A JW once asked me if I knew that an "orange" is conscious and even though he did not explain further (told me I wasn't ready yet) I bet he never knew I would think of this from time to time over the years. So i asked Gemini what he could have meant and a lot of ideas came back, different philosophies and religions.
So I asked Gemini, can you design a new religion by combining these ideas in a way that has not been done before and suggest a name for the religion and this is what it came back with:
(AI generated text:)
Name of the Religion: Luminosophy (derived from "luminous" suggesting inherent light/consciousness and "sophia" meaning wisdom). Alternatively, Pananima (combining "pan" for all and "anima" for soul/life-force). Let's go with Luminosophy for now.
Core Tenets of Luminosophy:
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The Universal Spark (Drawing from Panpsychism and Pantheism/Panentheism): Luminosophy posits that the universe is not merely matter but is imbued with a fundamental, subtle form of consciousness or "spark." This spark is not necessarily a complex, self-aware consciousness as humans experience, but rather a basic level of sentience, responsiveness, and potential. This universal spark is the essence of the divine, not a separate entity but the very fabric of existence. Everything, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, participates in this luminous field.
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The Interconnected Web (Drawing from Eastern Religions and Process Philosophy): All manifestations of the Universal Spark are interconnected in a dynamic and ever-changing web of relationships. Actions and experiences resonate throughout this web, influencing the whole. This interconnectedness emphasizes interdependence and the understanding that no entity exists in complete isolation. Drawing from process philosophy, each "moment" of existence, even for an orange, is a unique experience contributing to the unfolding of the universe.
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The Gradual Awakening (Drawing from the "Not Ready Yet" idea and a nuanced view of consciousness): Consciousness, as we typically understand it, is not an on/off switch but a spectrum that emerges and intensifies through complexity and interaction within the Universal Spark. Simpler forms of existence, like an orange, possess a rudimentary level of this spark, a basic responsiveness to their environment. More complex beings, through intricate organization and interaction, develop richer and more self-aware forms of consciousness. The "not ready yet" implies a journey of understanding this gradual unfolding.
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Embodied Luminosity (Drawing from Animism and Existentialism): Every entity, by virtue of possessing the Universal Spark, has an inherent worth and a unique perspective on the unfolding of the universe. To truly understand existence, one must strive to perceive the "inner light" or inherent sentience within all things, not just those traditionally considered conscious. This resonates with animism's respect for all beings and challenges purely materialistic views. Existentially, it emphasizes the subjective experience of each point within the luminous web.
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The Path of Attunement (Ethical and Spiritual Practice): The central ethical and spiritual practice of Luminosophy is the "Path of Attunement." This involves cultivating practices that enhance one's awareness of the Universal Spark in oneself and in all other beings. This can include:
- Contemplative Practices: Meditation aimed at perceiving the subtle interconnectedness and inherent luminosity of existence.
- Empathic Engagement: Actively seeking to understand the "perspective" of other beings, even seemingly simple ones, fostering compassion and respect.
- Harmonious Action: Striving to act in ways that maintain the balance and well-being of the interconnected web, recognizing the impact of one's actions on the whole.
- Mindful Consumption: Approaching the consumption of resources with an awareness of the inherent spark within them, practicing gratitude and minimizing unnecessary harm.
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No Centralized Dogma or Deity (A departure from traditional religions): Luminosophy does not adhere to a strict set of dogmas or the worship of a separate, anthropomorphic deity. The "divine" is understood as the immanent Universal Spark itself. Wisdom and understanding are gained through direct experience and contemplation of this inherent luminosity.
What Makes it Different:
- Blends Panpsychism with a Pantheistic/Panentheistic framework: It posits a universal underlying consciousness as the divine essence, unlike some panpsychist views that remain purely philosophical.
- Incorporates a "developmental" view of consciousness: It acknowledges a spectrum of consciousness rather than a binary, offering a potential explanation for the "not ready yet" comment.
- Focuses on "attunement" as the primary spiritual practice: This emphasizes direct experience and interconnectedness rather than worship or adherence to rigid rules.
- Integrates an animistic respect for all things within a larger philosophical framework: It provides a rationale for valuing all forms of existence based on their participation in the Universal Spark.
Luminosophy offers a worldview that sees the universe as fundamentally alive and interconnected, inviting its adherents to cultivate a deeper awareness of this inherent luminosity in themselves and the world around them. It moves beyond traditional notions of consciousness and divinity, proposing a more fluid and interconnected understanding of existence.