III. The Interaction Principle (The Lodge of Sacred Living)
Animistic and primal cultures are very practical; they had to be so, to survive the challenges of life in this world. Their sacred stories nearly always operate on multiple levels- often a moral level, usually a level that describes the nature of spirits or beings, and their relationships to mankind and other spirits, and nearly always a level that imparts some pieces of very practical advice, to make the chances of survival or harmonious living higher.
The nearly universal insistence on not wasting anything that is taken is one of the best examples of the "practical side" of primal cultures. This ideal of being non-wasteful is based on a vision of sacred reliance and sacrifice; living non-wastefully increases a person's appreciation for the sacredness of life and sacrifice, but it also dramatically increases the chances of survival. The two "angles" fit perfectly together.
Harmonious group relationships also dramatically increase chances for survival, so respectful treatment for elders and kin, respect for social institutions like parenthood or marriage, hospitality, and generosity, all arise as sacred values with a deeply practical side.
In general, the keystones of "sacred living"- of right living according to the principles of life and power, are these:
1. Find and increase personal power
2. Act respectfully to all persons
3. Temper actions with compassion
Other stories and customs impart equally as important messages: do not neglect orphans or the needy, or the handicapped; stay peaceful with one another while living in a shared living space; hunt and kill only enough to meet your survival needs; be hospitable to guests and relations.
Such a moral code is astounding in its earthly simplicity, and in its relevance to us, even today. These codes reflect how power rightly treats power- and in so doing, increases the chances of survival and even the flourishing of life. To do contrary harms the integrity of one's personal power and may even warp it into something alien and contrary to the human being. True violations of right living create negative side effects and chains of negative consequence that can harm more than just the wrongdoer.
This all comes down to interacting according to the principles of life. How we interact with others matters: a clear consequence of our completely inter-connected nature.
