User:Mark Mullen/Nowism

Nowism (sometimes known as ISism) is a belief system developed by M. Francis Mullen, a yoga practitioner, former martial artist and Zen/Taoism practitioner and philosopher. Nowism is closely related to (and to a degree derives from) Taoist and yogic philosophy. The basic tenets of Nowism are simple: 1) All religions and belief systems* require some faith in what happens (or doesn’t) in an ‘afterlife’ -No one can prove or disprove these claims, as they are based entirely on faith -Thus, all religions are equally valid (or invalid), since they can neither be proven or disproven 2) Most religions and belief systems rely on experts and sacred texts to tell one (and others) what to do -Each religion claims their particular experts and sacred writings are the true ones -This belief in the separateness of humanity is the cause of all wars and violence

Nowism states a few simple precepts, basically the opposite of the traditional viewpoints. 1)	We can only live in and act in the present; the past is gone and the future unknown 2)	We cannot and should not waste time and energy on anything but the present 3)	The afterlife is unknowable, and only through our actions in the Now can we manifest either ‘good’ or ‘evil’. 4)	If there is a God/Goddess, He or She can be known only on an intimate personal basis, not as interpreted by experts and ancient writings, and only in the NOW. 5)	Only the individual can truly know God/Goddess, and God/Goddess has written His/Her rules and precepts on each heart. These precepts can only be known in the Now, by the individual. 6)	If there is a God/Goddess, He or She can manifest only through the actions of individuals 7)	If there is such a thing as good and evil, they can only be made manifest through the actions of individuals, acting in the subjective present (the Now). The restraints and observances followed in Nowism are simple and closely related to those of both Eastern and Western religions: 1)	Any violence done harms the doer more than the victim 2)	In order to live by one’s own beliefs, one must allow others to live by theirs 3)	All belief systems and actions are to be honored, except where they do harm to Self or others 4)	Each person knows what to do without any special instruction. These precepts are known by all children; be fair, be kind, be truthful, be considerate 5)	Each individual takes complete responsibility for manifesting either good or evil in their use of the precious time of Now. Each manifest either good or evil by the use of their only true freedom; the freedom to choose one’s actions.

References:

Fundamentals of Nowism by M Francis Mullen (Nowist pamphlet) A Congitive Comparison between Buddhism, Patanjali, and the IS in Nowism and Modern Thought, by Mark Francis Mullen

The Holy Bible The Holy Q'Uran (Koran) Bhagavad Gita Talmud and Torah The Yoga Sutras - Patanjali Hatha Yoga Pradipika The Analects of Confucius Tao Te Ching - Lao Tsu