Rites of Redemption...

I think everybody is on a search for their soul's purpose, but we're taking different approaches to self realization. For centuries humans have ventured deep into our psyche. Societies are created and destroyed based on human behaviors and beliefs, so man's intellect and understanding are important, as history repeatedly tells us. Throughout my studies I've continuously encountered the building of city-states via the power of some divinity or manifested deity. This helps us to know that man's mental capabilities are tethered to some higher source; one we prefer to remain distant, yet immediate; strong, yet tender. Many religions make the soul's work some sort of slavery or devotion to these specific deities, and the priest class of society the most powerful group in each nation (all nations have this in common). It seems to me that we have a huge concept that has become fragmented, and this is the reason for the allegory of man's damned soul. Salvation is the cornerstone of Christianity, yet I consider the soul to be some infinite and indestructible concept.

It needs no salvation.

The soul follows its own purpose to a fault. The objective purpose of the soul has been built up to resemble that of infinite experience; experience can also quantify wisdom and spirituality. Mystics use these experiences in variation to compose master pieces, medicines, and temples. The soul is the earth. Searching for the soul's purpose is pointless. Its purpose supersedes the finite reasoning of human consciousness on most levels. Although some achieve enlightenment and connect the two for everlasting life, nirvana, or zen.........

"The soul is an observer, and a great witness the soul is" The common tale of the soul is one of struggle, tragedy, and lust. We are all born sinners according to Christianity; but how can this be? If the soul is a great observer then it cannot submit to the wiles of mundane life. I agree it can enhance destructive emotions, but the soul itself is a certain salvation. The journey of the soul is one of spirit, confidence, and victory in ancient times, and I believe it still can be. Diving deeper into the psyche of man helps us realize the longevity of the individual soul, as well as the collective soul of a people. According to Carl Jung, the facets of the soul are inescapable, and if ignored are very harmful.

Pay attention!

Take time to self care and reflect on things that bring positive emotions. This is not to be mistaken for vices, which only temporarily bring happiness usually followed by anxiety or strife. You want the calmness of mind that prayer can bring, and the feeling of centeredness that monks acquire through yogic practices. Create your own mix, like an alchemist. Take the time to know your own habits and why you like them; 'know thyself'. Appreciate the human nature that takes over when all seems to be lost. Remember the times before and bring about change through retrospection of your thoughts and actions. Through understanding the ancientness of the soul one can guide their future from the rear like the ships of the cosmic gods of Egypt and Sumeria. To say it plainly, observing your soul is to observe the earth and the heavens, and to understand the ways of both. If we turn back the sands of time we see how our ancestors had the same feelings we have today, but handled them in a much different way. Today most people would call these rituals or rites of passage indigenous, primitive, or barbaric... like something you would see on the Discovery channel or in an Indiana Jones movie. All of our entertainment has these rites of passage in updated forms hidden throughout. The stories man tells himself to get through the unknowns of life have not changed for thousands of years, if ever, according to Jung. I believe the same. Meanings behind the tragedy and joy of modern life can be derived from the parent concept of oral traditions and folklore.