Shungyism

Shungyism is a religion centered on the pursuit of the True and Eternal Body through spiritual attainment. Shungyism is deeply rooted in monastic traditions, with its practitioners renouncing worldly possessions and indulgences in favor of contemplation, meditation, and ritual practices.

At the core of Shungyist belief is the idea that the material world is illusory and transient, and that true spiritual attainment can only be achieved by attaining a spiritual state of being. To this end, Shungyists value detachment from material possessions, the peaceful avoidance of conflict, and disciplined spiritual practice.

Shungyist monastic practitioners, live in secluded communities and devote their lives to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. They spend their days in semi-dream states, performing elaborate rituals that are believed to bring them closer to the Eternal Realm. Shungyist lay adherents, on the other hand, do not renounce worldly possessions but instead focus on praying to the Shungyist saints, known as the Eternals.

Dreams are regarded as a powerful tool for spiritual enlightenment in Shungyism. Shungyists believe that dreams offer a glimpse into the Eternal Realm and provide a means for communication with the divine. Dream interpretation and manipulation are therefore important practices for both monastic practitioners and lay adherents alike.

Shungyism places a strong emphasis on personal discipline and self-control. Hedonistic behavior and indulgence are seen as contaminating the spirit and hindering progress towards enlightenment. Shungyists strive to lead a simple and humble life, valuing inner peace and serenity above material gain.

Shungyism is a deeply spiritual and contemplative religion that emphasizes the pursuit of inner enlightenment and the attainment of the True and Eternal Body. Its followers believe that by renouncing worldly possessions and indulgences, practicing disciplined spiritual practices, and interpreting dreams, they can achieve a higher state of being and ultimately transcend the material world.

Monastic Dreamwork
One of the most distinctive and unique practices of Shungyism is the use of dreams as a tool for spiritual attainment. Higher practitioners of the religion, known as the Awakened Dreamers, undergo rigorous training to enter into their own dreams in a lucid manner. With practice and discipline, they also learn to enter into a semi-dream state while awake, which is akin to a trance state.

The term "Awakened Dreamer" is derived from the Ulete language, known as Jåḍede̊̃ Miṛiho, which is the language of the indigenous people of the region where Shungyism originated. The term refers to the idea that through dreamwork, one can awaken to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

The goal of dreamwork in Shungyism is to struggle with one's sixteen souls, which are believed to be the various aspects of a person's being, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual. Each soul has its own distinct personality and is associated with a particular element or aspect of nature. By bringing together all sixteen souls, the Awakened Dreamer aims to create the True and Eternal Body, a state of being that transcends the limitations of the physical world.

To achieve this goal, Awakened Dreamers engage in a variety of practices within their dreams, including meditation, visualization, and ritualistic practices. They may also encounter and interact with various spiritual beings, including the Eternals, who guide them on their spiritual journey.

In addition to dreamwork, Shungyists also place great importance on physical practices that aid in spiritual attainment. These include various forms of trance, fasting, use of psychedelics, and running until passing out. By disciplining the body and mind, Shungyists seek to cultivate the inner strength and focus necessary to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Despite its emphasis on personal discipline and detachment, Shungyism also places great value on community and social harmony. Monastic practitioners often serve as spiritual leaders within their communities, offering guidance and support to lay adherents. The religion also places great emphasis on charity and helping those in need. Advanced practitioners attain a state in which the dream world and the physical world become aligned and they can see other people's dream-selves. This allows them to aid in others' spiritual growth as well as to diagnose conditions related to soul loss or possession.

Overall, Shungyism is a rich and complex religion that offers its followers a path towards spiritual enlightenment through the cultivation of inner strength and discipline. Its unique practices, including dreamwork and physical training, make it a distinctive and fascinating religion within the fictional world of Qendara.