Recently, I've been asked about the meaning of Wakan Tanka in the Lakota language. While Wakan Tanka has often been translated as "Great Mystery" or "Great Spirit", it's more accurate meaning is much more complex.
In traditional Lakota thought, Wakan Tanka is the supreme power of the Universe, but not a supreme being. It is my understanding that the term refers to all the spiritual powers of the Universe, or to say it another way, a collective of spiritual entities whose ways are mysterious and are therefore sacred.
As an organization of sacred entities or spirits, Wakan Tanka becomes a single power. The collective power of all the spirits, are considered as a specific power. This power is infused in all space and time, and is present in all things animate and inanimate. Wakan Tanka can be addressed directly in prayer and ritual, but the influence of Wakan Tanka within the world is diffused through all elements and aspects of the Universe.
Thats was really interesting, id often woundered about the meaning too! I knew it meant great spirit but did not know much else, thanks for enlightening me 🙂
Thank you - nice to hear it explained by someone who actually *knows*...
🙂
Moonfeather
Thankyou for sharing you knowledge Historian.
I don't consider myself an expert on Lakota culture, but I'm willing to share those things I've learned from my Lakota family and elders.