Whatever has understood the essence of A4, knows that:
In the name of A4, no churches, memberships and script- composing are
acknowledged.
In the name of A4, no authorities, no priests, founders or scriptures are
accepted.
Since A4 is no church and has no organization; no property, power and finances
are maintained in its name.
A4 does no prescribe any rituals, dogmas nor idols.
Whatever enhances a persons’ integrity, wisdom, understanding, charity and love
is accepted by A4, and whatever produces the opposite is rejected.
A4 accepts the following uplifting essentials, ideals and moral conduct
taken from the different religious and humanistic traditions and teaching:
A
Humanity and its World
1.
Humanity is an inseparable part of nature within a dynamic, ever-changing
universe, and whatever induces peaceful and harmonious living should be followed
and promoted.
2.
The duty of society and the elite is the cultural and spiritual upliftment of all its members-to be able to live a fruitful and meaning
existence In human dignity to the fullest potentials.
3.
The ethical and moral criteria of a society is demonstrated by the
treatment of its weakest and least protected and by the type of integrity it
produces among its elite.
4.
In the most economical way the greatest happiness and contentment for all
of society’s members should be achieved; an economy for the people’s needs and
not greeds.
5.
Only a society and economic system based on solidarity and cooperation
for the common good (also on a global level) is worth its support.
6.
In a multicultural and pluralistic world a society decides the course of
development according to its own circumstances and its own time, by accepting
the basic human rights.
7.
The individual freedom and rights stop where the other’s freedom and
rights need to be respected.
B A
Person’s Spiritual Place
1.
A person’s highest spiritual achievement is to realize the oneness of all
and the all in One, the transcendental stage of which all great saints, sages
and philosophers of all religions, at all places, at all times, have talked and
preached about. Whatever induces this realization should be promoted.
2.
All religions and scriptures contain valuable advice for humanity; one
should, if need be, get inspiration from all sources, from all cultures and
civilizations.
3.
Religions call the creative principle by different names, be it God,
Absolute, Tao, Brahman, The Supreme Reality, Allah or whatever; the individuals
highest spiritual aim is union with this Supreme Reality beyond the pairs of
opposites and to live a life according to this innermost realization.
4.
Spiritual progress manifests itself as independence, equanimity,
tolerance, equity, compassion, understanding, modesty, respect, love and
courage.
5.
Humanity is one, all humans, men and women, are equal and the social rank
of an individual is according to his insight, wisdom and contribution towards
all. A person is judged according to his actions and deeds, not his (her)
beliefs. The highest respect goes to him (her) who demonstrates dignity, honesty
and righteous living; a person who has transcended the selfishness and greed for
wealth, fame and power.
6.
Let each human being take the best and most uplifting from his spiritual
and cultural background and tradition.
7.
Let each individual follow his (her) own path, work out his (her) own
rituals and philosophy according to his (her) temperament and disposition and
take advice according to his (her) needs, FROM sources and teachers (even
without clerical titles) of integrity and wisdom. What might be nectar on one
level of guidance can be poison at another.
8.
If a command, statement, doctrine, scripture or tradition contradicts
one’s own experience, reasoning, moral and ethical convictions, it has to be
rejected.
9.
The fear of an eternal Hell paralyses and victimizes a person in the
present. The reward of right living and right acting- the motive defines
the worth of an act- will come at its proper time and place.
10.
Support an educational system which is in accordance with the above
mentioned ideals and guidelines and the following moral conduct:
C
Moral Conduct and Right Living
1.
Refrain from killing, stealing, lying, cheating, sexual misconduct,
intoxication and addiction.
2.
Practice: Non-violence towards all creatures—overcome hatred with love
and understanding.
3.
Purify body, mind, and spirit- not by suppressing and negating but by
making conscious, the destructive tendencies.
4.
Do not misuse and exploit nature: minerals, plants and fellow creatures.
5.
The happiness one wishes for oneself, one should wish unto others and
what one does not like to be done to oneself, should not be done to others.
6.
Whatever causes dishonesty, corruption, misery and pain, should be fought
against with love, understanding and compassion.
7.
The highest social good is to help the weak and needy; physically,
mentally and spiritually according to one’s capacity.
8.
Contribute a part of your income and time for a good cause.
9.
Accept the monk and hermit who has renounced the world of possessions,
fame and power and who is willing to give his (her) life for truth.
10.
Stand up and speak for truth and justice, even if it means unpleasant
consequences- to ignore evil to let it grow.
A4 A WORLD-
ETHOS FOR CONCERNED WORLD CITIZENS
-
Looking at the present world, are you concerned about the future of your
children? Are you also worried where humanity is heading?
-
Looking at the environmental, social and spiritual degradation of our
planet, don’t you think something has gone wrong?
-
Do you also sense that our politicians and religious leaders have no
vision?
-
Do you agree that it is not us, but some market-forces who decide about
our destiny?
-
Do you also question a culture and economic system which condemns
everyone to a never- satisfied consumer, and needs and breeds egotism, gluttony,
ruthlessness, adversary and inconsiderate competition?
-
How much longer can we accept the world’s ongoing discrepancies between
the rich and poor?
-
Do you also agree that the wealthy, the powerful and strong in society
have a social responsibility towards the weaker and less fortunate?
-
How much longer are we to be at each other’s throats in the name of God
and Religion?
-
Do you agree that all the high ethical talks are useless unless put into
practice?
-
Do you also question the ethical superiority of the multi-billion-dollar
soul- saving industry? (approx. 180 Billion dollars a year for the Christian
sector!)
-
Do you also believe that men and women can lead a decent and cooperative
life without ecclesiastical instructions?
-
Do you also agree that the basic Ethos; the vision man has of himself,
determines the spiritual, political and social direction of a culture?