Böru
The primary religion of the Hamaran people.
It is best described as reasoned supernaturalism coupled with observational evidence. Their many and varied festivals are mainly seen as a way to release excess passion through formalised displays of specific emotions.
Beliefs[edit]
Yaihäma: The concept of reality. Hamaran believe that physical existence is unsatisfying, but that the source of this suffering isn't part of the nature of existence and is instead the waste product of inner confusion caused by the untrained mind.
The Path of Shaihyka: By following the teachings of the Shaihyka, the Hamaran rid themselves of this confusion. Shaihyka emphasised the need for strict moral discipline combined with charity, meditation and insight as the only true way to liberate the self from the negative inner bondage of suffering.
Acts of Gyasö: Hamaran believe that the greatest acts of charity are those that grant comfort to the Gyasö; the monks and nuns that serve the way by acting as examples of the Path of Shaihyka. Hamaran charity generally consists of paying a voluntary tithe in either food or money to support a particular monastery, sponsoring a monk or nun through their life, or giving a pup to a particular monastery so they might grow up to become a Gyasö.
Pämdeom (The Wheel of Rebirth): Hamaran believe that the attributes of the Pämdeom, if lived honestly, lead to rebirth on a higher plane. The four spokes that power the wheel are as follows:
- Never taking life
- Not stealing
- Celibacy
- Not lying about one's spiritual attainment.
The Wheel itself consists of generosity, tolerance, energy, ethics, meditation and wisdom.
For most, Böru is summed up simply as seeking the 'Three Jewels'. These are generally recognised as directing one's life towards the enlightenment and compassion personified by Tä Gyasu, the first Hamaran to walk the path to mortal godhood, by following the teachings of Shaihyka, and lastly by devoting oneself to uphold and strengthen their community.
Variants[edit]
A common misconception exists that the Hamaran of Ziruushda practice a different religion -- a shamanistic form of Böru heavily influenced by indigenous mythologies as well as Scanian concepts. Instead of denouncing and stamping out local Gods, the Hamaran here converted them to their own cause. Ziruushda was different only in the fact that it adopted many of its deities from a seemingly extinct race; they were incorporated into existing religious practices.
Ziruushda is home to the Hagruhä, a small clan of Hamaran that purposely dwell apart in utter isolation. The Hagruhä are total atheists and utterly shunned by all other Hamaran. Most Hamaran believe that they are utterly insane and can't comprehend how members of their race could hope to exist without Böru.
History[edit]
According to some sources, the earliest known form of BorÜ was practiced at the HagÜ Monastery on Ziruushda.
World Listing: 1105[edit]
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
- Jae Campbell, Leighton Piper. "Library Data: Ushra." Signal-GK 03 (1989): 51,55.
- Jae Campbell. Encyclopaedia Dagudashaag (Signal-GK, 2017), 144-145.