers
Appendix: Declaration of War against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality
Suggested Reading
Anonymous
Posted July 2, 2007
I suspect because of his legal mind Michael Hull has written a book that not only outlines the milestones of the 'Red Road' as it is called ' the Native American Spirituality'.... but he, in a very personal way, also truely captures it's essence. It is rare to find someone and something blessed this fully. Readers of all spiritual paths will benefit from this work. Mitakuye Oyasin
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2001
I was fascinated by the incredible risk and courage the author displayed in his journey towards his own search for the creator and finding his heart. A read definitely worth the time invested.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 24, 2001
I found this book to be a fascinating read -- a really well done piece of work. Reading this book reminded me of when I read 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda -- I kept thinking things like: Wow, can he really do that?, Wow, did he really experience that?, and Wow, this is really good stuff! An eye-opening account of a spiritual path via the Lakota faith.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 30, 2001
I was touched by this man's story partially because it seems such an odd mix of possibilities that got him to where he is now. His storytelling is as good as his stories and his stories feel really heartfelt. I guess somebody could make up stories like these but sometimes life is stranger than fiction. He seems really in touch with his family and what it means to trust that everything is going to be okay. And I really liked the story about how he learned how to pray to God like he was talking to a friend. I recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 7, 2001
I found Sun Dancing to be incredibly moving. The author's personal story, and the principles he espouses were both touching and challenging. The longing to connect with the indigneous people of the North American continent is so widespread, and this man's journey of redemption illustrates such a thoughtful and heartfelt experience with the Lakota people. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in spiritual matters.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
A powerful story of one man's redemption through the Lakota Sun Dance ceremony.
• Written by the only white man to be confirmed as a Sundance Chief by traditional Lakota elders.
• Includes forewords by prominent Lakota spiritual leaders Leonard Crow Dog, Charles Chipps, Mary Thunder, and Jamie Sams.
The Sun Dance is the largest and most important ceremony in the Lakota spiritual tradition, the one that ensures the life of the people for another year. In 1988 Michael Hull was ...