Doctrinal Conflict

[Wayfarer]

I posted a little of this on the other board but I've thought it out a bit more. :)

 

Basically this is my idea for an increasing point of friction between sisters in the White Ajah, and something for them to argue about.  It also gives people a way to circumvent the White Ajah stereotype if they choose, though it is by no means limited to one or the other.  Individual characters could (and should) see the values of both doctrines if they are suited to it.  Those that are more withdrawn emotionally may favour the Blade Doctrine, while those who wish to spread themselves further may be suited to the Diamond Doctrine.  By the same token, one who is withdrawn might come to the logical conclusion that the Diamond Doctrine is of value, and someone who is too emotional might wish to try and emulate the Blade.

 

These two points have eventually been promulgated into two distinct Doctrines.  While they are both concerned with the Truth, there are fundamental differences between the two in not only what the Truth is but how it can be ascertained that has led to the difference of opinion.  Blade tends to believe in absolute truth as well as assert its primacy over all other considerations.  Therefore all emotional/subjective thinking should be suppressed/dismissed in favour of objectivity in the hope of attaining a higher understanding of the world around them.

 

Diamond Doctrine is concerned that absolute truth can lead down a path of full utilitarianism, cold logic without any emotion to temper it being a callous existance and being of little use.  They likewise feel that there is more than one form of reason that can prove just as useful to understanding the world, and by asserting logic over all other modes of thought as well as emotions, one is crippling their ability to understand what is around them.  Therefore, one must embrace all things as best they can in order to achieve a greater understanding of the truth as best it can be perceived (absolute truth requires absolute 'knowing', only the Creator has the capacity to know absolute truth so Diamond Doctrine asserts that one should aim as close as they can).

 

But, here's a basic write up below.

 

 

Blade Doctrine:  See within your mind's eye a longsword, simple and unadorned, its two edges capable of cutting both ways and ending within a single perfect point, this is the truth and the heart of the Blade Doctrine.  The truth may cut both ways, yet there is absolute truth to be found at the tip of the blade, the single point where the truth is realised.  In order to be able to wield the blade, then one must be without distraction or confusion, logic and impartial reason cannot be tainted by emotional content lest it sully the absolute.

 

The truth can only be understood as an absolute through meditation for experience, while valuable, can also evoke emotional response that in turn undermines conclusion.  As is said, "How can one perceive a mountain when you have shrouded it in mist?"  The absolute may only be understood by removing oneself, to appraise the situation from above rather than within.  As humans are fallible due to emotions, one must shrug off one's feelings and allow only for the mind for in this way only can a human rise above their limitations to know the absolute.

 

Diamond Doctrine:  A diamond, when refined and polished, is possessed of many facets and this is the most basic element of the Diamond Doctrine.  A sister of the White Ajah should embrace all aspects of herself much in the same way she embraces all truth.  She does not only espouse logic as the source of truth, but finds equal value in reason and unreason, conscious thought and unconscious instinct.  Emotions can cloud judgement, but they can also sharpen it and likewise serve to temper cold logic that by itself can be strictly true yet entirely unnacceptable in the conclusion.

 

The doctrine tends to give more weight to personal experience than meditation that is sometimes summed up in the simple phrase, "How can one be both scholar and illiterate?"  Empathy is a necessary aspect of truth, for without it there can be no true understanding beyond one's individual perceptions.  At the same time, one must master (yet not suppress) one's emotions for without control then one can easily lie to oneself.  At the same time, one must also be able to accept that there can be multiple 'truths' without an absolute truth, for no one save the Creator has the capacity to truly understand the absolute due to the limitations of man.

 

 

Thoughts?

[Raeyn]

 

**bump**

[perine]

Needed to read that a few more times to get what is being said. I think we may need to elaborate the doctorines a bit more. For at first glance I could not make any other difference than the emotions that play a part.

 

But after re-reading I think Carelia will fall somewhere in between. A bit more leaning to the Blade Doctrine than the diamond. Though I think that will open up better once I start to rp her. :)

[Raeyn]

 

See, when I started out with Lillith, I felt she'd be a perfect fit for the Blade Doctrine.  However, she ended up a lot nicer, warmer, and empathic than I expected, so I have nooo idea where she fits into things either. *laughs*

 

We don't necessarily have to keep this, but it definitely was an interesting idea.  Though not for the 'let's create more silly turmoil!' reason, but for the 'let's add more depth to this group of people' reason.

[Liitha]

but where there is two outerpoints you often has a midle too which is a compromise between the points..would that be something to think about too, maybe even as a newer generation type thing...if this is from old on maybe new minds would form another tird option inbetween thinking both the old ones are both right and wrong?

[Raeyn]

 

Could be, considering it seems most of us feel in the middle. :)

[Liitha]

three fraction maybe - sometimes you got to bend with the wind to not break :p

[minisamus]

I'm with Diamond. And I think James used to play Lillian as diamond too, from her experiences.

[Taei]

Tayva is definitely a diamond. She believes that each person has their own truth.

[Taei]

*bump* Putting posts in order. :)

[Jagen Sedai]

Oooh, I love this a lot, it sounds fantastic. :D