Monk
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
Monks in Rokugan are the followers of Shinsei. They study the Tao of Shinsei, hoping to find the secrets of enlightenment within the ancient pages. Monks are generally revered, though they do not have a specific place within the Celestial Order. As such, samurai are not required to show respect or deference to monks, though most do. In addition to worshiping the Tao there are branches of the Brotherhood who worship the Fortunes, a number of powerful primordial beings. A schism was widening between the faiths for a time, until an imperial edict merged the two faiths. [1][2]
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[edit] Life of a Monk
There are certain traditions that are nearly universal to all monks in Rokugan. The initiation process is almost always a series of grueling physical labors, often for no apparent reason. This is done to prepare the mind for a journey undertaken by the spirit. Asceticism is also very common amongst the clergy, as trappings of the mortal realm are viewed as a burden that weighs down the soul. Even the most ostentatious monks in the service of Daikoku, the Fortune of Wealth, set aside their personal wealth in pursuit of his doctrine. Most monks take vows of chastity and poverty, but these practices vary from sect to sect. Their only goal in the physical realm is the pursuit of enlightenment, and helping others is a necessary step to complete that goal. Purity of the physical body is also a common belief, and contaminating the body with worldly materials is a barrier to the achievement of spiritual purity. Fasting, rigorous exercise, and consumption of only the bare essentials such as rice and water are also common vows among the monks. [1][3]
[edit] A Monk's Past
As a rule, the monks of the Brotherhood are not forthcoming about their past, and it is almost considered blasphemous to even inquire about it. The monk has left their old life behind, and the fact that some of them were once peasants and others samurai would make it difficult to interact with them, as one would not know what station should be afforded them. Therefore they are mostly treated with respect and admiration, as to do otherwise could be an insult to a former daimyo. [2]
[edit] Roles in Rokugan
The monks of Rokugan tend to fall into roles as advisers, teachers, and spiritual guardians. Even though most samurai outrank them, they are always very much respected, and a samurai would never give an order to a monk, out of respect for Shinsei and his teachings. [1]
[edit] Study
[edit] Worshiping the Fortunes
Worshiping the Fortunes is practically the oldest form of religion in Rokugan, predating the Fall of the Kami. The traditions and mannerisms of monks of these orders vary incredibly from order to order, as they all depend on the fortune they worship. The monks at a temple to Daikoku, the Fortune of Wealth, would urge others to make donations, while monks at a temple to Osano-Wo, the Fortune of Fire and Thunder, spend their time developing their martial prowess. Fortune worship is also the most popular religion among the peasants, as in their eyes the ancestors are not looking down upon them and the Tao is far too complex for their liking. Inari, the Fortune of Rice, is very popular amongst peasants due to most of them working the farms that feed all of Rokugan. [3]
[edit] Students of the Tao
Studying the Tao of Shinsei is by far the most common practice among the monks, and is the first thing that comes to peoples minds when they think about the Brotherhood. Every monk in Rokugan studies the Tao, and even the devotees of the most militant Fortunes admit Shinsei truly was a prophet. Few dare malign it, but that does not mean it receives universal reverence either. The most notable of the naysayers are the monks who were formerly samurai in service of the Lion Clan. Their strong beliefs in ancestor worship as well as the Kami Akodo's infamous disagreements with Shinsei are the primary reasons for a former lion not considering the Tao their primary pursuit. [3]
[edit] Monks and Others
[edit] Monks and the Clans
Though the Scorpion and Lion Clans might not have the greatest respect for the Tao of Shinsei, they do not deny that its students are worthy and enlightened souls. [1]
[edit] Monks and Shugenja
To an outsider, the monks of Rokugan may seem similar in form and function to shugenja, but such is not truly the case. Monks are generally keepers of temples and shrines, as opposed to shugenja, who travel where they will (or where their daimyo commands). Also, monks draw upon their own chi for power, not the kami. [4]
[edit] Monks and Peasants
While samurai are uncertain as to how to interact with monks, the peasants revere them. Monks are teachers as often as something else, and treat all people equally, and many monasteries send their members to teach in villages and towns, and even aid eta in menial tasks. [2]
[edit] Taxes
Monks are not obligated to pay taxes, but in turn they do what they can to serve samurai by keeping the peace among the peasant populace, and distributing the teachings of enlightenment and gentle wisdom promoting order in the lands of the Empire. [1]
[edit] The Elements
Although they cannot call upon the spirits through spells as shugenja can, the path of a monk grants an understanding of the kami nonetheless. This is embodied most obviously in their use of kiho. [1]
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
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