Dumanism

Dumanism is an animistic religion that believes that all things, including creatures and objects, have spirits.
This religion traces its origins to an ancient figure known commonly as The Dumán, a central figure whose teachings created Dumanism as it is today. He taught the existence of Teyakár and the Joluna.
Followers of Dumanism are known as Dumanists, and the leader of the religious hierarchy is known as the Teluma.
=== Main Beliefs ===
==== Creation ====
Creation is viewed as an eternal process rather than a singular event. The universe has always existed in a state of permanence.
==== Teyakár ====
Teyakár is the only god within Dumanism. He accompanies all that exists, and there is no separation between Teyakár and the world; he is present in every stone, tree, and breeze. Followers may commune with Teyakár through prayer, meditation, and reflection. He is considered the driving force behind Dutala, and is the one to give challenges to humanity.
==== Joluna ====
Every person is born with one primary soul, known as a Joluna, along with multiple other Joluna that enter the body upon birth. The primary soul is commonly called the "Awake Joluna," while the other souls are referred to as the "Dormant Joluna." The number of Dormant Joluna can range from the hundreds to the thousands, and as the person lives, these dormant souls subtly influence their active consciousness. For example, one soul might inspire bursts of creativity, while another might evoke a surge of courage in difficult situations. These souls also learn and refine over the course of the life they inhabit.
When a person dies and their soul doesn't ascend, they select the next body they wish to inhabit, seeking one that offers the most opportunity for spiritual development. This process can be thought of as a kind of gamble, where the souls search for the best candidate to continue their journey toward ascension.
The more souls a person carries, the more spiritually enlightened they are considered to be. People with many souls, potentially in the thousands, are known as Telmun and are revered by society because the souls have chosen this person for a reason. However, when a person finally reaches spiritual enlightenment and ascends, all of their souls are released into the spirit realm, where they reunite with their loved ones who have also ascended. Here, they can find rest and peace.
====The Dumán====
The Dumán is the ultimate teacher who revealed the path to enlightenment and liberation. His life story, written down throughout various texts, illustrates the virtues that people must cultivate.
====Dutala====
Dutala is the eternal loop of reincarnation, which each Joluna undergoes. It is a purposeful, continuous path of learning and refinement. Every life, every struggle be it war, loss or love is a lesson put forth by Teyakár. These trials, especially during times of hardship, are seen as direct challenges from Teyakár. By enduring these challenges Joluna can ascend to Ekosha.
====Ekosha====
Ekosha is the realm where Joluna, having fully learned and undergone the challenges of Dutala, reside forever in bliss. Spirits in Ekosha exist in harmony with Teyakár, beyond all need, pain, or want. To reach Ekosha is the ultimate goal of Dumanism, as it represents the release from Dutala’s cycle into a state of eternal presence with Teyakár.
==== The Seven Tenets of the Dumán ====
The Dumán taught roughly seven core tenets to followers. Each one needing to be followed.
Tenet 	Description
Know Teyakár	Know that Teyakár is within and beyond all, and as the only God.
Discard Ego 	Release pride and self-importance to embrace humility.
Bravery 	Face challenges with courage and a commitment.
Compassion 	Help others selflessly, showing care and empathy.
Forgiveness 	Let go of negativity and embrace reconciliation with oneself and others.
Justice 	Stand against injustice, ensuring fairness and equality for all.
Good Works 	Perform selfless acts that uplift the community and its members.
====Telmun====
Telmun are individuals who have achieved remarkable enlightenment through their actions and devotion to the teachings of the Dumán. They serve as role models similar to the Dumán, though they hold less of a comparable status. They are given their own altars within temples.
===Religious Hierarchy===
The hierarchy of Dumanism is divided into two levels: the Inner Circle, consisting of the spiritual elite, and the Outer Circle, which focuses on guiding and educating followers.
====Inner Circle ====
Teluma: The Teluma are the most powerful figures in Dumanism. These individuals hold ultimate authority in spiritual, communal, and religious matters. The Teluma possess supreme control and are responsible for determining the path that all followers must follow. They are to act as the embodiment of the Dumán's will on earth. Each Teluma is elected by the Sáketa. Once elected they serve for life
Sáketa: The Sáketa serve as close advisors to the Teluma. They hold significant administrative and spiritual authority. The Sáketa are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Teluma’s decisions across a continent and ensuring the faith remains pure. They often act as the public face of the Teluma.
Nuxáli: The Nuxáli are leaders who oversee large nations. The Nuxáli have the authority to punish followers who act against Dumanist principles. They also manage the local Ekosa and Kelisa to ensure they carry out their duties correctly.
====Outer Circle====
Ekosa: The Ekosa are religious leaders assigned to manage cities or towns. They oversee the Joluna of their area, administer religious rules, and maintain the spirituality of the community. Ekosa can perform all major rituals and work with the Nuxáli to ensure the area they govern follows Dumanist doctrine. They often serve as teachers and mentors to the Kelisa and Lumán.
Kelisa: The Kelisa are missionaries and spiritual educators. They are responsible for spreading the faith to new regions, maintaining sacred sites, and guiding new followers to Dumanism. They report directly to the Ekosa and are tasked with converting outsiders and establishing new centers of worship.
Lumán: The Lumán are often tasked with menial duties within temples or during rituals. They report to the Kelisa, who are assigned to teach them the intricacies of Dumanist beliefs and practices. They participate in missionary work and serve as assistants in larger religious ceremonies.
===Rituals and Practices===
====Communal Rituals====
During these rituals, followers come together to share in collective meditative practices, which may include guided meditations, chanting, or group reflections. Special offerings, such as fruits, flowers, or handmade objects, may be presented to honor the Joluna and express gratitude for their guidance.
====Personal Reflection====
It is highly encouraged to engage in daily introspection, focusing on their attachments, desires, and emotional connections. This practice often involves, meditating in quiet spaces, or departing into nature.
====Rituals for the Departed====
To respect and commemorate the deceased, rituals are performed. Candles are lit, and people tell tales or recollections honoring their lives and accomplishments. Offerings can also be offered to honor the deceased and keep a link with them alive, such as favorite meals or sentimental items.
===History===
====Origin====
Dumanism traces its origins back to The Dumán, an ancient figure who, according to oral tradition, journeyed across a land south of Abexilas in search of understanding the true nature of the universe. 
The Dumán lived during a time of war and hardship, which led him to crave meaning in his endless struggles. After a spiritual awakening, he uncovered the truth of Dutala, the eternal cycle of rebirth that all Joluna, were trapped within. He returned from his spiritual journey to guide others to liberation. His teachings emphasized that all beings, both living and non-living, contained a Joluna which wanted to escape Dutala. Over time, his followers spread these teachings, founding the religion of Dumanism. They established a structured religious hierarchy to continue his work.
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Category:Abexilas
Category:Lore
Category:History