Path of Man
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
The Path of Man is the title the Asako Henshin use to label their pursuits into enlightenment, divinity, and ascension.
Contents |
[edit] The Path
The Path of Man is not a physical path, but a spiritual one. Everyone walks it every day of their lives, but very few are aware that it even exists. Even these are not consciously aware of the Path. They sense it as they would someone watching them, or as a forgotten memory, just out of the mind's grasp. These few know that there is a driving force behind humanity and its progress, and that there is a reason for everything that happens.
The majority of Rokugan is unaware of the existence of the Path, though there are many who walk it. What most Rokugani believe is martial skill and specialized "techniques" taught in their dojo is actually their first step along the Path of Man, opening themselves to the power of their potential ascension. (Phoenix p. 63)
The main drawback to knowing the Path is that those who are aware of its presence cannot rationalize idle inaction or foolish judgment. Those exposed to the Path rarely choose to ignore anything , for if they do they may find themselves wandering off of the Path. From this end, some never return.
[edit] The Path and Mortal Man
Mastery of the Path of Man grants its wielders power over their very nature. The true masters can alter a person's body -- his strengths and weaknesses -- as a potter can manipulate clay. A person can be made stronger or weaker, faster or slower, healthier or sickly. In three centuries, no one within the highest ranks of the henshin has died of natural causes. For those who have died of violence, a mournful loss for all of the Asako family, the fate of their killers have been swift and terminal.
[edit] Shiba's Gift
There are those who are instinctively and naturally aware of the Path, but most are not. Shiba's Gift to Asako was intended for those unable to naturally sense the Path. It is the ability to open human (or Kami) perceptions to the Path and its ways.
The end goal of the Path is to circumvent the natural blocks placed on humanity to keep them from the power of the Fortunes. Though humanity is born limited, Shiba explained to Asako that other paths to divinity exist, and that the destiny of humanity is to eventually achieve apotheosis and become a race of Fortunes. With the knowledge of the Path and the awareness of the Mysteries that would spur her family onwards in their pursuit of divinity, Shiba left Asako with a great gift and a great burden.
[edit] The Emperor's Fortunes
The Emperor of Rokugan has the power to posthumously declare Rokugani to be fortunes. The Asako see this as an affront to the Path of Man, as well as a false Path. They believe they have circumvented and invalidated the emperor's control of deification. However, realizing that the emperor's word is still law, they wisely keep this information to themselves. (Phoenix p. 32)
[edit] Major References
- Way of the Phoenix Pages 42, 44-47.
