Logos

Logos is a religious school of wisdom philosophy and spiritual guidance, which is the indigenous, pantheistic, spirituality of Miskitu. Its name comes from an old Miskitu word meaning inspiration or enlightenment. Due to its long association with the Miskitu people, it has to a large degree influenced the cultural development of the nation, which shares many Logos traditions and cultural heritages. Its followers, called Logi, believe that the universe has its own physis, a divine energy which connects and binds all living beings and that a life can only achieve true meaning and happiness when in accord with Nature - their god, through the use of reason and Logi . Logos generally promotes harmony and worship of nature, and respect for all beings, including the environment. Logos adheres to a naturalist philosophy and believe that Nature is governed by laws which are immutable, that is, they are unchanging, unbending and unyielding.

We will keep the faith until the sky falls upon us and crushes us, Until the earth opens up and swallows us, Until the seas arise and overwhelm us. Until it is the end for all of us. Yet it is only the beginning...And fear doesn't belong here.

Three things from which never to be moved, One's Oaths, One's God, and the Truth. The three highest causes of the true human are, Truth, Honor, and Duty. Three candles that illuminate every darkness, Truth, Nature, and Knowledge. And Honor above all! Traditional Logos saying

Logos Philosophy

The four cardinal virtues of Logos philosophy are wisdom, courage, justice and temperance.

Self Control

Logos teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason and the belief that it is virtuous to maintain a will that is in accord with nature. A primary aspect of Logos involves improving the individual's ethical and moral well-being. This principle also applies to the realm of interpersonal relationships.

Cosmopolitanism

For the Logi all people are manifestations of the one universal spirit and should live in brotherly love and readily help one another. They held that external differences such as rank and wealth are of no importance in social relationships. Instead they advocated the brotherhood of humanity and the natural equality of all human beings. Logi are historically noted for their refusal to keep slaves and respect for women, minorities and the disabled, who they considered to have come from the same stock and to whom they are connected.

Rationality

The Logi believe that rational choices should always lead us to behave virtuously, and thus wisely, courageously, justly and temperately. These choices – along with our attitudes, emotional responses and mental outlook – are up to us to control. they cannot be forced to have beliefs, form judgments or attempt actions without consciously, voluntarily choosing to do so. In short, these mental activities are up to us.

Events in the world, on the other hand, including all the beliefs and actions of other people, are essentially not in our control. Since people all naturally want to be happy, the rational way to live is to train ourselves to limit our desires and concerns to what is up to us, and not to worry about, fear or get upset by things that are not up to us. The central idea is to try to do the right thing, in every situation, without losing one’s calm, becoming frustrated or getting angry.

Logi believe that if they strive every day to do their best, then they can accept the rest. That is, they can rightly take satisfaction in the lifelong enterprise of maintaining rational judgments and attempting virtuous actions. Moreover, they can respect ourselves for the moral progress they achieve, and thus enjoy peace of mind and happiness regardless of how events in the world unfold. After all, they are responsible for what they try to achieve, but not for the outcomes of our attempts since those outcomes are subject to chance factors.

Reason & Logi

Logos ethics are based upon physics and supported by Logi . Logi believe that while it is unreasonable to suppress emotions, it is about changing one's inner experience so one does not suffer excessively. They seek to transform emotions through reason and Logi , enabling a person to develop clear judgment and inner calm. Logi , reflection, and concentration are the methods of such self-discipline. Only a true Logi sage never suffers. That person is a myth, the ideal of the Logosis. No one has ever claimed to be an Logi sage, and so far as they know there has never been such a one. All others suffer and express it, but the goal is to understand why suffering is unnecessary: all emotional excess is a faulty judgment about the nature of reality and our place within it.

The Logi believe that all people are imperfect except for the perfectly wise. Therefore, every person had the possibility to commit wicked acts. Followers also believe every action had a voluntary component; that is, even an impassioned action required that the person assent to acting out of their passion. For that reason, Logos holds the individual responsible for all of their acts. That said, many adherents considered that wickedness was often the result of a lack of understanding or that what one person may consider a wicked act by another might be justifiable. Because of that, Logos looked to the guidance of reason to educate people away from committing further wickedness or to understand the rational justification behind acts.

Hardships

Some adherents teach that hardship is a blessing because it causes a person to test the development of their virtue. They believe it would be foolish to seek out hardship, but if one are fated to face hardship, one should view it as an opportunity to develop the appropriate attitude.

Pluralism

Pluralism, is one of the most important and fundamental doctrines of the Logos faith. It refers to the multiplicity of viewpoints, and to the notion that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse points of view, no single one of which is complete. It encourages its adherents to consider the views and beliefs of their rivals and opposing parties. Proponents apply this principle to all aspects of life, reminding themselves that anything that clings too dogmatically to its own tenets is committing an error based on its limited point of view.

Religious Beliefs

Followers of the Logos faith are pantheistic, to them god is singular, one, the whole, a philosophical god, known as Nature, which is both providential and conscious. Their god is Nature or the Earth itself.

In essence they accept scientific reason and theory related to the creation of the world, which over time has changed as scientific knowledge has advanced. However they also believe that at the dawn of creation in addition to the stars and planets there was created a form of divine energy which binds all creation together, generated by Nature and running through each person, animal or thing, connecting them together. This links all creatures and objects to each other creating one Earth Soul.

They believe that a person guided correctly by reason would recognize that the universe has its own Physis and the ability for this energy to manifest itself. That is the reason why people suffer some hardships; sickness and death are contrary to a human being’s physis, but are perfectly consonant with the physis of the universe, in an eternal cycle of life and rebirth. Therefore, a person guided by perfect reason would recognize the propriety of the hardship and submit to it without grief. They call this providence, the purpose to which things develop, aimed at the good order and maintenance of creation.

There is no evil force in Nature. Nothing exists beyond the natural, therefore it is up to the individual to choose to be ethical not because of divine judgment but because reason and virtue so dictate that human happiness can only be obtained in such a manner. All beings are connected by the Earth and so all should be treated fairly. There is a responsibility toward the environment and a harmony should be found with Nature.

They believe that the primary impulse of all creatures is to love and care for the self above all else and only through reason can mankind's ethics evolve to the highest ethical behavior, love for another even to the detriment of the self, altruism.

They believe that everything is linked and bound together through a divine energy which flows from nature through all things. Thus all things share a common soul. Unethical actions affect the balance of the Earth Soul and which an in turn create unbalance in the concerned persons life. As such a virtuous life, guided by reason is necessary for personal as well as universal balance and harmony.

They do not believe in any divine revelation or saving grace.

Afterlife

Logos fundamentally rejects the supernatural world. Its followers believe that the human physis tends toward death, not due to our will but the will of the universal physis of Nature, so death was accepted as being in accordance with nature and as a thing to be accepted rather then feared. They further believe that their creator, which is nature itself has no concern for the hereafter or the supernatural. as such they do not believe in an afterlife. They believe that a person only lives one time, rejecting the notions of a "heaven" or "hell" and believe that it is their purpose to look at life and death in a rational, fearless manner. In doing so, they believe they will then be more capable of concentrating on the positive aspects of living the good life.

Organizational Structure Of Logos

Logos places emphasis on the individual’s relationship with Nature. This relationship, in turn, defines their relations with everyone, which brings about justice, organization, and social harmony.

Logos is not specific as to who can become a scholar. Anyone with enough intelligence, study, and determination can strive to become a scholar, but not everyone will have the time and resources to do so. All people should strive to learn as much as possible, while recognizing that each individual must develop a personal relationship to Nature. Both men and women can be study to become scholars.

Individuals nations or communities may construct Logi schools and universities where learning can take place. Since there is no central funding or authority all funding must come from the local community, charitable groups or national governments. There can be some differences between schools however all must agree with basic tenants of promoting Logi and reason in accordance with Nature.

The greatest school of Logi leaning is the Sodan Logi University which Logi scholars from across the region attend. Each year the University holds a conference were debates and conflicts between various schools are discussed and a consensus formed. Those schools which do not conform can be condemned and as such loose much respect and perhaps authority.

The scholar plays a critical role in Logi society. He or she devotes years to the study of Logos. Scholars cannot forgive sins, bless people, or change the law of Nature. They impart the information they have acquired by the nobility of their character and the Logi of their words and actions. They inspire others to be better.

Using the word cleric or minister to describe a scholar would be wholly incorrect. There is no formal clergy, no ordaining body, and no hierarchy. The relationship between the individual and Nature is a direct one. All are equal before Nature, bound by divine energies. No person can bless another. Each individual is directly accountable to Nature.

One visiting a Logi school, a cleansing room or prayer service may see a person leading the congregational prayers. Whenever Logi pray together, they must select one individual to stand in front and lead the others in prayer so that all might pray in unity and harmony. It is best to select a person who has the most knowledge of Logi customs. This is normally an Logi scholar and community leader who is commonly known as an elder as a mark of respect, not as a sign of any authority over the over followers.

Logi Services & Festivals

Logos is not just a set of beliefs or ethical claims, it is a way of life involving constant practice and training. Logi philosophical and spiritual practices include Logi dialog, contemplation of death, training attention to remain in the present moment and daily reflection on everyday problems and possible solutions. It is an active process of constant practice and self-reminder which takes place both at home and as part of the weekly service.

Logi services are generally held each week on the Thursday which is mid week as well as on the four annual holy days.

Most ceremonies typically take place outside, in the daylight, although indoor or evening ceremonies are not uncommon. When performing rituals, Logi leaders wear ceremonial cloaks and robes.

Each community organizes their own services and as such each may be different in minor details. However there are commonly three phases to each service

The Performance

Most followers perform ceremonies within a circle around a central fire. The elder will open the service and begin the performance which consist of the recitation of poetry, dance and musical performances. Practitioners are referred to as Bards. Instruments commonly used by Druidic Bards include acoustic stringed instruments like the guitar and the clarsach, as well as the bodhran, bagpipe, rattle, flute and whistle. The songs, poetry and dance are designed to highlight the power and beauty of nature.

Meditation

Logi meditation focuses specifically on addressing and strengthening a persons will and mindfulness, respectively. Meditation to a Logi means contemplation, not exercises in emptying the mind or mindfulness. During this they practice and attempt to learn to want the things you already have, rather than wanting other things using negative visualization. They are separate their worries into those they can control directly and therefore should change and those they can't which should be forgotten.

Logi believe that destructive emotions result from errors in judgment, and that a sage, or person of moral and intellectual perfection, would not suffer such emotions, rather living through reason and virtue and in harmony and accordance with nature as desired by the universal physis.

Cleansing Room

Cleansing lodges are considered as initiatory and regenerative opportunities to rededicate oneself to honoring the Earth and the community of life. The lodge is a ceremonial or ritual event. Most lodges are built of stone in a beehive shape and are covered with clay. A central fire to match the outdoor fire is at the center of the room. Stones are typically heated and then water poured over them by the elder to create steam. These ritual actions are accompanied by traditional songs and poems. It is not believed that Nature requires prayer thus the exercises are primarily designed to refocus the mind of the individual rather then appease any god.

Some lodge are gender specific or family based which other are communal. In any case the person should be clean before entering the building and modestly dressed.

Major Ceremonies

Logos has four religious ceremonies, or sacraments, including a wedding ceremony, a pledging ceremony for children, a confirmation ceremony and a eulogy ceremony for the deceased. All ceremonies are performed by community elders, chosen by the family concerned. For the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange their vows before Nature. The pledging ceremony is conducted within the first week after the birth of a child. Both parents pledge to raise their child as a loyal member of the Logos Community. The confirmation ceremony can be performed by a elder on or after a child's 16th birthday.

Festivals

Logos teaches that Nature itself is God and that all things are bound together by devine energies. At certain times of the year sacred festivals are observed to commune with Nature. Many religous buildins are aligned to allow light to floods the buildings on the solstice.

Many communities follow four festivals a year, being positioned at the solstices and equinoxes.

Logos Social Beliefs

Marriage

Logi philosophy dictates that it is the will of Nature for the continuation of the cycle of life and death and that man and woman should come together for this reason. Partners may separate/ divorce should the need arise, since an unloving relationship is not in accordance with natures will. However to abandon ones family, especially if children are present, is considered a neglect of ones social responsibilities as a carer and against natures order and can result in social exclusion.

Community & Social Status

Logos places great importance on participation in the secular world. Its followers are required to maintain regular jobs and family lives, to observe the laws of their respective governments, and are instructed not to distance themselves from society.

They believe that the individual must recognize the society of rational beings of which he is a member, and subordinate his own ends to the ends and needs of this society. This has allowed the concepts of Logos to be spread to other nations while respecting varying cultures and laws.

They believe that humans are social animals at the core, and thus we must exercise this part of our personality to maintain a balanced happiness.

But at the same time, it is not rational to have any interest in fame or social status, since these are fleeting indulgences rather than sources of true happiness.

Non Violence

Logos teaches that violence, which includes physical, mental and emotional violence towards others and the self, is created most often in reactions to events and others, habitually creating judgment, criticism, anger or irritation. They practice reason and Logi to foster non-violence. They reject reacting to things in an impulsive manner, believing that their practice of reason will allow them to replaces those thoughts or feelings with kindness, acceptance and love.

However they accept that self-defense is appropriate and rule of non violence is not meant to imply pacifism. One must not assume that the world is free of aggression. One must presume that some people will, out of ignorance, error or fear, attack other persons or intrude into their space, physically or verbally.

Logos does not extend this concept to non human life. They believe that it is reasonable and rational for plants and animals to be utilized in fulfillment of humanities primary impulse of self care and love. However in accordance with nature, no more should be killed or taken then is needed. Since everything is connected through the divine energies failure to balance your personal needs with that of nature can result is in imbalance and disrupt the will of Nature.

Logi teachings require that war should be avoided, with sincere and truthful dialogue. Force must be the last resort. If war becomes necessary, its cause must be just, its purpose virtuous, its objective to restrain the wicked, its aim peace, its method lawful. Weapons used must be proportionate to the opponent and the aim of war, not indiscriminate tools of destruction. All strategies and weapons used in the war must be to defeat the opponent, not designed to cause misery; for example, use of arrows is allowed, but use of arrows smeared with painful poison is not. Warriors must use judgment in the battlefield.

Cruelty to the opponent during war is forbidden. Wounded, unarmed opponent warriors must not be attacked or killed, they must be brought to your nation and given medical treatment. Children and civilians must not be injured. While the war is in progress, sincere dialogue for peace must continue.

Environmentalism

One of the core principle of Logos is respect and veneration of nature, and as such it often involves participation in the environmental movement thereby acting to protect areas of the natural landscape that are under threat from development or pollution.

Human Rights

Logos is a open and somewhat liberal and progressive faith. Logi accept that all living beings are connected through Nature and all are deserving of respect as equals. They are open and progressive towards divorce, womens and minorities rights and campaign against racial or other forms of discrimination. Followers of Logos have always believed that human beings are the same everywhere, and the thing that unites us all, no matter how differently we may appear, is our greatest faculty, our ability to reason.

Despite this the issue of homosexuality has become somewhat of a thorny issue and has been debated at many annual conferences. The general consensus is that it is Natures will for man and woman to come together for procreation however a person should no more be condemned for entering a homosexual relationship then someone who is barren or without child. Tolerance must be extended although not embraced.

History

Notable People

Demographics

According to to recent estimates, 60% of Miskitu's citizens consider themselves followers of Logos. There are approximately xxx followers worldwide.

Religious texts

Relationship with other religions