Will of Sound

Religion: The Will of Sound.
Basic beliefs: Otogakure is a peaceful place full of people who believe that sound is the essence of life. Their religion is centered on the power of sound and the harmony it creates, striving to bring peace and harmony to the world, much like that of what the Sage of Six Paths once had. They believe that every person is blessed with a unique sound that is unique to their spirit, and that this sound is what connects us all. The main goal of their religion is to bring out the true melody within each person, so that they may find peace and understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Primary Location: Otogakure.
Practices: The main religious practices for followers of the Will of Sound include:
1. daily meditation and reflection, focused on listening to the sound and vibrations within and around themselves, in order to find peace, harmony, and understanding of self and others.
2. performing acts of service and kindness to help others, in order to spread the Will of Sound and the belief that unity is possible through understanding, compassion, and kindness.
3. recitation of sacred scriptures, psalms, and teachings of the Wise Men and Sages, in order to stay connected to the Will of Sound and their personal sound and vibrations.
Rites: There are six formal religious rites and ceremonies that are practiced by followers of the Will of Sound:

The Rite of the Sound Heart is a coming-of-age ceremony, performed when a member of Otogakure reaches adulthood and is ready to begin their journeys as a full member of the community. This ceremony involves attuning the heart and spirit to the Will of Sound, and accepting the responsibilities and duties that come with being an adult. It is typically celebrated by playing the melody of one's soul, something that only those of musical talent can perform upon listening to the beating of one's heart.

The Sound of the Spirit is a funeral rite, in which a hauntingly beautiful melody is performed when a member of Otogakure passes away. This ceremony honors the lives of ones long lost to time, whether it be in battle, ailments, or other more natural means.

The Birth Rite: This ceremony marks the birth of a new member of the community, and celebrates the coming together of the mother and baby's souls through sound and vibration.

The Rite of the Sound's Horizon is a ceremony performed at the beginning of each season, to celebrate the change in the natural environment and to honor the balance and harmony between the different elements of nature. This ceremony is held at an outdoor location, and involves a gathering of followers from Otogakure, as well as their friends and family, to perform songs, prayers, and dance. The intent is to create a joyful and spiritual atmosphere, that will carry over into the upcoming season.

The Rite of Sound Waves is a ritual performed during a full moon, to honor the beauty of the universe and the power of divine creation. During this ceremony, the followers of the Will of Sound will gather at a sacred location or temple, and perform songs, prayers, and dance, in hopes of connecting with the sound and vibrations that the universe emits at this time. This ritual is believed to bring out the positive energy of the world, and to remind followers of their connection to the universal melody and harmony.

Tabboos: The followers of the Will of Sound believe that sound and music are sacred, and should be treated with respect and reverence. As such, there are certain religious taboos that are frowned upon or outright forbidden:
1. Disrespecting or dishonoring sound or music, by making it a source of selfishness, conflict, or division.
2. Using sound or music for hateful, destructive, or violent purposes.
3. Disrupting performances or ceremonies involving sound or music, or preventing others from experiencing the beauty and power of sound.
4. Treating instruments or objects involved in music or sound with disrespect.
5. Insulting or disrespecting the Will of Sound, or any of the Holy Sages and Wise Men that are revered.
6. Disrupting or insulting the ceremonies and rites that are performed by followers of the Will of Sound.
7. Intentionally trying to destroy or disrupt the peace and harmony of the world, or actively working against the unity and understanding among people.
Known artifacts: Although the followers of the Will of Sound do not typically place great emphasis on material items or wealth, they do have a few religious artifacts and objects that are considered important and sacred:
1. The Sound Tones: These are ancient scrolls and scriptures, said to contain the wisdom and teachings of the Sages and Wise Men of the past, as well as the teachings of the Great Sage of Six Paths himself. These scrolls are kept in a sacred vault at the main temple of the Will of Sound, and are only accessible to the highest leaders and priests of the religion.
2. The Heart of Sound: A crystal artifact that is believed to be the physical manifestation of the energy and frequency of the Will of Sound. It is said to be able to connect a person with the divine vibrations and melody of the universe.
3. The Sound Amulet: A protective charm that is said to ward off evil and negativity, and to help restore balance and harmony.
Known Ceremonies: - The Marriage Rite: This sacred ceremony is performed to honor and celebrate the union of two members of the Will of Sound. It is believed that when two souls unify, they make a melody so beautiful that it is forever written in time, heard throughout the cosmos by all.

The Rite of the Sound Sun is performed at the height of summer, to celebrate the life-giving power of the sun and the warmth and light that it brings to the earth.

The Rite of the Sound Wind is performed at the height of winter, to honor the power of the wind and the peace and serenity that it brings to the world.

Known Followers: Many of those in Otogakure naturally are drawn to believe in The Will of Sound.
Known Enemies: ???.
Detailed Beliefs: ???.
History: The Will of Sound's belief stems from the belief of the Will of Wind, originally. With the aid of the Mikiri clan, using music and stories along their travels, the religion became well known throughout Otogakure. Though the Mikiri clan wouldn't stay around the land for long, their beliefs long stayed with many of the villagers who then began to continue believing in the Will of Sound.