This is What Goes With You When You Die

Introduction

A speaker shares the teachings passed down by Navajo elders regarding personal responsibilities, character development, and the spiritual journey. These teachings emphasize the importance of kinship, prayer, and character as essential elements of one’s identity and purpose.

Clan Knowledge and Kinship

The elders taught that knowing one’s clan lineage is fundamental. A person should know their mother’s clan, father’s clan, and those of both grandfathers. When introducing oneself, sharing clan information helps establish familial connections, which the Navajo value deeply. This practice fosters a sense of unity within the Navajo Nation, where everyone can see themselves as part of a larger family.

The clan lineage concludes with the statement, “This is what makes me Diné,” signifying that one’s identity is rooted in these relationships. This tradition of identifying kinship is a foundational duty for each person.

Importance of Prayer

The Navajo teaching emphasizes regular prayer to honor the “holy people.” Daily prayers, especially in the morning before sunrise, express appreciation for the gifts of air, water, land, and loved ones. Prayer is viewed as a way to communicate gratitude and uphold a connection to the spiritual world.

One elder humorously explained that as long as one cannot “make their own air,” prayer remains essential. This illustrates that a connection to the holy people and an acknowledgment of life’s blessings are integral to one’s identity.

Building and Developing Character

Developing character, referred to as “hozho” (harmony and balance), is a central teaching. Elders emphasize personal responsibility and integrity as cornerstones of the Diné identity. These qualities are expressed through:

• Respect for family, relatives, and community.
• Kindness in interactions and upholding personal and communal responsibilities.
• Walking the “beauty way path,” which involves continuous growth in mind, body, and spirit, and an understanding of the sacred.

Character is built through consistent actions, which gradually form habits, and ultimately define who one becomes. This is an intentional and lifelong process guided by mindful thoughts and behaviors.

Journey to the Next World

According to Navajo beliefs, when one transitions to the next life, only character accompanies them. Material wealth and social status are left behind. At the entryway to the next world, the individual presents themselves to the holy people and ancestors with their ceremonial name, bestowed upon them by family elders. This sacred name is unique and should be honored throughout life.

In addition, they introduce themselves by their sacred name and acknowledge key relationships, such as that with a spouse, to demonstrate the continuity of their commitments.

Conclusion

The teachings shared emphasize that developing one’s character in this life prepares one for the next world, where kinship and personal integrity are valued above all. These teachings provide guidance on how to live in harmony and prepare for the spiritual journey beyond.