Tenshin

"Alongside the gods and kami, we live"Tenshin [Akashiren: テンシン] is a religion consisting of many teachings and practices that is followed by all people within the Akashiro Shogunate. Tenshin consists of many deified spirits, known as Akashiren Kami, with the two principle gods being Dejelkhai, the god of the Abyss, and Ryula, the god of the Overworld.
== Introduction: Enduring Truth and Pure Beauty ==
"In the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, two deities embody the delicate equilibrium that sustains all realms. 
In the serene expanse of Abeshiro, her light nurtures the virtuous and the devout, yet whose sword can tear the very fabric of reality; she stands in her grace as a beacon of purity.
In the depths of the eternal unknown, he embodies the enigma of sin and the ego's allure. A god whose existence tests the very essence of humanity, offers both peril and promise from within the Shinan.
In the divine balance of light and shadow, they shape the fate of all who dare to dream. The journey to understand the divine essence is fraught with both peril and wonder. Only then can one reweave the threads of fate and claim the destiny that lies beyond."
- Kyoujiro Kirumasa, 62 AU
==Organisation==
The followers of Tenshin organise themselves by faith and ability to communicate with the kami and deities, while ranks do exist, the followers are much more loosely organised with local villages worshiping their own local spirits.
The ranks consists of:
*Shūkyōteki or follower of Tenshin
*Shinshoku or local priest, usually able to slightly communicate with local spirits
*Dai-Kannushi or general priest, they are able to communicate with multiple local spirits
*Saishunkyō or supreme priest, they are able to communicate with general and major spirits as well as all local spirits, and may communicate slightly with one of the two gods, Ryula or Dejelkhai
*Shigen-sha or Prophet, they are the ones able to freely communicate with the two gods as well as all spirits, they represent the faith and their words are considered holy, they act not of self interest but of godly command.
All ranks in the Tenshin faith must be recognised by the Shūkyōteki and government of Akashiro.
== Creation ==
Inodo Shikuruto or 'イノド シクルト' (The Creation), is the story of the world creation in Tenshin, written and recounted by Jirayu La’ir Akashiro, the first Shigen-sha and founder of the Akashiro Shogunate. All Akashiren children are taught this as their first tale.Before all there was only Void, a space yet not a place, time had no meaning, and in this void, there was Ryujalkhai, the silence, and emptiness around it was beautiful yet lonely, the Void around it was a lifeless, endless existence, Ryukalkhai displeased and dissatisfied created from nothing 9 realms of great design within the Void it was in, their names were Abeshiro, Meikai, Jikōtan, Oborachi, Eienomori, Fusoroku, Tetsunohei, Seijanoha, and Keimonotai each infinitely expansive yet limitlessly tiny compared to the large Void. 
In his boundless wisdom, Ryujakhai split itself, two selves equal yet different, the balance they created was of heavenly beauty, Ryula goddess of virtue and beauty, her gleaming hair was white as the most exquisite pearl, her glistening golden eyes spoke with every gaze, she wore jewellery clear as the sky, and dressed in garments as beautiful as the loveliest flowers, her face was filled with markings of golden hue and she held the sword that could even tear space apart, she shows love to all who seek her and infinite kindness to those who respect the beauty she creates, and then there is Dejelkhai, the god of sin and ego, he is a mystery to all, those who saw him lose their reason and wit, even memory, most about him is unknown but one thing is, his connection to humanity’s nature and its beauty is undeniable.
Ryula watches over Meikai, Jikōtan, Oborachi, and Eienomori, and over Fusoroku, Tetsunohei, Seijanoha, and Keimonotai, Dejelkhai watched, however, the beauty of their balance can be ultimately observed within the 9th realm, Abeshiro, which they both watched over evenly. For eons unknown, this balance was kept, however deep inside Dejelkhai’s self, greed grew slowly, Dejelkhai kept this greed suppressed for he knew it could destroy all there is, and in one fateful moment, a god ripped through time and appeared inside the Void, its name was Fujiari (Iristor) this appearance caused a disturbance in the balance between Ryula and Dejelkhai. Dejelkhai was overtaken by this opportunity and his hidden greed shone through every corner of his ego, he wanted control over all realms and the Void beyond that, he struck Ryula with a fiery arrow, which brought about a battle that would last millenniums. 
As Fujiari looked upon the two gods, he observed their battle, and how it brought catastrophe upon all 9 realms, he gazed upon the 9th realm that was still un-destroyed and so to preserve life in this realm, he rallied all 8 spirits of this realm and protected it, Fujiari froze time in it, and a barrier was cast upon the realm by the spirits. Yet, with each strike from the fury of the two gods, a star was created, the shock waves and ripples of the strikes echoed through the realms. The beings living in them gave up on the gods and abandoned their faith, due to which the realms lost the protection of the spirit and so realm after realm they fell to ruin, some froze over, others turned into a fiery hell, and some even drowned in the fury of the gods, however standing through all this, one realm remained, Abeshiro protected by Fujiari’s time freezing and the spirit’s protective barrier, after countless years pass. The two gods realized their fight was endless, and not worth the time it took, so they laid down their weapons and eased their limb. As they gazed upon their realms, they saw the destruction they caused, each one fallen to ruin and heresy except for Abeshiro, where faith remained. Then as an expression of their regret, the two gods granted all life the ability to reincarnate within Abeshiro and vow to never fight again. To redeem himself Dejelkhai created "The Abyss”, the new dwelling for the gods, and the 8 destroyed realms were turned into the 8 Abyssal layers, eachlayes ruled by one of the 8 spirits that reigned in Abeshiro.
Ryula and Dejelkhai were in balance once more, and their roles were reorganized into the new realms, Ryula would rule over the “Overworld” or Abeshiro and Dejelkhai would rule over The Abyss or "Shinan", the fallen worlds now served as an afterlife to those who have lost faith in the gods, however, if these souls find their way to Dejelkhai, he rewards them with a divine wish.
==The Realms==
Followers of Tenshin believe in two primary 'Realms', the Abyss or 'Shinan' [シナン] represented by its god Dejelkhai [デジェルカイ] and the Overworld or 'Abeshiro' (Abexilas) represented by it's goddess Ryula [リュラ]. These realms consists of different people, creation, and kami.
===The Abyss===
After the creation of the Abyss, it serves as an afterlife to those who live in the Overworld, The 8 Abyssal kami were given rule over the 8 respective layers within the Abyss by the almighty overseer, Dejelkhai.
The Abyss is a land of mystery to all, however as time passed the curiosity of people bested them, they ventured into the Abyss, never to return. However after time unknown passed, one man wearing a blindfold was able to run away from the Abyss’s clutches and told the world of its stories. His name was Jirayu La’ir Akashiro. All we know of the Abyss and its 8 layers is from Jirayu's stories and writings. He informed everyone that if you were to find Dejelkhai in the 8th layer of the Abyss, you were gifted a wish of your choice. This gave the people keen interest in the Abyss as thousands more ventured into it to fulfill their deepest desires. Most never return, but out of the few that did, they return insane, they would ramble meaningless words and do the most nonsensical acts. Those who only managed to reach the surface layers sometimes do not return insane but instead are blindfolded, as it is understood that one must gouge their eyes so that they do not eventually turn insane from gazing into Dejelkhai's realm. 
The 8 kami and layers of the Abyss consist of:
1.‎ Malaki, Kami of Wrath
It rules over Meikai, more colloquially known as 'The Nether', a realm torn by war, a land of fire and lava. One may enter this realm through a portal in the Overworld. This realm is the first layer of the Abyss, making it the easiest to return from. It hails a hostile environment and corrupted creatures, with some materials of this realm may be brought back through the portals.
2. Raigoku, Kami of Zealotry
It rules over Jikōtan, a realm of empty white land, floating over what seems to be an endless void, earning the commonly used name 'The End'. This layer resembles the original Void the most and is the second layer of the Abyss. Jikōtan was once filled with devout followers who resided in the many cities seen throughout the realm, this layer does contain some lifeforms, most known are the Endermen, once humans they resided in Jikōtan peacefully, however, witnessing the god’s fury and battle, their bodies were morphed and their minds were left corrupted. These creatures may find their way to the Overworld through the portals scattered around the realm, however without meeting Dejelkhai they never retain their humanity and exist with the same body and mind they had.
The following is a note retrieved by the first Shigen-sha from this Layer:"God's above or below, not even those on the surface will hear our muffled call. A fallen city, spaces of pitch black, all in this forgotten hell of a cavern. I'm starting to believe we shouldn't have come here. There's no beauty here, only remnants of things that could be recognizable. I'm writing this from the one peaceful area those who are human have seemed to find. Who you align with doesn't matter, who you work for doesn't matter. All that matters, is that if you understand these words, Spirits help you”
3.‎ Kirishu, Kami of Temperance
It rules over Oborachi, an endless dune-filled barren land, a layer deemed as the 'Point of no return', as one who enters it will not be able to return unless they meet Dejelkhai. This layer was described by the few who returned with a sound mind as “A barren wasteland, no life, creatures…nothing,  much like a desert, but the sand is made up of ash, giant bones can be seen sticking out of the ashen lands occasionally, the howling winds of this place sound like tortured souls, lost to time”
4. Kaimuchi, Kami of Ignorance
It rules over Eienomori, a misty realm of mystery and wonders. It is referred to as 'The final destination'. The people returning from the abyss with a sound mind described it as an endlessly thick, dark, misty world, looking down you can't even see your legs. Descent into Layer 5 from Layer 4 is widely known as impossible; one must rely on their sense of touch alone to navigate this place. Rest is not an option, for if one stands in a single place for too long, they will sink into the murky ground. On top of which, creatures known as the 'Ghosts of the Mist' roam this layer. These ghosts would whisper in your ears and try to mislead you to your demise.
5. Yokanari, Kami of Lust
It rules over Fusoroku, for those who conquered the endless mist respite, awaits. Layer 5 is nicknamed 'The Gale Forests' due to it being a temperate realm home to many different species, as it is the only 'habitable' layer of the Abyss. Many Abyss dwellers have arrived here and decided to not continue in their descent. Because of this, a large city surrounding the descent point to Layer 6 has been created, where those venturing further can rest, and those who's resolve has run thin, live.
6. Itarisu, Kami of Heresy
It rules over Tetsunohei: 'The Forge'. A layer covered in smouldering heat and smoke, the stench of this place is that of burning man, with the charred bodies of those who dared to venture into this layer lying for perpetuity. Metal constructs and machinery cover Tetsunohei; if the heat doesn't bring one's demise, then the machines will. To venture into the 7th layer, on the brink of despair, one must prove their faith to the gods.
7. Ninroku, Kami of Perseverance 
It rules over Seijanoha, a frigid land, a canvas of blinding white that stretches endlessly. Frost covers these barren lands and frosted cities can be seen scattered throughout this layer. The only lifeforms found in Seijanoha are the citizens of the scattered cities, frozen in their day-to-day lives for all of eternity. But be not scared venturer, while the glacial air pierces your skin and causes unbearable suffering, your life is not at risk; Ninroku will keep your heart pounding until you find your way to the last layer. It is theorised by Tenshin devotees that Ninroku is Ryula's final remnant in the Abyss. 
8. Shinroku, Kami of Faith
It rules over Keimonotai, the most brutal layer of them all. It is rumored that the battle between the gods started here. A drowned layer filled with scorching water, the remnants of the powers of the gods are scattered throughout this place, both the blinding light of Ryula and the pitch black flames of Dejelkhai. The mix of these equal powers seem to have stopped time itself. As an unfortunate soul ventured here, the suffocating feeling of their lungs filling with water permeates their body and scorches their insides and outsides. Creatures, hostile or not, wander through this landscape endlessly, without purpose. Be wary to not frighten them, for that will bring your demise. While Dejelkhai’s residence might be in sight, it could not be further away. Approaching the descent into the Abyssal god's layer, one's movement slows and as a last test of character, they must bare the agonising journey. If you manage to conquer Shinroku's boiling seas, you must take a leap of faith into a bottomless pit where he will assess your faith in the gods for the last time. If you are proven unworthy, you are to suffer for eternity in Layer 8, however, if your faith is proven strong, Dejelkhai will greet you. For all those who have succeeded in their endeavors to reach Dejelkhai, none of them will remember how he looks or sounds, but their bodies do not tell lies. The sheer thought of seeing the god sends strokes of fear and anticipation through their spine. Though the one thing everyone remembers is what they wished of Dejelkhai to do, however no one tends to share their wishes upon returning to the Overworld.
===The Overworld [Abeshiro] ===
After the split between the Abyss and the Overworld, with Ryula assuming rulership over the latter. The Overworld became the dwelling of all living beings while the Abyss was rather an 'afterlife'. The Overworld has countless kami, with some Abyssal kami also reverred and worshipped by beings of the Overworld. s. For further information, seek the Akashiren Kami page.
==Moral Values==
Worshippers of Tenshin believe in many core values, however these values can be narrowed to:
"Respect for the divine is paramount in Tenshin culture; defiance or disrespect towards the gods and spirits is met with severe consequences."
"Unity is cherished among all followers of Tenshin, fostering an environment of equality and inclusivity regardless of race, color, or ethnicity."
"The preservation of nature is sacrosanct, as decreed by Ryula, the goddess of Abeshiro and Nature. Those who violate this principle can expect harsh retribution."
"Interference with followers of the faith, in a state of meditation or a pilgrimage, is strictly forbidden. Such actions invite curses that may afflict not only the individual but also their descendants."
"Xalli and Haicinar unions are forbidden, as their offspring are considered abominations and subject to immediate termination."
==Practices==
===Rituals of Faith:===
As devout followers of the gods, believers may undergo trials of faith to prove their devotion. These tests, made by the divine, can encompass various challenges such as relinquishing one's sight, embarking on a pilgrimage to the Abyss, or enduring solitary meditation in the icy-cold mountains of Tengaki.
====Abyssal Exile:====
Individuals who betray the Gods and the Shogunate face exile to the treacherous depths of the third layer of the Abyss. Prior to their descent, a priest invokes a solemn chant beseeching the Abyss for spiritual renewal, guiding the fallen back onto the path of faith, the chant is:"The Abyss calls for many, for you it might not have, but through the abyss you are reborn anew, faith renewed and in spirit true, i pray that you find your way again, o’ lost child.”
====Sacrifice of the Lost:====
Unconverted souls, deemed unable or unwilling to embrace the divine, are offered as sacrifices to usher them towards eventual enlightenment. This act of mercy ensures their journey to a new life where they may one day embrace the religion.
====Ritual of Initiation:====
Reserved for those aspiring to deepen their connection with Dejelkhai, and grow closer to the Abyss, the clergy must gather and place the new flesh on a pedestal, together they must sing the chants“For the Abyssal God new flesh appears, may the 8 kami chain their soul to the depths of the abyss and send it’s soul through the forge of sin, through pain will they show their true nature. Be reborn through the abyss, Praise be the god of the Abyss” After the chants the new soul will go through unimaginable agony, throughout which their devotion will be valued by the 8 kami of the Abyss.
====Sacrifice of Material Wealth:====
In a ritual personalized by a chant of their making, participants try to invoke the presence of Dejelkhai by casting their blood from cutting their hand upon their possessions. Through this symbolic act, one of the eight spirits acts as an intermediary, bestowing blessings or rewards upon the devout.
====Ritual of Mental Fortitude:====
At the order of Ryula, followers are tasked with a meditation regimen in the icy solitude of mountain peaks. Enduring five months, five weeks, and five days of isolation, devotees spend countless hours in introspective meditation, fortifying their minds and spirits.
====Giving Back to Nature:====
Honoring the beauty of Ryula's creation, believers engage in acts of environmental stewardship within the wilds of Abexilas. Planting trees, flowers, and shrubs serves as a tangible expression of gratitude towards the natural world.
====Offerings to the gods:====
A simple yet customary gesture of gratitude involves presenting Wither roses and Alliums as offerings to both deities, symbolizing appreciation for their benevolence.
Category:Akashiro