Anthologica Universe Atlas / Universes / Rireinuverse / Rireinu: the flowering worlds / Religion and Mythology
Religion
The underlying principle of Rireinu society is ñi, which has been variously translated as propriety, social order, hierarchy, or religion. Ñi does certainly include all of these aspects; it can also be seen as an all-encompassing view of the world, where everyone (and everything) has her own place, with duties to those above her and responsibilities to those below her; where civic virtue is also spiritual merit and an act of kindness to a stranger is also an act of religious worship.
The Rireinukave have a polytheistic pantheon, presided over by the creator goddess Yuri the All-Mother (Yuri Koñeemo). Many imposing temples dedicated to her and to the numerous subordinate goddesses and spirits receive great numbers of visitors each year, especially during major festivals.
The dominant religious philosophy, however, is the Pure Land philosophy formulated by Kuñu herenari (Teacher Kuñu). It concentrates on the here and now rather than gods and the afterlife. Its basic principles are modesty, simplicity, and respect for your elders. The goal of Pure Land is harmonious society. To achieve this, adherents are expected to practise the Three Purities: Pure Body, Pure Thoughts, Pure Action.
What is Pure Land?
Wash your body regularly, do not let your hair grow overlong, do not encumber your body with gaudy adornments, keep your body fit and healthy. That is pure body.
Remember the sacrifices your mothers have made for you and honour them, respect all your elders, be humble, be honest, do not lust after any but your wife, think harmonious thoughts. That is pure thought.
Obey your mothers and the authorities, treat others as you wish to be treated, do not sleep with any but your wife, do not seek to draw attention to yourself. That is pure action.
When the three purities are practised throughout the land, society is harmonious, peace and prosperity are assured, and all will thrive whatever their station. That is pure land.
If you practise pure body, that will remind you to practise pure thought. If you practise pure thought, that will remind you to practise pure action. If you practise pure action, that will remind others to practise the three purities. That is pure land.
A Rireinu Creation Myth
The story of how the world and everything in it came to be is rather long and repetitive, but for the sake of completeness we have included it in the extra credit section.
For the convenience of modern readers, we present first a more readable condensed version that we rather recommend. It is surprising how boring a tale full of sex and violence can be. Just follow the links below.
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