Gaelism

[ArborGold 85]

 

Gaelism

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Followers of the Righteous Path

 

 

 

Gaelism is a school of thought, or an active life philosophy, based on the teachings of Quinton Gael, or the Hierophant, who, through his travels, experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death, and existence. Gael sought enlightenment and to become awakened from the cloudy state all were in due to the way society functioned.

 

Teaching the ways of Gaelism is the most important aspect of the philosophy but never is a Gaelist to teach what he or she has realized; only that through the righteous ways of the philosophy can any person discover the true meaning of enlightenment. It is a main tenet of the beliefs of Gaelism that there is no conscious higher being that controls the universe, as many religions would contradict. Gods themselves do not serve to aid a person on the journey through life so were rejected by the Hierophant directly.

 

Alongside this the belief is that until one can live in enlightenment that individual is reborn in a new life. Reincarnation occurs through two means: One is through life recalling an unenlightened person because of their attachment here on earth. The second is through voluntary choice by an ordained man of the following whose work is not done in this world. Once enlightenment is reached and accompanied with a true life the soul of that individual is released from the recurring cycle of rebirth and let loose into the universe to roam freely.

 

The doctrines and beliefs of the practice follow Gael’s desire to throw out the ways of memorization and collective worship. “Practice, not scripture shall save us all,” he said while talking to a group of young followers, “every living being has the ability to discover enlightenment on their own. Belief itself is lost without exploration of its meaning. That is what I urge in all my fellow members of mankind.”

 

 

The Initial Principles

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Fundamental to the understanding of Gaelism is the four principles dictated to all by the Hierophant. They explain the spiritual potential of not only the following of the true path but the experience brought about by doing so. After the travels abroad the Hierophant wrote these texts which, when compiled, are the holy texts for the Followers of the Righteous Path.

 

There are four divine principles the mind must comprehend and place trust in, and so they are the only true and just interpretation of the world in which we all endure:

 

Firstly, life carried out in normality is bound to have hardships and suffering. Denial of this is dishonest to the souls of every living being. The world offers buffers to block out the realities of life, but even if insulated the existence of the problem is sustained, just dealt with for the time being. To identify the difficulty, discomforts, and pains in life is to diagnosis one’s self, the first step to enlightenment.

 

Secondly, if one knows anguish to be natural in the course of living he should seek to resolve it. Through my odyssey I have disinterred that afflictions of the soul are caused by the soul’s attachment and cravings for the defenses extended to it by civilization. Urges spread wide and take the faces of many forms. Anger, greed, ignorance, violence, and lust are all branches from the tree of cravings, although they are not the only.

 

Additionally I have learned from many wise men that the cessation of misery is possible yet requires the follower to venture on an arduous trek. To remove all desires is to achieve enlightenment which in turn brings an end to the torment of life.

 

Finally, there is a certifiable path to which one can escape the repetition of troubles. Years have been spent in thought on which elements of this track truly succeed in their ultimate goal of achieving enlightenment. Fasting, humility, and simplicity were some of the aspects that showed their power to myself. Moderation and temperance accompanied them as the extremes of life often imbalance the person or people it affects.

 

It would be sensible to all men to seek this middle path in their own way while still following enlightenment. For enlightenment can neither be obtained through self-torment or overindulgence, instead the median should be sought for, not the boundaries.

 

In Review of the Initial Principles

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I      - Throughout the course of ordinary life suffering occurs to all living beings.

II     - The origin of this suffering is attachment to our worldly defenses.

III    - There is a way to end the feeling of suffering.

IV     - By living a truly enlightened life and following the middle road in the process one can rid themselves of suffering and escape the cycle.

 

 

The Enlightened Measures

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In order for one to achieve enlightenment one must practice a wholesome life to the fullest. These eight defining degrees are on which life should be carried out by a follower of the philosophy of Gael:

 

I         -   True Understanding

The first step one’s mind must take to accepted the righteous path is that all things affect one another. A cause is always paired with an effect and all people of the philosophy of Gael should grasp this. Just as well the personal exploration of the Four Initial Principles should take place prior to the other Measures.

 

II        -   True Intentions

Avoiding, overcoming, and shedding evil or unwholesome states of mind is the next decision one must make upon their journey. To harbor ill-will such as greed, anger, or jealousy is not enlightened and only works against the ways of the path.

 

III       -   True Speech

Speak knowing that what is said is what people judge you and your way of life on. Do not gossip, speak ill, or lie to another living being. Honesty is a valued commodity that should not be traded but always given as a token of friendship. Speak plainly to friends and enemies alike.

 

IV        -   True Actions

Actions echo in the minds of all people. Do not take any life, including your own. Do not take what is not yours, harm another to any degree physically, or commit trespasses such as lying with another man’s wife.

 

V      -   True Livelihood

Labor that is honest and benefits others is blessed. Labor that works upon the suffering of other living beings is wrong and unjust. Work for the betterment of all creatures, not solely your own. Share what is earned with those who are incapable or at a loss, the favor will be returned in time.

 

VI     -   True Effort

When practicing the tenets do not idly follow in suit of superiors. Gaelism urges all to follow their own personal path to enlightenment with the help of guidance, not absolute direction. Take initiative and seek out introspection.

 

VII     -   True Mindfulness

Do not slack in one's mental thoughts. Become aware of yourself, others, and the surroundings that are unknowingly interacting in harmony. Stay attentive when necessary and never cloud one's mind with any substance that seeks to do so. Avoid the influence of the bottle, mug, and hookah.

 

VIII   -   True Concentration

Through meditation and contemplation one should maintain a steady and astute mind. Seek not to break composure for emotions that are of this world. By practicing the other measures the true nature of things can be understood in this measure.

 

 

The Divisions of the Mind

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There are three pairs that define the mind of all creatures. The consciousness is constantly under the influence of one or more of these six states. Their division should be noticed by followers. Negative states should be urged against with the might of the body in its entirety; while positive states should be kept with the hope of combining all three in harmony to better live out the philosophy taught by the Hierophant.

 

Generosity is countered by Greed

Love is countered by Hatred

Wisdom is countered by Delusion

 

 

The Noble Benevolence

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Kindness, and the true human nature of love, should be offered to everything inside the universe. However, in order to achieve a state such as this, along with all the other tenets of Gaelism, one must provide loving-kindness to different sources.

 

• Love for yourself is the initial beginning to loving all living creatures. This is not meant in a vain manner but instead in a way that urges acceptance for one's physical appearances, emotional traits, and mental capabilities.

 

• Friends are people who are naturally offered kindness. Although it is natural schisms between friends can occur, but in time, can be healed, as all wounds of this manner should be. Forgive all people for their trespasses, not in the sense of punishment, but in the sense of ceasing to offering them the same treatment as all men deserve.

 

• Neutral people, most likely people you have little connections or interactions with come easier to offer kindness to than others, but often are forgotten. Since every living being is entitled to the kindness being sure to grant this to people you know little of will often earn you their trust and friendship.

 

• Difficult people are those who have harmed you or others and may be difficult to forgive, although that is the correct thing to do. Challenging as it seems every person should be treated with respect and kindness, including those who oppress you, for they too are part of the cycle. People who stray from the Righteous Path or have never seen it are not exempt from this guarantee. Teaching is vital to spread this philosophy.

 

• The Universe as a whole deserves our benevolence. Not only does this level encompass all before it, with their own unique difficulties, but it brings about the respect and love for nature, the cosmos, and every living thing upon the earth. To offer kindness to nature is to never take it for granted and give back what is taken in the due process of life.

 

 

 

The Way of Meditation

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Though the Path does not require a specified form to meditation, a necessary tool to reach the exemption from reincarnation and enlightenment, there are certain piece of vital information regarding meditation that should be addressed.

 

The Hierophant suggested seven key features that should be taken into account when meditating. Physical aspects are only mentioned by Gael but meditation, and its goals, are described in various other passages. To repeat them here, the goals of meditation are: to clear the mind of all attachment to the world for a temporary period of time in hopes of finding enlightenment which is permanent if in accordance with the tenets of the philosophy, to offer solace and a place of introspection to all those who seek it, and to allow the practice of the Path to not only be confined to the mind but take physical manifestation.

 

The practice of meditation should be reached by positioning the legs crossed in what is known as the lotus position, pushing the shoulders back to bring forward the heart; the location of the soul, and straightening the back to further enhance posture and breathing abilities. Next the hands should be laid upon either knee of grasped in a relaxed; unstressed; manner in front of the heart. Following this the head should be straightened to look forward and be supported by the neck along with the tongue being placed rested against the bottom of the mouth to avoid any interruption once meditation has begun. Once this is all in place the eyes should be closed gently, as to not disturb the meditation arrangement. These steps are not definitive and the concept of Gaelism asks each person to find their own way to enlightenment, no exception to meditation.

 

 

The Acolytes of Gaelism

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Quinton Gael stressed individualism for the sake that no two are exactly the same, especially when the two are on their own path to enlightenment. Large religions with conformity and strict ceremonies, such as Cannonism, acted only as a confine to humans, not a release for the cycle of life and suffering. As a result no title of priesthood was established, nor should be, until absolutely necessary to maintain a large number of followers. Those who wish to become acolytes, the only title denoting understanding of the philosophies of the Hierophant, should seek out the Hierophant and speak directly to him.

 

Just as well, places of worships were not deemed necessary by Gael when they were brought before him for discussion. Instead he spoke clearly, "Do not come from distance villages to pray upon the crest of a hill or in a stone house built by men. Go to where you are guided, go to where you feel at ease. That is your place to be." Many followers come together to complete pilgrimages in order to find a place of their own while some find more local locations and set up meditation areas. Gaelism has no need to temples or opulent palaces, instead the earth is the temple to Gaelists. "Take to it and find harmony in its nature," the Hierophant once said.

 

 

On the Idea of a Higher Being

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Relations with Other Faiths

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Every being is entitled to their own belief, though enlightenment is only found in casting off the bindings of this world. The Hierophant spoke plainly when he said “there is no god.” Gaelists have been rejected and called blasphemers on this point since its creation as a school of thought. Gael, however, strongly agreed with the idea that there exists no heavenly creature or creator.

 

Religion, a major part why Gaelism does not consider itself a religion or faith but rather a life philosophy, is created from fear. The origins of man is from nothing. Before us there was nothing: no lands controlled by nobles, no fields with seeds sown, and no words written on paper. Over time all races and beings created their way of life from nothing. Religion, and their gods, came from nothing. Its roots are in fear of death and being’s want to believe in something higher, and perhaps an afterlife of joyfulness. A church or faith is a security created as a buffer to the real world and its trials.

 

For those who follow the words of Gael their belief should be placed in humans superseding the troubles of this world, not in some far-reaching omnipresent being of greatness. Look to your fellow beings, look to your families and look to the world around you. This is what was created by man, this is what was created in harmony and can so easily be destroyed by man and its vulnerability when not on the righteous path.

 

It should also be taken into account that the world is not without a cycle. As seen before worlds have fallen or been torn apart. Just as all living creatures have a cycle to live the world follows suit. From nothing to rebirth to death, all in one glorious continual cycle. Its end will not be seen, for the world itself cannot escape the very troubles it is plagued by.

 

From Canonism to the Druids all have their versions of a higher being, though Gaelists are urged not to look to labels to define others. All of their followers compete to prove which is truly superior or truly exists. Rather if a being is called ‘God’ or ‘Allah’ there is no difference. No matter the amount of time given to followers of any religion they will never all agree. So while founded in fear all religions, as a matter of denial of others, act as a continual separation that is entirely perpetuated by religious figures themselves.

 

Gaelism, as the Hierophant asked, does not demand the word of Gael be taken as the truth solely for the fact that it was written by a wise man. Instead, as all good theories should, the philosophy can openly be tested. Taking the word of a priest is little if he does not allow oneself to experience and practice what is preached. Being a part of the philosophy of Gael is an active experience, where one should discover themselves and the truth in the words of the Hierophant by study and practice alike.

 

That being said, all religions and beliefs are respected by Gaelism. To act against another being for the reason that they are different than you is an error in not only the aggressor but all living creatures. Harmony, as spoken by the Hierophant, is the way of progression in this world. By acting out or against another belief group a person only acts counterproductive to the ideals of the philosophy.

 

 

The Inspired Texts of Gaelism

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There are two texts considered sacred and enlightened to Gaelists. The first is "A Search for Sense" which details the seven year journey of Quinton Gael among the various races and cultures of the world in search for true enlightenment. Its words are formulated by the Hierophant himself and act as the defining tale for the philosophy. Without the travels and the corresponding work many people would still be uncertain about the basis on which the lifestyle was founded on. The second text considered as justifiable is the "Compendium of Wisdom," which is a compilation of many of the words of Gael throughout his travels and teachings. Even though the Hierophant still lives his words are recorded now for posterity's sake and for the eventual usage by any acolytes. Both of these texts are kept secured but are accessible through more direct means.

 

The first chapter, and corresponding forward, are demonstrated below for the general use. At the discretion of the Hierophant more may be made public:

 

A Search for Sense

 

__Foreword__

 

"Never run, always walk, for those who run often fall." Those are the words that dissolved into my mind as I walked along a muddy path skirting the round edge of a mountain. For nearly seven years I walked on a journey, one that was not light feat to undertake. Yet, for those years I searched for something I felt was lost to not only but all the people and races alike: Enlightenment. My arduous travels were beset with their own periods of waxing and waning but in the end I think I found the answer. Through a dispensation of a record of my voyages upon the seas, through the fields and valleys, and across the entire world it is my belief that others can see the true wisdom which I sought after.

 

__Chapter 1__

 

My honest labor before my departure was as a scholar of the Library of Draugr where I met, with each new dawn, the seemingly endless accumulation of tomes upon the ongoing and past business of the world. Each day brought a repetitive familiarity that I believed to be sustenance itself. My neatly pressed and colorful outfits of the finest linens were adorned and my body misted with perfumes. These actions were always accompanied with my high regard for how I presented myself physically, leaving my emotional and social presentation noticeably lacking.

 

Although I could catch the eye of visitors to the Library and my mind was keen to react there was no possible way for me to bring myself out of my awkward reclusiveness. Instead of dressing for the want of receiving a woman's affections I dressed for my books. The flow of their pages were my embrace, admittingly through far too many years of my life.

 

For years this stimulating drudgery kept me in line and accord but then it occurred to me, among my many pilings of writing, that a mortal like myself had only a short amount of time upon this earth and I, as a man who had dedicated his life to the fine things and to the pursuit of knowledge, lacked the one thing many strove to achieve: Enlightenment. I took upon myself an effort to leave the Library for some time and seek out the elusive non-physical idea that had only recently caught my attention after unnoticeably chasing after it for years.

 

Before I left for any quest though I rode off to Johannesburg to acquire my own necessities. It is truly worthy to note that I, as a scholar who was unfamiliar with much of the outside world and having been brought up in a more affluent family, lacked the sense of the true holdings of this world, my obliviousness only sheltered by my line of employment. Being in my own self-interests I requested and rode in a carriage towards the city, yet my inquisitive mind took upon looking more deeply on the common normalities seen by men of this world.

 

Initially the coachmen, by the name of Dorran as he later disclosed to me, passed by a man of great age, clearly seen from the slouch of his back and the white-shade that had overrun his hair, whatever color it had once been lost to time. Thinking, I remarked to my companion if the beggar commonly frequented the lane or if this was at all the norm in these lands. Dorran responded by saying, "Age is a matter of life. We all mature and tire, 'tis the way it is and shall be till the end of time. Every creature and living being rises and falls when it has to deal with vitality." The words took hold and echo inside my mind even to this day.

 

As the two of us pressed on we passed through a "village of despair," as Dorran put it. Bodies, some dead and some only half-living, were strewn across the alleyways and various steps of the mud hovels. A rotting disease had taken hold of the families that once worked the fields and some extended their hands towards the rolling wheels, as if to grasp to hope and the life it brings with it. Dorran explained, “It’s rare for any person to go through life without experiencing disease or pain.” The thought itself is an odd one to encounter if inspected. No single person can go throughout his or her life without experiencing pain, suffering, and discomfort, all taking their own manifestations.

 

I only had a few minutes, but what seemed like hours, to ponder my previous introspection before the next sight was upon us both. There, swinging in the dreadful breeze was a body tied to a tree branch by a noose. His limp corpse was adorned with some forgettable offense of a minor manner. Dorran shifted in his seat, most likely disturbed by the shocking cruelty of men. After, with the sight now several hills behind the cart, he spoke. “He probably endured a lot before they decided to exact their own form of justice upon him.” The thought turned the limited contents of my stomach. The inevitable, inescapable death, for that man was plagued by pain and suffering that was unnecessary.

 

Horse’s hooves plodded along as the more defined roads overtook the paths of dirt ruts. My fourth and final sight came from an unforgettable commoner dressed in simple rags. He found pleasure in self-denying himself the pleasures of the world, or so he told me when we stopped to address him. Originally I took him as a simpleton but soon I recognized his rejection of many of the world’s offerings had allowed him to over a fake happiness that encompasses much of the population. How he did it is for further discussion because the realization of this man’s meaning was not at first seen by myself or Dorran however the epiphany he later brought is vital to my grasp of the true sense of life and enlightenment.

 

 

 

Spoiler

OOC Stuff [Not a TLDR, nice try]

 

Big shout out to @Amordrin and @Baeht for proof-reading, suggesting things, and generally giving me the courage to post this project. It has been a bit in the making and hopefully will encourage a lot of interesting role-play. The purpose of the life-philosophy/quasi-religion that I have created is to spark deeper character development and a unique role-play experience for all who it may influence. I hope some of you give it a shot and let me just clear up a few things:

 

• The philosophy is heavily based on Theravada Buddhism but draws from several other Asiatic religions. I first began working on this piece in March of this year but took a lot of time off because of finals and moving. When I finally returned to my development of the idea, and a little bit before I was about to go public with this, a large rant began on the forums about unoriginal religions and religions being based solely off of OOC equivalents. I'm not taking sides, I'm just addressing the issue itself. I was hesitant to release this version of my work but decided, with the support of several other people I met, to let it out there. (PS: Please do note that borrowing from the Buddhist philosophy, Buddha, and his story is not meant to be disrespectful. I have made variations from the works of Buddhism. Just as well, the 'religion' follows the tale of Quinton Gael, my character, and a lot of other interesting events. Leading to my next point...)

 

• My goal for this is to allow a 'faith' to develop in-game. No large creation tale is included, no mystic founders from ages ago. It is here and now and in the present. Everyone can experience it for themselves with just a little effort. Hopefully, if this lives on and isn't labeled as a 'weeb religion' or a 'pixelated version of buddhism' I hope for Gael to eventually die and see what happens then. Many religions, notably Islam and Buddhism itself, had founders that died and then afterwards large shifts occurred. Both aforementioned religions saw sects and schools of thought emerge and begin to divide a united front. Schisms could well occur, and I would not be upset or worried about it. This is the point of this project and experiment.

 

Anyways, thank you all so much for reading this bit. If you made it through all the other stuff as well, wow.

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or anything at all really I'm generally a pretty talkative, although admittedly a little weird, guy.

 

[TinyBiceps 569]

Enjoy my bias +1

 

No but in all seriousness, I can see this flourishing. It's not complicated and doesn't require any specific race to believe in it. No overly long rituals you have to sit through. Just interactive religious roleplay for those looking for a new take. I'll probably add more to me response later, too^^

[Aetosion 2062]

Brother Alaric's face twists into a quizzical look after reading the treatsie, "Well-written, though it ignores the primacy of the Creator in all things."