Hongan-Ji

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## Overview

Hongan-Ji is known for its natural ponds and thriving bamboo forests. It's a small humble village located deep within the mountains, in which preserves the beautiful environment enclosure that the village settles. The people of Hongan-Ji are majority peaceful monks that spend their life being one with nature. They are also vegetarians, with a main diet of carrots, potatoes, wheat, fruits, berries and fish from the nearby river. A favorable beverage among the people of Hongan-Ji is their signature Matcha Green tea, as it relieves stress from the mind, and warmth to the heart. Sake is also commonly used within Hongan-Ji, for religious ceremonies such as offering to the kami; spirits of nature, and cleansing of the soul.

Those who wish to walk the path of the Shizen'na Michi faith, and become a monk of the peaceful village of Hongan-Ji, please join the discord link, https://discord.gg/BvtN2MJPDA

## History

Hongan-Ji was founded on 5/13/2021 by the player **Okamidragon,** which settles at the base of the sacred mountain, mount Yama. There he resided for a couple of years until the players, **Ambex** and **Cardamon** stumbled upon the village. Intrigued by the way of the Shizen'na Michi faith, they studied under the teachings of Okamidragon, passing on his knowledge into the hands of the young, to carry on his faith. After successfully ripening two faithful monks, Okamidragon decided it was time for him to leave Hongan-Ji, to spread the Shizen'na Michi faith throughout the lands. Before he left, he appointed Cardamon to be head monk of Hongan-Ji, and to preserve his teachings.

Head monk Cardamon became an essential figure in the architectural design of Hongan-Ji. He designed and constructed a beautiful monastery atop of a hill overlooking the village, in honor of the original founder, Okamidragon. From there he resided in his own designed home, in the valley of Hongan-Ji. A couple years went by and head monk Cardamon decided it was time for him to move on and carry out on a personal enlightenment journey across the lands. He appointed Ambex to be head monk of Hongan-Ji before he left.

As the last resident left, head monk Ambex realized Hongan-Ji was on the fall to becoming abandoned, and forgotten. Therefore he decided Hongan-Ji needed a remodel, to bring interest in the land and in the faith of Shizen'na Michi. He worked hard; clearing pathways, constructing resident homes, cultivating soil for growing crops, and grooming the lushish vegetation. A few years went by and Hongan-Ji looked more beautiful and inviting then ever before. Proud of his accomplishments, head monk Ambex continues practicing the faith of Shizen'na Michi, while residing in his humble tea house, *The* *Jazmine Dragon*, serving his delicious Matcha Green tea to welcome travelers from afar.

## Culture

Before the establishment of Hongan-Ji, Okamidragon founded the Shizen'na Michi faith; to respect and live coexistent with nature, not to overrule it. The people of Hongan-J have a strong connection to nature, and they construct shrines to the spirits of nature. Atop of mount Yama, is the original shrine dedicated to the kami, Shinkogami; the spirit of faith, creation, and beauty.

## Real Life Inspirations

The building style and culture of Hongan-Ji was inspired by the Ainu people of Hokkaido Island in Japan.