Partially inspired by this:
But as well as a lot of things.
I come to realize regarding that, that the world's religions do have some degree of truth to them. So I decided to come up with a religious concept, that is not quite original, but should be stated now.
As I mentioned in that article, I've basically without realizing it until recently, that I've applied Jeet Kune Do philosophy, to my faith. So I thought "Huh, good idea. Maybe others might be interested in at least hearing it." So applying said philosophy I came up with my own concept. It's kinda similar to Unitarianism, but hopefully less sloppy. I give you:
合併精神之道: Hébìng Jīngshén Zhī Dào: The Way of The Incorporated Spirit
Now this concept is not meant to make you ditch your core beliefs, that is not the intention, so if you feel offended by what I am about to say, I deeply apologize. This concept however borrows from Jeet Kune Do Philosophy right down to the creed:
- Absorb what is useful.
- Reject what is not.
- Add in what is essentially your own.
As well as the main tenet: "Using No Way as Way; Having No Limitation As Limitation."
This concept is no different, only instead incorporating what you feel was right in your respective religion as well as others outside your circle, but reject what you don't feel was right about it and at the same time, adding your own personal link to the mix. In my case, I Incorporated the best of Christianity, Native, Judaism and Wiccan, in my overall religious palette. Rejected what most including myself dislike about said religions, specifically all the shit that talks about war and other violence in their name. I also incorporated both Western and Eastern Zodiac, into it, both because it's scarily accurate lately, but as for the latter. I gotta pay tribute to Bruce Lee on that one. He had a glimpse of what life should be like, but it was up to us to interpret everything he said our own way.
Now like every concept, there are rules, but they are simple to follow and I shall put them out now:
- Whatever core belief you have, use it as your base. Whether your Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Witch, Native or even the lack thereof, such as Atheist, has a place for this, because while they believe in strictly science, I believe even in their own way, they stumbled upon half of life's mysteries. Incorporating a little Buddhism here, but it's like a Bonsai tree. You have strong roots, but eventually you have to branch out. The tree chooses how to grow, just like how you choose how you grow.
- Don't be afraid to even look at the other ones. One of the biggest things in religious debate, is that we often refuse to see the other side of the argument, no matter who thinks they're in the right or wrong. There have been some sects of certain religions, Christianity included, that try to scare people out of having an open mind. Anyone who's went to church would say something like "If you're reading the Torah or the Quran, you're going straight to Hell." There are some people, smart people whom would think. "That's bullshit. We should worship God (Or whatever), our own way." While others think "Well this person is a Priest/Rabbi/Imam, maybe they're onto something." Humans do not speak for God or whatever is out there, that is left to those deities themselves. Reading the other texts outside your religion could either, see things their way or enlighten your own personal beliefs. The possibilities are endless. Part of what made me open minded, was because I did look into as many religious books as possible and I took out was wrong to me and kept what was right.
- Find common ground. We as a species for all intents and purposes are alike in many ways, some of which we don't even know about. Certain religions have certain taboos, that forbid them to eat certain foods. The popular being Pork and Shellfish, just to name a few. Find the foods you guys can both eat and simply swap recipes. Little known fact about me, to save money, I bought Halal blessed brand hot dogs. A lot of people I know, whom are somewhat Islamaphobic wouldn't eat the stuff for one reason or another. So I joked about it to them mostly to mess with them, saying "You're not gonna turn Muslim if you eat their hot dogs." or any product under the name. Me I would treat it the same if it were a Kosher Hot Dog. If it's cheaper than the other brands and your life depends on it, buy it. It's not gonna convert you even if it is blessed. You choose if you want. Blessing is based on belief, so if you believe eating certain blessed meat is ok with you and it saves you money, then what's the problem? But it's not just food. A lot of cultures often use similar materials for all their walks of life. Fashion, Religion, Politics, you name it. A lot of them despite their differences use the same materials for their clothes, the same plants for their rituals and vote for the same person, based on their personal beliefs. Find that common ground and you could literally be drinking buddies with the Devil themselves and not end up in Hell.
- If it comes from you, it's always the right way. Most people are sticklers for traditions, when it comes to worshiping what they worship. Christians, Muslims and Jewish have their respective Churches, Mosques and Synagogues, whereas others prefer to do their stuff either alone at home, or outside in tune with nature. The way I see it, if you do have faith, no matter where you go, no matter what you do, whatever you worship is always watching. So take the time even a small amount to pray, meditate or whatever you all usually do. Hell, I seen many many shopkeepers in my years take a break from work, just so they can face Mecca and Pray. Others of different walks of life have small statues and other images of worship that they brought from their own home. For example, there was a pizza place that was run by Chinese Buddhists, but later run by Muslims. Yet despite that statue being a contradiction of their practices, they left it be and even put offerings to it out of respect not just for Buddha, but for the people that owned the store before. Now why does that sound familiar? Because there was a similar concept in Raiders of The Lost Ark, in which the Medallion for the Staff of Ra used old measurements as part of a clue to find the Ark of The Covenant. Specifically the staff was supposed to be "6 Kadam High and take back one Kadam to honor the Hebrew God who's Ark this is." In all sense of logic, that Pharoah shouldn't fear or respect the Hebrew God, because to the Pharoah, that God shouldn't even exist. Yet followed those rules exactly, out of fear that it might. And considering what that Ark is capable of......he did the right thing. To put it simply, even in the world of Fiction, differing believers do sometimes follow the rules of others. Be it out of fear or respect. Which leads me to the next rule.
- Truth is Stranger Than Fiction. Now this concept does not just apply to the known religions. This applies to other aspects that have been disregarded as not real. Such as fictional works. Movies, Books, Comics, Manga, TV Shows, Web Shows and the like. Each work is a reflection on how it's creator sees the world and how they like to change it. When I was younger, people told me that Comic Book Superheroes became the Modern Myths. In place of Hercules, Sampson and the like, there is Superman, Batman, Spider-Man. But now that I look into it further, there is more stranger truth to these fictions. In terms of DC Comics as a whole, their main schtick was to make heroes we aspire to be like. It's why Superman's always a God and Batman is always Rich. They are the people we do in our own ways want to be like, however, if we focus too much on those extremes, we never get the message. Case in point Batman. They made him rich because they wanted someone outside the usual demographics to endure the same pain and suffering we all had regardless of wealth and status: The loss of loved ones and what we do about it. In Bruce Wayne's case, rather than simply retreat into his wealth and live the life simply as a billionaire playboy, he used his wealth and connections to do a two pronged approach, with the goal being to make Gotham so safe, that families don't have to walk in alleyways in fear. Using Batman to scare criminals and Bruce Wayne to give them a better alternative to their lives of crime. It's why I got so pissed when they compared him to Trump. They just didn't get it. With Superman, he is a God, but he prefers people treat him no different than the average person. He doesn't want worship, he simply wants to make Earth better than Krypton and inspire others to help him. He could have cleaned things up in a snap, but there wouldn't be the point of him being there. Then you have Marvel Comics. While they have lost their way recently, the core message is buried there. People you can relate to. The heroes in the stories save for a few, come from all walks of life. Businessmen, Soldiers, Reporters, you name it. Every job you seen or heard about, they done. But none so much hammered to the point, than Spider-man. This was a guy whom literally went through the mother of all ringers in both sides of his life, yet continued to keep going and keep positive, even in moments where he himself gave into anger. He's the guy that tries to live up to the standards of the DC Heroes, no matter how much it cost him. Kinda like a certain biblical figure whom no matter what was thrown at him, he still kept keeping his faith in God. But much like Job, I hope Spider-Man eventually gets a well deserved happy ending. Even if I don't live to see it and the stories continue on long after I die of old age.
- Incorporate your superstitions. Now this is a little different than religion, because while it does share with religion, this applies to many minor superstitions and omens that one probably either made up themselves or learned from other superstitious people. For example. One person suggested I put a box of Table Salt in my cupboard. I thought she was merely offering me a seasoning and I politely declined, but she told me, that even if I'm not using salt to eat, I keep it in my cupboard anyway. She said, that as long as I have salt in my cupboard, I won't go broke. I never questioned it, but for good measure I bought my own salt. It was iodized sea salt, but that made things better, because on top of getting it, it was salt I could use for both health and rituals. So needless to say even if it didn't work the way she said it would work, it did work for me, in other aspects of life. If you know anyone that tells you of certain superstitions good and bad. At least consider it. Even if it's not what you believe, it may help you in your core beliefs and own superstitions one way or another.
- As long as it makes you happy, fuck what anyone else says. This one is kinda personal, but I managed to use that to stop a conflict once. Many people who try to argue against your core beliefs, often don't get how said beliefs make one happy, in tune and above all else, the true meaning of blessed. Fuck all of them. Anyone that says your brainwashed, is not worth your time, because they don't respect your beliefs. Anyone that says you're full of shit, you know your truth, that's what matters. As long as what you believe, makes you happy and appreciative of the things in your life, then all the better for it.
I'll probably come up with more things, later on the line, but until then, this is the basic concept. You can interpret it how you wish or not use it at all. Other than that, take care, stay safe and stay tuned for more.
Also I'm writing a book on this to expand on the ideas.
KhaosKitsune617
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