People have asked me about joining the Sempiternal Harmony. This little article looks at how one becomes a Harmonist. It will also discuss the obligations of membership.

It should be stated up front that there is no material tithing, charges, donations, contributions, exchange of barter, cash, money, or any wordily unit of exchange what-so-ever associated with membership as a Sempiternal Harmonist. When members support themselves they are supporting the Sempiternal Harmony. My favorite saying on this topic is, "if I truly love you, how could I charge you for something that is good for you." Harmonists are encouraged to contribute to the charities of their choice in their own name as a Sempiternal Harmonist.

Another point that should be mentioned is that when a person becomes a Sempiternal Harmonist he or she does not stop being what they are religiously, unless and until their spirit guides them to a new direction.  This is a commitment to the process of seeing a little more of God in life and drawing nearer to the Infinite Spirit.  With that little bit of business out of the way lets look at the process of becoming a Sempiternal Harmonist.

I. Desire to affiliate

I personally, can’t understand why anyone would want to be a Sempiternal Harmonist. It is not easy. It requires great spiritual strength, discipline, dedication to overcoming personal prejudice, self reliance, physical labor, study, strict morel standards and Love. All of these attributes are necessary, but the greatest, most difficult of all, is being soft like water within the banks of, and flowing around the rocks of civilization. For those who want to be like water, this can be a fun life. The desire to be a Sempiternal Harmonist is the first step toward the understanding that while individuals are basically good, something is a little off track with civilization.

Personal salvation is one reason to become a practitioner. We believe that personal redemption must be demonstrated in this life. The personality and spiritual development of this life affects the next stage of existence. I have heard others say that just as we have developed the eyes, legs, and arms that we use today while still in the womb, we are now developing the spiritual attributes that will be needed in our next reality. The salvation comes by living an uplifting life. It is actually uplifting civilization through the leadership of demonstrated example.

It is a very difficult way of life. But for those who are warm to the challenge, it is only necessary to let it be known that he or she wishes to be a part of this philosophy. The Baptism process can begin at that point.

II. First demonstration of desire to be associated with the others like you.

The first step in the process is a small one. It is perhaps the hardest but most gratifying part of the journey. All that is required is that you send an e-mail or letter requesting to be considered for acceptance as a practitioner of the Sempiternal Harmony. In the letter you must state why you wish to be a part of this movement, what you hope to contribute to the body of followers, and your willingness to develop your earthly life along the spiritual path. Tell us what churches, temples, Wats, and other religious groups with whom you can visit and study. Will you be willing to actively seek out Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, etc. friends with whom to associate?

e-mail your request to: Mail Sempiternal Harmony

or

Sempiternal Harmony
C/o Eric Bruton, Jr.
713 Holbrook Ave.
Wilmington, NC 28412

III. Assignment of research topic.

You will be given a research assignment. For example you might be asked to research some aspect of the human condition such as "Offering and Sacrifice." You will work independently in your own time frame. No part of your life can suffer because of this assignment. If it takes 2 months or two years to complete the assignment is not important because you are on the path. You will be encouraged to do your best work and compile support for your work from as many Sciptures as possible from around the world. But, you will not be graded on this work. The purpose of this step is to judge your level of commitment to try. During this step you are allowed to state that you are a Sempiternal Harmony Novice.

IV. Review of research

When you submit your research for review, it will be read and your references will be checked. At that point you will be asked to become a practitioner or asked to reconsider your true desire. No one is ever denied acceptance as a Sempiternal Harmonist who honestly (to him or her self) wishes to practice.

V. Baptism by friends and relatives

The next step is similar to Baptism in function. If there is a Harmonist near where you live you may chose to have him or her conduct the Commitment Ceremony. If there is not someone close by, you can conduct your own Commitment Ceremony. The following are some guidelines.

A. Find a place in the wilderness that is particularly beautiful and important to you.

B. Invite family and friends to this Commitment you are about to make.

It is necessary that both living parents attend. For your new life to be a cause of unity it must begin now.

C. Have your friends hold hands as you say or chant the following prayer:
 
 

(Gently place your hands in the praying hands position. Close your eyes and softly say;)

Oh God, O Universal, Infinite, Parent; I come to you to know you. I come to you to love you. Let my heart love one more small part of you. Let my mind know one more small part of you.

{This part of the prayer indicates your agreement that the purpose of people on earth is to know and to love God.}
 
 

I am you O Lord, and you are us.

(then lay your hands in your lap, palms up as though you are presenting a gift.)

This is you O Lord, but you are all!

{Although you may not feel your own divinity at that moment, this part of the prayer is your belief that you are a divine creation and manifestation of God. This basically means that you are completely God’s essence, yet God is much more than you are.}

It is important that you do not say Amen at the end of your prayers from now on. The reason for this is that your whole life must become a prayer that is never finished.

Your Baptism is completed at this point. The food and fun can begin. Please have fun while remembering your new way of life.

D. There is a form that needs to be completed and returned to us. Generally it just documents your Baptism. Each of your parents and relatives present sign in the place for their signature, then each of the guests who witnessed your ceremony also sign.

You are now a Sempiternal Harmonist.

VI. Commit to work on some project for the good of civilization

As a Harmonist you will be encouraged to adopt a project in your area that will lead to the up lifting of civilization.

VII. Commit to a life of study, prayer, meditation, work to support your self/family, and openness.

Your new life will be characterized by your study, prayer, meditation, income producing labor for yourself and family, and your openness.  Only you can make it happen.

VIII. Visit as many churches, temples, synagogues, and holy sites as possible during the first year of membership.

Participation in other religious activities will deepen your understanding and acceptance of differing spiritual points of view. Do this as much as possible with your family.

IX. Make as many friends as possible during your first year who are of different religious background. Keep, visit and worship with these friends for at least one year.

By associating with people of other faiths it is possible to begin to understand the commonality of religious feeling. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are good and not so good people everywhere.  Seek out the people who live a wholesome, spirit filled life.
 

X. Communicate with Sempiternal Harmonists as often as you like about your Spiritual Path.  While you are responsible for your own spiritual development you will be aided in that effort with information about prayer, meditation, and scriptures that have been shown to point out the oneness of God.  These communications will be in the form of letters, e-mails, phone calls etc.  It is anticipated that as the community of SH grows an annual meeting will be held to deepen the practitioners in their Love of God, broaden their knowledge of the spiritual unity, and uplift their hearts.   In addition,  seminars and public meetings can be held in any location upon the request of of the preactitioners.