Essentism

Essentism is an ancient panentheistic faith, deeply rooted in the belief that the universe and all its natural elements are integral parts of a grand, divine symphony called the song of creation. Originating on Eldham, Essentism is characterized by its worship of a singular, all-encompassing deity known as Dae. Dae, often referred to as the Source, the One, All-Creator, All-Father, or All-Mother, embodies the essence of an uncreated, paramount divine presence, transcending race, culture, nations, space, and time.

The song of Creation
The central doctrine of Essentism is the Song of Creation. According to Essentist belief, Dae brought the universe into existence through a divine melody, infusing every aspect of nature with purpose. This world is thus a product of an "song" a manifestation of the All-Creator's will. Essentist scripture encapsulates this belief, proclaiming, "By the All-Creator's ancient melody, the world vibrates with ordered harmony." Every mountain, river, tree, and blade of grass is perceived as a note in this cosmic song, reflecting the song of creation.

Spiritual Communion
Essentists engage in a deeply spiritual communion with Dae, characterized by a direct connection between the soul and the divine, free from physical constraints. This communion is seen as a way to understand and harmonize with the divine melody, bringing one closer to the All-Creator.

Cycle of Life, purification and Renewal
Essentism embraces a belief in the perpetual cycle of life and death, where all things eventually return to Dae. This cycle represents purification and renewal, echoing the Essentist belief in the All-creators renewal of life. Within Essentism's grand cycle of existence, all elements eventually return to the One, undergoing a process of purification. This process can be more arduous for some, akin to the shedding of a heavy ego. This soul-cleansing, shaped by one's earthly deeds, ensures only the purest essence merges with the Divine.

Cael or Angels ( or other Gods )
Many beings revered as gods in Eldham's religions are, in Essentist understanding, celestial emissaries known as Cael or Angels. Sent by Dae, these beings are not to be worshipped as gods but are seen as the instruments, or guiding lights, echoing the song of creation and guiding souls towards Dae. The Essentist doctrine emphasizes the importance of recognizing these Angels as reflections of Dae's divine will, not independent deities.

Demons and False Melodies
"When we close our ears to the All-Creator's hymn, we drift into uncharted waters, allowing false melodies to take root... The world, out of tune with the All-Creator's design, spirals into decline."  - Song of Creation

Essentism warns against "false melodies" or beliefs that deviate from Dae's original Melody. These false beliefs, often personified as demons or Gae, represent discord and decline. Essentists believe that adherence to these false melodies leads the world out of tune with the All-Creator's design, spiraling into decay.

Universalism and Inclusivity
Essentism is a universal faith, transcending human-made divisions. It acknowledges that many cultures and religions, though under different names and narratives, may share core tenets with Essentism. Any faith that recognizes the sovereignty of the singular divine and its uncontaminated essence can be considered under the broad umbrella of Essentist Religions.

Rituals and Practices
Essentist rituals and practices encompass meditation, music, nature, and notably, martial arts, each reflecting the belief in the divine melody and the interconnectedness of all things. Martial arts, seen as a discipline for both physical and spiritual fortitude, are integral, symbolizing the harmony of strength and rhythm in the song of creation. These practices, collectively, aim to align the followers’ actions and thoughts with the fundamental order and melody of the universe, serving as a comprehensive spiritual and moral compass.

The true Song
Essentism calls for a reawakening to the "true song," a return to harmony with the All-Creator's intentions. Followers find purpose and salvation in this attunement, as the song of the All-Creator is not just an act of creation but a continuous, resonant call to unity, understanding, and the fundamental order of existence. The essence of the religion extends into guiding the daily lives of its adherents, ensuring that every Essentist walks the path of righteousness, aligning with the cosmic melody initiated by the All-Creator, Dae.

The 9 commandments of Dae:

 * 1) Worship Dae Alone: Worship only the All-Creator, Dae, transcending time, space, and all matter. Dae stands sovereign, independent, uncreated, with all of existence harmonizing to its melody alone.
 * 2) No Idols: Seek direct communion with Dae, whether alone or in unison, without the mediation of men, priests, or any physical idols or forms.
 * 3) Repel Evil: Repel evil, deceit, greed and arrogance, but hate the sin alone. Do not hate the sinner, for we are all born of Dae, and sin is merely the absence of love, truth, and Dae's light.
 * 4) Divine Love: Love all that is good with all your strength, heart, mind, and spirit, for from Dae they emerge, to Dae they return. Kindle the flame of love as fervently as possible.
 * 5) Gather All Knowledge: Seek and guard all knowledge. Gather all books, scrolls, and secrets between heavens and hell, from all sources, even from other religions, for truth has many faces.
 * 6) Nature's Guardians: Champion the preservation of nature and wildlife with great dedication. Even during times of war, refrain from harming livestock, wildlife, or trees. If any tree is felled, it is paramount to replant and restore the balance of nature.
 * 7) Strategic Defense: Defend the values, holy lands, and interests of the Essentists with unyielding ferocity. Engage in war only when it's a strategic necessity, ensuring our actions never bring more harm upon Essentists.
 * 8) Essentist Unity: Trust, embrace, protect, and be loyal to your fellow Essentists, united in Dae's divine embrace, transcending earthly divisions and united in purpose with the All-Creator. Treachery will not be accepted.
 * 9) Sacred Journey: Every year (TE), undertake sacred pilgrimages to at least one pilgrimage site, alone or in unified stride. Along the way, share our teachings with those you meet, making each journey a beacon of enlightenment.

Holy/Pilgrimage sites
Pilgrimage holds a significant place as an external expression of the internal journey towards unity with the All-creator, Dae.

1. The maiden temple (Goonsville)
Amidst the ruins of Goonsville, the Maiden Temple's location, its spiritual allure continues to draw pilgrims. The temple is found within the remnants of the Colosseum of ErrorL in South Redoriv, midwest of Eldham. This site, despite its dilapidated state, continues to echo the divine essence, offering a sanctuary for those seeking Dae's guidance and blessings. The physical journey to the temple mirrors the spiritual path that each believer walks, leading them to deeper communion with the All-Creator and reinforcing the unity and timelessness of the Essentist faith. The pilgrimage to The Maiden Temple holds unmatched spiritual significance. Despite the temple's physical state, its spiritual vibrancy remains untouched, making it an essential destination for believers seeking closeness with Dae.

2. The Temple of Gathering (Solycia)
The Temple of Gathering, a small yet significant structure on Temple Island in Solycia, was built to reunite the lost Balistarian tribe of Solycia and followers of Essentism. It served as a symbol of unity and a catalyst for spreading the Essentist faith in Eldham. This modest temple marked the beginning of a spiritual reawakening, bringing together disparate groups under a shared belief. It played a crucial role in reviving Essentist practices and traditions in the region, solidifying its place as a pivotal site in the faith's resurgence. Its establishment by Jacob Otto Liberatus was instrumental in reigniting the spiritual heritage of the Solycian people.

2. Dreyrigard (Rodinnbrok)
Despite its submersion, the pilgrimage to the underwater ruins is viewed as a journey of reflection on the transience of worldly pleasures and the enduring power of spiritual connection. The sunken city of Rodinnbrok, located in mid-east Eldham south of Aesica, is a significant pilgrimage site for Essentists, accessible only by a solemn boat journey. Pilgrims set sail with reverence, traversing the waters that silently cradle the submerged remnants of a once-thriving civilization. Upon arrival at the coordinates above the aquatic grave of Rodinnbrok, the journey transcends the confines of the boat. As they explore, they find solace in the sporadic pockets within the city where it's possible to catch a breath. These pockets of breath, amidst the overwhelming silence of the underwater world, offer moments of reflection and connection with Dae.

https://youtu.be/vgK-o7FnsmI

The Corruptions
The corruptions or "Da Selthoron" (in Angaelic) marks a pivotal moment that led to the perversion of many sacred religions. The Codex Infernach narrates the corruptions of Grizagel, infamously known as Jormund. By surreptitiously eavesdropping on a celestial dialogue between an angel Yahoel conveying some Verilirion verses to Atlas, a War Angel, Grizagael acquired intimate knowledge not just of the Angaelic language but also of classified martial strategies detailed within the Verelirion.

Seizing these verses, Grizagael manipulated them for personal gain, leading empires to ephemeral glory, only to orchestrate their eventual ruin. This distortion of the sacred spawned a myriad of misguided doctrines, giving rise to religions such as the Church of the Three Pleasures