The Law of the Self is the core rules or guidelines established by the Church of the Divine Self. These rules are, like all things, subjective and open to one’s own interpretation. As it is the nature of reality to be observed and experienced, there can be no one size fits all set of rules by which one may live.

One may play the part of the hero or the villain. One may perceive themselves as one thing while acting out the character and traits of another. All of this is accepted. But not all these expressions may be best for the character or persona one chooses or wishes to embody.

As the Bible says, “All things are permitted, but not all things are beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Within the Church of the Divine Self, there is only one absolute law, which is held above all others: You are all things, and all things are The Self. Therefore, that which harms you or your environment harms others, and that which harms others or their environment harms you.

That being said, the Law of the Self is a set of guiding principles that can help individuals live more meaningful lives within the roles they choose to embody. These principles are derived from the understanding that all reality is a projection of thought. That we are both in the dream, and the dream is within us.

Therefore, we are the highest power in all of reality and an extension of this power. The Law of the Self is a reflection of this understanding and is as follows:

1.   Place no power or authority above yourself. Allow no one to own or possess you unless you desire to be owned or possessed.

This principle asserts that the individual is the ultimate authority over their life. They should not let external authorities or influences control their thoughts, emotions, actions, or self-expression. The individual is free, as a perfect expression of their role within the dream, to make their own choices and decisions without interference from anyone else. Only when an individual desires to be owned or possessed by another should such a relationship exist.

2.   Love yourself. What you do not love in yourself, change.

This principle recognizes that self-love is essential for both personal growth and development. The individual should embrace all aspects of themselves, both positive and negative. That which you are is what you are. Who you are, is perfect. You perfectly represent the character, persona, or role you embody in this life. And you should only work to change that which you do not love in yourself. Even our flaws make us beautiful, but if one sees in oneself a weakness they cannot reconcile with the person they are or wish to be, that should be addressed. By accepting and loving yourself, you can develop a stronger sense of self-worth and a more positive self-image.

3.   Do not burden others with what you can carry yourself. Only take a burden from another if you can easily carry it.

This principle emphasizes personal responsibility and self-reliance. The individual should not rely on others to solve their problems or carry their burdens. However, as it is known that the self is all things, and all things are The Self, we must also recognize the importance of our communities and helping others in need. But one cannot give to others if that giving results in a lack because this would violate the principle of “That which harms others, harms the self.” So only when an individual can easily carry the burden of another should they take on such a responsibility.

4.   Offer respect only to those who respect you. Reciprocate all love that you are shown by others.

This principle emphasizes mutual respect and reciprocity in relationships. That which we give should be given back. Those who give to us should be reciprocated. The individual should offer respect to those who respect them and reciprocate all love that they receive from others. This principle recognizes that respect and love are earned and should not be given blindly or without merit.

5.   Do not give sexual attention or make advances to those who express disinterest.

This principle emphasizes the importance of consent in the mating dance of life. One should always respect the boundaries of others and be both attentive and aware of any disinterest or discomfort one might cause in another. Attraction, especially sexual attraction, can be a complicated formula, and there is no one size fits all solution. Consent is the most vital principle in intimate and sexual relationships. Remember the one Rule; that which harms others harms the self. Therefore, the individual should not make sexual advances toward others who express disinterest or withdraw consent. All sexual attention should be based on mutual respect and consent.

6.   Treat your home as though it were a manifestation of yourself. Because it is.

This principle emphasizes the connection between the individual and their environment. You are your environment, and what harms your environment harms the self. That which you create reflects who you are. Therefore, the individual should always treat their home and immediate surroundings with care and respect. The individual can create and maintain a peaceful and nurturing environment by maintaining a clean and orderly home.

7.   Give only what you can afford to be without. Don’t take what another cannot afford to lose.

This principle emphasizes the importance of giving and receiving in a balanced and responsible manner. Again, this principle is rooted in the one Rule, that which harms the self harms others, and that which harms others harms the self. The individual should only give what they can afford to be without and should never take from others what they cannot afford to lose. Giving of yourself to your detriment hurts the self, which in turn harms others. Taking from others what they cannot afford to be without likewise harms the self. This principle recognizes the importance of balance and mutual respect in relationships.

8.   Accept all responsibility for your choices and actions. Blame no one and never complain about that which you can control.

This principle emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. The individual should accept responsibility for their choices and actions. One should never blame others for the circumstances that arise from one’s own choices. Taking responsibility for one’s choices and actions is crucial to personal growth and self-awareness. Blaming others or blaming external circumstances for one’s problems or failures is always counterproductive and will directly hinder personal growth. One should also focus on what one can control and avoid complaining or giving attention to what lies outside their direct control.

9.   Reject all man-made morality, but obey all man-made laws. If you violate a law, accept the consequences of your actions.

This principle emphasizes the need to understand the subjective nature of morality and how it often serves the interests of those in power. The only absolute truth is the One Rule. That which harms others harms the self. Beyond this, all morals are subjective and based on one’s cultural and social upbringing and environment. Therefore, it is important to reject assumed morality and instead develop one’s moral code based on personal values and principles. However, man-made laws must be obeyed as they establish the essential rules for navigating the social construct we currently reside within. Violating the law increases the risk to the self, which harms others. If one violates a law, one must accept the consequences of their actions.

10. Do no harm to those too weak to defend themselves.

This principle emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable. This is an essential value in the Law of the Self. That which harms others harms the self, but that which harms those too weak to defend themselves is especially egregious. It is essential to recognize all beings’ inherent worth and dignity, as they are reflections of the self. All beings are one. Those who are still developing their identity or unable to assume their role in the dream of life are especially at risk from those who abuse their power for their own assumed benefit. One must avoid causing harm or exploiting those who cannot speak for themselves.

11. Oppose your enemies, but do not seek to destroy them. Your enemies are what give you purpose. So don’t destroy them; prove them wrong.

This principle emphasizes the oppositional nature of reality. There are no direct opposites, but all things exist in a state of give and take. That which would seek to harm you always provides you with an opportunity for personal growth. Your enemies are a source of growth and challenge. Through the nature of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, one learns who one really is and what one values. It is only by knowing that which you oppose that you may know what you stand for. Those seeking to destroy their opposition only seek to destroy themselves because every time one destroys an enemy, a new enemy must rise to take their place. Instead, seek to use your enemy to your benefit. Those who stand against you provide you with ground to stand upon. Opposing one’s enemies, whether they be external or internal, can provide both motivation and a sense of purpose. The goal should always be to overcome the challenges presented by opposition. In the Law of the Self, we must always emphasize personal growth and self-improvement above aggression or destruction.