Among the principles of TULWA lies an idea that appears simple yet carries immense depth: “Tulwa’ism—a word that never will become a reality, if TULWA has anything to say about it.”
This statement is not a passing thought. It is a pillar, a boundary, and an invitation all at once. For those drawn to the philosophy of TULWA, it is essential to engage with this idea—not as a commandment, but as a profound reflection that safeguards the essence of the path.
The Temptation of “Ism”
Human beings crave structure. We seek frameworks to guide us, identities to anchor us, and labels to define us. This is not inherently wrong—it is part of our nature. Yet, in this craving lies a great risk: the transformation of living truths into rigid systems. When philosophies become “isms,” they often lose their vitality. They turn from flowing rivers into stagnant ponds, no longer able to adapt, grow, or resonate deeply with the individual.
To call TULWA an “ism” would risk reducing it to a singular, static doctrine. It would suggest that its truths are fixed, its paths predetermined, and its purpose confined to a box. TULWA’s essence, however, is a refusal of such confinement. It thrives on adaptability, on the personal journey, and on the recognition that every seeker’s path is unique.
The Teacher’s Dilemma
To guide others on a transformative path is a privilege, but it is also fraught with pitfalls. The allure of leadership can be intoxicating, especially when the role of a guide begins to blend with the identity of a guru. There is power in being followed, in being seen as a source of answers. Yet, such power can distort even the purest intentions.
Frank-Thomas’s reflection on this truth is not theoretical. It comes from a deep well of lived experience across lifetimes, where the intoxicating pull of fame and influence revealed both its possibilities and its dangers. He has tasted what it means to lead, to inspire, and to attract a following. He has also seen how quickly teaching can calcify into control, how truth can be overshadowed by ego. This awareness forms the bedrock of TULWA’s resistance to becoming an “ism.”
A Philosophy as a Catalyst, Not a Doctrine
TULWA is a guide, not a ruler. It is a catalyst for transformation, not a system of commandments. To preserve its integrity, it must remain fluid, adaptable, and untethered to rigid structures. This is why TULWA resists the identity of an “ism.” It understands that to claim permanence or universal authority would be to betray its very essence.
Instead, TULWA offers tools, insights, and principles that each individual can engage with on their own terms. It trusts the seeker to navigate their journey, embracing both the light and the shadow within. It does not demand adherence but invites exploration. It does not prescribe answers but fosters questions.
The Reminder Within
The rejection of “Tulwa’ism” is not only a safeguard for the philosophy—it is a reminder to every teacher, including Frank-Thomas himself. Leadership is a role, not an identity. Teaching is a gift, not a right. To embody TULWA is to resist the temptation of control, to inspire without imposing, and to guide without overshadowing.
This reminder must live, as Frank-Thomas says, “alive in the frontal lobes,” constantly revisited and consciously upheld. It must penetrate the whole self, becoming not just a thought but a state of being. Only then can the teacher truly serve as a mirror for others, reflecting their own potential rather than casting their own shadow.
The Two-Degree Shift
A deviation of two degrees may seem small, but over time, it can lead one far from their intended path. The same is true for those who follow a philosophy. If the core of TULWA were to be misinterpreted or misrepresented, even slightly, it could lead seekers far from their True North. Worse, it could create a hierarchy where none was intended, turning guides into idols and seekers into followers.
This is why the statement against “Tulwa’ism” is so critical. It is a warning, a boundary, and a call to vigilance. It asks every seeker to engage with the philosophy authentically, to embrace it as a living process rather than a static belief system.
An Invitation to Reflect
To truly embrace this idea, one must reflect deeply. Why do we seek labels? Why do we crave systems? And how can we hold onto truth without trying to possess it? These questions are not easy, but they are necessary. They force us to confront our own tendencies toward attachment, control, and identification.
TULWA does not offer itself as an easy answer. It offers itself as a challenge—a challenge to remain fluid, to resist rigidity, and to trust the process of transformation. This is not a path for those who seek comfort in certainty. It is a path for those willing to embrace the unknown, to dance with paradox, and to trust in their own inner compass.
Choosing TULWA Without Choosing “Tulwa’ism”
In the end, the rejection of “Tulwa’ism” is not a rejection of guidance or structure. It is an affirmation of freedom, adaptability, and authenticity. It is an invitation to engage with TULWA not as followers but as co-creators, each shaping their path while honoring the philosophy’s essence.
This statement is not a rule to follow but a reflection to embrace. It asks each seeker: Will you engage with TULWA as a living truth? Will you resist the temptation to confine it, label it, or control it? And will you trust yourself enough to let the philosophy guide you, rather than trying to master it?
In answering these questions, the path becomes clear—not as an “ism,” but as a journey of unity, authenticity, and transformation. This is the heart of TULWA, and it will remain alive for as long as its truths are kept free.
Listen to a deep-dive episode by the Google NotebookLM Podcasters, as they explore this article in their unique style, blending light banter with thought-provoking studio conversations.
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