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Easterly direction she placed the principles by which the people will live.
Southerly direction she placed the principles of making a living.
Westerly direction she placed the principles of thinking, planning, and
gathering of family.
North where placed the principles of rest, contentment, and reverence.
In the East was placed light, in the South was placed water, in the West was placed
wind, and in the North was placed the black wind, the particles of elements (matter)
that gave physical structure to all creation.
Hozho appears to be a life where peaceful words (Hozhooji saad) are spoken, peaceful
thought (Hozhooji ntsahakees) exists, and tranquil society (Hozhooji da iina) exists.
Goals desired from the study of songs, prayers, and teachings of the Blessing Way.
1. To possess the language, thought, knowledge, and teaching of Diyin Dinee and to
live as Diyin Dinee, to seek to be like the Holy People.
2. To live in a harmonious and peaceful way (Hozhooji Kehgo).
3. To learn behavior becoming to Hozho, a state where harmony and peace
abounds.
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East was endowed with dawn (Hayoolkaal), light (Adini diin), and that which gives the
people direction to their life.
Toward the rising sun, dawn, sunlight and that which gives direction were placed. The
Holy People by means of prayer and songs brought forth creation and from them, the
Dine acquired prayers and songs. From this knowledge comes the means of thinking,
awareness, and strength to gain a prosperous and happy life, and obtain favor from the
Holy People.
spirit and body and consequently the people encouraged to the reverence and respect
for them. They were taught to elicit assistance from them through prayer and offerings.
The overriding theme for this direction seems to be respect for nature and all studies
that involved the physical and natural sciences including: Biology, Astronomy, Geology,
Ecology, Physics, and Chemistry.
Western education differs from that of traditional Navajo in placing relatively little
emphasis on respect and reverence for nature.
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The traditional concepts of a harmonious life requires balancing all four categories of
Navajo knowledge so that the individual will have sound beliefs and values to make the
best possible decisions, will possess skill to provide the best living for the family, and
provide good leadership to the family and community, and will have a sense of
reverence for the earth and for all living things and for that which is in the heavens.
The central focus of all learning is where all knowledge from the cardinal directions
converges to promote a peaceful and harmonious life and society: a great central focus
where to know, to admire, and to love are one and the same.
Navajo Community College (1989). Dine Boohooaah Bindiia Dine Philosophy of learning Faculty
Implementation Handbook. Rough Rock Demonstration School. Rough Rock, Arizona.
This booklet was compiled, typed, with attached shield art by Rain-Thunder-Torment for the Indigenous tribal prisoners
of this current Arizona nation-state.