okay, so i was intrigued through my last post to read more about the "monk training program" at the universal life church. this crap is hilarious. st. benedict would turn over his cell if he knew people were going along with this order. the following is my dialogue with these guys from their website.
Some requirements, such as disclosure of medications students may be taking, are required for their safety because special techniques utilized can startle some individuals and sometimes scare them. We advise, in advance, what is to happen. No illegal activities will be conducted; sexuality is encouraged in the particular orientation of the individual as an integral part of the training. The only drug utilized in the training is caffeine as found in ordinary or green tea, which is very healthful. NO illegal drugs are encouraged or allowed.
so i am going to deal with some weird drugs like caffine, i can deal with that. how long will i have to be a part of the monastery? do i have to go through that whole cenobite thing?
Students are entering the experience of their lives and it is not easy, it takes many months. Some may complete their course study in 9 months, however most will require 12 months.
do i really have to listen to the Abbot?
Students acknowledge their Absolute Loyalty to Three, which is the minimum number of times each student is required to read each lesson, chapter, book or experiment. If a student reads almost all of one book, for example, and then thinks he or she can get by with 2 readings, the MIND records this and it only escalates.
what is this punishment of mind stuff?
Students agree to punish their MINDS by beginning the process of three times for the ENTIRE book even if only one chapter was left to read only one time more. This “self-punishment” punishes the MIND and asserts the individuals WILL POWER. The entire program is designed to reprogram individuals to allow their WILLS to determine their actions.
oh, i get it now.. ? it is starting to sound like freud.
The MIND is satisfied controlling the body if it is just warm, fed and sexed. The WILL is educated, trained, understands science, math and all intellectual skills and it should be in control of the body, but it is not. To change one’s self from being MIND CONTROLLED to WILL CONTROL is a long process -- to wipe out old programming, indoctrination by religions, society and custom. The WILL operates rationally, thinks in a linear manner, and makes intelligent decisions and would never even consider pressing the “snooze” button on a clock because it realizes it is time to awake for the day.
definitely talking freud stuff now. so what's in it for me?
Our Monastic Order is a service order; doing for others, but first we learn to do for our own betterment, advantage and monetary gain. You cannot share or give what you do not have an abundance of. We do not believe in any such things as Vows of Poverty. Instead, we much would rather take Vows of Riches. There is nothing noble in being poor and it is not a blessed state as some belief systems teach.
awesome!!! i hate that whole those who are last shall be first stuff. i also never got that concept of being poor allows me to be away from things of the world. it didn't work for me. i like this better..
i totally wish i could make up stuff like this. &:~D
