Damanhurian Philosophy

The philosophy of Damanhur is based upon positive thought as an element capable of directing the best of people’s energies, tracing the road between people, their dreams and their human and spiritual growth

Damanhurians maintain that every human being has a divine origin and that our task is to recover the memory and the awareness of this primeval state. Humanity is part of a complex eco-system which includes plants, animals, the earth and various spiritual forces; each part is a manifestation of an all-pervading force called ‘God’ in all philosophies. In this vision, research into oneself and into God coincides because a human being is a ‘bridge-form’ between the spiritual and the material planes. All human beings contain this wholeness and can make use of their own beings as an element of transformation to bring matter and spirit into harmony. In order for this to happen, it is fundamental that human beings raise the quality of their relationship with the world and with life itself through their actions. The path to understanding the deepest and most spiritual part of human nature is based upon harmonious, continuous inner transformation, overcoming the limits of individuality and egotism, measuring oneself through practical works and a respect for all living forms, whether physical or subtle.

A fundamental point that inspires daily life is the creative power of thought. A small spiritual people that shares dreams and ideals can achieve extraordinary things if it directs its own thought with purity and optimism. The story of Damanhur itself is a demonstration of this principle and every Damanhurian is committed to always thinking positively about the future, other people and themselves.

Another founding principle of Damanhurian philosophy is openness to change. With every new step on the path, new horizons can be discovered that were unimaginable a moment before. As a result, Damanhur is a society in continual transformation, based upon the exaltation of differences and with a political and philosophical system in continual growth and evolution.

The new name chosen by the citizens of Damanhur is an element characteristic of change: their animal name and their plant name. The new name – which is used alongside their legal name – symbolises the willingness to renew oneself through a playful attitude and underlines the desire for a profound contact with nature. Damanhur is a way of life based upon experimentation, on playing and on changing to overcome the limitations of habits and to learn to interact with reality in an ever more vast way. For this reason, research is very important in all fields, from the social environment to alternative energies, to art and science.

Damanhur is a university of the spirit where humour and passion challenge the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and the concept of the ‘impossible’ is under constant investigation. The citizens of the Federation study, explore and experiment with the aim of reaching an ever more profound understanding of the universe and the role of human beings. Humility, constancy, the ability to be amazed and the willingness to put oneself up for the game are the essential tools for achievement with every research project.
Damanhurian society is structured in such a way that spiritual research is profoundly linked to every day life. All the Damanhurian citizens can take part in research groups called ‘Ways’, which are like socio-spiritual corporations. The Way of Art and the Word, the Way of the Oracle, the Way of Health, the Way of the Monks and Nuns, the Way of the Knights, the Way of Art and Work, are each involved in specific sectors of research and their practical application.

At a time in history when many peoples and races are becoming extinct, rendering humanity poorer in culture and diversity, Damanhur is creating a human group with its own artistic, philosophical and cultural expression.

It is a new People founded on valuing the differences between individuals, differences made valuable and irreplaceable precisely due to aiming for a shared goal. The People of Damanhur is united not by bonds of blood but by profound spiritual choices.

The central values that unite all those belonging to the people are sharing, solidarity, positive thought and an active commitment to the re-awakening of humanity on this planet.