Our basic beliefs are the following:
- "Transcendence" is defined as the "gap" between the apparent sum of individual material parts, and the actual observed sum of those parts. This gap is the realm of "spirit".
- Therefore, all who seek transcendence through spiritual practice are practitioners of the Dao, whether they realize it or not.
- There are three "layers" of existence: 土(hyle), 気(pneuma), 心(psyche). All objects that exist possess at least a hyle nature, all living things possess hyle and pneuma, and all conscious beings possess hyle, pneuma, and psyche.
- The source of psyche is unclear, it may be endowed to conscious beings by god, or it may be the natural product of a mind which has evolved to a sufficient level of complexity as to be conscious of itself. In either case, if sentient aliens, for example, exist, then they must also possess these three natures.
- Discord among these three natures is the source of much sentient suffering, and concord between them is the simplest/lowest form of enlightenment.
- Some beings possess an innately transcendent buddha nature, such as Amitabha and Christ. Even entities of pure hyle are capable of attaining this nature, though.
- There are many incarnations of such beings throughout the times and worlds. They may all be the same being, they may not.
- Consciousness is a product of psyche, and therefore cannot be an illusion. For something to be an illusion requires there to be a consciousness to perceive it and to perceive that their initial perception does not match reality. It is possible that reality is far different from our perceptions, but the one undeniable thing is that we exist as conscious perceivers.
- Anything that brings the three natures closer to alignment can be considered a form of 修行. Examples include prayer, meditation, exercise, creating art, etc.
- ZUN is a prophet and traps are gay.
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