Published in 1986, Meditations with Animals was the first bestiary ever compiled from Native Americans showing the guiding roles animals have played in their spiritual history. These stories and poems contain the rites and rituals of a variety of tribes, depicting a world unified by the belief that the animal spirit dwells within each of us. With the power given him by the animals, man can transcend his earthly world and enter into a unique oneness with things seen and not seen by the senses. “In this collection of verse and story", says Thomas Berry in his introduction, "we are brought into the primordial community of the universe, the Earth, and all living things.” "In this collection of verse and story, we are brought into the primordial community of the universe, the Earth, and all living things." ― Thomas Berry, from his introduction NATIVE AMERICAN / SPIRITUALITY These powerful poems and meditations, drawn from Native America legends and stories, bring forth sacred animal spirits and remind us of our deep connection to Mother Earth. In the words of a 101-year-old Santo Domingo Pueblo man who first encountered this book on the lips of his grandson: "Tell the poet he hit the true vein--the old ways are still our ways, and they will never die." Praise for Meditations With Animals "In this collection of verse and story, we are brought into the primordial community of the universe, the Earth, and all living things." --Thomas Berry, from his introduction Praise for Gerald Hausman's earlier work "Hausman's work is spare and suggesting, evoking mood through images in the natural world...his work is influenced both in style and tone by Native American songs...strong, clear, elemental poems..." --Publisher's Weekly Praise for Bear & Company's Meditations With series "These quiet presentations of spirituality are remarkable for their immediacy and clarity." --Publisher's Weekly GERALD HAUSMAN has received high acclaim for his numerous works on Native America subjects. His books include: Meditations with the Navajo, Turtle Island Alphabet, Native American Animal Stories, Ghostwalk, Prayer to the Great Mystery, Navajo Nights, and Eagle Boy. He lives on an island in southwestern Florida. Gerald Hausman has received high acclaim for his numerous works on Native American subjects. His books include: Meditations with the Navajo, Turtle Island Alphabet, Native American Animal Stories, Ghostwalk, Prayer to the Great Mystery, Navajo Nights, and Eagle Boy . He lives on an island in southwestern Florida.