Ujyālō

Ujyālō (उज्यालो) is an obscure mystery cult dedicated to the contemplation of Prakāśa (प्रकाश). Followers of Ujyālō are known as Prakāśakaharū (प्रकाशकहरू). According to the Prakāśakaharū, Prakāśa is the life-force or cycle which governs and animates the universe.

## Beliefs

Prakāśakaharū belief that there is a divine life-force, energy, or cycle, called Prakāśa, which governs and animates the universe. Prakāśa is not a god or spirit in the traditional sense, but rather an energy which permeates all things. Contemplation of Prakāśa is held to be a means by which to obtain an enlightened state of being, although the Prakāśakaharū differ in their beliefs as to the purpose of achieving this state, with some Prakāśakaharū believing that it may lead to reincarnation as a powerful or holy being, and others believing that it leads to the practitioner being absorbed into Prakāśa after death.

### Tenets

Ujyālō holds the following to be virtuous:

* Healing
* Aiding others
* Contemplation of Prakāśa
* Meditation
* Destruction of the undead
* Respectful killing of animals done only in order to survive

The following are considered to be an affront to Prakāśa:

* Reanimation of the dead, or the creation of undead creatures
* Destruction of knowledge
* Murder
* Torture
* Unnecessary killing of sentient beings

## Practice and Symbols of Ujyālō

Ujyālō includes rituals for birth and death. Birth is celebrated by a simple ceremony in which Prakāśakaharū give thanks to Prakāśa for the gift of new life. Death is marked by a simple funeral rite in which the deceased person or animal is buried in an unmarked grave and committed to Prakāśa.

Acolytes of Ujyālō are dedicated to Prakāśa with a simple ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, acolytes must give away all of their worldly possessions. Following dedication to Prakāśa, acolytes are held to be responsible for the healing of local people as well as the provision of birth and death rituals. Acolytes occasionally make pilgrimages into the wilderness to contemplate Prakāśa. Prior to leaving, they are expected to leave behind all possessions except for their clothes, some simple tools, and enough food for three days. This allows the acolyte to focus on the ways in which Prakāśa both provides and removes life-force.

Acolytes generally wear simple brown or grey robes and carry simple wooden, bone, or copper holy symbols. The holy symbol of Ujyālō is comprised of two triangles facing each other vertically like an hourglass, enclosed within a circle.

## Prayers and Sayings

Ujyālō has many sayings, some of which are used as prayers or as part of rituals. Some examples include:

* "Sūrya udā'um̐cha, sūrya astā'um̐cha (सूर्य उदाउँछ, सूर्य अस्ताउँछ)", translated as "Sun rises, sun sets". This saying refers to the everlasting cycle of Prakāśa, and is used as a way of noting the passage of time and as a way of acknowledging the impermanence of mortal life, This saying is often used as part of funeral rites.
* "Prakāśa kō icchā dvārā (प्रकाश को इच्छा द्वारा)", translated as "By the will of Prakāśa". This saying is an acknowledgement that Prakāśa governs all living things, and is sometimes used as the equivalent of "Amen" during prayer or meditation.
* "Cakra jārī cha (चक्र जारी छ)", translated as "The cycle continues". Similar to "sun rises, sun sets", this phrase refers to the everlasting cycle of Prakāśa, although this phrase is more likely to be used in the celebration of new life.