Sacred Heart #28

Welcome, o Supernatural One, o Swimmer,
who returns every year in this world
that we may live rightly, that we may be well.
I offer you, Swimmer, my heart’s deep gratitude.

I ask that you will come again,
that next year we will meet in this life,
that you will see that nothing evil should befall me.
O Supernatural One, o Swimmer,
now I will do to you what you came here for me to do.

Kwakiutl Women’s Prayer of British Columbia (1895)

Here is a beautiful expression of the agreement made between the predator and prey as seen in this three-dimensional reality. This is the true grace before meals. There is always a tense dialogue concerning eating meat and being spiritual. To carry the analogy further, some believe we should only eat fruit that has already fallen from the tree. There is a tremendous guilt that arises in killing to eat. Are we being selfish? How can we survive?

I think this song shows a way that does not impede spiritual growth nor demand abstinence. When we can truly honor those we kill and who thereby give us life, there is a bond forged in which each is fulfilling its dharma. In blessing the those who sacrifice themselves for our benefit, we are also honoring the Source of all blessings.