You become a Practitioner of Ascendium by saying out loud the Taking Refuge and following the Ten Commitments. This should be read out loud once a week.
Taking Refuge
I take refuge in the One, my true destiny.
I take refuge in truth, my only authority.
I take refuge in myself, my inner light.
The Ten Commitments
1. I commit to non-harming: I abstain from killing, lying, stealing, hurtful words, and sexual misconduct.
2. I commit to compassion: I treat all persons with equal respect and regard, without exception, and forgive others who harm me.
3. I commit to seeking gnosis through silence, solitude, simplicity, and contemplation.
4. I commit to humility: I remain teachable, learning from all but clinging to none, and practice gratitude for what I receive.
5. I commit to daily mindfulness meditation and mindful living in thought, word, and deed.
6. I commit to transcending craving, aversion, and ignorance through non-attachment and cultivating watchfulness.
7. I commit to truth: I examine and revise my beliefs to accord with reality and skillful action.
8. I commit to eating a vegetarian diet, caring for the environment, and abstaining from intoxicants that dull awareness.
9. I commit to purity of attention: I refrain from unwholesome entertainment.
10. I commit to service: I give back to society and help others whenever I can, through whatever I have to offer.
Realignment Practice
When you slip from your commitment, through distraction, craving, or ignorance, this practice restores your alignment with the path. Use it whenever you notice deviation, without self-hatred or shame. The goal is not punishment but clarity: name the slip, turn back, and continue.
1. Illumination:
“I name my deviation without distortion. I take responsibility without self‑hatred. I stepped outside my commitment to ____.”
2. Turning:
“I turn back toward Ultimate Reality. I restore my intention and re‑align myself with the Ten Commitments.”
3. Unification:
“I re‑enter the path with clarity. The deviation is released and no longer binds me.”
4. Declaration:
“The path is clear again.”