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[Arahim]

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What follows is one man's humble attempts to clarify the importance of the Path of Virtue, and how he has seen fit to walk it. It is by no means definitive, as the subject of Virtue is broad enough to invite discussion and counter-theories to last into the next age.

There is no religious aspect to Virtue.

All too often you hear some zealot claim that he 'worships' the Virtues, or that he 'prays' at their shrines. As there is no theological framework to the Virtues, (ie.deities, high holy days etc.) ascribing it a quasi-religious nature actually diminishes the importance of Virtue.

The Eight Virtues, and the Three Principles from whence they spring, are character traits, and idealogical concepts. As such, Virtue is completely reliant on one's self.

I have always seen Spirituality as the ability to take what you are within, and influence the world around you. This, for me, is the first step onto the Path of Virtue.

When one lives according to how he views each Virtue, and applies them to his surroundings, and how he treats with other people, he sets himself up as an example of how it could be. An example of a man not content with the mundane. With purer motives, and higher standards, and a desire to bring his world up with him.

The key to this is inspiration on a level that any man can relate to. No convoluted ceremony, or meandering philosophy. No preaching, but open, give and take, discussion.

To muddy the waters with prayer, or talk of the afterlife, or the Light, or some sort of 'Avatar,' only serves to divide people along the lines of culture and upbringing. They are separate entities to Virtue.

The man who is steeped in Virtue, and walks through life armored with the desire to do better, and see others do the same, should have the ability to make those around him say,
"If he can do such things, so can I."

We can, every one of us, be great, but we must allow ourselves the confidence, and self reliance to do so.