Self In Virtue
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Self in Virtue
Author: Arahim
What follows in these pages is one man's humble attempts to clarify the importance of self in regards to the Path of Virtue, and how he has seen fit to walk it. It is by no means definitive, as the subject of Virtue is broad enough to invite discussion and alternate theories to last into the next age.
There is no religious aspect to Virtue. All too often, you hear some zealot claim that he 'worships' the Virtues, or that he prays at their shrines. As there is no theological framework to the Virtues, (ie.deities,high holy days,etc.) ascribing it a quasi-religious nature actually diminishes the importance of Virtue.
The Eight Virtues, and the Three Principle from whence they spring, are traits of character, and ideological concepts which hinge one upon the other. As such, Virtue is wholly reliant upon ones understanding of their meaning, and how that relates to them.
I have always seen Spirituality as ability to take what you are within, and use that to influence the world around you. This, for me, is the first step onto the Path of Virtue.
When one lives according to how he views each Virtue, and applies them to his surroundings, and how he treats with other people, he begins to set himself up as an example of how it -could- be. An example of a man not content with the mundane.
With purer motives, and higher standards, and a desire to bring his world up with him.
The key to this, is inspiration on a level that any man can relate to. No convoluted ceremony, or meandering philosophy. No preaching, but open, give and take discussion.
To muddy the waters with prayer, or talk of an afterlife, or the Light, or some Avatar, only serves to divide people along the lines of culture and upbringing. They are separate entities to Virtue.
The man who is steeped in Virtue, and walks life armored with a desire to do better, and see others do the same, should have an innate ability to make those around him think,
"If he can do such things, so can I."
We can, every one of us, be great, but we must allow ourselves the confidence, and self reliance to do so.