Code of Ananda

Code of Ananda

Taken from The Cult of Ecstasy Tradition Book six, Second Edition, Mage the Ascension, Pg. 19

Called by some "The Ten Commandments of Ecstasy," these proverbs were collected by Sh'zar and his companion Divyas. No one knows which mages originated or collected the sayings, but Ecstatics agree that the observations are, if nothing else, good advice for an anarchist sect like theirs.

Ananda refers to bliss, joy and sacred transcendence. The Code also carries a strong connotation of righteousness. The founding Seers knew all too well the dark side of freedom, and didn't want to found a Tradition of psychopaths. In the early days, those who violated the Code were punished severely. Though he loathed the duty, Sh'zar often administered judgment himself. He knew that a certain responsibility was essential if the Seers were to avoid becoming the dangerous mob others mistook them for. Respect for others, awareness of consequences, and continual wonder at the Earth's living miracle are central to the Code. A good Ecstatic, is assumes, does not make his joy others' problem.

To this day, most Pleasuredomes demand that members and visitors alike adhere to the Code's tenets, and most mentors teach it as well. The Code is not a law per se--it's a declaration of ethics that most modern Cultists subscribe to. Only the fierce Aghoris, Acharne and Hagalaz reject the Code outright, and few Ecstatics want anything to do with them.

The initial proverbs were written in Greek and Sanskrit. Even translated, the Code seems formal to the modern ear; some modern Cultists simply sum up all 10 proverbs in two simple words: "Be Cool."

The Code of Ananda I: Thou art miraculous; so art we all. II: He who spits upon his good right hand will find the left one fails him in need. < li>III: Each gold coin yields two like it; each stalk given creates a bundle. Yet each coin taken turns the rest to dross, and one bundle gone creates a famine. This shall a Seer account his deeds. < li>IV: Some minds rest best asleep. Stir not those who would not awaken otherwise. < li>V: Truths foreseen are not always truths. < li>VI: If a man or a woman would rend another's Passions, let him be as one torn by wild dogs. For Passions are the seat of the Self, and if they bleed, so too does the soul. < li>VII: Let each Seer account his deeds, and if those deeds should want for wisdom or kindness, let him be put forth to weep alone. < li>VIII: Humor cooleth blood; wrath spilleth it. < li>IX: Even trees rent by lightning may grow new fruit. < li>X: A Fool feels no fear; a Sleeper remains shackled by it; a Master transcends it, yet recalls its wisdom. It is good to be afraid; it is folly to bow to terror.