For those who seek to live it. Welcoming New Companions Companionship The Companionship is a group of men and women from around the world who are searchers for truth and advocates of Chivalry-Now. (See the manual, CN Companionship for details)      Our purpose is to share ideas and support one another as friends and companions. We do this primarily through e-mail communications and through the Open forum.      The Companionship is considered the widest circle of Chivalry-Now. An inner circle also exists, called the Council of Knights. Within this group, there is an Inner Council who make final organizational decisions.      The Companionship provides a group dynamic this for those who are interested in chivalry and have found their innermost self, that part of them where the innate qualities of virtur reside.      We anticipate many visitors coming to our web site and gleaning whatever interests them. That's fine and certainly benefit our cause.      We also anticipate that some visitors will want more. We provide the Companionship for reason.      Very often people who admire chivalry find the world a lonely and disappointing place. The ideals may burn inside them, but are nowhere else to be seen. There are actually many aspects of society that devalue those ideals—and, by so doing, devalue the essence of humanity itself. In this way, the impetus toward chivalry fades and becomes a hidden secret, a dream of glory and of sorrow. Our surveys show that it is like that for many people. The dynamics of society have a way of pulling us from what we want and need.      The Companionship is a first step to alleviating that problem. Becoming a Companion is a special rite-of-passage that connects people of chivalry to others like them. They can freely discuss high ideals and feel comfortable doing so.      The truth is, we are by no means alone. Each person has an inner knowledge and desire for doing what is right. Some have never acknowledged this center; some have never nourished it; some have rejected it so completely that it is little more than a forgotten relic, something to deride. Still others fail to see chivalry's value in a commercialized world that denies its worth, and so they ignore it.      But there are those, like us, who recognize and confront the sad emptiness of living in a world where unblemished values are not appreciated. They maintain the flicker of hope and the desire for a better world that needs our encouragement and connection.      These are the people we are looking for.      The Companionship provides a place to find the definitions and sense of purpose that have elsewhere been forgotten. Here we find that part of our Western culture that has been missing for too long. The deprivation of chivalric ideals has long sapped people of their optimism, removing fixed stars that were needed for moral reference. Here, in this Companionship, among us, they live once more, inviting all men to partake in them.      The future of our Companionship lies in your hands.           Bulletin Board Special Training Manuals CN Companionship Esoterica Knighthood (Nov.27, 2011) Discipline of the Sword Path to Knighthood (Some manuals may still be incomplete or not yet available. Changes will be noted by date.) On the Road to Knighthood—by Sir Steven Forgette Introductory Rules New Companions —please review Council of Knights Definitions Some of the terms we use. Discipline of the Sword Draft Constitution Our True Direction The Deeper Song Shadow-side of Male Virtue The 12 Trusts An extended version Coats-of-Arms Guide to Chivalry Part 1 The Path to Knighthood Program —is temporarily closed Dissertations Are you a follower of Chivalry-Now? CN Standards

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Are you a Follower of Chivalry-Now?

If you are, we ask you to reconsider.
     The truth is, we are not looking for followers. In fact, the "follower mentality" is the opposite of what we seek.
     The goal of the Companionship is to bring together strong-willed, freethinking individuals who reflect the cause of chivalry in the way they think and act.
     If you are looking for an ethical code to follow, we encourage you to build your own. Chivalry-Now can help in that regard. Not with rules or mandates, but by serving as a catalyst for thought, and putting you in touch you with a circle of friends who believe in chivalry as much as you do.
     We seek a true Companionship of self-made men who are in touch with the inner core of their being. Self-disciplined, honest, courteous men who staunchly believe in the importance of male virtues.
     We want men of thought and action, who are unafraid to stand up for what is right, even when there are risks.
     We are a brotherhood of men dedicated to quietly showing the world what manhood is all about. This fellowship will grow over time, appealing to what is best in all men, until we heal the symbolic wounds of the Grail King, and make the world a better place to live in.
     Despite our gender-related emphasis, we invite well-meaning women to participate and share their invaluable wisdom.
     If you are a follower of chivalry, that's okay. If you find the ideals attractive and want to get better acquainted, we welcome you wholeheartedly. We are less enthused if ego is your motive, and hope that your journey leads you to something more authentic.
     The important thing is that you understand that there is a better way for men to live, one that awakens the core of chivalry that exists in us all. Now is the time to let it blossom.
     While chivalry is called and can be considered "a code," it is really the expression of something deeper, something personal and grand that each of us finds in the depth of our being. It is not something imposed on us from the outside, or through personal commitment. It is the virtue of life bequeathed upon us by all the warriors and men who came before. This is their legacy and we are their heirs. Their unfinished work is ours to embrace.
     Simply put, Chivalry-Now is not something to follow.
     It is your truest essence unleashed.

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Definitions:

 

Chivalry-Now/CN

A Code of Ethics that has been updated for modern times. It includes modified versions of the original chivalric ideals, combined with such Enlightenment Age principles as democracy, freedom and equal rights. Chivalry-Now attempts to inspire people to consciously formulate their own principles and self-development iwth an iopen mind, rather than dictate formulaic principles upon others.

Colee

The tap or strike given during the initiation into knighthood.

Companionship

The familial relationship between all of those who partake in the quest as defined by Chivalry-Now. Any serious student or participant of our ideals is considered a Companion. (see Companionship)

Council / Council of Knights / Inner Council

Chivalry-Now's brotherhood of Knights, capable of acting in an administrative capacity. Each knight who is part of this Council carries the power and obligations that such membership bestows. The Inner Council of the Council of Knights has final authority over organizational decisions (see Knighthood)

Fellowship

The Chivalry-Now fellowship represents a social unit between all those who are interested in Chivalry-Now. The outtermost circle consists of all its members. Those who prove their interest and commitment to self-development and a search for truth are invited into the Companionship. Within the Companionship is a Council of Knights who prodide counsel and administrative duties, including electing new Knights. Within that circle is the Inner Council of KNights, composed of senior members who make final administrative decision..

Knight

A committed member of the Companionship, recognized for his commitment to chivalry and his deeds in promoting it (see Knighthood).

Mystery/Mystery of Life

One's view of the universe, in the search for truth, cannot be adequately functional without first acknowledging that the existence we are part of is more than we can ever fully understand. What we refer to as Mystery is the "X-factor" that we purposely include in our vision of the world. It provides a foundation for awe and humility that is needed to support our impetus for "spiritual growth" and the performance of good. It need not refer to God, depending on the individual's beliefs. It can be as simple and as profound as just admitting that we don't know everything. Without this acknowledgment, the search for truth is impeded by hubris and the mind is closed to what cannot yet be known.

Quest

Applying the ideals of chivalry in one's everyday life while searching for truth in relationship to Life's Mystery.

Salute

The Chivalry-Now salute is thus: A clasped fist to the chest (over the heart) accompanied by a short nod of the head.

When using a practice weapon, such as a sword, the weapon is held at rest, pointing down, at the side. The weapon hand then raises to strike the opposite breast, similar to the empty hand salute. It then lowers to the side at a downward angle. Posture is straight.

Soul / Spirit

For the sake of inclusiveness, the words soul and spirit usually refer to the integrity of mind, will, instinct and emotion that contribute to the full authenticity of human life.

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Introductory Rules:

Using online resources as the central means of building our Companionship and holding it together, it is difficult for the Council to judge an individual's sincerity. Members come from around the world, and few of us ever meet in person.
     Some people come looking for self-development and camaraderie. They are welcome here.
     Others hope to take their journey to another level, even that of Knighthood and a place at the Inner Council.
     Whatever your expectations, the following rules will help you move forward. Those who aspire to be Knights are expected to follow them more fully.

Rule #1

You are charged to take your commitment seriously, with no self-deception.

Rule #2

You are expected to periodically examine the sincerity of your own heart and your own commitment to the ideals of chivalry. Honesty is key to self-development. Although the Council Knights may be judging your sincerity along the way, you must be the strict arbiter of your conscience.

Rule #3

The Council oiccasionally bestows this title of Knight upon individuals who prove their knowledge, sincerity and commitment to the tenets of Chivalry-Now. What they cannot do is fully know what commitment is is in your heart. You must must learn that yourself, and decide if you are ready to take on this formal commitment.

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