The Garden of Humanity ＆ The Cruciality of Self-Reflection

The Garden of Humanity & The Cruciality of Self-Reflection

by OhNoItsMook

Introduction

Greetings, everyone.

I have always believed our life on this earth to be sacred, and that our existence here, as well as that of all else that comprises this world, and the value of such, can sometimes be overlooked in the midst of various difficulties we face throughout life. The pressure can be crushing, and the weight of responsibility may wear upon us to extents at which we may question our own capabilities, or even doubt them outright.

Izfet exists in every domain of existence, and we are not immune to it, but we are aware of it. And because we are aware of it, we possess the means to combat it: by cultivating alignment with Ma'at, and transmitting it to the world and its people. On our journey to Theophoros and eventually Theos, we bear the civilizational duty to develop the necessary qualities to develop and uplift ourselves, and consequently humankind.

In order to achieve this, however, I believe it is necessary to confront particular issues that may withhold us from reaching this ideal goal. Isolation from, inner reservations towards, and perhaps even contempt for humanity, and other people in society. Throughout my interactions with people, particularly here within the Temple, I have often seen remarks suggesting the majority of humankind to be absent of any potential for evolution, and comprehensive ability.

In my attempt to align with the teachings of our Virtues and our Liturgical Terms, such as World Improvement, Theoteknia and Pantomysteia, I commence this article with optimism and the wish to inspire our community with a growth-oriented, harmonious, humanitarian outlook toward humanity. I hereby hope dispel negative worldviews, and to assist members of the Temple of Zeus to become more aware of and more aligned with our own core values, but also aware of some of the flaws I have observed us to possess, so that we may rectify any potential blockages regarding how we perceive humanity, and strive to become the Theophoroi that the Gods desire of us to be.

Humanity as a Garden of both Flowers and Weeds

From my personal observations over time, I have taken notice of moments of anti-sentiment from those within our community towards those who are spiritually unaware. Whether it be in the form of lamentation of their faults, lack of initiative to educate or improve themselves, or even bitter condemnation of their ignorance regarding spirituality or the Divine. But recently, I have begun to contemplate upon a particular concept. One might perform their best efforts in order to teach someone something new, or vastly different from what they are accustomed to, but it can take very long for them to actually change a deep-rooted habit they've had for many years.

The same applies to oneself; one can read a sermon or work of philosophical literature that they fully and completely resonate with at the time, but how often does such knowledge sink into and permanently shape one’s habits and subconscious immediately, or directly the day after? Does it not take several re-reads, and reminders often in the form of life experiences that bring one back to what they learned, before one finally starts gradually incorporating it into their own life? And for it to then take some more time still? Do all flowers not bloom at their own time?

If we were to think of humanity as a garden, and ourselves as the flowers who have received water more pure, sunlight more refined, is it not our purpose to inspire and allow other flowers who yet dwell in darkness an opportunity to rise upward along with us? There will always be weeds, and other lifeforms in the garden that jeopardize either the growth of other flowers, or perhaps even their own. But the light of the sun and the Divine awaits those who seek to pursue it, and are provided the opportunity, circumstances, and guidance to do so by those who have experienced it.

One cannot condemn lack of knowledge while providing no efforts to enlighten. To those contemptuous of others for their ignorance, remarking their supposed stupidity, I kindly ask you, what have you done to engage with society and discover more about others, in order to assist them in their learning and development? What have you done to become an inspiration for other people? What were you, before you possessed the knowledge that you do now?

No oak tree has ever scorned an acorn for yet being buried in the darkness of the soil. No Zevist should, in my opinion, exhibit excessive dismay towards people who have only known the darkness of ignorance, while having not even attempted to spread their own light and radiance to those very same individuals they complain of. Contrarily, I believe it is our position to assist in the cultivation and development of those who seek to grow, but do not yet know how, and may benefit from the knowledge, experience, philosophies and disciplines of one who has faced and who is undergoing the ascent of blooming into a Theophoros.

Which leads me to the following conclusion...

My Belief That Being a Zevist, By Itself, Does Not Make One Not an Andrapod

This is the statement that has made me take months, and actually perhaps even years, of contemplation to write this post, as I surmised it may come as a bomb to many people. I withheld this in fear of reprisal, but I shall no longer. I kindly hope for your patience in listening to what I wish to convey.

Allow me to clarify based on my personal understanding, which remains open for correction. Simply put, an Andrapod, generally, is an individual who lives at base-level consciousness, solely oriented around appeasing primal desires such as blind lust, food, sleep, and entertainment, akin to the level of an animal, hence the etymological source word. Such an individual refuses to engage in mindfulness, contemplation, pursuit of higher levels of consciousness or existence, bound to convenience and instant, easy forms of gratification.

Now let us consider what a Zevist truly is, by definition. Dedicating oneself and swearing one's allegiance and sacred oath to Lord Zeus and the Gods, is an initiatory rite in which one acknowledges the ruling intelligences that maintain the order of the cosmos. One has stepped past the door, but the journey is yet to be walked, and a promise is nothing without the deed.

One can cast the God rituals, praise Zeus, but barely meditate, remain unaware of the Ethics (or even unknowingly transgress them outright in some aspects of life), and only contact the Gods once a year when they face trouble in life and rely on Divine intervention. Apart from that, they might utilize the Temple of Zeus solely as an emotional refuge from “the real world” and society, engaging in escapism, and technically false asceticism to an extent, complaining of humanity’s afflictions to others in the Temple rather than utilizing the Temple for its intended purpose: cultivating the necessary Theophoric qualities to elevate the very world and its people that they lament the flaws of.

These particular members of the Temple of Zeus, might continually perpetuate their own negative habits such as consuming unhealthy food, finding reasons not to physically exercise, excessively playing video games or consuming digital media, utilizing narcotics, and indulging in erotic material and deviant psychologies that may spring from such or elsewhere, potentially exacerbated by subconscious dross and traumas they might also rarely be conducting any Purification for.

All while possessing direct access to knowledge and information provided by the Temple itself that would dissolve all of their problems if they were to actually incorporate it into their life.

For the most part, the only difference between these unfortunate examples and the people they themselves often call spiritually unaware ("Andrapods") is that they performed the Dedication and are aware of the Gods' existence, and perhaps write a lot on the forums or in VT. However, by our definition, this example person, despite being a Zevist by rite, is indeed rather ironically exhibiting behavior that we associate with that of an Andrapod, at least until they correct and rectify such to actually befit the position of a Zevist.

The issue in the aforementioned, I believe, apart from the obviously stated, is that this type of example individual, is often the very type I have observed to disregard non-Zevists as godless and ignorant, almost as if to utilize the sole fact that much of humanity is spiritually unaware as a way to compensate for their own lack of efforts and achievements. In other words, projection.

But allow me to raise a point of consideration for such people amongst ourselves: what could one possibly know about another person and the efforts they undertake in order to live in accordance to Ma’at, in their own ways of life, their own cultures and spheres of influence? Have they ever even tried to find out? What do they know about what another person does to live harmoniously with their environment and fellow people?

For example, a Balinese Hindi who lives by the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, based on the idea of harmony with God, other people, and nature, who lights incense at temples, meditates, attends ceremonies, places offerings, praises and consults Ganesha and Vishnu daily, is closer to the Divine than the one who calls oneself a Zevist who merely utilizes the Temple of Zeus as an isolated refuge from society, and complains about the very same society and world that the Gods want them to improve and live in harmony with. Despite the former example not "actually" being a Zevist (at least if we were to assume that the Dedication is the sole prerequisite to becoming one), they are more of a Zevist than the one who merely bears the title but performs no deed. Isn't that interesting?

So... what does this mean?

By my observation, it means that everything in life and nature originates from the Divine, and that there are many other paths that lead to the Gods, apart from our own. The Gods throughout history were acknowledged and revered across many different traditions, in the first place. Which indicates there are many people who either seek to or already do live life like a Zevist to some degrees in their own ways, cultures and traditions they are familiar with, serving Ma’at to the best of their knowledge whether they are aware of the concept itself or not, and can strive to be more in harmony with life and the world than the previously mentioned example “Zevist” despite not actually being a Zevist in the “official” sense, themselves. And that there is no reason to entirely discredit or dismiss another's knowledge, experience, or perspective of life as ignorance just because they are not under our faith by rite.

Most people living life out there, from personal experience of interacting with many on a daily basis, I have discovered to be actually at rung III, Awakened, in the sense they know there is more to life but have not been provided the circumstances or methods to discover exactly what (i.e., spiritual but not religious, or "religious" but as a social formality).

That's where individuals such as ourselves are intended to come in. That's when those of us who strive to embody the Divine and bear the essence of the Gods inspire the best positive qualities in a person that life has to offer to the individuals who cultivate oneself in different areas, and strive to live by Ma'at. And this cannot be achieved through contempt for those of lower consciousness, lesser awareness, or those raised under different faiths, but rather by inspiring them and encouraging the sparking of their own inner flame. This is the radiance of the Theophoros.

I personally believe that only once we tune this discordance between oneself and the people of the external world, can all flowers in the garden of humanity live in harmony, and mutually evolve. Only once we advance and cultivate ourselves, and actively desire to expand our radiance to those in the external world who seek the most out of life but struggle in their own respects to achieve such, can our sunlight reach and nourish the other flowers to their fullest and intended potential, without compromise to, but rather in tandem with our own advancement. They might have been unfortunate to have been born or planted in dryer forms of soil and dwelt in areas of diminished, lesser forms of light, but only together with those who have experienced the brightest sun and purest of water can they be inspired, and begin to grow in the presence of the light of the Divine.

Patience and Education as the Source of Mutual Evolution

I may have mentioned this earlier on in the thread, but through much personal experience, I come to you with the optimistic observation that many of the people that one might bump into or socialize with in public or anywhere, are actually indeed seeking to grow and develop themselves in some way or another, or already taking the steps toward such, but don't necessarily know yet how to proceed. They may be bound by certain cultures, environments, habits, traumas, subconscious baggage, tendencies, life circumstances and other factors dragging them down and preventing them from operating at their true potential, but many do have dreams in life. Goals they strive toward. Hopes.

The issue is that many factors and circumstances in their lives often prevent them from achieving their goals, and I know even many of us here too understand that sensation. The reason we are able to navigate life with greater clarity and awareness, is because we have been provided the philosophies, writings, knowledge, and spiritual practices to assist us in cultivating our existence to the higher degrees that await us.

But are the qualms and predicaments of many in life not something that have existed in society, across humanity, for millennia? Are they, more often than not, concepts that have been contemplated upon by many different philosophers of Ancient traditions? When an individual mourns the seeming ubiquity of injustice in the world, would they not benefit from receiving the insight or perspective of one who has read a work such as Plato’s Republic, and experience learning, insight, and perhaps even hope as a result?

Then, when individuals notice the elevated qualities of a developing Theophoros (a sunflower who has begun to experience the light of the Divine), the growth-oriented ones often often cannot help but express curiosity toward the source of such a person’s knowledge, joy, and energy. This is the radiance of the Divine that one who carries the Gods within them transmits to the world. Perhaps one’s wisdom can come from a potent and enlightening form of literature written by the highest of minds from ancient civilizations, or a particular philosophy exhibited by those who epitomized mastery of the self amidst unfavorable external circumstances, and cultivated the inner strength to be prepared for every fortune.

Others can then search for such information themselves, and experience inspiration that encourages them to delve deeper into relevant concepts, that potentially elevates them in a particular area of life they previously may have stagnated in. Allowing them to experience knowledge that originates from the Divine through works written or philosophies conveyed by Theophoric individuals, without the need to mention the concept of religion or one's affiliation with Zevism at all. Anyone can research works by Aristotle, Plato, Marcus Aurelius, etc,.

The beauty of this is the ability to inspire even people of other faiths and traditions outside our own, simply by exhibiting qualities of possessing elevated levels of consciousness and wisdom, without positing a stance that may make them feel as though one is infringing upon their personal beliefs. Chaotic, emotionally-driven argumentation often described to occur with people of faiths other than our own, only transpire when the self or another individual experiences, or perceives a statement to be forcefully imposing upon their freedom or knowledge, forming a threat to it, or to something rooted in their subconscious. Maintaining composure and patience and approaching subjects as a curious learner, in my experience, avoids nearly any form of emotionally based arguing entirely, allowing all parties involved to learn from one another in a harmonious manner despite one another’s differences in background.

One who vacates the premises of the Cave and beholds the world of Forms, possesses the unspoken duty of bringing the light to those who yet dwell in the darkness of unknowing, does one not? Liturgical terms Pantomysteia (Initiation and knowledge for all), and Theoteknia (humanity as family and mutual children of the Divine), both reinforce and emphasize the understanding that the elevation of society and worldwide alignment with Ma’at, can only occur through our active engagement with and the uplifting of our fellow people in our environments; it is a civilizational duty, and one that will certainly never be achieved if we chase escapism and brew unnecessary contempt for “the ignorant andrapods” or live in perpetual hatred for “the evil yehubor”, while pretending to be God-bearers who isolate from the very civilization we are meant to uplift. According to Plato, the highest duty of a philosopher is to observe the Forms and to return to the Cave to illuminate the others, regardless of the resistance one will inevitably face from doing so.

The radiance of our light, and the warmth of our inner flame, serve as the catalyst for the inspiration and awakening of the flame within others. The Ka of every soul silently yearns for its cultivation, and often times, it only requires a spark transmitted by the flame of those who take the honor of radiating their inner golden resonance to those around them, with the desire to uplift and enlighten civilization.

The Real 'Enemy', Dwells Within

Let us critically ponder for a moment. If Yehuborim refers to individuals who bear the Divine imprint but engage in behaviors and acts that are empty of Divine substance, as well as if we consider the following excerpt from the page of the Liturgical term:

"Yehuborim simulate spiritual grace, not live it. They will practice litanies all day, but they will speak in a hateful tongue. The whole world is seen as their enemy, even those who might be friendly to them, for the identity of Yehuborim is dependent on hatred as a foundational cornerstone."

Then a "Zevist" who fails to embody the qualities of a Zevist, who condemns the world and its people for their ignorance, and is solely driven by hatred toward Yehuborim... is worse than Yehuborim themselves.

Worse than the very people they often deem to be the supposed source and cause of all negativity in the world; their perceived "ultimate adversary".

This is the second bomb, so please allow me to be elaborate and clarify my perspective regarding this.

Let it be clear, I understand that the Yehuborim have created and continue to create conditions that are difficult for people to thrive in, but amidst all that, 1 Theophoros is more powerful than 10,000 of them, so even our current less-than-ideal worldly circumstances are not an excuse for us to shift our focus away from what truly matters: the cultivation of the self. The establishing of Ma'at.

From liturgical term Theophoros:

“The Theophoros is not created by complaining about the Yehubor, but by the practices he undertakes toward that end in cultivating Theophoric instruments.”

The war against Izfet is necessary, but it is not the goal; the goal is the embodiment of Ma’at. Therefore, to dwell on negativity and contempt towards the masses simply because they are unknowing (and in a state of ignorance only because of factors beyond their control or capacity to comprehend)… refusing to believe in or neglecting to even try to entertain the possibility that they possess the capacity for growth due to their potential state of ignorance, lack of intelligence or comprehensive abilities, and spiritual development, is actually Kagoim. And a true Zevist does not engage in an Izfetic pathology.

Additional excerpt from the page on Theophoros:

“…The capacity to combat evil without becoming evil. The Theophoros can identify Izfet, diagnose the Yehuboric pathology, and speak about the darkness of the world with clarity and precision, without becoming consumed by hatred, paranoia, or the desire for revenge. He is master of these states, not their slave. His engagement with evil is diagnostic and clarifying, not obsessive and rooted in victimisation.”

Now, let us examine the counterpart. According to the information of its relevant page, Yehubor is a state of spiritual affliction that does not discern between nation, tradition, or otherwise, which means we are susceptible to exhibiting its essence just as we are not impervious to Izfet, either. Nowhere near invincible to it, and, naturally, I would believe, that there are also different levels and extents of it.

I am willing to bet that the extreme majority of us have had or currently have at least one area of their life, development, or inner world, that Izfet is currently gnawing at and that is succumbing to entropy, and that one is still struggling to rectify and restore balance to, myself obviously included. In fact, the faithful who have sworn allegiance to the Gods, and dedicated themselves to pursuing the Mysteries as a true Initiate, in my opinion bear the most responsibility out of anyone to rid themselves of the corrosive touch of Izfet in every area of existence, in order to reach the state of Theophoros, and become an individual of Divine qualities that brings the knowledge of elevated consciousness to the rest of humanity.

Ideally, we should not possess any room for Izfet just as much as a clear pond should not be muddied by grime if it wishes to maintain pristine transparency.

We have been granted access to forms of knowledge and states of existence (trance, meditation) that allow us to rewire our subconscious, overwrite our own destiny, observe the currents and causes of events in our lives, reshape reality to bring us our needs and desires, destroy traumas and blockages through purification, and strengthen our souls to align ourselves with the forces of the universe in harmony. We possess elaborate articles on historical personas of gargantuan achievement and influence on civilization to serve as figures of inspiration and learning, we possess articulate philosophical sources compiled from different traditions worldwide spanning back thousands of years, in order for us to be able to contemplate on higher concepts and navigate life with utmost preparation for every outcome and potential inquiry. We consistently call upon and invoke the powers of the primordial, ruling Intelligences of the cosmos revered for thousands of years by countless civilizations, who tirelessly assist us in elevating ourselves and those around us in any field imaginable, and are available to us at every moment of the day under any circumstance.

Please, come on.

To neglect this and be consumed by contempt for the masses, “the stupid andrapods” due to their potential ignorance or negative and possibly self-destructive habits, or dwell in hatred for some external "enemy", etc., is a disservice to the capacities of our minds and the potential of our souls. It is not only giving practically irrelevant factors way too much credit and attention in one's own life, but is also in my opinion worse than being the very person who makes mistakes in the darkness of unknowing, since they at least have simply not yet been exposed to the same kind of knowledge and experiences freely granted to us here. But we, have no excuse.

So how, exactly, does hatred toward humans, society, civilization, or the world, improve it or the people in it? Or even oneself? Acknowledging its flaws and perhaps expressing dismay or sadness toward present states of affairs is one thing, and perhaps even a natural outcome as a result of heightened awareness, but consistent dwelling on the negative parts of life and less preferable elements of humanity, I would wager is equivalent to trying to grow a garden, but perpetually lamenting the existence of the parasitic lifeforms, weeds, pests, and other unpleasant factors that would inevitably be present in such an environment. Like going to a rainforest and instead of admiring the trees, mountains and waterfalls, constantly exhibiting paranoia over potential, distasteful variables such as insects, animal droppings, or soil on one’s clothing.

The goal from the beginning was always to raise and cultivate beautiful seeds and flowers so that they may bloom to their fullest potential, regardless of the presence of the other things that may make such endeavors difficult, or the circumstances that make them even a little discouraging.

The True Bearing of the God-Seal

When confusion and darkness reign in a particular area of life, we possess the knowledge for attaining Hierologia and Diaugeia to dispel such. When we recognize the presence of a Pathology, we will understand what Cure to engage in to balance the scales in accordance with our ability and influence. The embodiment of Divine qualities garners inspiration and support from those around you, while granting them a living example of the human capacity to evolve and enlighten civilization when we align ourselves with Ma’at.

Academic study of the Divine alone does not lead to the mutual evolution of people; it is about actual embodiment of it, as well as active engagement in the world with its inhabitants. That is what achieves civilizational evolution.

In fact, the presence of a Theophoros does not merely inspire people, it actively drives and leads to transformation and realization of their capacities.

From its relevant page:

"When a Theophoros appears within a community, a tradition, or a civilisation, the effect upon those who align with him is not merely inspirational. It is transformative at the level of the soul. The Theophoros functions as a spiritual catalyst: his presence activates dormant capacities in those around him, accelerates their development, and enables them to accomplish what they could not accomplish alone, or even in combination with another."

Therefore, I kindly implore you, utilize the extraordinary powers and knowledge we have been granted, to perfect yourself in all areas of life necessary for your development as an individual, in accordance to your nature. Become a radiant sunflower that resonates its golden light outward to inspire those who seek growth but might not know how to pursue it yet. Enlighten the people who bear the seed of the Divine but have not yet experienced the conditions in which it can be cultivated, and become the spiritual catalyst toward such.

Show the rest of the garden that no matter the type of flower, nor the weather, nor the change of seasons, nor anything that may hamper our growth internally or externally, one can experience their utmost potential when the light of the Divine enters and nourishes their lives. And it is our responsibility to allow for such, as actual practicing, growth-oriented Zevists. After all, the purpose of Zevism is the cultivation of Theophoroi, and the elevation of civilization through alignment with Ma’at.

I hope this writing has helped to grant awareness and encouraged introspection in as harmonious a way as possible. I am but a developing flower myself, with thorns and flaws of my own, but I intend to convey my experience and perspective with eloquence and formality, and I desire nothing but the growth of all other flowers in the collective garden of our species, even that of those outside our own perimeters, as long as they seek such, and as long as they are ready.

I hope as many of us as possible can fully live and embody the Cures and the 36 Ethics, and become beacons of light for the seeds, acorns, and budding flowers of the world. The garden of humanity.

May we all eventually succeed in developing the qualities of Theophoroi, or even Hierologoi, no matter how many decades it may require, and strive toward establishing harmony with the world and its people, growing closer to the Gods as a collective family. As their children.

As their flowers.