Consider the interrelatedness of everything in the cosmos as it is expressed in many indigenous religions. How do you think the importance of these relationships developed? What spiritual purpose do you think they serve for indigenous peoples?
It looks as if what you need to do is learn how to conduct thorough and effective searches for yourself. That's what research is, and I'm sure that's what your teacher expects you to do – conduct research. You are searching for information that is so specific that you have to be prepared for the possibility that none of it may be online. Or some may be, and some may not. In addition to searching on the Internet, you also need to make best friends with the reference librarian(s) in your local or college library.
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
At this webpage, you can go immediately to the search sites (first three columns across the top) -- or even better you can scroll down until you see the section called HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET. Those are the links to start with. You'll not only learn how to come up with good search terms, but also how to evaluate the webpages you get as results. Some will be good and others will be garbage. You need to know how to tell the difference.
My favorite way to search is to go to Google's advanced search page http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en and put my search words or phrases into the first or second search box (either "all the words" or "exact phrase"). However, there many other strategies for searching you can use, and the HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET section will help you best.
Learning to use Google or other search engines can save you time and help you learn to find information efficiently. Here are some websites that can teach you how:
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/FindInfo.html
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/searchtips.html
http://www.pandia.com/goalgetter/index.html
http://websearch.about.com/mbody.htm?once=true&COB=home&PM=112_100_T
... and one to help you judge whether a particular website's information is worth your time:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/evaluate.html
Happy searching.
=)
PS -- Be sure to decide on which indigenous religion or culture you are going to concentrate on. The whole topic is a very broad one, and can include cultures on all the continents.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_people
Man has longed to answer: Why am I here? What happens to me? How do I fit into everything?
Religion focuses on those questions.
I believe the relationships developed through the spiritual elders, who lived among each generation. They developed with the experience gained, discovering that harmony could bring them together. The relationships developed in people experiencing different parts of life and using the observations to reach a conclusion. The conclusions that they formed provided a spiritual purpose by explaining your everyday situation with a larger concept. Many religions have different beliefs but they share the same goals.
Thank you for all the great information! I will certainly put it to good use! :o)
The interrelatedness of everything in the cosmos is a fundamental concept in many indigenous religions. These belief systems often emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings, including humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. The concept of interrelatedness, sometimes referred to as a "web of life," acknowledges that everything is connected and that the actions of one entity can have far-reaching consequences on others.
The importance of these relationships in indigenous religions has developed over centuries through observation, reflection, and experiences within their natural environments. Indigenous peoples have often lived in close proximity to nature, relying on the land, water, and other resources for their survival. Through this close connection with the natural world, they have come to recognize the intricate balance and interdependence of all living things. They have witnessed firsthand the ripple effect that their actions can have on the environment and the well-being of their communities.
For indigenous peoples, the recognition of interconnectedness serves a spiritual purpose that goes beyond mere survival. It forms the basis of their spiritual practices and beliefs, shaping their understanding of the world and their place within it. By acknowledging the interrelatedness of everything, indigenous peoples cultivate a deep sense of respect, responsibility, and reciprocity towards the natural world.
The concept of interrelatedness also underpins indigenous peoples' spiritual understanding of their own identity and the relationships with their ancestors and future generations. They perceive themselves as part of an interconnected lineage, where their actions affect not only the present but also the past and future.
In this way, the importance of relationships in indigenous religions serves to foster a profound sense of stewardship and reverence for the Earth and its inhabitants. It encourages sustainable practices, harmony with nature, and a deep understanding of the consequences of human actions. Ultimately, these beliefs and practices seek to maintain balance and harmony within the natural and spiritual realms, contributing to the well-being and flourishing of indigenous communities and the planet as a whole.