NICHI-JIN 日人 TEMPLE

[Islamadon 4429]

 

NICHI-JIN 日人

 

 

TEMPLE OF THE SOLAR MAN

 

 

HISTORY

 

Nichi-Jin 日人 Temple serves as the primary center of Kani practice within the nation of Koyo-Kuni. The dogma of the temple derives from the Kaninokyō.  Monastics who find station within the Temple engage in techniques that aid them in uncovering the Exalted Nature of the World. Nichi-Jin Temple itself provides clerical services for Funerals, Matrimony and Confession. The monks of the Temple refer to their formational sect of Kani as “Nichi-Jin”, meaning “Solar Man”. 

 

 

MONASTIC STRUCTURE

 

 

Unsui 雲水 comprise the entry-level novices who would seek the life of the Kani-Monk. Unsui most often are composed by wayward pilgrims, children, or former criminals who would seek a chance at redemption. Unsui perform simple tasks in order to develop a degree of focus; these tasks include cleaning, service, trades and general maintenance. Further, Unsui are assigned to a Shike who will provide unto them personal tutelage during the period of Ango 安居. At the discretion of their Sensei and the Jūshoku, Unsui will be elevated to the title of Sō.

 

Sō 僧 comprise the standard monks of the Nichi-Jin sect. Adorned with a White Robe and Bowl, these monastics have displayed a considerable degree of understanding with regards to the Kaninokyō and are thus entrusted with performing Ritual Rites unattended. Too will Sō continue tutelage beneath their anointed Shike and begin to learn the physical art of Ryū 流 , or Flow. Upon adopting the path of the Sun or Moon, these Sō will undertake the title Sōhei, or Warrior Monk.

 

Sōhei 僧兵 comprise the purifiers and missionaries of Nichi-Jin. Adorned with the White Hood and Haganeki, Sōhei will engage in the many hyperwars with their tools of wisdom and compassion. Sōhei are assigned a territory to proselytize and are additionally charged with providing insight and wisdom to the masses. In venturing the world without fear, Sōhei will serve their communities by expunging the untouchable perversions of the Void and, in acting rightly, conquer themselves. Sōhei who have exemplified selflessness, patience and wisdom may be elevated to the position of Shike, per the discretion of the Jūshoku.

 

Shike 師家 comprise the resident teachers of the Temple and act as the senior-most Sōhei. Charged with maintaining knowledge and mentorship over the lesser monks, Shike ultimately mold the generations that are to rise and utilize many esoteric strategies to convey the meaning of the Kaninokyō. Shike are thus expected to exhibit great wisdom and to live the life of a Sage, so that they might serve as an example for their students. Further, Shike must embody great patience and restraint when teaching Ryū lest their student attempt to run, before they can walk. 

 

Jūshoku 住職, the Abbot, presides over all other Shike. The de jure head of Nichi-Jin Temple, the Jūshoku determines the methods of instruction and confirms the elevation of status within the monastery. Beyond standard function, Jūshoku will author treatise and transcribe their wisdom under the name “Yasu-Tori”. Further, the succession of the Jūshoku is left to their personal discretion and, upon their truest of deaths, the Jūshoku may elevate a monk of any status to the position. The Jūshoku may be identified via their black mask; in obscuring their personal features, they symbolize the emptiness of ego and the attainment of Solace.

 

 

 

 

CORE BELIEFS

 

Nichi 日

The Sun, or Day, is the primary symbol of the Nichi-Jin. Though the Nichi-Jin do not engage in literal sun-worship, they do utilize the symbology of the sun to aid in conveying greater holy meaning. There are a plethora of interpretations for the sun, a few examples being: the Warmth of Blessings, the Light of Wisdom, Purity, Energy, Life, Transience, Kamisama and so on.

 

Compassion 慈悲

The core belief of Nichi-Jin is compassion. All actions are preceded by intent, and thus actions may become perverse if not prefaced with goodwill. Further, Sin is characterized by an intent to harm any and all beings. It is thus that the Nichi-Jin should refrain from engaging in worldly vice lest they themselves foster ill-omen. In treating things dearly, one’s Kani may shine bright.

 

Virtue 美徳

Thus compassionate, the Nichi-Jin thus seeks to mantle the Seven Virtues of the Saint, so that they might draw nearer to Resonance. Embodying Charity, Temperance, Diligence, Patience, Humility, Wisdom and Courage will accrue merit. Embodying Greed, Gluttony, Sloth, Wrath, Pride, Ignorance and Apathy will accrue vice. 

 

Wisdom 智慧

In embodying the virtues, the Nichi-Jin begins to foster wisdom. Wisdom separates the Sage from the Fool, and should one become a Sage, they will know the difference between Truth and Untruth. When one becomes Wise, they will cleave through fog of delusion and shall become impervious in all things.

 

Emptiness 空

In attaining Wisdom, the Nichi-Jin may begin to understand the nature of reality. Form is fleeting, and Form is unreal. In detaching completely from ego and delusion, the Nichi-Jin will become empty of tether and fear, and shall learn to flow with the World. 

 

Solace 安らぎ

In Solace does the Nichi-Jin resonate with the World, shaping it with all things good. He is as the Sun, warm and bright, and the shadow of ignorance is cast into oblivion. The Nichi-Jin, liberated, walks amidst the golden city of Zankara. Death cannot claim him, for the Nichi-Jin is indistinguishable from the Masanryū.

 

 

 

 

CORE PRACTICES

 

Ronbun 論文 serves as the most straightforward approach to Nichi-Jin. An Unsui will be given a topic or dilemma to address through the medium of ink and paper, and will tackle the issue from the perspective of the Kaninokyō. When authored, the thesis will be challenged and, to the best of their Sensei’s ability, torn apart in a debate. Ronbun thus aids the Unsui in developing sound arguments and intellectual courage, while also sharpening the wisdom of the Shike.

 

Koan 公案 are enigmatic stories or anecdotes that, when understood truly, aids in dispelling delusion. Most often, an Unsui will be given a Koan to meditate upon and discover a solution for. The answer is seldom intellectual, and most often acceptable answers derive from personal experience. The Koan’s solution may vary person to person, and it is the duty of the Shike to determine as to whether the Unsui’s explanation is satisfactory.

 

Junrei 巡礼 most commonly refers to the touring of sacred sites; however, in Nichi-Jin, the term can rapidly adopt a more esoteric connotation. In effect, Junrei is intended to aid the Unsui in viewing the world from beyond the confines of Nichi-Jin. A Shike will assign an Unsui a destination or goal, and will forbid the novice from returning until they have discovered it. The solutions for Junrei, like the Koan, vary and are deeply personal. Ultimately, only the judgment of the Shike may determine as to whether the Unsui has completed their pilgrimage. 

 

Kaji 加持 refers to rituals of empowerment, and mantling. Kaji can take many forms and is most often associated with the recitation of mantras, mudras and the visualization of the Kami. While the repetition mantras and mudras may aid to remind the Unsui of Nichi-Jin tenets, the process of visualization aids an Unsui in reflecting ideal role models. A more extreme technique includes that of true mantling whereby an Unsui is tasked with totally embodying one of the Kami for a period of time. This technique aids the Unsui in realizing the ignorance of extremism, though poses the risk of madness if improperly executed.

 

Takuhatsu 托鉢 refers to the practice of alms seeking. Though Sō are encouraged to engage in charity, it is expected of both Sō and Ansui to partake in the inverse. While begging for food without prejudice, Takuhatsu ensures that an Ansui tempers their ego and pride while also refraining from subconscious bias. Further, by seeking alms, the Ansui aids the charitable beings to accrue merit and brighten their own Kani.

 

Jōza 静座 refers to the practice of meditation and is most often utilized to aid a practitioner of Nichi-Jin in fostering patience and the rhythm of their breath. In sitting amidst nature or within the presence of an element, the monk may come to bolster their minds while also detaching themselves from lingering thoughts. Though the periods of Jōza may vary, it is expected that every Nichi-Jin practitioner be capable of sitting still with grace.

 

 

 

 

CORE RITUALS

 

The Goma 護摩 Fire Ritual

The Goma Ritual prioritizes the redirection of one’s Dark Kani, and is undertaken to obliterate detrimental thoughts. Though the Goma will not completely absolve a practitioner of their accrued vice, it will aid them in attaining a cessation of the negative flow. 

 

The Goma Ritual necessitates a dedicated Altar of Flame, whereby offerings may be ushered amidst prayers and beating drums. Most commonly, practitioners utilize kindle-sticks that have been inscribed with messages and other prayers to hone the cleansing.

 

The Fire, which represents the Wisdom of the Nichi-Jin, burns away at the kindling and symbolically purifies the ill-omen inscribed. In meditating with the Flame, practitioners may invoke the manifestations of Virtue, and come to experience the transient nature of existence. 

 

The Yume-Kekkon 夢結婚 Wedding Ritual

When lovers are intended to be wed, the Yume-Kekkon is performed to symbolize the union of two beings into a singular entity. The chosen altar is thus adorned with incense and sprinkled with blessed waters to physically purify the site of any lingering malice.

 

Flowers, Fruits, Candles and other symbols of peace and devotion are then submitted to the Altar and dressed thusly. The presiding Sō then recites Mantras reflecting protection, union and wisdom. Following this, the subjects of matrimony exchange their chosen symbol of union.

 

The presiding Sō again recites Mantras and performs the appropriate mudras. At its conclusion, the subjects of Matrimony will circle about a sacred flame to symbolize a conjoined link, and will thus conclude the ceremony.

 

The Kasō-Yūgen 火葬幽玄 Funerary Ritual

The Kasō-Yūgen utilizes a funeral pyre to symbolize the  purification of the wayward soul and physical form. In preparation, the funeral pyre must first be cleansed with blessed waters and then set ablaze with fine kindling. The Ritual is initiated via the ringing of a bell or bowl, as to symbolize the emptiness of reality.

 

Following the ushering of appropriate Mudras and Mantras, the cadaver of the deceased is brought to the Flame, where it shall begin to Burn. The flames consume the diminished form, and the rising smoke represents the rising of the soul. The presiding Sō ushers prayers pertaining to a return to the elements, a transcendence from the Heart, and peace for the deceased.

 

Observers may offer letters to the flame, whereby they would utter prayers. In the event that the observer was a friend of the deceased, the blessings of the letter are entrusted to pass onto the next world. In the event that the observer was an enemy of the deceased, the intent of the discarded letter is to symbolize the burning and cessation of past grievance, and a wish for their brighter future.

 

 

JOINING

 

Those souls who wish to join the Temple of Nichi-Jin, in an official capacity, need only write a letter to the presiding Jūshoku. The aspiring Unsui shall be provided a date in which they shall be interviewed and, at the discretion of the Jūshoku, be permitted to begin their path towards mantling the Kani-Monk.

 

Those who simply wish to adopt the philosophy of Nichi-Jin need only follow the lessons espoused within the Kaninokyō and the interpretations of the School. In doing so, they may begin to impart compassion unto all beings and, in time, reach a state of Solace.

 

Spoiler

You may reply to this thread as a means of sending a letter, or send one in-game. Please make it as RP friendly and eloquent as possible since I hate those soulless application forms! 

 

Lastly, if comfortable, please include your Discord so I can invite you to the Koyo-Kuni discord for organization’s sake!

 

 

 

 

 

[psychra_notte 115]

Miyahara Kagero quietly sat in his home, writing a letter to the presiding Jūshoku with his intent.

"To the ever wise Yasu-Tori,

My name is Miyahara Kagero, a Yōsei from Hoke-Ida. I have done some studying of Kaninokyō before my arrival to Koyo-Kuni a year past. It has been my intention to follow the path of the Kani-Monk, and dedicate myself to being closer to Resonance and follow the path of the Seven Virtues. I have learned quite a bit already under your instruction. It is my hope that I may be able to officially join the temple as a Kani-Monk.
Sincerely,
Miyahara Kagero"

 

With the letter finally written, Kagero rushed out of him home in the evening rain to send the letter out. He hoped that he may get a response, and begin his journey.
 

[Wizzar 481]

Raktzu sat cross-legged in his northern abode, his claws etching the following message into a canvas of hide for the Jūshoku:

"Raktzu will be interviewed. Balance is the way of the hunter, this one is forever dedicated to the Hunt."

 

This is all.