From The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas: Yeshua Said: Recognize what is in front of you, and what is hidden from you will be revealed There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew Ch. 5 -verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 7-10)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verse 16)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 42-48)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew Ch. 6 Verses 31-34)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew Ch. 7 Verses 1-3)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. -- Hebrews 13:2
1 Corinthians 13 (New Living Translation) verses: 1-13
1 If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.
3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud
5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.
9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!
10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
13 There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
THE NINE NOBLE VIRTUES OF ASATRU/NORSE PAGANISM:
Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industry, Self-Reliance, and Perseverance
REIKI PRINCIPLES:
Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will respect all life.
THE (TOLTEC)FOUR AGREEMENTS: By Don Miguel Ruiz
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word 2. Don't Take Anything Personally 3. Don't Make Assumptions 4. Always Do Your Best
The Noble 8-Fold Path Of Buddhism:
1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration
13 Goals Of a Witch:
1. Know yourself 2. Know your craft 3. Learn 4. Apply knowledge with wisdom 5. Achieve balance 6. Keep your words in good order 7. Keep your thoughts in good order 8. Celebrate life 9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth 10. Breathe and eat correctly 11. Exercise the body 12. Meditate 13. Honor the Goddess and the God
The Witches Rede of Chivalry:
In so far as the Craft of the wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind. It behooves all who are witches to act in ways that give respect to the old gods, to their sisters and brothers of the craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:
Chivalry is a high code of honor, which is of most ancient pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow thee old ways.
It must be known that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle-earth will wax strong in otherworlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent for. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "As ye do plant, so shall ye harvest".
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
"This above all...to thine own self be true."
A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus they give word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may not be known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in a large part, a thing of falsehoods.
Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.
The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.
Diverse covens may well have diverse news on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices and abide thereby.
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired. As a Witch thou hast power, and powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen other of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
Thou shall not reveal secrets of another Witch to another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.
Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing and must bear nothing.
Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and with reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
Have pride in thyself and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?" Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest thrones and beyond the very stars.
The Law of Power: by: Scott Cunningham
The power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But, if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life and the lives of others.
The Power is used only as need dictates.
The Power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none.
It is unwise to accept money for use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those of other religions.
Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magic.
Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused.
The Wiccan Rede: (long Version)
Bide within the law you must, In perfect love and perfect trust. Live you must and let to live, Fairly take and fairly give.
For tread that Circle thrice about To keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time Let the spell be said in rhyme
Light of the eye and soft to touch, Speak you little, listen much. Honor the old ones in deed and name. Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, Chanting out the joyful tune. Winddershins go where the moon doth wane, And the warewolf howls by the dead wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, Kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak, Then you heart's desires seek.
Head the North winds mighty gale, Lock the door and trim the sail. When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, All hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes To represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with the might, In the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power, Causing life and magic to flower. Willows at the waterside stand Ready to help us to the Summer-land. Hawthorn is burned to purify And to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning Adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple Tree That brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grown upon the vine Giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen To represent immortality seen. Eldar is the Lady's tree. Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark In the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane, The new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolc shows, Watch for flowers through the snow. When the wheel begins to turn Soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night, Power is brought to magic rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall; Use the sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log; the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day, Time for Ostra to come our way. When the Sun has reached its height, Time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all When the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go Cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, Harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend, Or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should. Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow Wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love; this you must do Unless your love is false to you. These eight words the Rede fulfill: "An ye harm none, Do what ye will."
Sayings Of Odin as found in the Havamal:
Havamal
Abraham Joshua Heschel: A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.
Abraham Joshua Heschel: The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.
Socrates: Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others.
Socrates: Get not your friends by bare compliments, but by giving them sensible tokens of your love.
Socrates: Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.
Albert Einstein: Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein: My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
Alfred North Whitehead: Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.
Algernon Black: Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.
Anne Frank: The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Felix Adler: Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit.
Felix Adler: The unique personality which is the real life in me, I can not gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me, will consent to appear.
Frederick Buechner: Everybody prays whether [you think] of it as praying or not. The odd silence you fall into when something very beautiful is happening or something very good or very bad. The ah-h-h-h! That sometimes floats up out of you as out of a Fourth of July crowd when the sky-rocket bursts over the water. The stammer of pain at somebody else s pain. The stammer of joy at somebody else's joy. Whatever words or sounds you use for sighing with over your own life. These are all prayers in their way. These are all spoken not just to yourself but to something even more familiar than yourself and even more strange than the world.
"I can see no real reason why one cannot be a good enough though unorthodox Christian and a witch at the same time. It seems to me easier than being a Christian and a Communist." - Gerald Gardner 'Witchcraft Today' Page 121.
"The Christian who thinks reincarnation heresy, who will not countenance any form of superstition and belongs to the Sabbath Day Observance League, Would certainly not make a good witch. It is possible that the grandfathers of some of these people may have called their leader the Devil in the days when it was considered rather advanced to talk of the Devil. It may be argued that many witches confessed to signing pacts. Of course, they did, and so would I if I were tortured long enough. Recent experiments by the Nazis have proved that people can be made to say anything under torture. By confessing to dealing with the Devil they were quickly condemned." Gerald Gardner - 'Witchcraft Today' pages 121-122.
A friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty. --- Mahatma Gandhi
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. --- The Dalai Lama
And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret. --- Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius
"Do what thou will, as long as it harms none." - Part of The Wiccan Rede
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Gandhi
"As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him." - Thomas Paine (The Age Of Reason.)
Isaac Bashevis Singer: Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Galileo Galilei: I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
Napoleon Bonaparte: If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.
Thomas Jefferson: Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Louis Kronenberger: There seems to be a terrible misunderstanding on the part of a great many people to the effect that when you cease to believe you may cease to behave.
Swami Vivekananda: You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.
Helen Keller: It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks of ennui.
George Santayana: The Bible is literature, not dogma.
The Buddha: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
One man's theology is another man's belly laugh.
Robert A. Heinlein - American Novelist and Sci-Fi Writer 1907-1988
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