Society's effect on ego & belief.
Symbols & archetypes exist in collective psyches of various cultures.
In Tibet, for example, people still believe that Loving Eyes Mantra: 'OM MANI PEME HUNG' helps to develop Compassion, to act Compassionately.
One's Superego is influenced by Collective Unconscious of culture in which one was born, and in which one develops. If one migrates to different nation - it's especially true, i think.
One can shortly explain Superego as Society's ethical/spiritual/religious pressures affecting people.
So... many people believe that mantras work, that mantras work in certain ways. This can be similar to belief in magick (casting spells, lighting a candle, etc) and to belief in prayers of various religions.
Even if one's Ego reejects ideas of mantras, spells & prayers working in certain ways, one's Superego still believes that these work properly.
One should not underestimate power of belief, i think.
Power of Faith, Placebo Effect.
When one believes in working of spiritual practices - for example: saying a mantra, lighting a candle or incense - one's mind and body reacts ... as if Placebo Effect occured.
This is true in case of healing magick and/or similar practices, but can be abstracted beyond that as well.
In Buddhism, we believe that we are Mind and have Bodies - so affecting Mind, affecting Belief - can change the World.
Many people - including this blog's author - believe that spells, wishes, mantras, prayers and similar practices can affect Mind. For example, lighting a protection incense stick can make one feel safer, more secure.
Manipulating one's own faith.
One can actively pray or wish to believe in working of spiritual practices, to have Placebo Effect happen.
One should, however, be wary of abusing this method ... i think that one should be honest, especially honest to/about himself/herself.
Deceiving oneself to believe in strange things is stupid - and while it might work for a while - it is quick way to psychiatric hospital.
Manipulating others' faith(s).
It can be done, it is possible - but is it ethical?
How much is too much?
I am doing this quite often, for example by writing on this blog. ;)
I want to be honest and fair, that's why i write about this here.
Also, i want to warn of such practices - many people manipulate faith, not only me.
Those who do not want to be faith-manipulated can take steps to protect themselves or others, once they are aware.
How?
For example - by praying to their deity(-ies), asking for protection from faith-manipulation.
Final Words.
In a polish language, honest and fair means: 'szczery i uczciwy'. Justice / pl: 'sprawiedliwość' / is not same as fairness.
... i think that fairness is like fair-play, and a little as in fairy tales.
... i think that justice is harder, more about law & court - 'eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth', and that fairness is gentler, more informal.
(This is not Confession, i do not Confess. Just honest information sharing).
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