"Matrixism" or "The path of the One"
is said to be a religious movement started by an anonomous group of people in the summer of 2004.
Inspired by the Wachowski brothers "Matrix Trilogy" movies, Matrixism is said to have attracted thousands of members.
So what exactly is this movie fueled religious movement based on?
Well mainly it's based on the underlying message in the movies, and it's related products which seem to be considered the "sacred text" of the group, however an obscure text called "The Promulgation of Universal Peace" has also been refered to.
Written in the year 1912 "The Promulgation of Universal Peace" contains the supposed first reference to the existence of the matrix, by Abdul Baha, son of the prophet Baha'u'llah.
Matrixism revolves around the following four main beliefs that are referred to as;
The Four Tenets of Matrixism.
1. Belief in the messianic prophecy of the One
(This is similiar to most religious beliefs in a savior)
2. Acceptance of the use of psychedelics as sacramen
(Used by many people to experience truly spiritual and mind opening experiences, illegal in most places)
3. Recognition of the semi-subjective, multi-layered nature of reality
(Recognized theory believed by millions through out the world)
4. Adherence to the principles of one or more of the world's major religions, until such time as the One returns.
(Seems to be unique. They state the path of the One does not have an exclusivity clause as part of its canon)
Matrixism Religious Laws: (Laws? Governments make Laws, not religious groups.)
1. Abrogation of the use of the human image in advertising
(Can't find the reason/explaination for this)
2. Abrogation of pornography
(considered a form of prostitution, and particularily in regards to protecting children)
3. Abrogation of professional sport
(Can't find the reason/explaination for this)
4. File sharing is sanctioned and encourage
(Makes sense from the hacker standpoint in the movie, however it's illegal)
5. Same-sex marriage is sanctioned with the caveat that male couples may not adopt children.
(Same sex marriage is currently not recognized in most places. Not sure the reason behind the no children clause)
6. Polygyny / Polyandry and the five types of marriage allowed. They are;
1.
of that between a man and a woman
2.
of that between a man and two women
3.
of that between a woman and two men
4.
of that between two women
5.
of that between two men.
(Some of these unions are also not legally recognized and or considered illegal)
The adopted symbol for Matrixism is the Japanese Kanji symbol for "red". This symbol can be seen in the "Enter the Matrix" video game. The red color is a reference to the "Red Pill" taken by Neo in the first Matrix movie. The "Red Pill" is a symbol used in the movie to represent a willingness to break out from the norm and to see truth.
Matrixism aims to encourage people to think of the simulated reality from the movie as a metaphor for the rules, norms and values of our current society. This metaphor also refers to television, radio, internet, etc. which effects people in much the same way as real experience.
They state that Matrixism is similar to the Protestant Reformation in its innovation that people should read and interpret the bible for themselves instead of relying on priests to do it for them. The path of the One requires members to not only research the films for themselves but also religion and science in general.
When this truth is fully realized by an individual, they are said to "wake up" from their dreams or "simulated reality" to the real-world "truth".
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I gathered the above information from the sites below and pieced them together in this one place. There is some additional information to be obtained from these sites that I did not include. I encourage everyone interested to check these out and do the research for yourself.
Here's are two excellent links to audio podcasts that delve into the spiritual / religious aspects of the movie.
I highly recommend you check them out. You can also download them from iTunes.
SuperWisdom Presents: Time Out for Truth & The Matrix and Jewish Reality
Matrixism - The path of the One
http://www.geocities.com/matrixism
Wiki's
http://religion.wikia.com/wiki/Matrixism
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrixism
Matrixism - Science & Philosophy of the Matrix
http://www.matrixism.org/
The Daily Galaxy
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2007/04/the_matrix_neo_.html
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If anyone has any comments, additional information or corrections, please e-mail me at: sparetimeradio@gmail.com