Sacred Pipe Healing

[aceofcups]

Hello, the following was from a hand-painted tee-shirt I had done a few years ago, at the retreat center I lived at for many years --  we use to do a number of Native American camfires, pipe ceremony and sweat-lodge ceremonies....I recently updated it on computer to make it into bookmarks to bring out to Montana this summer... Like to share it here:

peace
Aceofcups

[donq]

Hi Ace,
I wish I could have a chance try that pipe one day. Thanks for sharing.

[Ishtahota]

Any pipe carrier can perform the ceremony for you.

[donq]

Hi Ishtahota,

Yes, agree. Thanks.

I have been smoking pipe for almost 20 years. But for the last few years I have felt the difference between a normal pipe and a long one and kind of prefer the latter. It really made the different feeling inside me, even I still used the same (cheap) native tobacco.
It would be great if I can turn my normal pipe smoking into the ceremony.

[aceofcups]

hi,,just my random thoughts

i don't think the size of pipe is main idea that Ishtahota was sharing,,, but the Ritual Intent from one who has been initiated into doing sacred pipe ceremonies. The Pipe and Holy Smoke acts as a conduit of communication between Spirit or Higher Beings and one's Being and out to Others. Some believe we can make our own rituals to connect, others believe only the initiated can do a true pipe ceremony... What do you believe?

one can somewhat relate it to taking part in a Communion Ritual.

it also reminds me of taking part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony... where there also the whole process becomes a sacred meditation... less so about what type of tea one drinks, or the cups etc.

peace
aceofcups

[donq]

Hi again ace,

Yes, agree with you and Ishtahota. On my previous post, I just felt a bit uncomfortable to talk about smoking pipe as people today seem to disgust about smoking. I know and accept that it’s not good for health. But what I cannot say (to them, not to our friends here) is there’s something more than just narcotic inhaling. Again, they would only see that this is just my excuse to smoke.
I have had chronic pain (after big operation) for more than 28 years now. Smoking is one way to relieve this pain. (Yes, meditation, too.) Every time I smoke, it’s not just only my tobacco addiction but my concentration, too. I go deeper and deeper into my mind. There’s a Buddhist mindfulness called, Anapanasati, awareness based on breathing. I have been practicing this mindfulness for more than 30 years now. So, yes, I believe that “The Pipe and Holy Smoke acts as a conduit of communication", in my case, between I and my higher self/awareness, hence mindfulness.
Yes, agree about Japanese Tea Ceremony. As for my case, real mindfulness/awareness should be there in anything I do, to observe myself. This reminds me of a Zen story about someone who was eating his meal without eating (without knowing its taste at all) because his mind was so occupied by so many things/thoughts.)
Oh! I’ve diverted. To answer your questions, I think it depends. Some might need ceremony, other might not as they could turn their ordinary routines into ceremony, like drinking tea etc, as you mentioned.