Sramana

Sramana is a religion of Kaf whose origins lie in the awaken sage Bodhi. It explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. Sramana also split off from Vedism in major principles although it shares many aspects. Aspects that Sramana kept from Vedism is that of dharma, reincarnation, and their pantheon of deities.

History

Over its long history, Sramana has taken a wide variety of forms. Some emphasize rituals and the worship of deities, while others completely reject rituals and gods in favor of pure meditation. Yet all forms of Sramana share respect for the teachings of the Bodhi and the goal of ending suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Sramana incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. While some activities are unique to certain expressions of Sramana, there are others that are found in most of the popular forms of the belief system. Sramana originated in Bodhi's birthplace within the Deshi region and spread to Sinic region. And while only a few Deshi countries dedicate themselves to Sramana, it has blown up across the continent of Tianxia and is gaining followers across Cemanahauc.

Tenets of Faith

Aspects that Sramana kept from Vedism is that of dharma, reincarnation, and their pantheon of deities.
Over its long history, Sramana has taken a wide variety of forms. Some emphasize rituals and the worship of deities, while others completely reject rituals and gods in favor of pure meditation. Yet all forms of Sramana share respect for the teachings of the Bodhi and the goal of ending suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

The Three Jewels

Sramanics often talk about the Three Jewels, which are the Bodhi, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Dharma is the way the Bodhi taught to live your life. The Sangha is the group of monks and other people who meet together, like a congregation. Sramanics say "I take refuge in the Bodhi, the Dharma, and the Sangha." This means that these three things keep them safe. They give themselves up to the community and teachings inspired by the Bodhi.

Four Realizations

In her first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the Bodhi taught the Four Realizations which form the foundation of belief for all branches of Sramana:

1. All of life is marked by suffering.

1. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment.

1. Suffering can be stopped.

1. The way to end suffering is to follow the Righteous Conduct.

Righteous Conduct

The Bodhi told people to follow a special way of life called the Righteous Conduct if they want to understand the Four Realizations. These are:
Know and understand the Four Realizations Give up all worldly things and don't harm others Tell the truth, don't gossip, and don't talk badly about others Don't commit evil acts, like killing, stealing, or living an unclean life Work for good and oppose evil Do rewarding work Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control Practice meditation as a way of understanding reality

Worship

Sramana incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. While some activities are unique to certain expressions of Sramana, there are others that are found in most of the popular forms of the belief system.
Sramana meditation is a form of mental concentration that leads ultimately to enlightenment and spiritual freedom. Meditation occupies a central place in all forms of Sramana, but has developed characteristic variations in different traditions.

Sects

Sthavira Sramana is atheistic and philosophical in nature and focuses on the monastic life and meditation as means to liberation. The ultimate goal is the release from all physical attachments and the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth. Sthavira has a widespread following in the Zomia Tropics and Shambhala.

Bodhisattva Sramana, prominent in the Sinic Region, incorporates several deities of the Shin Bureaucracy, Amatsukami, and other traditional religious elements. In Mahayana, the path to liberation may include religious ritual, devotion, meditation, or a combination of these elements. Rather than Nirvana, Mahayana instead aspires to Bodhihood via the bodhisattva path, a state wherein one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings reach awakening.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion