Custom Path of Enlightenment

Virtues: Conviction / Self-Control

Ethics of Enso:

The Enso is an open circle associated with Zen Buddhism. The open circle represents that everything is imperfect and incomplete and that imperfection is an inherent part of existence. It also symbolizes the void.

Reality is an illusion and perception is a lie. Only by understanding the world we can interact with can we see beyond the illusion.

Change is constant. Change is necessary. Nothing is ever finished or perfect. Only by realizing that all things have value, that perfection is found in imperfection, are you able to accept yourself.

You are both man and beast. You are not “good” or “evil.” These are concepts of limited minds to codify and understand events, but the universe gives life and takes it, gives pain and heals it, gives happiness and sorrow. You are part of the universe and the universe has created you for a purpose. Do not fight against your nature. Only by accepting both sides of our nature can you embrace who you truly are and accept yourself.

The universe is in everything and everything is the universe. Everything is connected. Everything is both part of the whole and the entire whole. Only by understanding yourself can you understand the universe, and only by understanding the universe can you understand yourself.

Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Understanding why you are doing something is more important than doing it and it allows you to know which actions you need to take.

Emptiness is key. There is no self. Only by understanding yourself can you forget yourself. Only by forgetting yourself can you truly awaken to all things.

Quotes for followers of the Way of Enso:

“Nothing we see or hear is perfect, but right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.”

“Everything, by its very nature, is subject to the process of infinite transformation.”

“When you become nothing, you become everything.”

“The practice of Zen is forgetting the self to unite with everything.”

“Rather than being your emotions and thoughts, be the awareness behind them.”

Rating

Sin

Rationale

10

Being purposefully disrespectful towards others

When we tame our ego, we are able to see the value in all things.

9

Not considering the impact of your actions before you act

Understanding why you are doing what you are doing before you decide to do it is the key to doing it well or avoiding unnecessary/negative actions.

8

Failing to accept that painful things may happen

Life is a series of ups and downs and painful things will happen. Do not become attached to them because they will impede your growth.

7

Not being grateful for, or respectful of, what you have or had

When you realize that nothing is lacking, the world belongs to you. Always find a reason to be grateful for what you have and respect it.

6

Failing to accept change as a fundamental part of the universe

Everything is impermanent and only in imperfection can you find perfection.

5

Not meditating nightly

Meditation is the key to awakening and connecting with yourself and the universe.

4

Failing to seek a better understanding of the universe

Reality is an illusion. Only by understanding the illusion can we glimpse reality.

3

Not acting to better understand or improve yourself

To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be awakened to all things.

2

Failing to feed when hungry

When you are hungry, the beast gains greater control and your two parts are out of balance. You are not just human or beast, you are both.

1

Feeling guilty about intentionally killing

All lives eventually end and return to the universe. You are a child of the universe and sometimes killing is necessary.

Path Aura: Resolve

Zen practitioners of Enso are devoted to inner balance and oneness with the universe and few things can sway their minds. Advanced rating bonuses apply to willpower challenges.