Enlightenment

Enlightenment (悟り, Satori) is a transcendent state of being achieved through the attainment of Nirvana.
==Overview==
In all the major realms of reality, it is the aspiration of those spiritually aware to continuously grow more powerful. It is an urge not unlike the beating of a drum, constantly thrumming in one’s chest, motivating them to go ever higher. However, it is but an illusion—a mask for what truly is. Those that stand at the pinnacle of worlds, who can see the world from a sliver of god’s absolute sight, can see the true goal of all living things: to achieve Enlightenment.
Enlightenment is a state of being reached when a soul gains complete insight and comprehension to the true nature of reality and the universe. In essence, Enlightenment is the attainment of Nirvana (円寂, Enjaku), a transcendent state in which the soul is unbound by the natural laws and limitations of the universe. In this state, the soul feels neither suffering nor desire; it is a state of perfect inner peace and harmony. This is however an oversimplification as no being other than the enlightened can truly grasp its divine nature. To try and properly describe this esoteric state would be like walking through a forest and attempting to memorize its countless branches and numerous diverging and intersecting roads. Instead, one can only hope to memorize a trail or two before exiting its massive sylvan labyrinth.
In the most simplistic sense, Enlightenment is a divine realization leading to a complete freeing from the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation otherwise known as Samsara (輪廻, Rinne). The principal terms “ego” and “essence” is best described as the metaphysical expression of an individual’s life force or “soul”. When a sentient being or Soul dies, it is their ego that is returned to the Samsara to await rebirth in a delicately crafted cycle monitored by the Soul King. By attaining Enlightenment, one can see past the confines of reality and control their own state of existence. Just like an astronomer peers into a telescope to see beyond the confines of Earth and into the wide and endless universe cradling his planet, so too does one who is enlightened see truths outside of one’s own existence.
With the achievement of Enlightenment comes the ability to tap into the ancient and unparalleled power that is Tenku (天空, Aether). This power is one of the extraordinary benefits for Enlightenment despite forming only a small part of the knowledge that comes with it. Tenku is a power that goes beyond mere Reiryoku and Reiatsu. Its nature can be more closely described as mystical. This is an attribute reserved for anything that cannot be explained by science in either the Human World or Soul Society. Tenku is the very cosmic energy that permeates the entire universe. In fact, Tenku is the primordial force responsible for the creation of the universe. It originated from the deity of creation, Ame-no-Minakakushi when he split into the elder gods Izanagi and Izanami. The energy generated from their creation caused a massive explosion of Tenku that birthed the entire universe. Because of the Big Bang, traces of Tenku are said to exist within everything. Omnipresent though it may be, this cosmic energy cannot be perceived and commanded by ‘ordinary souls.’ Only through universal wisdom and clarity gained through Buddhahood will Tenku be available for a soul to harness. Wielding it gives the appearance of golden energy like the light radiating from a Buddha. In the vast history of the universe, there have only been a few beyond the enlightened and the Kami that can understand and wield its majestic primordial power.
Becoming enlightened is the goal of all living and even nonliving things –a truth only the wisest of souls come to realize. The state is not unlike that of the Soul King, who holds all the knowledge of the universe in his hands. Upon achieving this legendary status, souls are no longer considered similar to anything else in all creation other than another enlightened spirit. Thus, they are totally purified of the “dirtiness” that is the Reiatsu of lower souls. As beings beyond transcendence, they are no longer merely Shinigami, Arrancar, Hollow, Quincy, Togabito, or any other race of being. Rather, they are pure Plus souls whose Reiatsu has reached a level that not even the Kami—the pantheon of gods that govern the various aspects of the universe—can comprehend. By rising higher than the cosmos and becoming one with all creation, these beings can only be described as the living embodiment of the universe itself and a force of nature given sentience.
The path to Enlightenment is not a feat that be accomplished in a single lifetime. It is the entire reason for reincarnation and even all of creation. Those who gain Enlightenment do not consider themselves the same as anything else despite not seeing their own selves as any different from the identity they have always possessed. Their ability to control Tenku is a testament of this gained wisdom. Regardless, it is through reincarnation that all spirits can eventually attain Enlightenment. The reason for this is because souls must consistently learn and evolve through life’s experiences to return back to their nascent states. Through enduring the suffering of life, one can learn the many universal truths that are clouded by desire and necessity. It is a lengthy process, one in which no single soul can hope to achieve in their first life. However, even though a soul is bleached clean upon reincarnating, they are always exposed to new aspects of the world that ultimately aid them in their long journey to Enlightenment.
No matter how far along one is on their spiritual journey, the path to Enlightenment requires an individual to discover its many truths. One of the greatest truths that must be grasped has to do entirely with idea of the ego and suffering. The latter is a child of the former. One must come to an understanding that suffering is simply the result of one’s ego, or soul. It is one’s ego that drives them to make the world adapt around them rather than accepting that it is they who must adapt to the world in turn. As a result, every trail that an individual faces in life – and those who are enlightened understands that everything is a trial -- are meant to force one to separate themselves from their ego and see beyond themselves. One must understand the very nature of their suffering and how to overcome it. Once this is done can a person become one with all of creation, allowing them to harness the cosmic flow of the entire universe and perform the seemingly impossible.
There is no correct method to attaining Enlightenment; the journey is unique and varies from person to person. Meditation, fasting, and personal growth all aid in bringing one closer to Enlightenment’s many truths. Martial arts and warfare can also lead to the path through more extroverted means. These two methods have less to do with finding the secrets of the universe within oneself and more to do with seeking that truth through others. Because combat is waltz between spirits; when two souls clash, they learn more about themselves and each other. By communicating with one another through their fists, the ego sees more than just its own world and is exposed to another person’s way of life. By reading another person’s heart in battle can you grow even closer to understanding everything there is to understand.
And it is that understanding that forms the truest path to Enlightenment: clarity. To become enlightened is to become somewhat of a soothsayer. There is nothing that the enlightened soul does not know, cannot know, or cannot fathom. This is what creates their characteristic wisdom, and what leads to their compassion. After all, every ounce of the universe wishes to return to what it once was. As a result, all enlightened spirits naturally push all other lower spirits towards their own state of being. It is not a desire in the traditional sense. It is more of a divine facet of their nature. Just as water will always be wet, so will enlightened souls always push others towards Enlightenment.
==Paths to Enlightenment==
Not everyone will traverse the same road to Enlightenment. The method in how one approaches this state of existence can differ vastly from person to person. However, all paths lead to the same ultimate truth even if from varying viewpoints. Some may choose to isolate themselves from the world of man; leading the solitary lifestyle of a hermit to more closely connect with one’s surroundings. Through meditation, one can slowly ascend to a higher state of consciousness by breaking down mental walls constructed by the ego and thereby freeing one’s consciousness. One such method of meditation is called Gedatsu (解脱, Moksha, lit. "Liberation") which is a state of mind in which one’s consciousness is free to connect with the cosmic universe. During meditation, Gedatsu allows one to ruminate over deep philosophical truths, understand one’s desires and position in the universe, conduct a deep examination of oneself and one’s flaws, and in rare instances communicate with past Buddhas that have successfully become one with the universe for guidance.
Contrary to popular belief, Hakuda provides a viable route towards Enlightenment. This is primarily because at some point in a devoted martial artist’s life, they must embark on a spiritual pilgrimage. The Musha Shugyo (武者修行, Warrior's Pilgrimage) is an ancient tradition deeply rooted in martial arts in which one goes on a journey of self-discovery. During the Musha Shugyo, practitioners of the martial arts travel the world to hone their skills for the purpose of furthering one’s inner growth, cultivating discipline and achieving spiritual balance. By traversing the various realms of reality, a soul can experience every facet of life as they acquire more and more worldly knowledge. Because martial arts is a life-long pursuit, a martial artist will see the very best and absolute worst that human nature has to offer. They come to learn that every experience is a lesson. Among these lessons learned is that tragedies are a double-edged sword. Tragedy can build a dam by hardening and isolating one’s heart or be broken down in order to find meaning in their suffering; thus enabling spiritual growth. Experience is the key and martial arts provide valuable experiences that are key to bringing a person closer to the shores of Enlightenment.
Suffering is a part of life. In order to endure suffering, one must believe that all things tend towards ultimate good. Evil and misfortune will happen, but the eventual outcome will lead to good. While there is no moral caveat for a soul to attain Enlightenment since all souls have the equal potential to achieve it, the practices of obtaining it is usually achieved through acts of altruism. Souls who tend towards altruism find their way to such a state much easier than selfish ones who are still blindfolded by their desires. The first Buddha Shaka Nyorai taught his followers that suffering is a valuable teacher. By understanding suffering, you gain compassion. The more you learn about yourself and your own suffering do you understand more of the suffering of others. The true meaning behind his lessons is that wisdom and compassion go hand in hand. The path to Enlightenment is knowledge and virtue as exemplified by the Buddha. “Help those who are suffering or disadvantaged, and as you yourself become awakened, help those who seek to make real their own potential” Because of this, Shaka teaches everyone to value all sentient life, refrain from killing and stealing, refrain from lying, spread wisdom, pursue knowledge and show mercy to their enemies so that they too may learn compassion. To truly connect with the world, one must have a concern for all living things. To teach others to overcome their own suffering so that they too may become enlightened, that is the goal of a Buddha.
==Stages of Enlightenment==
The path to Enlightenment is as the stages of metamorphosis. Instead of changing one’s physical form, the multiple stages of Enlightenment changes the state of one’s being. It is a spiritual change. As one advances through these stages, they become more and more powerful. This is due to their souls maturing and becoming more in tune with the rest of the universe, leading to a harmonization of their power with the world around them, and thus propelling them above the masses of unclean souls in the major realms. While a soul may not be directly aware that this is happening, instinctually they always know that they are growing more powerful. So, they continue upwards, climbing towards the metaphorical heaven where only the richest in spirits dwell.
The four stages of Enlightenment are: Mikazuki, Arhat, Sennin, and Buddhahood.
===Mikazuki===
Mikazuki (三日月, Crescent Moon): This initial stage is a step above that of the common soul and the first stage to Enlightenment. Those who ascend to the level of Mikazuki possess immense power. They have grown to the point where they understand their current role in the universe and have decided that it is meaningless. Often, this means that those in the Mikazuki stage are either attempting to grow higher in their perceived social spheres or attempting to break free from them in their entirety. Because of this, Minazuki are often vagabonds or leaders or massive organizations, and never those inbetween. Spirits such as Saitou Shinoda and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto are in the Mikazuki stage of life. They understand their purpose in the world, or rather, what they believe it to be, and they are ready to find something new or something above what they are. Those that arrive at the Mikazuki stage do not gain any benefits from being far advanced along the path. However, their wisdom and clarity for the nature of the cosmos gives them a level of power that simply cannot be matched by those yet to reach this summit.
===Arhat===
Arhat (羅漢, Rakan): An Arhat is no less than a saint—a special soul that attuned with certain fundamental aspects of the universe. What these fundamental aspects are vary from Arhat to Arhat. Although their are exceptions, an Arhat's level of power is absolutely tremendous. Not even Minazuki-classed individuals can match Arhats in battle of arms or wisdom. A single Arhat could end a war in a day, or they could save a civilization from certain destruction. Though there have been many in the past, there are a few in modern times that of particular interest to our current world. Taiyohime Shinoda, the founder of the Shinoda clan, is an Arhat. Ichibē Hyōsube is an Arhat, as was Yhwach, the King of Quincys. The easiest way to identify such individuals is through learning of their own special ability. Once an Arhat is attuned to a function of the universe, it then becomes theirs to wield. This is known as Kensho (見性, Divine Truth). In the case of Taiyohime, this was her ability to control Reishi—mirroring an enlightened spirit’s ability to manipulate the world around them. For Ichibei this was his ability to discern the true name of whatever he looked at. And for Yhwach, it was his power The Almighty, which gave him a heavenly clarity that only he could fathom. Because of the divine gifts bestowed upon an Arhat, this stage is often considered the “Crossroads of Destiny” (運命の岐路, Unmei no Kiro). How an individual proceeds along their spiritual journey from here will determine whether they become a saintly Buddha or a wrathful Wisdom King.
===Sennin===
Sennin (仙人, Sage): It is not the power that distinguishes a Sennin from an Arhat but their wisdom and clarity. At this stage of life, they know their exact place in the universe and are one with the world around them. Being on the precipice of Enlightenment, these beings can now perceive the primordial forces of creation and nothingness. In a limited capacity, Sennins can freely harness and manipulate Tenku and Chaos. While those that strive to become a Buddha see no use in manipulating ones inner Chaos, future Wisdom Kings consider it a necessity. Although wielding Tenku can be done in a number of ways, the most common is through the usage of Saiki (才気, Wisdom). This technique allows a user to coat portions of their body with Tenku, hardening that spot to nigh-indestructability. When Saiki is performed, the user’s point of focus becomes a beautiful metallic gold. Even further, Tenku can be wielded in more unique and extraordinary ways. In the case of Miroku, an elderly ascetic, he breathed in Tenku to enhance his bodily functions and capabilities and exhaled it in the form of raw destructive power. In one breath, he was capable of defeating some of the most powerful individuals in the entire spirit world. Lastly, as Sennins are now near the end of their long journey, their soul is bathed in a cosmic glow as if the universe is watching over them. Their bodies give off a radiant golden light that captivates all nearby. This light inspires others and gives them hope. Ordinary people gravitate to Sennins since their knowledge helps guide and usher their souls towards Enlightenment.
===Buddhahood===
Buddha (仏, Butsu): The final stage of Enlightenment is the moment the spirit reaches Buddhahood. This is the highest echelon of Enlightenment and the moment that determines whether a soul becomes a Buddha or a Wisdom King. As a Buddha, one’s knowledge is infinite while their power their power is all of Tenku, greater than any other in the universe. Jesus Christ, Hiruzen Kusanagi, and the revered Shaka Nyorai all were Buddhas of their time period. And each one has changed the world in ways that no other could. When a Buddha appears, there is no force in all creation that can match them save another enlightened spirit. Their arms is the universe itself, and their power is that of the birth of all things.
Wisdom King (明王, Myōō): The darker mirror of the saintly Buddha. While a Buddha wishes to further people towards Enlightenment through compassion and wisdom, Wisdom Kings forcefully convert non-believers through brute force and fear. They are willing to do whatever it takes due to a belief that the end justifies the means, making them out to be ruthless antagonists in the eyes of the rest of the world. They are only focused on moving everyone to the path of Enlightenment and bettering the world through the removal of all forms of evil and corruption. This is ironic, considering the Wisdom King’s methods are often the cause of such evil and corruption. The path to hell is paved with good intentions, or so they say. Oftentimes, the further down that path one travels, the more twisted their original purpose becomes, especially when met with opposition of the rest of the world. Due to this, Wisdom Kings truly become the more wrathful manifestations of the more benevolent Buddha. Since Enlightenment is a process that takes thousands of lifetimes to achieve, these brutal entities will not hesitate to wield Chaos energy to destroy a soul utterly and completely, permanently removing them from the cycle of Samsara. Such a fate is undoubtedly worse than death. A Wisdom King, however, might see this as an act of mercy due to their warped views. This atrocious act is known as the “Annihilation of the Ego” (主我の死滅, Shuga no Shimetsu).
Alternatively, A Wisdom King can come into this final stage as a Buddha, and then become a fallen Buddha after attaining Enlightenment. Usually Wisdom Kings are beings who have strayed from the path of good to carry out their own agendas whether the intentions behind them are altruistic or selfish. Wisdom Kings are oftentimes discontent with the way the world is and believe truly in their hearts that their vast knowledge hold the key needed to change it. As such, they will use their immeasurable power to change the world either for the better … or for the worse.
==History==
===Shaka Nyorai: The First Buddha===
According to legend, the first soul in the vast cosmic timeline of the universe achieved Enlightenment over 10,000 years before Sōsuke Aizen’s defection from Soul Society; during the fabled Bosatsu Period (菩薩時代, Bosatsu Jidai). This individual went on to change the world and alter the course of human history. While many records of this era have been lost, stories of this legendary individual survived through folktales passed on from generation to generation. In the annals of history, this man was known as Shaka Nyorai: the first Buddha.
Shaka Nyorai’s origins began in the spirit world; during an age where myths and gods walked the planet, where there was no balance, and all of creation was threatened daily. As a troubled young soul, he despaired over his personal demons and the dire state of the world around him. Ravaged by war and famine, he traveled the realm in search of meaning and hope. In his journey, he saw the very worse mankind has to offer; Death, greed, disease, rape and slavery were commonplace and the root cause of the humanity’s misery. Discontent with the state of Soul Society, Shaka sought to connect with the world so that he can understand the nature of suffering; so that he may end the suffering of those around him.
One day while traversing the grasslands of western Soul Society, Shaka saw a tree of gargantuan proportions in the distance. Drawn to it like a siren’s lullaby, he trekked all the way to Shunkashuto to meditate under its mystical branches. This unusual sight caught the attention of a nearby Nature Spirit (夜叉, Yaksha). Intrigued, the spirit sat on a nearby branch and observed him in order to understand what was going on. Word of Shaka Nyorai’s meditation spread across the region; it wasn’t long before all the nearby tree branches were filled with Nature Spirits watching him. Each one wondered the same thing. Who was he? Why is he here? What point was there to his meditation? Why was he not tempted by its forbidden fruit? After a while, one finally gained the courage to ask the man what he was doing under the tree. Shaka Nyorai replied by telling them of his journey in an elaborate tale. Intrigued, the Nature Spirits all listened intently and gave great thought to his every word. More questions arose as older ones were answered; this man’s ideals were so new and ungraspable to them. Some were not convinced, certain that he would cease his mediations and give in to the temptation of the forbidden fruit. They were convinced that they must drive him out from under the tree for his own good.
On each day, a Nature Spirit would appear beside Shaka Nyorai to break his mediation and drive him away from the great tree. Their methods of temptation and trickery varied from one Nature Spirit to the next. Some would choose to harness the very weather in order to drive him away. Others favored illusions or sleight of hand to toy with his mind. Some even attempted to use the power of words and prey on his consciousness and desires. Each one presented a method that was different from the last in order to test Shaka’s physical and mental fortitude. No matter the method, the result was the same. The enigma of a man remained under the tree as firmly as its own roots. Day after day, he continued his mediations. A cycle was soon formed. With each failure on the part of the Nature Spirits, more and more of them would show up to continue watching and offer assistance. Cunning and diligent, the obstinate spirits refused to admit defeat no matter how many times they failed. Shaka Nyorai’s will remained strong. Even without food, water, or air, he continued to meditate; sustaining himself on sheer willpower alone. It was a feat even the Nature Spirits could not help but acknowledge with respect. In a process similar to photosynthesis, Nature Spirits sustained themselves by absorbing nutrients from the environment. This act showed just how attuned Shaka Nyorai was to the world by achieving the same feat the Nature Spirits could do through their biology. It seemed ludicrous to consider a mere human was capable of reaching the same plateau as those who were one with the world itself. Yet the truth was before them, Shaka remained each day and improved in his mediation. He became far more than a common man. His trials would start to open the path of countless possibilities as humanity could walk down the same path as those born of nature, as well as achieve something not even they consider was possible.
Meanwhile, as time went by, Shaka Nyorai felt a new presence lurking around him. It was faint and disoriented like an echo that could not be perceived despite never truly disappearing. At first, he could make no sense of the voice he heard. With each day that passed, the voice grew louder and more persistent. Perhaps it was an unforeseen phenomenon, with Shaka being more attuned with his surroundings; the easier it became to hear the voice. With each passing week, the mysterious presence became more and more visible. One week, Shaka was able to smell the entity. The next he could feel the presence through his surroundings like he was within arm’s reach. This connection grew deeper the longer he remained under tree until it got to the point that he could nearly see the faded image of a woman with long hair flowing like endless silk. This phantasm possessed beautiful blue eyes with leaves that adorned her flawless hair, protruded by pointy ears. The woman was much taller than Shaka, indicating further that she was something clearly enigmatically mystical and otherworldly. Her gown was formal in appearance and in her hands was a staff. Shaka was very much impressed and captivated by her beauty as her image grew clearer. On the final week, she became fully visible for him to see.
The women was shocked to finally be under the presence of someone who could hear her voice as not even her children, the Nature Spirits could hear her. “What is the meaning behind All is One and One is All?”. After asking him the riddle, she quickly vanished from his sight before he can answer. With no way to contact the woman, Shaka was left to ponder the question for the last week. It was a question that could not simply be explained with science or logic. An answer was possible, but the meaning would be lost which would be just the same as not knowing the answer. This dragged on for Shaka for days as it was more torturous than anything nature could come up with to throw at him. On the 49th day, the woman finally appeared to Shaka, asking the man if he knew the answer to the riddle she gave. At the same time, the woman was keeping her distance from the sage. Although he looked the same, there was something about him that was completely different, almost like he was a new man. Shaka finally opened his eyes to look at the woman before giving her an answer: 
“The world is the All and I am the One.”.
Such a simple answer to a complex riddle, however the meaning behind it was something only one who walked down the path to Enlightenment could truly comprehend. Pleased, the woman allowed her fully rosed red lips to form a smile. She placed his head against her as she told him what he already knew –he had obtained Enlightenment. Knowing now why he was mysteriously drawn to this place, Shaka made his way to the core of the tree. There, he found a toxic thorn lodged at the core of the tree. It radiated with a sinisterly chaotic energy. Immediately, he knew that the thorn was the cause of the woman spirit’s suffering. Shaka then made a promise using her name, revealing her identity as Mother Nature (大自然, Daishizen); the mother of Nature Spirits and the sentient embodiment of nature. His promise was to set her free so he can end her suffering. The instant of physical contact with the thorn, Shaka felt immense Chaos and emptiness resonating from it as it threatened to erase his existence entirely. Despite the power of the thorn, it was incapable of affecting him as he is now. With just a simple touch, Shaka channeled Tenku through his palm and into the thorn, causing golden light to manifest. The reaction drew forth Reiryoku from every corner of Soul Society, engulfing the tree in its cosmic light. This drew the attention of the Kami as they all gathered to witness Shaka Nyorai dissipating the thorn; purifying the gigantic tree. Every one of the Nature Spirits was in awe, unable to advert their gaze from the cosmic phenomenon taking place. The sight was so fantastical as to be compared with the creation of the universe itself. The tree then grew; reverting back to its true form. It was a moment in history like no other. This world tree became known as the Tree of Knowledge (知樹, Chiju); the site where Shaka Nyorai attained Enlightenment and became the Buddha.
==Unique Powers and Abilities==
===Arhat===
Kensho (見性, Divine Truth): The mark that a soul is well advanced along the path of Enlightenment. When a being reaches this stage of their journey becoming an Arhat, they will gain one of Enlightenment’s many gifts in the form of Kensho. Since an Arhat’s knowledge of the true nature of reality is without equal, when they become attuned to a specific function of the universe, it becomes theirs to wield. Because of this, Kensho is not a specific power but rather a class of powers. It can become anything thematic to the nature of Enlightenment and the universe. Some have awoken the ability to track down any particular soul anywhere in the universe; some can access the universe like a cosmic encyclopedia to obtain any piece of knowledge; and others can peer into the depths of time, about to see any major moment from the Big Bang to the Heat Death of the Universe. In the notable case of Taiyohime Shinoda, she overcame the illusion that separated the concept of Reiryoku and Reishi. From the realization that they are one and the same, much like everything in creation, she transcended her mastery of Reiryoku to mirror her grandmastery of Reishi Manipulation. As a result, she was able to manipulate the very Reishi that comprised her body on an atomic level; replacing aging cells with new ones. This allowed her to achieve biological immortality.
===Sennin===
Reality Anchoring: Having formed an intimate connection with the universe and discovering its many truths, a Sennin is unaffected by ‘false truths’ fabricated through conceptual abilities. Whether its illusions, mind control, psychic assaults or existence erasure, a Sennin can see-through all powers that warp one’s reality. So close they are to Buddhahood that a Sennins level of perception is without equal. No matter how great an abstraction shadows the truth of reality, their spiritual eyes will always see past the darkness and uncover the truth beyond the disillusioning veil.
Primordial Energy Manipulation: When an individual ascends closer to Nirvana and becomes a Sennin, they begin to perceive and thus capable of wielding the primordial forces of the universe: Tenku and Chaos. While the applications of Tenku are limitless, Sennins are limited to how much cosmic energy they can harness at any given moment. Oftentimes, they use Tenku in ways that many others would label them as messiahs. The most common practice being performing smalltime miracles; such as curing an elderly of a deadly disease, turning straw into gold or water into wine, and bringing forth rain to shower a barren wasteland.
While Tenku exists all around us and often used benevolently, Chaos dwells in the depths of one’s soul and is dangerous to harness. Chaos is like a poison, every time it is used in combat, the soul becomes a little more corrupted. The power Chaos brings is unimaginable and so it becomes very tempting to use. When harnessed, Chaos can annihilate an opponent’s soul, permanently removing them from the Soul King’s cycle of reincarnation; a fate worse than death. A Sennin is wise enough to know the dangers of such power, but those who are fated to become Wisdom Kings do not care.
*Saiki (才気, Wisdom): The most basic technique of Tenku Manipulation. By focusing on a specific point or region of one’s body, a Sennin can imbue that area with Tenku to make it nigh-indestructible. The portion of the body under the user’s focus shines a beautiful metallic gold. Not only can this power provide extraordinary defensive capabilities, it can also used to exponentially amplify the strength behind one’s attacks. By coating one’s fist in Tenku, for example, a Sennin can easily obliterate the Sekkiseki walls of Seireitei with so much as a flick of the wrist.
:Cosmic Energy Constructs: One of the most advanced techniques a Sennin can master. A Sennin can call forth a massive avatar made of Tenku; which becomes an extension of their will that acts on their behalf. The appearance of these constructs varies from Sennin to Sennin, but they all share the theme of a Bodhisattva diety made of golden cosmic energy. How these constructs materialize and interact with the creator differ as well; some will be encased by the avatar providing an absolute defense, some will suspend the user in its heart allowing the Sennin to actively ‘be’ the colossus, and less developed constructs will be anchored behind the user for standard offense and defense. As a Sennin’s power grows, it is possible for one’s construct to go through a metamorphosis over time in accordance to that growth. More precisely, these construct can materialize massive Tenku versions of the user’s racial weapons at the various phases of their development. For example, an ‘incomplete’ construct may only be able to materialize the user’s Shikai while a mastered one can manifest a massive scale version of the user’s Bankai. However, a power like this is not without its weaknesses. Because of the immense difficulty a Sennin has with controlling such a large volume of cosmic energy, these Tenku constructs can only be maintained anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Extended usage of this ability is extremely taxing on the summoner both mentally and physically. Depending on how far beyond their limit this ability was used, drawbacks can range anywhere from a temporary coma to death.
===Buddhahood===
Pure Soul: Upon reaching Enlightenment, a soul is completely purified of all properties it once had down to the last quintessence. So perfectly purified is a Buddha, that it matters not what race the entity achieving Buddhahood hails from. They are classified as Buddhas’s onwards and are functionally similar to Plus souls. However, being a pure soul means that they can no longer be corrupted. There is no force except their own that can make them appear as any race other than that of a Buddha. In their base state, this means that they seem no different than that of the soul of, for example, a rock or a fish. Essentially, sensing them is the same as attempting to sense the air around you—it simply cannot be done. Likewise, as pure souls, their chains of fate no longer exist. As they have ceased operations within the normal parameters of the universe, it is impossible for such a thing to bind them. Even the infamous chains of Hell, which bind all who enter after a certain amount of time, cannot restrict the power of a Buddha.
:Oneness: The purification of the soul brings about great changes to those apart of it. Separate entities, whether they are foreign or native, are purified along with its host soul. These cleansed spirits then merge together to become the Buddha. No matter if they are Zanpakutō spirit or inner Hollow, they all end up harmoniously unifying with their host to become one with the universe.
Immeasurable Spiritual Power: The power of an enlightened is without compare. This is because their spiritual power is now that of Tenku: the cosmic life force of the universe itself. To wield it is to wield infinity. For this reason not even transcendent beings can so much as hold a candle to their power. However, wielding so much power in such a peculiar manner is not without its nuances. Those that face a Buddha in battle cannot be crushed by the weight of the Buddha’s Reiatsu—it is such a fathomless thing that it simply cannot be comprehended. Likewise, no ability save that of another Buddha can hope to affect one. Just as shooting a Kidō in the sky will not harm the sky, so too will shooting one at a Buddha not harm the Buddha. Oftentimes the attack will simply vanish when performed or find itself unable to make any headway. When used in the opposite manner, however, this is no longer the case. As wielders of infinite power, a Buddha can destroy a soul with a glance or choose to give a convincing fight to the lowest of beings. As their power is unquantifiable, most often make the mistake of them being weak—a mistake that they only make once.
Self-Existence Manipulation: As a Buddha, the ability to manipulate one’s own very existence is within the bounds of their power. Essentially, they can make themselves into anything they need to be for any time. They can transform into any race, take on any shape, and fabricate any desire or spiritual aspects needed for any mission they may give themselves. Even the Soul King itself cannot restrict this ability. Should a Buddha desire it too, they can die but retain ownership of their soul, or even completely break free of the Soul King’s cycle of Samsara. If they so desire, a Buddha can fuse with the universe and take their “true form,” the cosmos itself, and wield the very fabric of existence as their tools. Destroying or killing a Buddha means little to nothing. Any wound they suffer they suffer because they wish to, and if their mortal body is destroyed they can easily create a new one with no trouble. With this ability to manipulate any aspect of themselves, and truthfully the universe at large, Buddha’s have proven themselves to be above fighting with any lesser creature.
Indomitable Will: A Buddha’s mind is a thing of the universe. It is impossible to comprehend for any lower being. Thus conceptual attacks like telepathic abilities, illusions, and fear-inducing abilities all fail when used against an enlightened spirit. So powerful is their mental fortitude that they can flat out deny the existence of even their foes. In doing so, they can ignore anything they can ever hope to do. Any insults or attempts to attack a Buddha psychologically are as ineffective then as it is to attack the Buddha itself. Likewise, having gained enlightenment, a Buddha holds wisdom above all others. With this power they can guide others to enlightenment as well. Thus, they make beautiful commanders on the battlefield. A Buddha can see through the enemy’s strategy and conquer them with little to no effort applied to the matter.
Teleportation: As masters of the universe, a Buddha is never inhibited by distance. Should they desire it they can literally appear anywhere in any realm that they choose. This is because they are one with all creation—they are literally everywhere and nowhere at the same time. This means that running from or attempting to escape from a Buddha is impossible, as is chasing one down that does not wish to be discovered. With an infinity of planets in the cosmos and realms in existence, they can simply move from place to place as easily as a man can walk across the street. The visual effects of this always change depending on the Buddha. Some simply break apart and reform while others fade away like a Hollow and appear where they want to be.
Precognition: As holders of the utmost secrets of the universe, Buddha’s are literally omnipresent. They can see all of creation in some fashion or another, understanding it down to its depths. Yhwach’s “The Almighty” ability was a prelude to this, as is the Soul King’s four-iris eye. Buddha’s often have odd eyes, glowing eyes, or multiple irises, allowing them to comprehend more then what they see. Likewise, they can tell the future as well. Though there are infinite futures at any one moment, an enlightened soul is always aware of which one will occur next. This allows them to manipulate events in the world as they see fit, pushing others towards Enlightenment and changing entire civilizations overnight. In combat, this ability is no less powerful. They can see all powers and all moves their victims are planning. There is no way to outsmart a Buddha, let alone out predict one. This even applies to themselves regarding their own kind. When an enlightened soul knows that it is time to ascend and become one with the universe, they always do so. Never will they defy their destiny or push themselves farther than needed. Their future sight tells them the consequences of these actions, and their wisdom affords them the ability to ascend when needed.
Guidance of All Creation: Upon achieving Enlightenment, it becomes the Buddha’s nature to get others to reach the same level as them. Oftentimes they will travel the world, performing miracles and teaching others the truths of the universe in hopes that they can understand. More important, and subtle, is how they do this. Though the spoken word and actions help a lot, a Buddha is constantly shifting reality towards their ultimate goal. Their words create butterfly effects of massive proportions, and they naturally change the minds of those around them. All Buddhas have always garnished a large following. This is because the mere presence of one is enough to mentally seduce and entangle people in their divine plans. Though Buddha’s realize this, they do not fight against it. It is a fundamental aspect of their being, and one that will one day allow their goals to become achieved.
Cosmic Body: One of the greatest abilities of the Buddha is their ability to shape the universe to their own liking. They are capable of creating constructs of any size, shape, and property with no effort involved. If an enlightened spirit wished it, they could create a new solar system and fill it with life to guide towards their lofty position. Or they could manifest devastating disasters, afflicting the world with meteors, eruptions, and tsunamis. Against Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, Shaka Nyorai enlarged his hand so that it could contain an entire world. Sun Wukong attempted to escape but failed, realizing that if the Buddha wished it, no one could escape his power. Such stories are prevalent whenever one manifests, and have served as the inspiration for many a power throughout history.
Miracle Generation: A Buddha knows that anything is now possible. And so they are capable of performing what many others would label as miracles. A Buddha can heal the sick, change someone’s life, tame wild beasts, and even control the elements if needed. The first Buddha: Shaka Nyorai once expelled all the chaff and grass from a poisoned well, cleansing it and making it drinkable for the entire village. These miracles stem from a Buddha’s mastery of Tenku. Because they wield a cosmic force, all events in the universe are subject to their whims. Though they cannot forcibly enlighten spirits, they can persuade the universe to aid one in their journey to Buddhahood. Often times these miracles are subtle and go unnoticed—exaggerating their effect on their intended targets.
Third Eye (Wisdom King only): All Wisdom Kings have a third eye kept open on their forehead. This eye holds the same precognitive abilities of its Buddha counterpart. Like them, the future holds no mysteries. Neither do the thoughts of others. However, this eye holds a frightening ability that the eyes of a Buddha do not. This eye can induce possibilities; creating and manipulating paradoxes. By transcending the laws of reality and logic, Wisdom Kings can make the impossible possible. Nothing is inconceivable to them. If they will it, they can sever a Buddha’s connection to the universe. Although temporary, this prevents them from harnessing the flow of the cosmos; hindering their arsenal and making them vulnerable. Had it not been for the golden light that radiates from a Buddha, blinding their third eye, the universe would truly be in peril. That is because words like “Omnipotence” hold no meaning to a Wisdom King, simply because they can deny a supreme being their unlimited power.
Endarkenment (Wisdom King only): Unlike Buddhas, Wisdom Kings willingly manipulate Chaos, the primordial energy of nothingness; opening their souls to the path of Endarkenment (無明長夜, Mumyō Jōya, lit. “The Long Night of Spiritual Darkness”). Endarkenment is the opposite of a soul’s Enlightenment. When a being revels in suffering and misery, it has a lasting effect on their soul. With every battle, their soul changes. Everytime they use Chaos to fulfill their own selfish desires, they come a little closer to becoming a mythological demon. And when a soul achieves Endarkenment, they become a Kishin (鬼神, Demon God); the antithesis of a Buddha. A Wisdom King that achieves Endarkenment can do anything a Kishin can do and more. Their powers range from cosmic destabilization, the ability to throw the universe off balance and its inhabitants into conflict; to dark matter manipulation, the ability to manipulate the gravity of an entire planet and crush every living thing on it. Far reaching is a Wisdom King’s influence that they can amplify the Chaos of all creation; creating pandemonium, corrupting souls, and generating catastrophes. They can even fuse Tenku and Chaos together to create an unfathomable new power.
==Notable Individuals==
{| style=" float: center; font-size:90%; width:100%;" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" border="1"
colspan="4" style=" text-align:center; font-size:13.5px; font-weight:bold; background:#ffe57c;; color:black"|Souls on the Path of Enlightenment
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|style="background:#ffe57c;;; padding:4px 4px 4px 4px; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; color:white;"|Name
|style="background:#ffe57c;;; padding:4px 4px 4px 4px; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; color:white;"|Stage
|style="background:#ffe57c;;; padding:4px 4px 4px 4px; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; color:white;"|Defining Quality
|style="background:#ffe57c;;; padding:4px 4px 4px 4px; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; color:white;"|Unique Power
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|style= text-align:center;|Saitou Shinoda||style= text-align:center;|Mikazuki
|style= text-align:center;|Heroism||style= text-align:center;|-
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|style= text-align:center;|Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto||style= text-align:center;|Mikazuki
|style= text-align:center;|Conviction||style= text-align:center;|-
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|style= text-align:center;|Sōsuke Aizen||style= text-align:center;|Mikazuki
|style= text-align:center;|Ambition||style= text-align:center;|-
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|style= text-align:center;|Alda Gottileb||style= text-align:center;|Arhat
|style= text-align:center;|Compassion||style= text-align:center;|The Dream
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|style= text-align:center;|Orihime Inoue||style= text-align:center;|Arhat
|style= text-align:center;|Love||style= text-align:center;|Phenomena Rejection
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|style= text-align:center;|Ichibē Hyōsube||style= text-align:center;|Arhat
|style= text-align:center;|Wisdom||style= text-align:center;|True Name Manipulation
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|style= text-align:center;|Yhwach||style= text-align:center;|Arhat
|style= text-align:center;|Power||style= text-align:center;|The Almighty
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|style= text-align:center;|Taiyohime Kuriyue Shinoda no Chōjo||style= text-align:center;|Arhat
|style= text-align:center;|Compassion||style= text-align:center;|Matter and Energy Dominance
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|style= text-align:center;|Kakuzen Yakumo||style= text-align:center;|Sennin
|style= text-align:center;|Power||style= text-align:center;|Legendary Kidō Grandmaster
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|style= text-align:center;|Miroku||style= text-align:center;|Sennin
|style= text-align:center;|Knowledge||style= text-align:center;|Breath Manipulation
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|style= text-align:center;|Kojuro Mitsurugi||style= text-align:center;|Sennin
|style= text-align:center;|Perception||style= text-align:center;|Enlightened Zanpakutō Forging
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|style= text-align:center;|Shaka Nyorai||style= text-align:center;|Buddhahood
|style= text-align:center;|Compassion||style= text-align:center;|Enlightenment
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|style= text-align:center;|Jesus Christ||style= text-align:center;|Buddhahood
|style= text-align:center;|Altruism||style= text-align:center;|Enlightenment
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|style= text-align:center;|Hiruzen Kusanagi||style= text-align:center;|Buddhahood
|style= text-align:center;|Benevolence||style= text-align:center;|Enlightenment
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|style= text-align:center;|Bodhidharma||style= text-align:center;|Buddhahood
|style= text-align:center;|Determination||style= text-align:center;|Enlightenment and Endarkenment
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