Children of the Maize People

This is really an interesting topic to bring up. I live in the States, and we have a similar opportunity here. Unbeknownst to many in the U.S., our own ancient Native American culture underlies much of our civilization. Not only did they bring us the gifts of corn, tomatoes, potatoes, (and yes tobacco too), but also such ideas as fertilization of crops, many of our countries place names, and even the U.S. constitution was patterned after a Native American constitution.

We have one recurrent Native American figure who would fit the role of the Bodhisattva very well. This is Kokopelli. As an actual person, he first appeared in Central America long ago as a light skinned bearded man who came from across the ocean. He taught peace and compassion, among other things, and significantly changed those early societies for the better. He was known as the Feathered Serpent (however, why this name was chosen for him escapes my memory right now). As his teachings migrated northward, he became known as Kokopelli.

While I’m not suggesting that the Native American pantheon could be transferred into Buddhist iconography, it would not surprise me to find instances where personalities overlap between the two. And in a way, it might be interesting to see some of our country’s Native American influence mingle into what may eventually come to be known as American Buddhism. Certainly though, such fancies take a back seat to thrust and importance of Buddhism itself.