Empyreanism - Revision history

Vidcom at 05:24, 5 March 2024

2024-03-05T05:24:43Z

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	It is unknown when proto-Empyrean traditions began, but there is a consensus that the origins of sky reverence began with the [[Air Nomads]], with its influence felt in other faiths such as [[Kennism]] and the [[Jungle Airbenders]]. The contemporary and formally structured Empyreanism that we witness in the present in the Air Nation today can be said to formally begin with the [[Burning of the First Temple]], an event that took place in what is now [[Air Temple Valley]]. With this event, multiple new temples began to develop such as the [[Elysian Temple]] (then known as the Western Temple), the [[Northern Temple]], and the [[Southern Temple]].		It is unknown when proto-Empyrean traditions began, but there is a consensus that the origins of sky reverence began with the [[Air Nomads]], with its influence felt in other faiths such as [[Kennism]] and the [[Jungle Airbenders]]. The contemporary and formally structured Empyreanism that we witness in the present in the Air Nation today can be said to formally begin with the [[Burning of the First Temple]], an event that took place in what is now [[Air Temple Valley]]. With this event, multiple new temples began to develop such as the [[Elysian Temple]] (then known as the Western Temple), the [[Northern Temple]], and the [[Southern Temple]].

	Due to the rapidly diverging traditions and interpretations of the ancient texts, the Inkwood ~~Conclave~~ was summoned where scholars from all temples were invited to debate, discuss, and define the Empyrean canon. This conclave produced two texts: "Creation" and "The Way of the Many Winds". The former compiled and defined an Empyrean creation narrative which included meditations on the nature of the elements, spirits, and the other dimensions. The latter, "The Way", was considered the more serious achievement as it defined and clarified Empyrean ethics and metaphysics - it is this text that is exclusively used to source quotes to adorn Empyrean shrines far from the Air Nation.		Due to the rapidly diverging traditions and interpretations of the ancient texts, the [[Conclave of Inkwood]] was summoned where scholars from all temples were invited to debate, discuss, and define the Empyrean canon. This conclave produced two texts: "Creation" and "The Way of the Many Winds". The former compiled and defined an Empyrean creation narrative which included meditations on the nature of the elements, spirits, and the other dimensions. The latter, "The Way", was considered the more serious achievement as it defined and clarified Empyrean ethics and metaphysics - it is this text that is exclusively used to source quotes to adorn Empyrean shrines far from the Air Nation.

	== Beliefs ==		== Beliefs ==

Vidcom at 05:18, 5 March 2024

2024-03-05T05:18:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 5 March 2024
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	'''Empyreanism''', or The Way of the Many Winds, is a religion and philosophy that is followed in the [[Air Nation]], as well as in smaller communities of other nations such as [[Fryslan]]. Interpretations vary dramatically between followers, but roughly align to five schools for each of the air temples: the Eastern School in [[Air Temple Valley]], the Elysian School (formerly Western School) in [[Inkwood]], the Western School at [[Mexico City]], the Northern School at [[Floating City]], and the Southern School at the Southern Air Temple. Common threads in all schools are a veneration of the "Open Sky" and a rejection of the earth, or "the Substance". Open Sky is associated with values such as freedom, intelligence, and spirituality, while Substance is associated with repression, conformity, and destruction. Followers are referred to as Empyreans and the belief system is sometimes referred to as Empyreanism.		'''Empyreanism''', or The Way of the Many Winds, is a religion and philosophy that is followed in the [[Air Nation]], as well as in smaller communities of other nations such as [[Fryslan]]. Interpretations vary dramatically between followers, but roughly align to five schools for each of the air temples: the Eastern School in [[Air Temple Valley]], the Elysian School (formerly Western School) in [[Inkwood]], the Western School at [[Mexico City]], the Northern School at [[Floating City]], and the Southern School at the Southern Air Temple. Common threads in all schools are a veneration of the "Open Sky" and a rejection of the earth, or "the Substance". Open Sky is associated with values such as freedom, intelligence, and spirituality, while Substance is associated with repression, conformity, and destruction. Followers are referred to as Empyreans and the belief system is sometimes referred to as Empyreanism.

			== History ==

			It is unknown when proto-Empyrean traditions began, but there is a consensus that the origins of sky reverence began with the [[Air Nomads]], with its influence felt in other faiths such as [[Kennism]] and the [[Jungle Airbenders]]. The contemporary and formally structured Empyreanism that we witness in the present in the Air Nation today can be said to formally begin with the [[Burning of the First Temple]], an event that took place in what is now [[Air Temple Valley]]. With this event, multiple new temples began to develop such as the [[Elysian Temple]] (then known as the Western Temple), the [[Northern Temple]], and the [[Southern Temple]].

			Due to the rapidly diverging traditions and interpretations of the ancient texts, the Inkwood Conclave was summoned where scholars from all temples were invited to debate, discuss, and define the Empyrean canon. This conclave produced two texts: "Creation" and "The Way of the Many Winds". The former compiled and defined an Empyrean creation narrative which included meditations on the nature of the elements, spirits, and the other dimensions. The latter, "The Way", was considered the more serious achievement as it defined and clarified Empyrean ethics and metaphysics - it is this text that is exclusively used to source quotes to adorn Empyrean shrines far from the Air Nation.

	== Beliefs ==		== Beliefs ==

Vidcom: /* Practices */

2022-08-13T22:08:33Z

Practices

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	Unlike more centralised religions such as the [[Church of Fire]], openness and leniency in interpretation is actively encouraged in Empyrean theology. This is reflected in the development of the five distinct schools which each hold wildly different opinions on what exactly Substance, Void, Open Sky, and other fundamental terms exactly constitute and their relationship to one another. The Templemaster acts as the supreme authority on these theologies and the development of a unique theology is sometimes discussed as a mandatory requirement for an Empyrean Temple to have legitimacy.		Unlike more centralised religions such as the [[Church of Fire]], openness and leniency in interpretation is actively encouraged in Empyrean theology. This is reflected in the development of the five distinct schools which each hold wildly different opinions on what exactly Substance, Void, Open Sky, and other fundamental terms exactly constitute and their relationship to one another. The Templemaster acts as the supreme authority on these theologies and the development of a unique theology is sometimes discussed as a mandatory requirement for an Empyrean Temple to have legitimacy.

	Temple-based worship has traditionally been the sole form of Empyrean practise, but the growth of the religion has seen new communities form outside of this requirement. In [[Ljouwert]], an Empyrean community around a local shrine with a dedicated "Shrinemaster" leading the congregation. In the [[Western Protectorate]], the town of [[Whitewood]] has flourished with a tower to serve local spiritual needs and a cliffside for offerings in lieu of the Elysian Temple. In the [[Northern Protectorate]], many communities have formed different responses to a lack of a temple: [[Sky's Canyon]] refers to the nearby Northern Temple, while [[Highwind]]'s highly active theological community administers a variety of spiritual services without an explicit temple apparatus.		Temple-based worship has traditionally been the sole form of Empyrean practise, but the growth of the religion has seen new communities form outside of this requirement. In [[Ljouwert]], an Empyrean community around a local shrine with a dedicated "Shrinemaster" leading the congregation. In the [[Western Protectorate]], the town of [[Whitewood]] has flourished with a tower to serve local spiritual needs and a cliffside for offerings in lieu of the Elysian Temple. In the [[Northern Protectorate]], many communities have formed different responses to a lack of a temple: [[Sky's Canyon]] refers to the nearby Northern Temple, while [[Highwind]]'s highly active theological community administers a variety of spiritual services without an explicit temple apparatus. In the [[Western Protectorate]], the town of [[Whitewood]] considers itself to be a part of the Elysian Temple in its practises.

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Whyy99: /* Beliefs */

2022-06-22T00:44:30Z

Beliefs

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 '''Western Empyreanism'''
-TODO
 == Practices ==

Vidcom at 09:24, 10 June 2022

2022-06-10T09:24:45Z

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	'''Empyreanism''', or The Way of the Many Winds, is a religion and philosophy that is followed in the Air Nation. Interpretations vary dramatically between followers, but roughly align to ~~three~~ schools for each of the air temples: the Eastern School in Air Temple Valley, the Elysian School (formerly Western School) in Inkwood, and the Southern School at the Southern Air Temple. Common threads in all schools are a veneration of the "Open Sky" and a rejection of the earth, or "the Substance". Open Sky is associated with values such as freedom, intelligence, and spirituality, while Substance is associated with repression, conformity, and destruction. Followers are referred to as Empyreans and the belief system is sometimes referred to as Empyreanism.		'''Empyreanism''', or The Way of the Many Winds, is a religion and philosophy that is followed in the [[Air Nation]], as well as in smaller communities of other nations such as [[Fryslan]]. Interpretations vary dramatically between followers, but roughly align to five schools for each of the air temples: the Eastern School in [[Air Temple Valley]], the Elysian School (formerly Western School) in [[Inkwood]], the Western School at [[Mexico City]], the Northern School at [[Floating City]], and the Southern School at the Southern Air Temple. Common threads in all schools are a veneration of the "Open Sky" and a rejection of the earth, or "the Substance". Open Sky is associated with values such as freedom, intelligence, and spirituality, while Substance is associated with repression, conformity, and destruction. Followers are referred to as Empyreans and the belief system is sometimes referred to as Empyreanism.

	== Beliefs ==		== Beliefs ==
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	== Practices ==		== Practices ==
	~~TODO~~
			Unlike more centralised religions such as the [[Church of Fire]], openness and leniency in interpretation is actively encouraged in Empyrean theology. This is reflected in the development of the five distinct schools which each hold wildly different opinions on what exactly Substance, Void, Open Sky, and other fundamental terms exactly constitute and their relationship to one another. The Templemaster acts as the supreme authority on these theologies and the development of a unique theology is sometimes discussed as a mandatory requirement for an Empyrean Temple to have legitimacy.

			Temple-based worship has traditionally been the sole form of Empyrean practise, but the growth of the religion has seen new communities form outside of this requirement. In [[Ljouwert]], an Empyrean community around a local shrine with a dedicated "Shrinemaster" leading the congregation. In the [[Western Protectorate]], the town of [[Whitewood]] has flourished with a tower to serve local spiritual needs and a cliffside for offerings in lieu of the Elysian Temple. In the [[Northern Protectorate]], many communities have formed different responses to a lack of a temple: [[Sky's Canyon]] refers to the nearby Northern Temple, while [[Highwind]]'s highly active theological community administers a variety of spiritual services without an explicit temple apparatus.

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Vidcom: /* Beliefs */

2022-02-02T04:01:17Z

Beliefs

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 “The Many Winds are devoured by flames, and so we shall extinguish them. The Many Winds are swallowed in waves, and so we float. The Many Winds are trapped in Substance, and so we break the body of the earth.” <br>
 ''- The Testament of Samigot, also called the Sermon to the Void, first given at Symposial Hall of the Temple to the Great Sister Void as the conclusion of the Great Conclave Above and Below.''</blockquote>
 == Practices ==

Vidcom at 03:58, 2 February 2022

2022-02-02T03:58:29Z

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	'''Northern Empyreanism'''		'''Northern Empyreanism'''

	Northern Empyreanism is a notably radical formulation of Empyreanism, possibly influenced by the early history of wars and violence that the Northern Temple began around. Unlike other schools, it emphasises "Sister Void" beneath the bedrock, rather than the Open Sky. ~~VID IS WRITING THIS AT 2AM AND WILL COME BACK TO THIS LATER~~		Northern Empyreanism is a notably radical formulation of Empyreanism, possibly influenced by the early history of wars and violence that the Northern Temple began around. Unlike other schools, it emphasises "Sister Void" beneath the bedrock, rather than the Open Sky. It is known, in particular, for its radical and highly literal reading of ''The Way'', insisting that the call to unite the Void and the Sky is to be taken as a literal declaration of war on the plane and ought not to be read as meditations on the nature of reality nor as philosophical guidance. Due to this literalism, the Northern School has often been accused of being far too radical and has even been accused of souring foreign relations with those who find the Air Nation's permissiveness to this school of thought disdainful.

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>

Supersteef2000 at 03:03, 1 February 2022

2022-02-01T03:03:23Z

imported>Vidcom: /* Beliefs */

2021-10-01T20:57:22Z

Beliefs

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	== Beliefs ==		== Beliefs ==

	'''Elysian Empyreanism''' (formerly Western School Empyreanism) reflects a strange mixture of hierarchy and equality. On one hand, the Open Sky is conceptualized as a literal divine being, who demands praise, offerings, and righteousness in exchange for passage into a good afterlife. On the other hand, all are welcome to participate in these rituals, including non-benders and benders of other elements.		'''Elysian Empyreanism'''

			Elysian Empyreanism (formerly Western School Empyreanism) reflects a strange mixture of hierarchy and equality. On one hand, the Open Sky is conceptualized as a literal divine being, who demands praise, offerings, and righteousness in exchange for passage into a good afterlife. On the other hand, all are welcome to participate in these rituals, including non-benders and benders of other elements.

	The religious center of the Elysian School is, of course, the Elysian Temple near Inkwood. Here, on top of a mountain and physically close to the void above, devotees may present gifts to the Open Sky and participate in rituals honoring Them. Here, scribes of the Elysian School write, translate, and interpret, taking part in the vivid intellectual debate that characterizes the Air Nation.		The religious center of the Elysian School is, of course, the Elysian Temple near Inkwood. Here, on top of a mountain and physically close to the void above, devotees may present gifts to the Open Sky and participate in rituals honoring Them. Here, scribes of the Elysian School write, translate, and interpret, taking part in the vivid intellectual debate that characterizes the Air Nation.
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	'''Southern ~~School~~ Empyreanism''' seeks to reinterpret Empyreanism in a manner that is more individual, in particular emphasising monism or a unity of a singular substance in the world. Like the Eastern School, it views Open Sky as a metaphysical force rather than as a literal being worthy of worship, as is practised in the West. It diverges from both in its view of Oneness, insisting that there is no clear-cut boundary to be drawn between Substance and Void.		-----

			'''Southern Empyreanism'''

			Southern Empyreanism seeks to reinterpret Empyreanism in a manner that is more individual, in particular emphasising monism or a unity of a singular substance in the world. Like the Eastern School, it views Open Sky as a metaphysical force rather than as a literal being worthy of worship, as is practised in the West. It diverges from both in its view of Oneness, insisting that there is no clear-cut boundary to be drawn between Substance and Void.

	Oneness is a core concept in the Southern interpretation, as it not only radically reinterprets the concept of the "war" between Open Sky and Substance, it also forecloses any opportunity of a supernatural-natural hierarchy. This also prevents any ethical distinctions of a "chosen people", as might be seen by the Flametouched. Citing the former resident of Air Temple Valley, Ed, a firebender is shown as an exemplar of the ideals of the Empyrean ways while remaining outside of airbending.		Oneness is a core concept in the Southern interpretation, as it not only radically reinterprets the concept of the "war" between Open Sky and Substance, it also forecloses any opportunity of a supernatural-natural hierarchy. This also prevents any ethical distinctions of a "chosen people", as might be seen by the Flametouched. Citing the former resident of Air Temple Valley, Ed, a firebender is shown as an exemplar of the ideals of the Empyrean ways while remaining outside of airbending.
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	'''Northern ~~School~~ Empyreanism''' is a notably radical formulation of Empyreanism, possibly influenced by the early history of wars and violence that the Northern Temple began around. Unlike other schools, it emphasises "Sister Void" beneath the bedrock, rather than the Open Sky. VID IS WRITING THIS AT 2AM AND WILL COME BACK TO THIS LATER		-----

			'''Northern Empyreanism'''

			Northern Empyreanism is a notably radical formulation of Empyreanism, possibly influenced by the early history of wars and violence that the Northern Temple began around. Unlike other schools, it emphasises "Sister Void" beneath the bedrock, rather than the Open Sky. VID IS WRITING THIS AT 2AM AND WILL COME BACK TO THIS LATER

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>

imported>Vidcom: /* See also */

2021-10-01T20:52:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:52, 1 October 2021
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	== See also ==		== See also ==
	* [[List of religions]]		* [[List of religions]]
			* [[Air Nation]]

	[[Category: Religions]]		[[Category: Religions]]
			[[Category: Air]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:03, 1 February 2022
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	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	What is the puffin to do, except fly? <br />		What is the puffin to do, except fly? <br>
	Endowed with wings and feathers and light, hollow bones, it is a creature made for vastness. <br />		Endowed with wings and feathers and light, hollow bones, it is a creature made for vastness. <br>
	The puffin flies because it was made to fly. <br />		The puffin flies because it was made to fly. <br>
	We, endowed with thought and feeling, are made for the Open Sky. <br />		We, endowed with thought and feeling, are made for the Open Sky. <br>
	Does it suit us to reject our nature, to bind and deceive ourselves, to close ourselves to the world and each other? Does it suit us to look down toward the Earth and the Substance, and not up toward the sky? <br />		Does it suit us to reject our nature, to bind and deceive ourselves, to close ourselves to the world and each other? Does it suit us to look down toward the Earth and the Substance, and not up toward the sky? <br>
	The Open Sky gave us the will to think and to act, even as we are built from that which restricts and destroys. We, then, are blessed with the capacity to honor the Open Sky with praise and gifts. <br />		The Open Sky gave us the will to think and to act, even as we are built from that which restricts and destroys. We, then, are blessed with the capacity to honor the Open Sky with praise and gifts. <br>
	Endowed with choice, we must choose. To live our lives in accordance with the will of infinity is a good that respects no artificial, substantial boundaries. In death, all may pass the gates of the endless nothing. <br />		Endowed with choice, we must choose. To live our lives in accordance with the will of infinity is a good that respects no artificial, substantial boundaries. In death, all may pass the gates of the endless nothing. <br>
	A world without Substance. <br />		A world without Substance. <br>
	A world without fear. <br />		A world without fear. <br>
	Like the puffin, we must answer our call. <br />		Like the puffin, we must answer our call. <br>
	— ''Edict of the Western School, by Grandmaster Paperweight of the Elysian Temple''		— ''Edict of the Western School, by Grandmaster Paperweight of the Elysian Temple''
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
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	“The Open Sky calls upon its children to be free, we must answer. The Open Sky must be reunited, and we feel its efforts in every breeze.”		“The Open Sky calls upon its children to be free, we must answer. The Open Sky must be reunited, and we feel its efforts in every breeze.”
	“The Open Sky instructs us to reunite her, and so we must commit to this. The Open Sky tells us of the power and strength of Substance, and so we must rally. The Open Sky warns us of mountains, the claws of Substance, and so we counter.”		“The Open Sky instructs us to reunite her, and so we must commit to this. The Open Sky tells us of the power and strength of Substance, and so we must rally. The Open Sky warns us of mountains, the claws of Substance, and so we counter.”
	“The Many Winds are devoured by flames, and so we shall extinguish them. The Many Winds are swallowed in waves, and so we float. The Many Winds are trapped in Substance, and so we break the body of the earth.” <br />		“The Many Winds are devoured by flames, and so we shall extinguish them. The Many Winds are swallowed in waves, and so we float. The Many Winds are trapped in Substance, and so we break the body of the earth.” <br>
	''- The Testament of Samigot, also called the Sermon to the Void, first given at Symposial Hall of the Temple to the Great Sister Void as the conclusion of the Great Conclave Above and Below.''</blockquote>		''- The Testament of Samigot, also called the Sermon to the Void, first given at Symposial Hall of the Temple to the Great Sister Void as the conclusion of the Great Conclave Above and Below.''</blockquote>