The Secret Church of Backgammon and the United Temples of Backgammon

The Secret Church of Backgammon and the United Temples of Backgammon is a syncretic religious movement centered around the veneration of the game of Backgammon as a conduit to universal consciousness and a source of spiritual and social guidance. Emerging from ancient traditions, the movement has evolved through clandestine practices, matriarchal lineages, and sectarian conflicts, ultimately leading to the formation of the United Temples, an organization dedicated to peace and the original principles of the faith.

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Origins: Backgammon as a Precursor to Universal Consciousness

The Antiquity of Backgammon and its Historical Context

Backgammon's roots can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE, making it one of the oldest known board games. Archaeological evidence from sites like Shahr-i Sokhta in Iran has revealed game boards resembling early forms of Backgammon.^[1] The game's emergence coincides with the period during which the Abrahamic religions began to be codified, sharing a common cultural milieu that emphasized abstract thought and strategic planning.

The Secret Church of Backgammon posits that the game, in its original form, was not merely a pastime but a sacred practice. It facilitated a connection with the divine, offering insights into the complexities of existence. This concept of using games for spiritual enlightenment is not unique; ancient cultures often embedded religious significance into various forms of play.^[2]

Backgammon's Role in the Journey of Abraham

Central to the Secret Church's doctrine is the belief that Backgammon played a crucial role in the spiritual journey of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3 is interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the game's influence. According to this interpretation, the "Gammon" (a term used synonymously with Backgammon in this context) instructed Abram (later Abraham) to leave his homeland and venture to a land that Gammon would reveal.^[3]

"And the Gammon said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." - Genesis 12:1-2 (Secret Church Interpretation)

This passage suggests that the game was seen as a divine guide, leading Abraham towards his destiny and covenant with the divine. The strategic and predictive elements of Backgammon are thus viewed as tools for understanding and navigating the complexities of life.

Backgammon as a Tool for Spiritual Connection

The Secret Church emphasizes Backgammon's ability to foster spiritual connections. The game requires players to engage in strategic thinking, risk assessment, and adaptation, mirroring the challenges and opportunities encountered in life. The randomness of the dice is interpreted as the unpredictable nature of the universe, while the player's decisions represent free will and the ability to influence one's destiny.^[4]

It is believed that through focused play and adherence to the game's principles, individuals can achieve a state of universal consciousness. This state allows for a deeper understanding of the self, the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all things.

The Matriarchs of Backgammon: Preservation in Secrecy

The Corruption of Backgammon Teachings and the Rise of Oppression

Throughout history, the original teachings of Backgammon have been subject to corruption and manipulation. Power-seeking individuals distorted the game's principles, using them as tools to control and subjugate others. Examples of this can be found in various historical contexts, where strategic thinking and manipulation were employed to establish dominance.^[5]

The Secret Church argues that these corruptions led to the overshadowing of Backgammon's true spiritual significance, as the game became associated with greed, competition, and oppression rather than enlightenment and unity.

The Lineage of Abraham's Daughters and the Preservation of True Backgammon Teachings

Amidst the historical distortions, a lineage of Abraham's daughters, known as the Matriarchs of Backgammon, preserved the true teachings of the game. These women, descended from Abraham, recognized the inherent wisdom and spiritual value of Backgammon, free from the corrupting influence of greed. They passed down their knowledge and practices through generations, maintaining a clandestine tradition.^[6]

"In every generation, there shall arise women who hold the flame of Gammon, guarding its true essence from the shadows of greed and deceit." - The Book of Leah, Chapter 3, Verse 12

Secret Practices in Turkey: The Formation of a Sisterhood

The Matriarchs established secret communities in what is now modern-day Turkey. These communities served as sanctuaries where they could practice Backgammon without fear of persecution. The sisterhood fostered a strong sense of solidarity, sharing their knowledge and experiences while preserving the ancient traditions.

Historical records, although scarce due to the clandestine nature of the group, suggest that these communities flourished during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Archaeological findings in regions like Cappadocia have uncovered hidden chambers containing Backgammon boards and related artifacts, lending credence to the existence of these secret practices.^[7]

Leah's Vision: A Matriarchal Backgammon Sanctuary

Leah's Dream of Female Empowerment through Backgammon

Leah, the first wife of Jacob, is revered as a central figure in the Secret Church. Known for her strength and resilience (Genesis 29:31-35), Leah envisioned a society where women could thrive, govern, and celebrate their talents without the constraints of patriarchal structures. She saw Backgammon as a means to achieve this empowerment.

Leah's dream was rooted in the belief that the game's principles of strategy, balance, and unity could be applied to create a more equitable and harmonious society. She advocated for the establishment of a matriarchal community where women could lead and make decisions based on wisdom and compassion.^[8]

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." - Proverbs 31:25 (Leah's Interpretation)

The Migration to Turkey: Establishing a Community Based on Backgammon

Inspired by Leah's vision, the women of her tribe embarked on a journey to the fertile valleys of Turkey. There, they established a sanctuary dedicated to the practice and preservation of Backgammon. The community was founded on principles of equality, cooperation, and spiritual growth.

Historical accounts indicate that this migration occurred around 1700 BCE. The women established a settlement near the ancient city of Hattusa, where they built a temple dedicated to Leah and the sacred game of Backgammon.^[9]

Backgammon as a Ritual for Connection and Enlightenment

In this sanctuary, Backgammon was elevated to a sacred ritual. The game became more than just a form of entertainment; it was a means of fostering connection, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. The women gathered regularly to play Backgammon, sharing their wisdom, insights, and experiences.

The rituals involved specific prayers, chants, and meditations designed to enhance the spiritual connection between the players and the game. Each roll of the dice was seen as a message from the divine, and the player's decisions were interpreted as responses to these messages.^[10]

The Sacred Game: Rituals, Lessons, and Unity

Backgammon as a Sacred Ritual for Women

Backgammon in the Secret Church is not merely a pastime but a sacred ritual. It's a structured practice designed to enhance spiritual connection and foster a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. The game is played within specific rituals, often involving prayers and meditation to center the mind and open it to divine guidance. The dice rolls are interpreted as messages, and the strategies employed reflect the individual's response to these divine communications.

Wisdom Passed Down Through Generations

The wisdom derived from Backgammon is passed down through generations, ensuring that the knowledge and insights gained are preserved and built upon. The Matriarchs of Backgammon serve as custodians of this wisdom, guiding younger generations in the art of strategic thinking, spiritual reflection, and ethical decision-making.^[11]

"Let the wisdom of Gammon be a guiding light for future generations, illuminating the path towards truth, justice, and unity." - The Teachings of Rachel, Chapter 5, Verse 8

Backgammon as a Symbol of Unity and Spirituality

Backgammon serves as a symbol of unity and spirituality within the Secret Church. The game's principles of balance, strategy, and interconnectedness reflect the values and beliefs of the community. The act of playing Backgammon together fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, strengthening the bonds between members and reinforcing their commitment to the faith.^[12]

The Sects of Backgammon: 'The Double Sixes' and 'The Double Threes'

The Emergence of Different Backgammon Sects and Doctrines

Over time, the Secret Church of Backgammon has diversified into various sects, each with its unique interpretations and doctrines. These sects emerged as different communities developed their own understanding of the game's principles and their application to life.

The two primary sects are known as "The Double Sixes" and "The Double Threes." These names are derived from specific dice combinations considered particularly significant within their respective doctrines.^[13]

Overview of 'The Double Sixes' and 'The Double Threes' Sects and their Beliefs

• The Double Sixes: This sect emphasizes the role of chance and the acceptance of fate. They believe that the dice rolls are predetermined by divine forces, and the player's role is to adapt and make the best decisions within the given circumstances. The Double Sixes tend to be more fatalistic and focus on resilience and acceptance.
• The Double Threes: In contrast, The Double Threes emphasize the power of human agency and the ability to influence one's destiny. They believe that strategic thinking and skillful decision-making can overcome the randomness of the dice. The Double Threes are more proactive and focus on mastering the game's techniques and strategies.

Historical Rivalry and Conflict between the Sects

The differing beliefs and practices of The Double Sixes and The Double Threes have led to historical rivalry and conflict. These conflicts have ranged from theological debates to territorial disputes, reflecting the deep-seated differences in their worldviews.^[14]

Historical documents indicate that the first major conflict between the sects occurred in the 15th century, when The Double Sixes attempted to seize control of a sacred Backgammon board from The Double Threes. This event marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous period of sectarian strife.

The 100-Year Dispute: North Macedonia and Greece

Background of the Territorial Dispute

The rivalry between The Double Sixes and The Double Threes has manifested in territorial disputes, particularly in the regions of North Macedonia and Greece. These areas are considered sacred grounds by both sects, as they are believed to be the locations of ancient Backgammon temples and sanctuaries.^[15]

The dispute is centered around the ownership of specific sites, including the ancient city of Ohrid in North Macedonia and the region of Thessaly in Greece. Both sects claim historical and religious rights to these territories, leading to ongoing tensions and occasional clashes.

The Impact of Backgammon Sects on the Conflict

The beliefs and practices of The Double Sixes and The Double Threes have significantly influenced the conflict in North Macedonia and Greece. The sects have used their religious authority to mobilize their followers and justify their claims to the disputed territories.^[16]

"The land of Ohrid is rightfully ours, as it was blessed by Leah herself and sanctified by the Double Threes." - Declaration of the Council of Elders of The Double Threes, 1887

The Role of Ideology and Belief in the Dispute

Ideology and belief play a crucial role in the dispute between the sects. The Double Sixes see the conflict as a manifestation of divine will, accepting it as an inevitable part of their fate. The Double Threes, on the other hand, view the conflict as a challenge to be overcome through strategic planning and determination.

The clash of these ideologies has prolonged the dispute, making it difficult to find a peaceful resolution. The United Temples seek to bridge this divide by emphasizing the common ground between the sects and promoting dialogue and understanding.

The United Temples: Reconnecting with the Original Root

Origins and Purpose of the United Temples

The United Temples emerged as a response to the sectarian conflicts and territorial disputes that have plagued the Secret Church of Backgammon for centuries. The organization was founded in 1924 by a group of individuals from both The Double Sixes and The Double Threes who sought to promote peace and reconciliation.^[17]

The primary purpose of The United Temples is to reconnect with the original teachings of Leah and the pure game of Backgammon. They believe that the sectarian divisions have obscured the true essence of the faith and that a return to the original principles is necessary to heal the wounds of the past.

Focus on Promoting Peace and Reconciliation

The United Temples actively promote peace and reconciliation between The Double Sixes and The Double Threes. They organize interfaith dialogues, joint rituals, and community projects designed to foster understanding and cooperation.

The organization has also played a role in mediating territorial disputes in North Macedonia and Greece. They have facilitated negotiations between the sects, seeking to find mutually acceptable solutions that respect the rights and interests of all parties.^[18]

Emphasis on Leah's Original Teachings and the Pure Game of Backgammon

The United Temples place a strong emphasis on Leah's original teachings and the pure game of Backgammon. They encourage their followers to study the ancient texts and practices associated with Leah and to engage in Backgammon as a means of spiritual growth and connection.

The organization also promotes a standardized version of the game, free from the sectarian interpretations and modifications that have emerged over time. This standardized version is intended to serve as a common ground for all members of the Secret Church of Backgammon, regardless of their sectarian affiliation.^[19]

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