TOTJO Rites

Alexandre Orion wrote: The rites, as it could be made metaphor, are perhaps somewhat like different sectors of a hospital (the TotJO). We come here to heal from the accidents of Life. Yet, given our personal par-courses in getting here, we have all had different accidents. One may need Abrahamic heart-work, or Buddhist brain surgery, or Pagan proctology ( ) but the idea is to get well from the treatment -- not to stay in treatment for the rest of one's Life.

If one takes a modern Western view of treatment. If one takes a different view--the view, for example, that a proper treatment is a lifelong pursuit of wellness--then I disagree with your statement. I have a friend who practices t'ai chi, one who practices yoga, and one who monitors his diet regularly. Each does so with the understanding that by applying such a "treatment" to their lives, they are preventing problems in the future and not simply treating symptoms. The one will not give up yoga when she feels she's flexible enough, only to use it again later. The other won't abandon t'ai chi once her joints and back "recover". And the last one? If she goes back to eating the way she did before, it will be because she has chosen to disregard her goals rather than that he has reached them.

This is how I see the Rites, too. Yes, you may change during your stay. You may learn things you didn't know, and unlearn things you didn't need to know, and your initial Rite/SIG may no longer be something you want in your life. But i isn't that way for everyone, I don't believe. I don't really believe faith is a thing you "grow" out of unless you're presented with new, opposing information.

Alexandre Orion wrote: Now, that said, I'm not suggesting getting in good shape though the Jedi and then ditching us ...

I've heard an alarming number (but still less than ten) say that's "the best thing about TOTJO"; that it opens the doors for you to find out "where you really belong." That bothers me on a pretty fundamental level. If that is a more widespread belief than I have seen, I wonder what could be done about it?

The rites were abandoned as people were giving them far too much importance. Some people still identify with rites because that's how it was before, others emulate their masters. They were replaced with SIGs, which is more about people with common interests. Pureland is Jediism, and since that's the main focus of totjo, it's not a "special interest". I never thought humanist made sense when Jediism's there (or was it for people who "like" Jedi values but don't believe in the Force? Still doesn't justify separation from Jediism imo), Sith was abandoned for various reasons. this leaves pagan, eastern and abrahamic "faith" SIGs. The other forums (philosophy and science) appeared there later on.

ren wrote: I never thought humanist made sense when Jediism's there (or was it for people who "like" Jedi values but don't believe in the Force? Still doesn't justify separation from Jediism imo)

Agreed, it seems an unnecessary distinction. Pure Land Jediism as per the doctrine strikes me as inherently Humanist.

Even the SIGs are not really much of a 'thing' any more. I see them more as discussion areas than specific groups to which one belongs.

The name SIG indicates that anyone can partake in any SIG - it's about having an interest in learning more about something in particular, not about trying to categorize oneself. "I would like to discuss and learn more about Eastern philosophies", not "I AM A BUDDHIST JEDI".

We have three Special Interest Advisors but nowadays they are more there for personal, one-on-one guidance and expertise relating to the SIGs than for doing rolecalls and organizing team-bonding party games :laugh:

What about Shaman rite?
Native American rite?

And, that's one reason why we did away with "rites"...

Can't cover every combination...

Most likely it would have been lumped under Pagan...

Figured as much... Yet these rites could be considered a further or more different form of Pagan... Pagan is too general, considering the depth... :dry:

Sure it is...

And as i said, part of the reason we did away with them...

The world is too vast, beliefs too numerous to be pigeonholed into 5-6 "rites"....

Or 5000-6000 rites....

People love their identities, and it leads away from the idea of "we are all jedi" by further separation...

I agree and see your point Master Jestor

I only am looking out for the ones looking to that... I do not want to do anyone a disservice, is all

Make it a part of your Way, put your "specialty" in your signature or profile, and talk to others of similar interest.

Maybe apply for a "Group" in the My TOTJO section?