A long time ago, when the Great Spirit sent wise teachers to walk among the people, there was one named Joshu. He was not a man of great wealth or power, but his heart was pure, and his spirit was strong. He walked gently on the earth, teaching the people about the way of harmony—the balance between the Great Spirit, the earth, and all living things.
Joshu’s words were like a soft wind that cools the face on a hot day, simple yet full of wisdom. He taught the people to love one another, to care for the weak, and to walk humbly. He said, “Worship Jehovih the Great Spirit, who is the source of all life. Live in peace, and honor the sacredness of Creation.” Joshu lived his life as a perfect example, showing the people that true power comes not from force but from love and service.
As time passed, the memory of Joshu’s teachings became like a story whispered from one person to another, growing less clear with each telling. Some who heard of him turned his life into a tale of miracles and power, reshaping his message to serve their own desires. They lifted him high, calling him a god, instead of following his way of humility.
In the teachings of the Oahspe, Joshu’s true message is one of simplicity and harmony, not one of empires being built in his name. The Great Spirit never intended for one man to be raised above all others, but for all to walk the sacred path together. Some who follow the ways of the New Testament may have forgotten this, turning Joshu into something he never claimed to be.
The story reminds us, as Native people often say, that the truth of the Great Spirit is not in grand displays or the words of many men but in the quiet voice that speaks in your heart. The Great Spirit’s messengers come to guide, not to be turned into idols. Joshu was such a guide, and his way calls all to live humbly, love with sincerity, and honor life.
If we seek the real Joshu, we must look not to the stories told by others but to the quiet teachings he left behind—a path of simplicity, humility, and oneness with Creator. Let us walk that path, honoring his memory in the way he lived, not in how others have tried to make him into something he was not.
Teachings of Joshu
1 These are the teachings I shared through Joshu, My messenger:
2 Walk in the sacred ways of the Ten Laws given to the tribes through Moses.
3 Bring no harm to others through war, nor take part in its ways.
4 Take no life for food; eat not the flesh of animals, fish, birds, or any living creature that the Creator has made.
5 Live together in families, as the ancestors of the Israelites did, sharing all things as one people.
6 Bow to no chief or ruler, for the Great Spirit alone is worthy of your reverence.
7 Do not call upon the spirits of the unseen for worship, nor seek their counsel for earthly matters.
8 Love your neighbour as yourself, and treat others as you would wish to be treated.
9 Repay wrongs with kindness and show mercy to those who fall into sin.
10 It has been said, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” but I tell you to repay evil with good.
11 If one strikes you, turn and offer your other cheek as well.
12 Let each man take but one wife, and each woman but one husband.
13 When children honour their parents, the family will walk in peace and abundance.
14 Remember, all life belongs to the Creator, and you are His hands to serve one another.
15 When you serve your brothers and sisters, you serve the Great Spirit.
16 See only the goodness and wisdom in others; their faults are not yours to judge.
17 Each person walks their path with the Creator, who alone sees their heart.
18 Call not on the names of gods or lords for worship; give your devotion to Jehovih alone.
19 When you speak to the Creator, let your prayer be like this:
20 “O Jehovih, who rules the heavens and the earth, sacred is Your name. May it be honoured by all. Give me what I need for this day, and forgive my failings as I forgive those who have wronged me. Keep me strong to resist what leads me astray. All glory belongs to You, now and forever. So be it.”
21 Tend to the sick, the suffering, the weak, and the blind. Care for widows and orphans, and keep your life free from stain. These are the ways to walk in the Creator’s light.
22 Do not meddle in the governments of men, but live in harmony with their laws out of respect for the Great Spirit’s will.
23 All people are children of the One Father, the Great Spirit, and those who choose to follow Him and keep His ways are His chosen.
24 To protect the path of the chosen, take as your spouse only one who walks the Creator’s way.
25 Argue not over beliefs or possessions, for these things lead only to strife.
26 Let your words bring joy to others, and speak not if your words would cause pain.
27 Speak with care, teaching through kindness and love, showing respect to all people.
28 Honour the sacred days of worship, and the ceremonies, and the rites of the chiefs that preserve the truth of the ancient ways.
29 For three years, Joshu walked among the people, teaching and restoring the ancient path.
30 More than two thousand of the children of Israel gathered in groups of tens, twenties, and fifties, renewing the old ways of Moses and following Joshu’s teachings with steadfast hearts.
(Eskra 44:1-30)