Janharism
Template:JanharismJanharism is the dominant religion in northeastern central Ostara, most notably in Ishnalla, where it is also the official state religion. There are various sects within Janharism, differing in chosen primaries deities and values. It is one of the world's largest religion, after Messanism.
It is considered the oldest religion in the world, tracing back to approximately 5,000 BCE. It is deeply ingrained within the culture of Ishnalla, to the point where it is difficult to tell where Janharism beliefs and traditions ends and Ishnalli culture begins. Similarly, it is uncertain which developed first and later influence the other. Nonetheless, it widely accepted that Janharism prescribes the eternal duties, the Athsiyol (Translation: the absolute duties): compassion, courage, forbearance, honesty, prudence, justice, and temperance.
Additionally, Janharists strive to achieve and maintain Pan Jinya (literally five truths), or the five great aims of human life: Dyumi (duty to a greater power), Sambeon (prosperity through hard work), Pyalan (pure love), Svan-ayu (personal liberty), and Prayebal (absolute enlightenment). It is believed that one who achieves all five can ascend to live with the lower gods (the Bhasin), as Mah-seong did before them. One who achieves any one Pan Jinya is believed to reincarnate, gaining another chance at ascension.
Janharism has various traditions (Puja), festivals, and rites of passage. Yon is popularity among the majority of Janharists, as a way of achieving Svan-ayu and, consequently Prayebal. Kama is the Janharist belief that one's actions influence his fate.
Contents
Etymology
Sects
Beliefs
Athsiyol
The Athsiyol are the absolute duties of a human, and the most basic way to achieve Dyumi. The Athsiyol are defined in the Tildaegi, which told the tale of Mah-seong and his ascension, along with the Pan Jinya. It should be noted that the Athsiyol are considered to define only the basic duties of man{{{1}}}the bare minimum he must be and achieve in order to be considered a good human. Failing to practice Athsiyol is generally frowned upon, and was once even punishable{{{1}}}though this has largely loosened in modern times.
The seven duties are:
Compassion/mercy; to care and shown for your fellow creatures, to help them in their time of need, and to be willing to forgive. A Janharist is expected to be considerate of others and to avoid being overly arrogant or prideful. It is commonly considered bad practice and even immoral to gloat or be too boastful.
Courage/perseverance: to stand against adversity, to break free from of negative emotions, and to be willing to take action when necessary. To exercise Yonhasa is to give it your bast and not quit until the job is done, regardless of fear or coercion. A Yonhasing is considered such a brave warrior, and is a respectful way to refer to a young man.
Forbearance/tolerance; to restrain and control oneself, to be patient and tolerant. At its darkest, it is perhaps a warning to await the right time to strike, as is taught in Yod'nsan sect. However, it is generally to maintain self-control and refrain from lashing out or other corrupting actions, as well as to tolerate non-believers and stray believers. Janharism has historically failed to have official, widely accepted doctrine on religious conflict.
Honesty/faithfulness; to be truthful to both others and oneself, and to not wrong them. It is to be faithful to one's spouses, loyal to one's friends, and honest with all men and women.
Prudence/patience; to be wise with one's actions, to be cautious and careful. It differs from Sahanae in that Dhasavi refers to general life, while Sahanae usually concerns being offended or those with differing opinions and beliefs. A Dhasaving is a wise, learned man who understands when the time is right (eg., to take a particular action).
Justice/integrity. To do what is "right", respectful, and fair{{{1}}}both to others and to oneself. To not forsake oneself and he beliefs true. It is to not allow others to corrupt you, and instead guide them in the right direction. Some believe it advocates the peaceful spreading of the religion, through dialogue. Others, such as the claim that is to avoid conflict.
Temperance/moderation: to not abuse or do in excess. Generally, this is in reference to consumption of food and alcohol, as well as other drugs. It has also at times be used to advocate low taxes and government non-interventionism (eg., in economics). It is perhaps why Janharists governments do not often prohibit drugs and alcohol, as it is naturally expected for people to refrain from their abuse. Although, to the other extreme, some sects outright prohibit their consumption.
Pan Jinya
Pan Jinya, or the five truths, are the five achievements Janharists believe necessary for ascension. If one does not achieve all five truths in one life time, they are believed to reincarnate for another chance. While the first three truths (Dyumi, Sambeon, and Pyalan) may be achieved in any order, it is accepted that one cannot achieve Prayebal, absolute enlightenment, without first achieving Svan-ayu, personal liberty.
Consequently, while most Janharists recognize the Pan Jinya and make effort to achieve them in their day-to-day lives, a few men and women, known as Sadosa, withdraw from society and dedicate their lives to achieving Svan-ayu and Prayebal. They believe that their dedication to the faith, to its study, and their loyalty and admiration for the gods, achieve the first three truths.
The Pan Jinya are:
Dyumi
Dyumi is a duty to a greater power. Some believe that being a devout follower of the Athsiyol, thereby expressing your dedication to the gods, achieves Dyumi. Others still see Dyumi as necessitating loyalty to a corporal lord.
This belief was dominant during the Middle Period, when Ishnalla was a feudalistic society. It is still strong today, and a Janharist government can expect great support from its Janharist population.
Interesting, especially in Ishnalla, Dyumi has been used to justify slavery—that it is the duty of the weaker and less fortunate to serve a greater lord.
Sambeon
Sambeon is usually interpreted literally, as prosperity through hard work. It states that one can better himself and the world around him through dedicated labor, which is also the dominant interpretation. However, it has at times been believed to suggest that one can achieve greatness through his struggles{{{1}}}which led to great conquests.
It is likely that Sambeon prevented a concrete caste system from developing in practicing societies, as Sambeon advocates that change is possible if one works hard enough. Nonetheless, classes did develop, and it was relatively uncommon for one to raise significantly in status.
Pyalan
Pyalan, or "pure love", is to love unconditionally—to be faithful and to trust in your lover. Though it is usually interpreted that one must share their love with another person, some believe that firmly following and dedicating oneself to the faith may also achieve Pyalan. It should be noted that is not dictated that the love must be physical, which has led some to believe that dedicated to one's children, parents, or general family is a path to Pyalan.
Polygamy is believed acceptable under Pyalan, as it is not dictated one may love only one other. Similarly, it is not dictated that it must be another person one loves; bestiality has been generally tolerated for much of Ishnallan history, and no modern Janharist state has laws against it.
Interestingly, arranged marriages are frowned upon under Pyalan, as such marriages are not born from true love. Of course, this has not prevented such marriages from occurring, especially in earlier periods. Some modern Janharist states, including the Ishnalli Empire, have banned arranged marriages. On a related subject, while child marriages are not banned, it is uncommon—especially between a child and an adult.
Svan-ayu
Svan-ayu, "personal liberty", is perhaps the most controversial of Pan Jinya. Historically, the most widespread interpretation has been to free oneself from worldly desires—usually achieved through the practice of Yon. Indeed, this is still the most popular interpretation today. However, at times it has been interpretation as the freedom to be oneself—in charge of one's own life and fate—and even as freedom from authority.
While freedom of worldly desires is the most popular interpretation today, the freedom to be oneself is becoming increasing popular among the younger generations. Many Ishnallan dissenters, both modern and historical, have claimed to be pursuing Svan-ayu, not only for themselves but society as a whole.
Prayebal
Absolute enlightenment, Prayebal, is believed to only be achievable after one has achieved all other Pan Jinya, as Mah-seong did over three thousand years ago. Janharists widely believe that once someone known duty, diligence, love, and liberty, they have achieved all the gods meant for them in the worldly realm and may ascend to join them in the heavens.
