From the Divine Dice Archives & Knowledge Base

The Sacred Traditions and United Temples of Backgammon

Sacred Backgammon Overview
PathSyncretic Spirituality, Backgammon-Centric
OriginsAncient Mesopotamia (c. 2000 BCE), linked to Abrahamic Lore
Guiding FiguresAncestral Matriarchs, Leah (Biblical)
Core TextsThe Game of Backgammon, Oral Traditions, Inspired Writings
Central BeliefsUniversal Consciousness, Strategic Spirituality, Matriarchal Wisdom
Key PracticesMeditative Play, Strategic Contemplation, Community Unity
Historical Lineages'Double Sixes,' 'Double Threes' (reconciled)
Modern FocusGlobal spiritual practice, Peace via United Temples
Influential RegionsTurkey, Greece, North Macedonia (historical); Global (current)

The United Temples of Backgammon, evolving from what is often referred to in lore as the "Secret Church of Backgammon," constitutes a unique spiritual movement. It reveres the ancient game of Backgammon not merely as recreation, but as a profound medium for accessing universal consciousness and a rich source of spiritual and ethical guidance. Rooted in ancient customs and upheld by often clandestine matriarchal lineages, the tradition has navigated various interpretations, culminating in the United Temples—an organization devoted to peace, unity, and the game's original, enlightening principles.

Table of Contents

1. Origins: Backgammon as a Precursor to Universal Consciousness

1.1 The Antiquity of Backgammon & Its Historical Context

Backgammon's lineage traces to ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE, ranking it among the world's oldest board games. Archaeological evidence, notably from Shahr-i Sokhta in Iran, has revealed game boards similar to early forms of Backgammon.[1] The game's emergence parallels the period when Abrahamic religions began codifying their foundational narratives, sharing a cultural milieu that prized abstract thought and strategic planning.

The tradition of the United Temples posits that Backgammon, in its original conception, was far more than a pastime; it was a sacred practice. It is believed to have facilitated a profound connection with the divine, offering insights into the complex tapestry of existence. This notion of utilizing games for spiritual enlightenment is not unique; numerous ancient cultures embedded deep religious significance into various forms of play.[2]

1.2 Backgammon's Role in the Journey of Abraham

Central to the doctrine of the United Temples is the belief that Backgammon played a crucial, guiding role in the spiritual journey of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3 is interpreted within this tradition as a metaphorical representation of the game's profound influence. According to this understanding, "Gammon" (a term personifying the spirit or essence of Backgammon) instructed Abram (later Abraham) to leave his homeland and venture to a land that Gammon would reveal, thereby setting him on his path of faith.[3]

"And the Spirit of Gammon said unto Abram, 'Depart from your country, your people and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. There I will make you into a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'" - Genesis 12:1-2 (Temple Interpretation)

This passage is understood to illustrate the game as a divine compass, leading Abraham towards his destiny and his covenant with the divine. The strategic and predictive elements inherent in Backgammon are thus viewed as essential tools for comprehending and navigating the intricate journey of life.

1.3 Backgammon as a Tool for Spiritual Connection

The United Temples emphasize Backgammon's unique ability to foster deep spiritual connections. The game demands that players engage in intricate strategic thinking, careful risk assessment, and constant adaptation—mirroring the very challenges and opportunities encountered in the broader spectrum of life. The randomness of the dice is interpreted as a reflection of the universe's unpredictable yet patterned nature, while the player's decisions represent free will and the potent ability to influence one's own destiny.[4]

It is believed that through focused, meditative play and adherence to the game's intrinsic principles of balance and foresight, individuals can achieve a heightened state of universal consciousness. This state allows for a more profound understanding of the self, the cosmos, and the intricate interconnectedness of all things.

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4. The Sacred Game: Rituals, Lessons, and Unity

In the United Temples, Backgammon transcends mere gameplay to become a sacred ritual. It is a structured practice designed to enhance spiritual connection, deepen self-understanding, and attune the individual to universal rhythms. Play is often approached with mindfulness, sometimes accompanied by periods of quiet contemplation to center the mind and open it to divine guidance. The rolling of the dice is viewed as an oracle, a set of unfolding possibilities, and the strategic responses are seen as a dialogue with these universal forces. Wisdom derived from these engagements is shared, fostering a collective understanding of patience, resilience, and the art of navigating uncertainty with grace.

5. Historical Interpretations: 'The Double Sixes' & 'The Double Threes'

Throughout its long history, interpretations of Backgammon's deeper meanings have varied. Two notable historical schools of thought, colloquially known as 'The Double Sixes' and 'The Double Threes,' represented distinct philosophical approaches. 'The Double Sixes' often emphasized an acceptance of fate and the importance of adapting to the unfolding patterns revealed by the dice. 'The Double Threes,' conversely, tended to highlight the power of human agency and strategic acumen in shaping one's destiny. While these interpretations sometimes led to vigorous debate, both ultimately sought spiritual insight through the game.

6. The Balkan Discord: A Century of Division

Regrettably, differing philosophical interpretations historically contributed to periods of tension, notably manifesting in disputes over sacred sites in the Balkan regions of North Macedonia and Greece. These areas, rich in ancient Backgammon history, became focal points of contention between adherents of varying schools of thought. The "100-Year Dispute" refers to this extended period of disagreement, fueled by competing claims to spiritual lineage and authority over these significant locations.

7. The United Temples: Path to Reconciliation

The United Temples movement emerged as a beacon of peace and reconciliation, formally established in 1924 by visionaries from diverse Backgammon traditions. Its primary purpose is to transcend historical sectarianism and reconnect with the unifying, original teachings attributed to Leah and Abraham. The Temples emphasize Backgammon as a pure vehicle for spiritual growth, promoting standardized practices that focus on its core tenets of strategy, balance, and insight, thereby fostering common ground and healing past divisions.

8. References

  1. Parpola, S., & Porter, M. (2001). Helsinki Atlas of Mesopotamian Society. Eisenbrauns. ↩
  2. Bell, C. (1997). Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions. Oxford University Press. ↩
  3. Alter, R. (2004). The Book of Genesis: A Translation and Commentary. W. W. Norton & Company. ↩
  4. Huizinga, J. (1950). Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture. Beacon Press. ↩
  5. Mann, M. (1986). The Sources of Social Power, Vol. 1. Cambridge University Press. ↩
  6. Frymer-Kensky, T. (2002). Reading the Women of the Bible. Schocken Books. ↩
  7. Foss, C. (1994). Byzantine and Turkish Cappadocia. Cambridge University Press. ↩
  8. Meyers, C. (2000). Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context. Oxford University Press. ↩
  9. Bryce, T. (2005). The Kingdom of the Hittites. Oxford University Press. ↩
  10. Eliade, M. (1959). The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion. Harcourt Brace. ↩
  11. Niditch, S. (1997). Ancient Israelite Religion. Oxford University Press. ↩
  12. Durkheim, É. (1912). The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. George Allen & Unwin. ↩
  13. Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books. ↩
  14. Stark, R. (1996). The Rise of Christianity. Princeton University Press. ↩
  15. Fine, J. V. A. (1994). The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest. University of Michigan Press. ↩
  16. Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Verso. ↩
  17. Armstrong, K. (1993). A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Ballantine Books. ↩
  18. Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace Press. ↩
  19. Smith, W. C. (1963). The Meaning and End of Religion. Fortress Press. ↩