Lunukism

Lunukism is a Naguan religion based on a series of teachings attributed to Savasu Srivota in the early 6th century BCE. It originated in Cananganam and was based on traditions of the Asuranesian peoples of southern Nagu in the 7th century BCE, before spreading throughout the entire Naguan continent, and reaching as far as Jute and Soltenna by the 11th century CE. Lunukism encompasses many teachings by Arndzuksra on matters of tradition, belief, and spiritual practices; as well as their resulting interpreted philosophies.

As expressed in the Three Canons, the goal of Lunukism is to overcome spiritual suffering, caused by Nakit (taboo) and the Turesa (spiritual cycle). This suffering is believed to come through lack of self-acceptance, emotional negative, abandonment of one's community, and the act of ill-will towards others regardless of community. The Lunukist schools vary on their paths to spiritual enlightenment, though most schools of thoughts pursue the path of individual perfectionism.

Lunukism has a widespread following in Nagu and regions affected by the historical Cananganamese Empire, with historically the religion being closely associated with the empire's expansion, later being propagated through its many successor states. Many of these states would in turn develop their own schools of thought and practice, with no singular head of the religion being universally recognized.

Origin

Lunukism's early days are not well recorded due to the poor literacy in the region of South Nagu where the first organization of the beliefs took hold. Empirically, there are no written records until the 6th century before the common era to cross analyze. Despite this, a significant oral history was involved with the early days of the religion. The universally accepted view in Lunukism is that the first "true Human" was an individual named Angicha, who impregnated the fire spirit, Hosa, giving humans the ability to bear children. Some variations of the story cite a sister being named Kritee, who plays a midwie role and bears child with the water spirit giving their descendants wisdom.

The story goes on to say that Sinkutuntumy, given a vision in his sleep by the Sun God Dustra, must take charge of his tribe and save his people. The elders of the village laughed at the young man, where he fled the village. He would later meet the crab spirit, Jhasa, who would corroborate his story and teach him that accomplishments bring rewards, even if not initially seen. Using this knowledge, he embarked on a quest to prove himself to his tribe and the people of Cananganam. Many years later, he would bring wisdom and strength to his tribe, and found the Cananganamese Empire.

Upon his deathbed, he was said to be speaking in visions which the sabasa had determined to confirm he would reincarnate and that his new vessel would be acquired to lead the empire again. Following this reincarnation ceremony, a series of religious reforms were made and the method of refinding the imperial spirit, creating the modern Lunukist system. The majority of these tenets find their basis under the Council of Nirtsarna and his faction of priests. These reforms are the main matter of contention between the various sects of Lunukists who debate on the physicality of the human spirit and its role within the world.