ith the Unseen which was the highest expression
of our religious life is partly described in the word bambeday,
literally "mysterious feeling," which has been variously translated
"fasting" and "dreaming." It may better be interpreted as "consciousness
of the divine."

The first bambeday, or religious retreat, marked an epoch in the life of
the youth, which may be compared to that of confirmation or conversion
in Christian experience. Having first prepared himself by means of
the purifying vapor-bath, and cast off as far as possible all human or
fleshly influences, the young man sought out the noblest height, the
most commanding summit in all the surrounding region. Knowing that God
sets no value upon material things, he took with him no offerings or
sacrifices other than symbolic objects, such as paints and tobacco.
Wishing to appear before Him in all humility, he wore no clothing save
his moccasins and breech-clout. At the solemn hour of sunrise or sunset
he took up his position, overlooking the glories of earth and facing
the "Great Mystery," and there he remained, naked, erect, silent, and
motionless, exposed to the elements and forces of His arming, for a
night and a day to two days and nights, but rarely longer. Sometimes he
would chant a hymn without words, or offer the ceremonial "filled pipe."
In this holy trance or ecstasy the Indian mystic found his highest
happiness and the motive power of his existence.

When he returned to the camp, he must remain at a distance until he had
again entered the vapor-bath and prepared himself for intercourse with
his fellows. Of the vision or sign vouchsafed to him he did not speak,
unless it had included some commission which must be publicly fulfilled.
Sometimes an old man, standing upon the brink of eternity, might reveal
to a chosen few the oracle of his long-past youth.

The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors
for his poverty and simplicity. They forget, perhaps, that his religion
forbade the accumulation of wealth and the enjoyment of luxury. To him,
as to other single-minded men in every age and race, from Diogenes to
the brothers of Saint Francis, from the Montanists to the Shakers, the
love of possessions has appeared a snare, and the burdens of a complex
society a source of needless peril and temptation. Furthermore, it was
the rule of his life to share the fruits of his skill and success with
his less fortunate brothers. Thus he ke