The Purple Path: The Colorful Way Forward

The Purple Path isn’t just a road less traveled—it’s the road you didn’t even know was there. Like ultraviolet light, it’s invisible to most but carries a strength that’s unmatched by the visible spectrum. In a world bogged down by black-and-white thinking and drowned in fifty shades of gray (not the fun kind), the Purple Path bursts in like a philosophical prism, injecting some much-needed color into the drab canvas of life.

This path isn’t about picking sides or boxes. Left or right? Red or blue? Forget it. Why not grab a little of everything and mix it into something better? The Purple Path invites us to think perpendicular—to approach the world with morals and ethics balanced by creativity and a dash of "what if we threw the whole box away?" It's a mindset that respects all life and actively works to improve the Quality of Life™ (trademark pending) for everyone involved.

To walk the Purple Path, you’ll need to keep your emotions cool—lukewarm at best—because hot heads miss the subtle brilliance of unseen paths. It’s about discovering new ways to connect with others, to see other worlds (and maybe our own a little differently), and to create bridges where walls once stood.

This isn’t a path of rigid doctrine but one of inclusion, innovation, and a willingness to learn, forgive, love, and appreciate. It’s about fostering freedom—not just the freedom to exist but to thrive in abundance and diversity. It’s about rising above the usual suspects of adversity, animosity, and annihilation.

On the Purple Path, we grow through understanding. We elevate ourselves through empathy. And, ultimately, we aim for peace—because a colorful world is better than a monochrome one, no matter how many shades of gray you add.

Now, go find the Purple Path. Just don’t trip over it—it’s hard to see, after all.

The Majesty of Purple: A Historical and Spectral Tribute

Think historically, far beyond the confines of the 19th and 20th centuries. Purple has long been the hue of royalty, the color gracing the robes of rulers in both sacred and secular realms. Its lineage is ancient, tied to power and prestige, with the first recorded use of the word purple in English dating back to A.D. 975.

However, let’s clarify: this historical context is distinct from the noble social movements of the 20th century, such as its association with the LGBTQ+ community. While these movements have embraced the color beautifully, the Purple we discuss here is rooted in its original symbolism of grandeur and leadership. That said, all are welcome to "see" Purple in its historical context and revel in its glory.

The significance of Purple lies in its precise spectral range and quantum relativity—approximately 380–420 nm—making it a rarity in nature and a marvel in human perception. Do not confuse it with violet, which, while noble in its own right, bears an almost unsettling proximity to the adjective "violent" (missing only the letter "n," a coincidence that may warrant philosophical pondering).

Etymologically, the word purple traces back to Old English purpul, derived from Latin purpura and Greek porphura. This lineage points to the legendary Tyrian purple dye of antiquity, painstakingly extracted from the mucus of the spiny dye-murex snail. A single garment dyed in this rare pigment was worth a fortune, symbolizing status and wealth unmatched by any other color.

On the chromaticity diagram, the line of purples—connecting the extreme spectral ends of red and violet—forms a boundary of human color perception. Beyond this line lies the infinite potential of what we can only imagine, making Purple the ultimate fusion of the visible and the visionary.

So, whether you view it as a scientific marvel, a symbol of power, or a philosophical bridge, Purple remains a testament to humanity's ability to perceive, create, and revere the extraordinary.

These Five Tenets encapsulate the unique blend of creativity, inclusivity, and philosophical depth in Purpleism.

Here’s why they work well and how they could evolve further:

1 The Pursuit of Absurd Joy, Playful Curiousity, and Wonder

• This tenet reflects Purpleism’s emphasis on humor and creativity as tools for personal growth and understanding and encourages awe and reverence for the mysteries of life.. It aligns with the philosophy’s lighthearted yet meaningful approach to life.

2 Empathy and Equality and actively cultivating relationships and communities that embody these principles

• This is a universal value that underscores Purpleism's focus on inclusivity and interconnectedness. It also contrasts nicely with its satirical tone, creating balance.

3 The Balance of Chaos and Order, especially in creativity as the space where innovation thrives

• This tenet provides a philosophical grounding, appealing to those who seek to reconcile opposing forces in life. It resonates with the theme of purple as a blend of contrasts (red and blue).

4 The Invisible Purple Path is personal and evolving, requiring openness to change and the courage to stray from societal norms

• This tenet captures Purpleism’s focus on the unconventional, encouraging followers to trust in intuition and explore the unknown.

5 Playful Wisdom

• This tenet advocates for learning and growth through unorthodox means, like satire or absurdity.

An absurdist religion would embrace the inherent contradictions, paradoxes, and absurdities of existence as central tenets of its philosophy, rather than attempting to resolve or explain them. It might focus on the idea that life has no ultimate meaning or purpose, but that this realization can lead to a liberated, creative, and even joyful approach to existence. Here are some core ideas and practices such a religion might include:

The Church of Cosmic Absurdity

Core Tenets:

1. Reverence for the Absurd: Life is both incomprehensibly strange and beautifully pointless. This is cause for celebration, not despair.

2. Meaning is a Joke (and You’re It): There’s no inherent meaning in the universe, so feel free to invent your own—and laugh at it when it gets too serious.

3. Embrace Contradictions: Believe everything and nothing simultaneously. Yes, that includes this rule.

Rituals and Practices:

• Sacred Chaos Day: Followers gather to perform rituals of nonsense, such as wearing mismatched shoes, reciting palindrome prayers, or attempting to play chess with ducks.

• Random Acts of Meaninglessness: Practitioners are encouraged to perform actions that have no logical purpose, like planting forks in a garden or mailing postcards to themselves.

• The Holy Joke: A central rite involves each member creating their own joke about life and delivering it to the congregation, followed by raucous, cathartic laughter (or awkward silence).

Scripture:

• The religion might have a sacred text called The Big Book of Shrugs, filled with paradoxical koans, humorous anecdotes, and blank pages for "interpretation."

Symbols and Icons:

• The Holy Rubber Chicken, representing both comedy and the futility of trying to make sense of life.

• A Möbius strip, symbolizing infinite loops of meaninglessness.

Philosophical Basis:An absurdist religion would draw heavily from thinkers like Albert Camus, who explored the tension between humanity's desire for meaning and the universe's indifference. Unlike nihilism, however, this religion would encourage rebellion against despair with humor, creativity, and the refusal to take anything—including itself—too seriously.

Clergy and Leadership:There are no permanent leaders. Leadership roles are assigned at random for brief periods, ensuring that the least prepared person is always in charge. Titles might include "Grand Poo-Bah of Pointlessness" or "High Priest(ess) of Who Even Knows?"

Ultimate Afterlife Belief:Upon death, members are welcomed into "The Great Maybe," a state of existence where you might meet your creator—only to realize it’s you wearing a fake mustache.

Creeds that for Purpleism that encapsulate its philosophy.

In a pinch, Buddhism also works...

"Walk the Purple Path: See Beyond, Embrace All, Rise Together"

This highlights enlightenment, inclusion, and growth while aligning with the playful and philosophical spirit of Purpleism.

"In the Glow of Purple, All Truths Align"

Purple represents unity and synthesis, combining the fiery passion of red and the calm wisdom of blue. This motto suggests that through the perspective of Purple, diverse truths find harmony, bridging differences to reveal a higher understanding.

"Beyond Red and Blue, There Lies the Purple Path"

This emphasizes transcending binary thinking, whether in politics, emotions, or life’s choices. The Purple Path offers a fresh, inclusive perspective that integrates the best of all worlds, guiding followers toward enlightenment.

"Think Deep, See Purple, Live Free"

Encourages intellectual and spiritual exploration. Thinking deeply leads to perceiving the metaphorical color Purple—the unseen possibilities—unlocking personal freedom and creativity.

"The Color of Balance, The Light of Insight"

Purple embodies balance, blending the extremes of red and blue. This balance fosters clarity and wisdom, symbolizing how Purpleism illuminates the way to thoughtful, ethical living.

"Purple: The Spectrum of Unity and Enlightenment"

This highlights Purple as a unifying force, bringing together opposing ideas into a coherent whole. It signifies enlightenment achieved through understanding and integration.

"From Royalty to Reality, Purple Guides the Way"

Acknowledging Purple’s historical ties to royalty, this phrase redefines it as a guiding principle for practical and profound living. It bridges the grandeur of its past with its present role as a beacon of truth.

"See Purple, Seek Truth, Shine Bright"

A call to open your perception to the unseen and unconsidered (Purple). By seeking truth, you radiate your own unique light and contribute positively to the world.

"Where Logic Meets Wonder, and Color Finds Meaning"

Purpleism combines rational thought with a sense of wonder, creating a philosophy that satisfies the mind and the soul. It invites members to explore both the logical and the mystical aspects of life.

"Purple: A Vision Beyond the Veil"

Purple symbolizes insight and transcendence, encouraging followers to look beyond the surface, into the hidden layers of reality. It’s about seeing what others overlook and discovering deeper truths.

"Embrace the Hue, Illuminate the Truth"

By accepting Purple’s metaphorical essence, followers can uncover truths that enlighten their lives and those around them. This motto is a reminder to let Purple’s wisdom guide your actions.

While Purpleism has a deep respect for Buddhism, Purpleism differs from Buddhism in its approach, symbolism, and philosophy, though both value balance, insight, and a greater understanding of existence. 

Here's a brief comparison:

1 Symbolism:

• Purpleism centers on the color purple as a symbol of unity, enlightenment, and transcendence beyond binaries (e.g., red and blue).

• Buddhism often uses the lotus and other natural symbols to represent purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.

2 Foundational Philosophy:

• Purpleism embraces absurdism, satire, and creativity, using humor and unconventional ideas to explore life and truth.

• Buddhism focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as practical steps to overcome suffering and attain enlightenment.

3 Methodology:

• Purpleism emphasizes seeing beyond conventional perspectives, combining logic with wonder, and finding balance in the "Purple Path."

• Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and detachment from desire as tools for liberation.

4 Inclusivity:

• Purpleism often satirizes hierarchical structures and rejects elitism, making its community and philosophy accessible through humor and irreverence.

• Buddhism, while egalitarian in spirit, has structured schools and traditions like Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna.

5 Tone and Purpose:

• Purpleism thrives on whimsy and parody, using its teachings to provoke thought in an unconventional, lighthearted way.

• Buddhism is typically more serious and contemplative, aiming to systematically address human suffering.

While both seek to offer paths to wisdom and understanding, Purpleism does so with a playful, modern, and satirical edge, whereas Buddhism provides a deeply rooted, ancient spiritual practice.

The Five TENS are eight and can have several meanings beyond just referring to the number or the concept of Tenets. Here are a few of the possibilities in the context of Purpleism:

1. Tens as a Symbol of Wholeness or Completeness

• The number ten often symbolizes completeness or a full cycle (e.g., 10 commandments, 10 fingers, 10 toes). This could reflect how the Five TENS are a complete and balanced set of principles, representing the full scope of Purpleism's philosophy.

2. TENs as an Acronym for Core Principles

• Truth

• Empathy

• Nurturing

• Sustainability This could reflect key qualities that the Five TENS are meant to embody—principles that people can strive for in their daily lives.

3. TENs as "Thresholds of Enlightened Navigation"

• The TENS could refer to guiding "thresholds" that lead individuals toward deeper understanding and spiritual enlightenment, with each TEN representing a step or a milestone in one's journey toward the Purple Path.

4. TENS as a Measurement of Impact

• Transformative

• Empowering

• Nurturing

• Spiritual This would suggest that each TEN is a powerful, impactful idea or principle that guides the practitioner toward personal and collective growth.

5. TENs as "Timeless, Evolving, Nurturing, and Spiritual"

• The TENs might be seen as principles that are timeless, yet evolve as understanding deepens. This reflects the idea of Purpleism's ongoing, adaptable nature, with each TEN being foundational, nurturing, and connected to the spiritual journey.

6. TENs as a Play on Numerical Significance

• While "tenets" clearly refers to guiding principles, the use of "TENs" could also add an additional layer of meaning, invoking the idea of a numbered sequence of deep, meaningful steps that form a holistic view of Purpleism’s philosophy. This gives an almost ritualistic or structured feel to the teachings, which may appeal to those looking for something practical and tangible in their spiritual journey.

7. TENs as "Teachings that Elevate the Now"

• Here, "Tens" would refer to teachings that have an immediate, present-day relevance—each TEN helping individuals grow, evolve, and understand their own place in the world now, in the present moment.

8. TENs as "Transcendence, Empathy, and New-Sightedness"

• This could indicate that each of the Five TENS represents a combination of transcending old views, embracing deep empathy, and seeing the world with new clarity—helping practitioners approach life with a fresh perspective.

These interpretations can add layers of depth to the idea of the Five TENS, helping to create a more dynamic understanding of what each principle stands for in Purpleism. It could also help make your tenets more memorable and easier for followers to relate to.