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Core Principles

The Warrior and the Noble-Spirited

The Warrior (הלוחם) represents strength, courage, and the ability to act in the world - to fight for moral principles and justice, and to carry them out in practice. The Noble-Spirited (אציל הרוח) symbolizes a deep understanding of universal principles, objective morality, and the metaphysical dynamics that drive the cosmos, with a heightened intuitive and philosophical perception of reality.

Together, they are complementary:

• The Warrior embodies and enacts philosophical truths through initiative and action in the world.

• The Noble-Spirited offers guidance through profound insight, inner clarity, and spiritual integrity and morality.

The book is structured to reflect both of these archetypes: the first part focuses on the introspective, reflective voice of the Noble-Spirited; the second part follows the Warrior's journey, combining spiritual knowledge with mental and physical power. The central message is that justice and morality without power are hollow, but power without justice and morality turns into brutality in the wrong hands.

Absolute Truth vs. Perspective

In Tales from the Mountain, the absolute truth is presented as a blurred goal, incomprehensible in full through the eyes of man, which are always controlled by the limitations of personal perspective. While the absolute truth is constant and objective, the perspective stems from the individual’s experiences, beliefs, and fears, which shape the way he perceives reality. The conflict between the two represents the struggle between knowledge and belief, between the aspiration to understand the entire universe and the recognition that a person is always bound to his point of view. The book urges the Warrior to always strive to see the absolute truth, wherever it may be, while recognizing that his vision will always be broken, like a cracked mirror, reflecting only fragments of the essence of things.

The Relationship Between Falsehood and Truth – Foundation and Ceation

The relationship between falsehood and truth is based on the principle of containment: truth is the universal, white, and empty substrate upon which countless lies exist that conceal it. Similar to the black and empty space of the universe, which serves as the basis for all celestial bodies, so too does truth serve as a background upon which the deceptive perception of reality is constructed. There is no spectrum and no relativity – a thing can only be either truth or falsehood, with no intermediate degrees. Lies, according to the book, do not contain fragments of truth, but exist as veils that prevent us from seeing the fundamental substrate as it truly is. From here arises the call to the Warrior to break the shell of lies and gaze directly into the empty and unpleasant space where the absolute truth resides.

The Balance Between Justice and Power

"Justice without power is powerless, but power without justice leads to tyranny" (Blaise Pascal): justice alone, without the power to defend and apply it, remains an abstract ideal, helpless in the face of reality. Conversely, power that is not guided by justice and morality quickly becomes a tool of tyranny and oppression. The central idea is that both must exist together: justice grants power moral legitimacy and meaning, while power enables justice to influence and change reality. The book describes the Warrior as one who brings actual justice to the world through his strength, and the Noble-Spirited as one who guides that strength according to universal principles of justice.

Free Will and The Freedom of Choice vs. Determinism

Free will and the freedom of choice are seen as essential forces of human existence, struggling within the framework of determinism that dictates cosmic order. Determinism provides structure and causality, while free will brings life, creativity, and Karmic responsibility, and both are necessary to avoid, on the one hand, anarchy, and on the other, total alienation. The book suggests that free choice exists as a small space within determinism, allowing man to find authentic meaning and to act out of true awareness, with all the limitations that entails. The Noble-Spirited and the Warrior act out of an understanding of determinism but also create freedom and personal meaning within its bounds. Thus, the central message is that free will and determinism are not opposites, but combine to create meaningful existence.

Interactions Between an Individual and Themselves, an Individual and Their Surroundings, and an Individual and Higher Forces

These interactions are inseparably interwoven. Facing himself, a person confronts the falsehoods of their self-perception and is obligated to strive toward uncovering inner truth. Facing their fellow, they act within the tension between the need for connection and the moral conflicts that arise from mutual influence. Facing a higher power, the person stands before an indifferent universe, in which they must find meaning despite the sense of chaos and confusion. Each of these dimensions represents a stage in the journey toward transcending the limits of self-delusion and approaching absolute truth.

Materialization of Abstract Conceptions

One of the central aims of the book is to expose the spiritual and conceptual depth of terms usually perceived simplistically, to materialize them, and to present them in tangible ways that allow the reader to experience them more concretely. For example, the Tree of Life, sometimes viewed as a physical tree bearing supernatural fruit, is here revealed as a profound Kabbalistic diagram – the Tree of Sefiroth – representing the structure of creation, the connection points between the divine and the human, and the path of soul development and spiritual enlightenment.

Morality, often portrayed as relative and culture-dependent, is defined in the book as a natural and objective system of laws that distinguishes between good and evil based on the harmony or harm they produce, providing a firm framework for understanding natural ethics and moral law.

Karma, frequently used as a shallow term for punishment or reward, is explained as a cosmic law of cause and effect, in which awareness of actions is what creates consequences - not some external educating force, as commonly believed in religious doctrines.

Another example is the struggle between light and darkness, which according to the book is not an external conflict between good and evil, but rather an internal process where the individual learns to understand the wisdom acquired through open eyes and the wisdom acquired through closed eyes.

De-Occulting

The term "de-occulting" refers to the process of exposing, unveiling, or revealing a hidden truth, concealed idea, or secret knowledge. It is used in philosophical, mystical, and sometimes psychological contexts to describe the moment when something hidden becomes visible - whether personal deep truths or universal principles.

De-occulting is characterized by a sense of awakening, and is often accompanied by discomfort or difficulty, as the new truth requires processing and confrontation. In the book, this concept serves as a central idea describing the hero’s confrontation with the removal of the masks and layers that conceal the “real” - both in his worldview and in his relations with the surrounding world. It is a process of peeling back the symbolic, mystical, or Kabbalistic layers of deep ideas and bringing them into the light in a more practical and clear language.

Shadow Work

Shadow work is the process of exploring and integrating the hidden or repressed aspects of your personality, often those you deem negative or undesirable. It involves acknowledging these "shadow" traits, understanding their origins, and learning to accept them as part of yourself. By bringing these unconscious patterns to light, you can gain self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and unlock untapped potential. Ultimately, shadow work aims to create a more whole and authentic sense of self.

Criticism of Woke Culture and Neoliberalism

Tales from the Mountain harshly criticizes the Woke culture and the extreme forms of neoliberalism and neo-Marxism in modern society. It points out how they often focus on shallow ideology rather than a deep understanding of social issues, leading to a loss of fundamental principles and rights like freedom of thought, freedom of expression, honesty, and personal responsibility. The Woke culture is described in the book as a social mechanism based on quick moral judgment and the pursuit of "justice" driven by subjective emotions, while ignoring human complexity and the real need for inner transformation. The book emphasizes how these phenomena reflect the shallowness of modern culture, which blurs the connection between freedom and responsibility, creating an illusion of progress instead of truly rooted values and integrity. Through sharp criticism, it calls for a genuine awakening - not through slogans, protests, or empty ideologies, but through internal exploration and a deep understanding of universal principles that lead to moral growth.

A Guide and Training Methodology for the Warrior

The book offers a methodology for the lifestyle and training of the warrior, based on physical, mental, and spiritual principles aimed at shaping a Warrior who is not only strong in body but also enlightened in consciousness and possesses high moral and Karmic responsibility. The Warrior is required to pass through seven gates, each representing a stage or aspect of consciousness: from the earthly gates beneath the sun and moon, through the gate of the abyss that teaches the dark corners of the soul, to the gate of the heavens that symbolizes the highest understanding of eternal wisdom. The Warrior is committed to strict discipline, perseverance in physical and mental training, and the implementation of uncompromising moral laws. He must minimize his needs, act with justice and integrity while seeking knowledge and understanding, and maintain personal strength that does not fall into tyranny or weakness. The morality that guides the Warrior is inflexible: he is committed to striving for justice and preventing Wrongs. This path creates a holistic system that teaches the Warrior not only how to act in the world but also how to become Noble-Spirited with a deep and responsible influence on his surroundings.

The Issue of Ownership and Compulsive Materialism

The concept of ownership is discussed through different lenses, with an emphasis on the difference between external ownership and internal connection. In the subsection dealing with the moral implications of property, it is argued that true ownership requires three criteria: fair acquisition that does not infringe on the rights of others, moral control over the use of property, and personal responsibility for its maintenance. In a satire on the human drive for ownership, it explains how greed and materialism are merely products of insecurity and compulsive self-focus, akin to the instinctive behavior of a dog marking its territory. It raises questions about the relationship between ownership and its true value, suggesting that true ownership is not of objects but of the self, the consciousness, and actions and their consequences. In the spirit of natural law, it urges the reader to examine how their actions and perception of ownership impact the community and the world, striving for liberation from the illusion that compulsive materialism brings happiness.

Personal Interpretation and Perspective vs. Truth

"Personal interpretation" is presented in the book as a critical obstacle to pure understanding of reality, where the illusions created by a subjective point of view and its accompanying weaknesses prevent a person from seeing things as they truly are. In the subchapter "Portals", the conflict is presented between intimate personal experiences and collective perception, where each individual has a "private portal" through which they interpret reality according to their inner world. In the subchapter "Personal Interpretation", the book emphasizes how a person creates illusions about reality when they see it through filters of personal experiences and fears. This idea ties into the broader depiction of illusions discussed in "The Apple Parable" and "Portals", and reinforces the message that the Warrior and Noble-Spirited must be freed from personal interpretations in order to experience truth in its pure form.

Early Heavens and Later Heavens

The Early Heavens and the Later Heavens are central concepts in Chinese philosophy and medicine, particularly Daoism. The Early Heavens (先天, Xiān Tiān) represent the primordial, original, and eternal order of the universe – the pure and unchanging state of creation before human intervention or action. It is a state of perfect harmony, in which everything exists in its proper place and flows from the Dao ("The Way") naturally. It is the fundamental energetic source from which the ten thousand things arise. The Later Heavens (后天, Hòu Tiān) refer to the order that emerges after the world has developed and become filled with the influence of human activity, social dynamics, and cultural perceptions. This is a dynamic, changing state, in which human beings and the world operate within a system of opposites, causes, and effects. While the Early Heavens symbolize pure potential, the Later Heavens reflect manifested reality and the struggle with the forces of existence. These ideas can be integrated into the hero’s journey: the transition from original innocence (Early Heavens) to the complexity of life and consciousness (Later Heavens), with a constant attempt to return to harmony and reconnect with the natural source. It is an ongoing struggle between returning to a natural, harmonious state and living in a world full of influences and changes.

The Law of Three

The Law of Three emphasizes the ternary structure of the universe - the idea that every creative process or natural phenomenon relies on three forces: an active force, a passive force, and a reconciling or resulting force that balances between them. An example is the Yin and Yang, which represent opposing poles in nature - the masculine and the feminine, darkness and light - whose union creates harmony through cycles of creation and destruction. The book expands on this law through mythological imagery, such as the Chimera (Tri-Head), where each head symbolizes a different aspect of the human development journey: the lion - a symbol of power, bravery, and authority. The serpent - bearer of esoteric wisdom and insights into the universe. The goat – embodying the relentless force of action, will, and determination. The law emphasizes that no creation occurs without the dynamic tension between these forces, and that only the integration of these forces can produce new meaning. This idea is present not only in the book’s existential philosophy but also in the practical aspects of life, such as the balance between emotion, thought, and action.

The Three Treasures

The Three Treasures (Sanbao) represent the foundational principles that shape the human being and his inner journey – Jing (essence of life), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit). While this idea is rooted in Daoist philosophy, in the context of the book it assumes a broader meaning, describing the connection between the physical, psychological, and spiritual layers of human existence. Jing symbolizes the material basis and the earthly aspect from which life emerges. Qi describes the flow of energy that bridges matter and spirit, enabling transformation and growth. Shen represents understanding, inspiration, and the link to the higher dimension of existence. Much like the “Three Jewels” of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – the Three Treasures in the book express the pursuit of inner harmony through three distinct envelopes.

The Three Universal Lies (aka: The Three Shells of Resin)

In the chapter “The All-Seeing Eye”, the Three Universal Lies are presented as mechanisms of social manipulation that prevent true understanding and enslave the collective mind. The first lie, “The Lie of Conformity and Norm”, promotes the idea that one must conform to social norms even when they contradict inner values and universal morality, thereby reinforcing blind obedience and the suppression of independent thought. The second lie, “The Lie of Hierarchy and Authority”, portrays social structures and power systems as natural and necessary, discouraging any attempt to question the legitimacy of dominance and class divisions. The third lie, “The Lie of Abundance and Consumerism”, entrenches the belief that material possession is the key to happiness and meaning, while deepening inner emptiness and subjecting the individual to economic dictates.

The Four Envelopes

The envelopes represent different layers of existence, both in the universe and in mankind, with each one reflecting a unique aspect of life and the path. The Earthly Envelope deals with temperament – the interplay of fire and water that shapes one’s character and tendencies on the physical and emotional levels. The Heavenly/Celestial Envelope focuses on texture and shape – the fusion of matter and energy that weaves the subtle web of life and fertilizes the union of heaven and earth. The Cosmic Envelope dictates gender and Karmic laws – the balance and polarity between masculine and feminine principles as driving forces of creation. Lastly, The Absolute Envelope reflects the unity beyond opposites, in which all aspects merge into one eternal and complete whole.

The Law of Seven

The motif of the number seven recurs throughout the book as a central idea, embodying cosmic order, processes of development, and life cycles. The book uses the number seven to emphasize the harmonious structure of the universe, in which every process or phenomenon relies on seven stages, lines, or elements. Examples include the Law of Octaves, illustrating the development of forces and energy frequencies in nature; the seven chakras, representing centers of energy and consciousness in the human existence; and the sequence of the seven elements according to the Septagram Model. These seven elements refer to fundamental qualities that drive both the universe and the individual: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Light, Void, and Spirit/Aether. These examples illustrate the worldview the book seeks to convey - the number seven is not arbitrary, but a reflection of the laws of nature and humanity across multiple dimensions.

The Seven Chakras

The chakras symbolize critical stations in the development of the inner Warrior and reflect existential dilemmas and the need to confront conflicts that resonate within their frequency. They are not viewed merely as mystical centers, but as representations of the human struggle between matter and spirit along the ascending octave. Each chakra sheds light on a realm of inner oppositions - strength and weakness, fear and desire, and the interplay between man and himself, between man and others, and between man and a higher forces. The movement of energy between the chakras is not linear - it describes a chaotic struggle, where victory depends on awareness and the willingness to release old patterns. Together, they create a spiritual map, where every step forward is an act of inner liberation and a striving for truth.

The Warrior's Seven Sins

The Warrior's seven sin, unlike the seven deadly sins of Christianity, represent the seven mental and emotional shackles that a Warrior must learn to overcome. They reflect basic and universal weaknesses that affect the hero's spiritual journey. Each sin is presented as a character or demon that symbolizes an aspect of internal failure - from "walking the line", which represents the surrender of independent thought in favor of social conformity, to "resentment", which embodies wallowing in the past instead of striving for release and healing. Each of these sins invites the readers to confront their fears, take responsibility for their mistakes, and examine how they might leverage their weaknesses for self-correction and growth.

The Seven Hermetic Principles

The Seven Hermetic Principles, derived from the Hermetic philosophy and tradition (Hermeticism), express a schema of both physical and metaphysical reality and define the inseparable connection between them. These principles influence fields such as alchemy, magic, astrology, and other esoteric teachings, and they offer the individual a roadmap for understanding the universe and their role within it. For the Warrior and the Noble-Spirited, the principles teach how to grow in harmony with nature rather than against it, by understanding the laws that govern reality. While the Warrior must fight many aspects of their nature that do not serve them - such as laziness, weakness, and destructive emotions - they must also respect the natural limitations of their body and soul, such as the need for recovery and gradual progress, the impact of aging, and the earthly and celestial laws to which they are subject.

The Seven Elements and Their Sequence

The sequence of the seven elements - from a developmental perspective (aka: ascending octave), rather than a creative one (aka: descending octave) - describes a process of refinement that begins with static force and ends in pure unity. Earth represents the raw, inert potential from which everything begins, like an idea that has yet to be realized. Fire is the first spark - the active energy that initiates the process and brings the potential into action. Water serves as a natural regulator, moderating the fire and channeling it toward a stable and efficient direction. The combination of Earth (fuel), Fire (energy), and Water (restraint) creates vapors (Air), symbolizing the transition of energy into a more refined, volatile state, and marking the shift from earthly energy to celestial energy. Light and Void, which belong to The Cosmic Envelope, represent the conditions and laws overseeing the lower layers: Light signifies clarity and high guidance, and it precedes Void (since it is closer to Air), as Void contains the Light, not the other way around. Finally, Spirit/Aether, belonging to The Absolute Envelope, represents pure unity - beyond duality and above the Karmic cycle. This sequence or configuration can be likened to a chariot in which each part - Earth (the frame), Fire (the horse), Water (the driver), Air (the passenger), and Light and Void (the conditions of the journey) - works in harmony to advance the passenger toward the destined goal.

The Octave

According to Gurdjieff, every process in the universe - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual - operates according to the pattern of an octave. Progress is not linear but interrupted at certain points (the “missing tones” in music, between Mi-Fa and Si-Do), where additional energy or “external support” is needed to continue in the original direction - otherwise, the course changes. Every octave consists of seven main stages, corresponding to the frequencies of the musical scale and the seven foundational elements that drive the world. The collapse points, or “intervals”, within the octave symbolize critical transitions where energy weakens and an extra effort or external reinforcement is needed to continue the process.

The idea of the octave accompanies the reader throughout the book as a foundation for understanding the stages of the hero’s development - from climbing the mountain, through the seven elements and seven chakras, to confronting the energy retardation stages that represent crises and key turning points. Development is described as a systematic sequence in which each stage builds upon the previous one and demands conscious confrontation with internal and external challenges. The book guides the reader to identify the collapse points - those moments of danger where one may stray from the path - and to find the strength needed to continue the process.

The Ray of Creation

The Ray of Creation is a cosmological principle expressing the hierarchical structure of creation as Gurdjieff saw it. According to his view, creation begins from a single point - “The Absolute” - and descends step by step, like a beam of light spreading outward. Each level describes different realms of existence or “worlds”, where the laws of creation multiply. For example, in our world (Earth), more laws operate (48) than in the higher levels, making us more limited and bound. The Ray of Creation is also used to explain the relationship between man, creation, and the effort required to ascend back toward the source through inner work.

The Wisdom Acquired through Open Eyes (The Realm of Light)

This wisdom represents all knowledge acquired through the senses and based on tangible experiences and external observation. It derives from the process by which a person perceives the world through sight, hearing, touch, and other sensory mechanisms, relying on light to reveal the hidden information in darkness. The Realm of Light serves as a space where the senses dictate the boundaries of knowledge, and often shape the person’s perspective on truth and reality. It is a wisdom that brings order and structure, but is also limited by the natural constraints of the senses themselves.

The Wisdom Acquired through Closed Eyes (The Realm of Void)

This wisdom is revealed only through the "closing of the eyes" and inner contemplation, requiring detachment from sensory awareness and externally sourced information. The Realm of Void symbolizes the space where one turns inward, toward the hidden shadows within, and faces truths that are concealed from everyday consciousness. It is precisely in complete darkness - where light does not dazzle or distract - that one can explore the depths of their essence and uncover the truths buried within. This is a wisdom that invites self-discovery but also demands the courage to let go of what is familiar and visible.

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana symbolizes the revealed knowledge of the microcosm - the earthly aspects of reality and the laws that govern them. This is manifest wisdom, focused on human consciousness, relationships, and the dynamics of earthly existence. It offers practical understanding of the laws that shape a person’s awareness, emotions, and choices, and enables them to navigate the visible world. The Minor Arcana is the tool a person uses to function in the immediate and perceivable reality

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana symbolizes the hidden knowledge of the macrocosm - the celestial aspects of reality and the universal laws that govern the nature of the cosmos. This is deep, intuitive wisdom that eludes sensory perception and demands exploration beyond the limits of human understanding. The Major Arcana exposes the individual to the cosmic order and the true essence of existence, serving as a roadmap for uncovering the universal truth that lies beyond what the eyes can see.

Being vs. Consciousness

In Gurdjieff and Ouspensky's teachings, Being refers to one’s inner essence - the real, undeveloped self beneath personality and mechanical habits - while Consciousness refers to one’s capacity for self-awareness and perception of reality. Being is tied to the depth and authenticity of a person, including qualities like sincerity, integrity, and inner unity. Consciousness, on the other hand, is the degree to which one is awake - ranging from complete mechanical sleep to full objective awareness. A person may have developed understanding (consciousness) but lack Being, or possess deep emotional sincerity (Being) without clarity of awareness. True development requires both: without being, consciousness becomes shallow; without consciousness, being remains blind. The work, therefore, aims to grow both together through conscious effort.

The Fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Fruit of Life

The biblical fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolizes self-awareness, intellect, and free will - the traits that separate humanity from heavenly beings or “angels”. In contrast, the fruit of Life represents immortality, eternal youth, and freedom from the effects of time - but also a lack of free will or deviation from a preordained mission.

The journey of the Warrior and Noble-Spirited reflects the tension between these two fruits: on one hand, the eternal human desire to transcend mortality; on the other, the heavy burden of consciousness and free choice, which brings suffering, but also freedom.

Humans live in a constant pursuit of the fruit of Life - the desire to delay aging or escape death - while the fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil shapes their lives through the creation of social structures, behavioral patterns, and emotions rooted in the limitations of mortality.

Through various theological traditions, the book emphasizes that this human weakness, called “mortality”, is the source of suffering, but also the primary driver of creativity, morality, and longing.

Jachin and Boaz – The Pillar of Judgment and the Pillar of Grace

The pillars Jachin and Boaz, originating in Solomon’s Temple, symbolize the foundational forces of creation - judgment and grace. Jachin, the pillar of judgment, represents order, law, and discipline. It symbolizes the need for boundaries, balance, and just law to preserve harmony and stability in the universe. Boaz, the pillar of mercy, represents softness, love, and the capacity to give beyond strict judgment. It symbolizes the force that softens, permits, and expands human consciousness.

The Sword of the Angel Metatron

The angel Metatron, known in Jewish mysticism as the “Heavenly Scribe” and divine messenger, represents the bridge between the upper and lower worlds. His sword, in this context, is not merely a physical weapon but a symbol of absolute truth and the ability to discern between good and evil, truth and illusion. It is associated with the power to shatter falsehoods, reveal hidden insights, and punish those who deviate from divine order. The sword represents the Warrior’s moral responsibility to confront the darker aspects of his own being and to unlock closed gates within his consciousness in order to uncover hidden knowledge. To raise the sword requires one to face internal fears and desires, and to accept the price that comes with the discovery of difficult truths.

The Principle of Non-Acceptance

Non-acceptance of the world is a central principle for the Warrior and Noble-Spirited. It enables resistance to moral corruption, injustice, and limiting conventions. This is not merely a rebellious or negative stance, but a call to rise above the illusions and forces that bind a person, and to act for change grounded in moral values and universal truth. Tales from the Mountain emphasizes that “The first torch was not invented by one who welcomed darkness with open arms.” but by one who refused to accept the shadows - thus becoming an example of the importance of rejecting reality as it is, in order to build a better and more just one.

Rebirth and the Cycles of Life

Tales from the Mountain presents life as a series of cycles - birth, growth, death, and rebirth - each meant to break old boundaries and open new doors of insight. Rebirth is presented as a conscious act of self-liberation from binding habits, thoughts, and beliefs, aiming for a purified, elevated state of consciousness. Using rich metaphors like the Tree of Life and Ajna’s Labyrinth, the book portrays rebirth as an inner, symbolic death involving the disintegration of old identity, confrontation with fear, and the forging of meaning from inner chaos. This principle emphasizes the soul’s endless renewal, where every end is a new beginning, and every fall is the root of future growth. Rebirth becomes the purpose of the struggle, the reconciliation with loss, and the belief that the journey is never in vain.

The Fruits of the Tree of Life

The fruits of the Tree of Life symbolize key aspects of the hero’s life journey, reflecting a deep personal connection to time, aspiration, and regret.

• The golden, ripe fruits represent fulfilled dreams and realized potential, achievements rich in vitality and meaning.

• The green, unripe fruits symbolize future possibilities and unexplored paths, full of hope and potential.

• The fallen fruits on the ground are reminders of past experiences and irretrievable time, marked by memory and finality.

• The rotten, stubborn fruits still clinging to the branches embody unresolved pain, guilt, and regrets - like parasitic remnants of unhealed wounds.

The hero’s attempts to rid the tree of these rotten fruits reflect the desperate inner struggle to purge his mind of sorrow, yet their regrowth reveals a flaw rooted deep within, showing the inescapability of the past. The entire tree encapsulates the duality of human existence: beauty and pain interwoven, and the wisdom of learning to live with one’s errors rather than erase them.

Natural Law

Natural Law is described as a set of universal moral principles embedded in the fabric of the cosmos and nature, independent of culture, religion, or man-made legislation. It operates on the principle of cause and effect: every action carries inevitable consequences, guided by an intuitive sense of justice and harmony. Actions that foster harmony are considered "good" (Rights), while those that sow harm and chaos are "evil" (Wrongs). This absolute moral framework demands personal responsibility and rejects external salvation from the natural consequences of one's behavior. The concept aligns with Mark Passio’s interpretation, which frames Natural Law as spiritual laws discerned through reason rather than institutions. He emphasizes unity between thought, emotion, and action, claiming that living in accordance with Natural Law leads to inner and outer freedom, while ignorance of it ensures continued enslavement.

The Universal Definition of Evil

The universal definition of evil is based on five (or six, depending on item 4) conditions or criteria that must be met for an act to be considered evil, by all means:

1. Victim: A direct or indirect victim is harmed by the act against their will.

2. Harm: The act caused real harm to the victim or deprived them of fundamental rights.

3. Intent and Awareness: The act was committed knowingly, with intent, or with clear indifference to the expected harm.

4. Lack of Justification: The act lacks circumstantial or moral justification.

5. Alternative: There existed an alternative course of action that could have prevented or reduced the harm.

6. Disproportionality: If circumstantial or moral justification exists, the harm caused significantly exceeds the justification.

Order of the Ascended

The "Order of the Ascended" in the story symbolizes the highest layer of existence and consciousness, representing the distilled essence of enlightenment, wisdom, and absolute truth. In philosophical and spiritual terms, this "order" describes those who have transcended the limitations of the physical world, duality, and the illusions of the ego, reaching a state of unity with creation. For the Warrior, this state is a spiritual ideal a point of aspiration where he is able to reconcile the opposing forces within himself, become the master of his own being, and live in harmony with the universal principles.

Karma

Karma ("Action") is described through the water cycle, illustrating the nature of life as a constant flow of causes and effects. A person who touches the river alters it, but is also affected by it, as each molecule continues its journey - evaporating, returning as rain, and nourishing different aspects of the world. This cycle, which encompasses birth, relationships, death, and renewal, reflects our Karmic responsibility: every action, interaction, or choice affects the world and is destined to return and affect us in turn. Like water, existence and life are cyclical - every beginning is a result, and every ending an opportunity for rebirth.

Enlightenment

“Enlightenment”, contrary to popular belief, is not perceived as a magical moment of sudden awakening, but as a long, ongoing process filled with inner struggle. It is described as the ability to see reality as it truly is - beyond illusions, false perceptions, and fears that shape consciousness. Enlightenment requires a person to confront the darkest parts of themselves, to sacrifice their former identity, and to realize that truth is not revealed through external search, but through an internal process of parting with the familiar and the comfortable.

Magick

The common definition of "Magick" is: the intentional influence on reality through willpower, symbols, actions, or rituals, with the aim of creating change in the material or spiritual world. In the context of the Warrior's path, Magick is not merely a collection of prayers, curses, and rituals, but a cognitive skill that enables the Warrior to harmonize with Natural Law and exert his will consciously and responsibly in order to bring about desired changes around him. Some masters, like John Chang, describe Magick as the harnessing and manipulation of external forces, rather than the expenditure of one’s own energy, to which he referred to as "Neigong".

The traditional Warrior, as portrayed in the book, does not merely battle external enemies, but also the inner forces that shape his life - fears, desires, and regrets. Magick is the tool by which he learns to channel these energies toward genuine inner transformation, which eventually manifests in the external world as well.

The idea of magic in martial arts, where it exists, focuses primarily on concepts of energy and consciousness, in which the Warrior seeks to connect with forces beyond the physical strength used in daily life. The use of Qi in arts such as Qigong, Neigong, or Taiji Quan is a clear example, where life energy is harnessed to enhance power, focus, and harmony between body and mind. Another example is found in traditional Japanese martial arts like Aikido, where specific movements are combined with the belief that the Warrior aligns himself with "universal energy" to create harmony with his opponent. Additionally, sacred rituals in the dojo - such as bowing to deities or symbols, lighting incense, and reciting prayers - may be perceived as "magical", as they aim to connect the Warrior to a spiritual or transcendental dimension during training.

Renma

The principle of Renma (錬磨), meaning “continuous polishing”, symbolizes an ongoing process of refinement and improvement - particularly within traditional martial arts - through the practice of kata - a form of meditation in motion. It centers on three pillars: relative rhythm of technique (transitions between different speeds), balance between muscular tension and relaxation, and breath control (from soft, natural breathing to a kiai battle cry). Renma strengthens the Warrior by teaching him to strive for perfection through self-discipline, focus, and control, while continuously adapting to challenges and the dynamic flow of life.

Muga – Mushin

"Muga – Mushin" is a state of consciousness in which a person acts with perfect unity of intent, motion, and flow - free from the distractions of rational thought or external motives. It is a condition of “no self” (muga) and “no mind” (mushin), where action arises intuitively and naturally from a deep union between body and mind. The book describes how this principle enables the Warrior to maintain balance, focus, and full control over every action, while detaching from emotional or mental factors that destabilize his inner equilibrium and instinct.

The Alchemy of Water

The Alchemy of Water serves as a powerful metaphor for inner transformation, mental flexibility, and the ability to shatter outdated belief systems in order to create a new reality. This doctrine emphasizes the shift from belief to knowledge - a type of understanding that is not based on axioms but on direct and objective perception of reality, to the point of shaping it. It also raises philosophical questions about the nature of human will: does man act from belief, or from knowing?

The protagonist of this story must internalize this wisdom in order to change his perception of reality, allowing the currents of his consciousness to reshape his inner and outer world. Throughout his journey, this process is shown to help the Warrior overcome mental barriers and transcend physical limits - for example, the ability to “walk on water” arises from the realization that belief and intent define one's boundaries.

The Golem (Coccoon)

The “Golem” represents a primitive or undeveloped state of existence, in which a person is bound by their limitations, lacking self-awareness, and living according to external dictates, habits, and norms. The golem symbolizes the potential within every person to change form - but only if they are willing to break their shell and grow beyond it.

“Golems” are those in a state of cognitive slumber, acting from routine, obedience, or fear, and never questioning the reality around them. They live within the “shells of the golem” - boundaries imposed by society, culture, or themselves - and fail to realize their true essence.

However, the book emphasizes that every golem contains the potential to become a butterfly - to attain enlightenment and break through its limitations. But this transformation requires inner struggle, courage, and the willingness to recognize that liberation comes from confrontation and awakening - not from escape.

Kyokushinkai

Kyokushinkai (極真会), translated from Japanese as “The Association of the Ultimate Truth,” is the name of a Karate style developed by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. It is characterized by an uncompromising approach to training, competition, and a deep commitment to the values of discipline, determination, courage, and fighting spirit. The name itself reflects the relentless pursuit of inner truth through intense physical and spiritual practice. Kyokushinkai is also the style that most influenced the author in writing this book.

Traditional Karate consists of three core disciplines:

• Kihon ("Foundation") – classical and combative foundational techniques.

• Kata ("Shape") – dynamic sequences of classical movements.

• Kumite ("Sparring Hands") – full-contact sparring.

Philosophically, kihon and kata represent the “absolute truth” - there is only one correct way to perform each movement, and any deviation reflects physical or mental weaknesses in the practitioner.

In contrast, kumite represents “subjective truth,” because there is no single correct way to fight - combat allows far more room for adaptability and personal style.