Benjamin Thomas is a talented sculptor of the Wolf Clan - Mohawk Nation ~ O yehn da de ka. His work honours the traditions of the Haudenosaunee, the People of the Longhouse. His sculptures are about ideas and his messages are political and cultural. Thomas creates images that are compelling, very beautiful, and thought -provoking. He has lived his life in the traditions of his people and he has always been most conscious of the dilemna of native people living in two worlds. Ben has said that his ability to "make things", sometimes called"art", has provided an arena for expressing a unique way of looking at the world. Many people are unaware of issues affecting our world. It is important that there is understanding between those two worlds. Benjamin Thomas has a very special gift. His sculpture is a gift, a spiritual communication of spirit. Ben's work is exhibited in museums, galleries and private collections in Canada, in the USA and in Europe.
Prayer to the Four Directions:
Creator, It is I. Thank you for today’s sunrise, for the breath and life within me, and for all of your creations. Creator, Hear my prayer, and honour my prayer. As the day begins with the rising sun, I ask, Spirit keeper of the East, Brother Eagle, Be with me. Fly high as you carry my prayers to the Creator. May I have eyes as sharp as yours, so I am able to see truth and hope on the path I have chosen. Guide my step and give me courage to walk the circle of my life with honesty and dignity. Spirit keeper of the South, Wolf, Be with me. Help me to remember to love and feel compassion for all mankind. Help me to walk my path with joy and love for myself, for others, for the four legged, the winged ones, the plants and all creation upon Mother Earth. Show me it is right for me to make decisions with my heart, even if at times, my heart becomes hurt. Help me to grow and nurture myself worth in all ways. Spirit Keeper of the West, Brown Bear, Be with me. Bring healing to the people I love and to myself. Bring into balance the physical, mental and spiritual, so I am able to know my place on this earth, in life and in death. Heal my body, heal my mind and bring light, joy and awareness to my spirit. Spirit Keeper of the North, White Buffalo, Be with me. As each day passes, help me to surrender, with grace, the things of my youth. Help me to listen to the quiet, and find serenity and comfort in the silences as they become longer. Give me wisdom so I am able to make wise choices in all things which are put in front of me, And when time for my change of worlds has come, Let me go peacefully, without regrets, for the things I neglected to do as I walked along my path. Mother Earth, Thank you for your beauty, And for all you have given me. Remind me never to take from you more then I need, and remind me to always give back more than I take.
