Jules/Code of Ananda

The Code of Ananda is a set of guidelines written for the Cult of Ecstasy by Sh'zar, the Cult's founding organizer. Ananda is a Sanskrit word which means "bliss". Though Sh'zar was born in Persia, the use of the Sanskrit word ananda clearly shows the prominence of Hindu thinking in Sh'zar's mind, specifically from the Sahajiya school of thought. Indeed, the earliest used title for a member of the magical Tradition which would eventually be renamed as the Cult of Ecstasy is the Sanskrit word Sahajiya, which the Ecstatics translate as "follower of [passionate] nature". This Code first appears in the Tradition Book, and is a subject of much controversy, even among the Cult.

• Thou art miraculous:So are we all.

• He who spits on his good right hand shall find the left one fails him in need.

• 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. Thus shall a Seer count his deeds.

• Some minds rest best asleep. Stir not those who would not waken otherwise.

• Truths foreseen are not always truths.

• If a man (or a woman) would rend anothers 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.

• Let each Seer account his own deeds and if those deeds should want for wisdom or kindness, let him be put forth to weep alone.

• Humor cooleth blood: Wrath spillith it.

• Even trees rent by lightning may grow new fruit.

• 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.