Religious Obligations

DISCLAIMER: I can’t read lol. I skipped a day and have just been going ahead of myself. So here’s me, for today, fixing that by going back to do Day 21. I don’t know why I can’t read, but I promise I try.

The religious obligations for your average worshipper in Yamato vary by status, wealth, class, and lineage. A member of the Imperial family, or the Emperor, have different obligations than a court noble, or the Chancellor, or even a commoner.

For the sake of conciseness, and to save you all a thesis, I will extol the general obligations required of all believers, regardless of status, and focus specifically on Kensho, the requirements are more concrete and defined.

For those who follow Kensho, there are a few daily obligations of a believer. Followers of Kensho are required to call the name several times a day–the number varies, but it is generally agreed that at least one hundred repetitions is required. Some monks believe that number should be much higher, while others agree that one should do the best they’re able, even if they must say all one hundred recitations over a period of time, in blocks.

The second requirement is meditation, if possible, though this obligation is often forgiven for those who may not find the time, the peace, or the quiet to do so. It is a strict requirement for monks however, who are not exempt by life or circumstance.

The final obligation is more general: it is the adherence of followers to the precepts of the religion. To do no harm to any creature. To act in a way that is deemed honourable and admirable. To show kindness to all. To be charitable to even the poorest of beggar. To remain calm, even in the face of tribulation. Imbibe no alcohol,, or substance which can alter the mind or make one act in a way unbecoming of a follower.

While the violation of the precepts is not an irreparable offence (calling the name, or taking on personal hardships such as fasting, seclusion, or pilgrimage, are often enough to absolve one of their sin; failing that, punishment will be meted out in the after life for such transgressions) it is believed that one must try as hard as humanly possible not to violate them. For the harder one tries, the better life one leads, the closer they will be to ascension and enlightenment at the end of each mortal life.