The Logos: The Meletic Testament (Chapter 11 The Way Of The Truth)
đź“ś Chapter 11: The Way Of The Truth
1. In the twilight of empires, when creeds clashed and certainties hardened, Asterion walked alone in his thoughts.
2. He did not seek visions, nor divine thunder, but listened to the quiet stirrings of reason explored.
3. The way of the truth came to him not as a divine revelation, but as a recognition of something much more greater in essence.
4. It was not given to since his birth like a mystical sign—it was discovered with contemplation.
5. He saw that the way of the truth was not a possession to grandeur, but a pursuit of the mind, body and soul.
6. Asterion taught us that let no man claim to own the truth, for truth belongs to no one. It is not exclusive, but inclusive.
7. The Christians declared theirs the only way to salvation, guarded by their faith and sealed by their dogma.
8. Asterion saw the way of the truth, converging not in creed, but in the virtue of men.
9. He taught that the way of the truth is not a gate that opens and closes when he decide, but a horizon that loams beyond falsehood.
10. It expands with our understanding, and it contrasted with the teachings of the Christians.
11. Those people who walk towards the way of the truth, must do so with humility, not with the certainty of their dogma.
12. For certainty, when not revealed with wisdom is the deceitful mask of ignorance.
13. Asterion did not preach salvation like the Christians, but the understanding of the Meletic truth.
14. He spoke not of original sin, but of human error—not of punishment, but of virtuous deeds.
15. He often spoke of the soul, and taught us that the soul does not need saving, it needs awakening.
16. And awakening begins with the act of virtue. Without virtue, a man is lost, but not forsaken.
17. The virtue of humility—the soil in which the truth takes root must govern our self.
18. The humble do not proclaim injustices of the body—they proclaim the injustices of men.
19. Asterion would often say to us—When I do not know, it is the beginning of humbleness.
20. And wisdom is the companion of the truth. Thus, the way of the truth is our companion.
21. Every virtue one practises is the light by which the way of the truth is seen and understood.
22. Reason does not demand belief or a creed—it invites understanding and realisation.
23. Asterion taught that if our truth cannot withstand reason, then it is not the truth—it is more dogma.
24. And dogma is the enemy of thought, when it suppresses it from being heard or spoken.
25. Compassion—the bridge between thought and humanity is the soul of the way of the truth.
26. The truth without compassion is cold, and reason without empathy is cruel in its nature.
27. To understand the root of suffering, is to understand it before the truth even begins to unfold.
28. For the way of the truth must be lived and experienced, not merely known or reduced to divine will.
29. Justice—the outwards expression of inner truth must never be corrupted by power and greed.
30. It is not mere vengeance, nor punishment, but fairness and dignity that must be sought.
31. Asterion taught that if our truth excludes then it is not just in its service—it is more unjust.
32. And this form of the truth is no truth at all to emulate and claim as the only truth known.
33. Temperance—the discipline of desire is what guides the self to be modest and honest.
34. In a world of excess, temperance preserves clarity, and it distinguished between vice and virtue.
35. The way of the truth is not indulgent, it is instead measured by the goodness of the self.
36. And the measured soul sees clearly, what the greedy ego wants and desires you to see.
37. Courage—the strength to speak truth when silence is safer. This is what strengthens the self.
38. Asterion did not seek conflict of the self, but he did not flee from it, when it arouse.
39. To speak in the way of the truth in the face of power is the philosopher’s duty—he said.
40. And in doing so, one honours both truth and freedom. Not as slave but as a man of freedom.
41. Patience—the semblance of the truth’s unfolding is something that we should always remember to practise.
42. Asterion reminded us to not rush to certainty so easily without wisdom, for the truth ripens slowly.
43. Like the olive in the sun, it matures in time gradually. This was an analogy that he often said.
44. And those people of patience, who wait with wisdom shall taste its fruit in abundance.
45. Gratitude—the recognition of the way of the truth in the ordinary expression of humanity, should always express the self.
46. Asterion taught to be grateful is to see the world as it is—not as we demand it to be instead.
47. And in that seeing, the way of the truth becomes visible to us and less divisive in our actions.
48. For wonder begins with thankfulness, and gratitude shared with others is a comforting reward.
49. Forgiveness—the release of resentment that disrupts reason, should never be attached to the notion of sin.
50. Asterion taught to forgive is not to forget, but to see clearly once more with the soul than with the mind.
51. And clarity is the companion of the truth. The way of the truth is one that enlightens us than deceives us.
52. Bitterness distorts the minds of those people who seek it through selfishness—truth on the contrary, restores the self.
53. Wisdom—the harmony of the mind and soul is what serves as our inspiration in life.
54. Wisdom is not mere knowledge man gains, but thoughtful application applied then.
55. Asterion taught that wisdom is the philosopher’s crown not worn, but earned in life.
56. And in wisdom, the truth finds its voice, amidst the path that one takes to express it.
57. He spoke not through daily sermons, but through daily dialogue that he exchanged with his students and other people.
58. Let us reason together, for the way of the truth is not a conversation of one—
he would say.
59. He would ask questions not to trap us, but to awaken our wisdom and our intellect as well.
60. And in the answering, his students began to see and understand what he meant by the way of the truth.
61. He did not condemn the Christians for seeking truth, nor for living with conviction, but he questioned their insistence that the truth belonged only to them.
62. If your truth cannot coexist with another, then it is not the truth—it is more imposition of a truth—he said.
63. He saw in their doctrine a wall, not a bridge, and he asked why a path to wisdom must be closed to all but the faithful of their religion.
64. Truth that excludes is not truth—it is fear dressed as certainty, but certainty that cannot be questioned is fruitless.
65. He engaged Christian thinkers not with scorn, but with enquiry, asking whether their truth could survive without the threat of damnation.
66. If your truth requires punishment for dissent, then it is not the way of the truth—it is a prison of the soul—he said.
67. He urged them to consider whether love could truly flourish under the shadow of eternal judgement.
68. A truth that demands submission is not love—it is control. A truth that is controlled is one that veiled not revealed with love.
69. Asterion did not deny the value of Christian virtues, nor the sincerity of their followers, but he challenged the claim that virtue must be tethered to belief in one figure, one story, one salvation.
70. Is kindness less noble, if it comes from a sceptic? Is justice less true if it is not baptised?—He asked the Christians.
71. He saw goodness in many lives, and truth in many traditions, and he refused to reduce the human spirit to a single creed.
72. The sun does not shine only on those people that are baptised, nor does the way of the truth speak only in one tongue.
73. He warned that exclusiveness breeds division, and division breeds conflict, and conflict silences truth.
74. —When you say “only through Him”, you condemn others to the way of the truth. You forsake others to relinquish their minds, in exchange for a salvation that immortalises a man. No man is born as an immortal, nor dies as an immortal.
75. He believed that the way of the truth must be shared, not guarded, and that wisdom grows through exchange, not isolation.
76. He would say to the Christians—Let your truth meet mine if you are so confident, and let them both be tested. I shall gladly let you speak first.
77. Asterion’s challenge was not to merely their faith, but is finality. He knew that the Christians would not question their scriptures.
78. He questioned the idea that truth had already been revealed in full, and that no further seeking was needed.
79. If truth is complete, then thought must end, and where thought ends, tyranny begins.
80. He urged his students always to remain seekers, not settlers in their knowledge.
81. He saw in Christian exclusiveness a fear of uncertainty, a desire for fixed answers in a shifting world.
82. But he taught that uncertainty is not man's weakness—it is the beginning of wisdom.
83. To dwell in questions is to honour the truth, for the way of the truth is not a wall—it is a journey.
84. And journeys require openness, not dogma. This must never be forgotten. Practise the way of the truth, never with denial but questions.
85. Asterion asked the Christians why their truth must be guarded by threats, and why dissent must be punished.
86. —If your truth is strong, it will endure questioning, but if it must silence the questioner, it is not truth—it is fear.
87. He believed that the way of the truth must be tested, not protected, and that only through challenge does it grow.
88. —Let your truth be brave, not brittle. If it is the way of the truth, then it will not fold or break so easily.
89. He did not seek to destroy Christian thought, but to expand it—to invite it into dialogue with other ways of knowing that philosophical in nature.
90. —You speak of love, but love must include the stranger, even the doubter who does not accept your faith. Why do you condemn that person, without understanding them?
91. He asked whether a truth that excludes the virtuous unbeliever can truly be called good in is essence.
92. —If goodness is confined to belief, then virtue becomes a triumph, not a practice.
93. Asterion’s own truth was not a doctrine, but a discipline—a way of living with integrity, curiosity, and care.
94. He taught that the way of the truth is not found in mere declarations, but in good deeds displayed.
95. He told us to live well, and we shall walk with the way of the truth, whether or not we name it.
96. And in that walking ahead, others may follow, knowing that they will lead the way.
97. He urged his students to welcome all who seek wisdom, regardless of creed or culture.
98. He told them to not ask what they believe, ask how they live their belief. A belief that is not questioned, cannot sustain itself with the truth.
99. For the way of the truth is not measured by a confession, but by one's compassion in life.
100. And compassion knows no boundaries established, except those impose by others unto others.
101. Asterion’s school became a refuge for thinkers of all kinds—Pagans, sceptics, mystics, and even Christians who questioned their own certainties.
102. He did not demand agreement from them, only honesty and the admission of their truth.
103. He would say to them—Speak what you truly think, and let us reason together. I am not your judge or punisher. If you are afraid because of retribution from a god or from others, then now is the time to no longer be silent.
104. And in that reasoning, the way of the truth emerged—not as a victor, but as a loyal companion.
105. He taught that the way of the truth must be plural, not singular, for the world is vast and the human mind diverse.
106. To him, there was no single lens that saw all, but many lenses that together revealed more about ourselves.
107. He urged his students to read widely, listen deeply, and think freely for themselves.
108. He emphasised that the way of the truth must be passed unto to others, like a fire kindled in the soul of brethren.
109. Asterion’s challenge to Christian exclusiveness was not rejection, but invitation to them to question their faith.
110. —Come, let us think together, and let your truth meet mine without any fear or anger displayed.
111. He believed that the way of the truth must be brave enough to meet difference, and humble enough to change.
112. He told the Christians that if truth cannot evolve, it is not the way of the truth—it is only hollow words lost in their scriptures.
113. He asked them, whether eternal salvation must be earned through belief, or whether they might be found in virtue alone.
114. —Is the just man damned if he doubts your faith? Is the kind woman lost if she dares to question your faith?
115. He saw in such doctrines, a cruelty masked as certainty. He thought the Christians had corrupted the message of Jesus.
116. —If your truth is what you profess it be in your scriptures, then why do you differ in your versions of the truth?
117. Asterion’s teachings spread slowly, not through faith, but through conversation or common dialogue.
118. His students carried his questions into their own lives, their own cities, their own traditions.
119. They did not preach the way of the truth as the Christians did—they practised it as men of fate and wisdom.
120. And in their practice, the way of the truth was lived and experienced for what it truly was meant for.
121. He taught that way of the truth must be inclusive not because all ideas are equal, but because all minds deserve respect.
122. He told us to test ideas, but never dismiss the thinker solely because he does not know how to answer a question.
123. For the way of the truth grows not in the echo chambers, but in the open fields and groves.
124. And openness is the beginning of wisdom. Never forget that the way of the truth begins with that wisdom. Find it, and you will find the way of the truth.
125. Asterion’s legacy was not a creed, but a culture—a way of thinking, speaking, and living.
126. His followers did not build massive temples to be adorned, but communities of enquiry and wisdom.
127. They did not chant religious hymns, but conversed and meditated with their minds at peace.
128. One day, a brazen Christian monk named Justinos confronted Asterion about his way of the truth—I do not believe in your way of the truth. I believe it is only through Christ, my Lord.
129. Asterion said to the monk—I ask then, what of your freedom as a man? Are you are slave to your Christ?
130. —I am no slave, I am a free man to choose his truth over yours, or any other truth that be told.
131. But do you even have the freedom, as man to question that truth? —Asterion asked the monk.
132. I do not dare to question his divine will. It would be blasphemy do even dare so—he replied defiance.
133. Then, you are enslaved to his servitude, not his divine will—Asterion said to him.
134. I tell you that it is blasphemy to even question God—the monk argued with Asterion.
135. —That is the difference between us, you dare not go beyond your scriptures, but I dare to go beyond my scrolls.
136. The monk's voice rose more in a sudden defiance towards Asterion. —I shall be a martyr for him in death.
137. Asterion with a calmness in his voice replied—And I shall be a witness of To Ena in life.
138. —I shall be in the garden of heaven, whilst you burn in the flames of hell eternally.
139. Asterion smiled and then said to the monk—Then let my soul continue the flame, until it brightens my Ousia. For where I shall go, no heaven nor hell shall be my destination.
140. He did not seek to defeat the Christians in their debates or conversations, but to invite them to the way of the truth. And in that invitation, the truth was honoured. Not because it was Meletic or philosophical, but because it revealed their inner truths as well.
141. He taught that the way of the truth must be shared, not imposed with vigorous language of their scriptures.
142. —Speak your truth freely, but do not silence mine. I do not come to you to condemn you, but to listen. I ask of you, will you do the same to me, without condemning me?
143. For the way of the truth is not a throne here in earth or in the heavens—it is a table for mortals like ourselves to sit.
144. And all who seek may sit will not simply sit to enjoy the taste of the truth, but spread it—not with the exclusion of others.
145. Asterion’s final lesson to the Christians was one that was simple in message, but profound in its wisdom.
146. —Live with virtue, before you live with mere devotion. Love of the brethren, begins with the love for oneself. This is not vanity, but an act of virtue.
147. To live with virtue was to think with clarity, speak with care, and walk with others—even those who disagree.
148. For the way of the truth is not a solitary flame to guide the few—it is a shared light, kindled by manifold hands to be guided also.
149. He reminded his students that the way of the truth must be lived in the marketplace, the home, the court, and the street. Essentially, in every place that he could be revealed.
150. —Do not hide your truth in front of others, let it breathe in your actions and words also.
151. He warned against the pride of greed and conceit, the arrogance of final answers which were only riddles.
152. —The moment you stop seeking the way of the truth, you stop growing as a person.
153. Asterion taught that growth, which he believed was the pulse of the way of the truth lied in one's wisdom than one's deceit.
154. For the way of the truth is never static—it is alive to be breathed and to be lived as a mortal.
155. Asterion’s final dialogues with the Christians were quiet, reflective, and full of questions that only merited the respect of those individuals who dared to listen.
156. He no longer debated loudly against his sceptics, but asked gently in return, what questions they had for him.
157. —What have you learnt? And what have questions do you have that I can answer?
158. It was unlearning, he said that is often harder to do—but more necessary for the mind to evolve.
159. He told us that the way of the truth must be passed on not as doctrine to be memorised, but as inspiration to be expressed in life.
160. —Do not demand belief, offer understanding, to those people who are lost or astray in life.
161. And those people who understood would carry the way of the truth further than any sermon could.
162. For the way of the truth travels best in the hands of the humble and aware of the world.
163. He reminded his students that the way of the truth is not a weapon to use against, but more a mirror that casts one's reflection.
164. —Use it to see yourself closely, not to mock or mimic others, as if you indulge your ego.
165. And in seeing oneself clearly, one begins to see the world more justly than with mere faith.
166. For true justice begins with self-awareness and self-acceptance. This is the way of the truth.
167. Asterion’s daily challenge to Christian exclusiveness was not rejection, but a plea for openness to question their faith.
168. —If your truth is good and pure as you say, then let it meet others without fear or condemnation.
169. He asked whether love could truly flourish if it required uniformity in the form of submission to a god.
170. —Love that excludes is not truly love—it is more control. You ask me to submit to your god, but what would become of my free will? I do not submit my will to To Ena. Instead, it gives me the free will to exercise my thoughts. You ask of a love that is more of a demand than a virtue.
171. He urged his students to remain vigilant against the seduction of certainty and conformity.
172. He told them that certainty is comforting, but comfort is not the measure of truth. They must not cease to explore the way of the truth.
173. Truth often unsettles, challenges, and transforms the self of one. This was man's greatest battle with the self.
174. And transformation is the mark of a living truth that sets men free from the burden of their soul.
175. Asterion walked slowly through the city, speaking with strangers, listening to children, and watching the sky above. The stars who witnessed his birth, guided him like a parent does with the child they wean.
176. He said little about the importance of his presence, but his presence was indeed a lesson of wisdom.
177. To him, what was to live simple was to let our lives be our philosophy. This was what was his new motto to his students.
178. For the quiet life, lived with great virtue, is the loudest testament to the way of the truth.
179. His students gathered as they heard his message. They were urged to continue that message.
180. They did not build new monuments—they built conversations that would be remembered.
181. They did not canonise his words like the Christians—they questioned them with his acknowledgement.
182. And in questioning their teacher, they honoured him with a fondness that a student has with his teacher.
183. Asterion left no holy scriptures behind, no creed, no commandment to impose with authority.
184. He left a way of the truth—a way of thinking, living, and seeking that was not impossible to understand.
185. A way of the truth that welcomed all who walked with sincerity and humbleness in them.
186. And that way was the way of the truth would be honoured and shared amongst his students and others.
187. It was not exclusive, not deliberate, not final, not guarded like the Christians. Instead, it was revealing and inclusive.
188. Verily, it was open, evolving, and shared. Not like a written scroll or a divine scripture.
189. The way of the truth revealed in Meleticism, did not ask for mere belief—it asked for lasting virtue.
190. And lasting virtue, Asterion taught, is the path that never ends, but is also beginning afresh.
191. The Christians built monasteries, hermitages and declared eternal salvation in the name of their Christ.
192. Asterion on the other hand, built questions and declared a way of the truth that was natural and accessible.
193. He told us to let them believe in their truth, but to let others seek our wisdom willingly.
194. For the way of the truth must be always be free to wander and never be enslaved or bound the manacles of faith.
195. His name would fade from the pages of history, but his way of the truth would endure.
196. In every honest question asked, in every act of compassion given, in every refusal to exclude.
197. The way of the truth lives not in the form of doctrine, but in hearts and souls of the people.
198. Not in the creed of divine authority, but in the character of every man and woman alive.
199. And those persons who walk the way of the truth, they do not claim to possess the truth but live it.
200. By living this truth, they become healed in the soul. They do so, with the will of self as well. It is enlightenment that brings the soul to the self, and it is To Ena who gives us the way to the truth.
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