the way The Law of All Things made them. Some men
could never roam about carefree and joyful. Others can. Tell me, which
is it? Do people make the clothes, or do clothes make the people?"
45 Gray Boar laughed. "Lord, you make fun of me! Every man knows that people make the clothes, the clothes do not
make the people!"
46 "I do not make fun of you!" continued The Teacher. "I am trying to
make you understand something. Long ago none of us wore clothes. We
were wild and free. Then, we discovered by covering ourselves with fur
it would protect us from the cold wind, and the damp rain.
47 As time went on, we realized clothes also covered our shortcomings,
those things we didn't want other people to see. And also, the men
found it hid what they treasured from other men. So clothes became a
protection in other ways, besides from the wind and the rain. Do you
understand?"
48 "I am beginning to!" agreed Gray Boar. "You are saying what Shining
Serpent is saying. That clothes are a thing of custom. But what about
The law? It clearly states 'A man shall not come in upon a man while he
is bare, nor, shall a woman come in upon a woman. They shall
not look upon them, or, desire them, for such is shameful before The
Lords.'"
49 "What does Shining Serpent say?" The Teacher asked him, "That this
applies only to men and women knowing each other? It does not apply to
everyday life. Our children are maturing, they are coming away from the
days when they looked upon themselves with shame. They are coming out
into The Light.
50 It will take longer for some to do this than others, and some will
never feel comfortable in the presence of others unless they are
covered. But let those who have learned to be unashamed, be so, as
long as they do not shame those who would be embarrassed