Overview
Okanism is a monotheistic and egalitarian religion that originated in the southern parts of Turam during the late Shou occupation. It teaches that Okan, the One Light, is the single divine truth that pervades all of creation, appearing in every person, place, and breath. The faith evolved in direct opposition to Mazdayasna's harsh caste system and the Kushic Pantheon, as well as the distant, legalist gods of the Shou conquerors. Guru Sharad Goyal, the originator, arose in 422 AC as both a philosopher and a prophet. His teachings condemned inherent hierarchies and preached the unity of all living things. He encouraged his followers to lead lives of dignity, moral clarity, service, and opposition to oppression. His death six years later heralded the start of a line of Prime Gurus selected not by blood, but by merit and divine insight, beginning with Ayush Muzumdar.
Okanism is organized around:
- The Living Gurus, a line of divinely inspired spiritual leaders.
- The Sangha, or spiritual community, which gathers regularly for discourse and service.
- The Sannidha-Sala, local centers of worship and refuge, often doubling as schools, kitchens, and places of mediation.
- The Kitab-e-Okan, a growing body of teachings, hymns, and commentary—believed to be recorded directly from or inspired by the Gurus themselves.
Okanism is both a spiritual tradition and a social movement, particularly among farmers, artisans, and low-caste peoples. Though suppressed in its early days, it now wields growing power throughout southern Turam and beyond. Its emphasis on equality before the divine and resistance to tyranny has resulted in both reverence and persecution, particularly from established Mazdayasni priesthoods and some warlords who regard the faith as a political danger.
The Tenets of Okanism
1.
Ik Okan (There is Only One Light)
All things emanate from Okan, the indivisible source of creation and truth. Okan dwells within all beings—not above or apart—and is not bound by form, name, or temple. To recognize Okan is to recognize the sacred in all.
“
The drop is not apart from the sea, and the flame not apart from the sun.”
2. Sarv Ekta (Unity of All Beings)
Mortalkind are one family. Caste, race, birth, and wealth are illusions that divide. Each person, regardless of rank or origin, carries the same light and deserves the same dignity.
“
The farmer and the poet, the warrior and the servant—all drink from the same sky.”
3. Seva (Selfless Service)
To serve others is to serve Okan. Acts of charity, protection, teaching, and labor done without ego are sacred. The faithful are expected to feed the hungry, care for the weak, and uplift the oppressed.
“
Feed those who curse you, clothe those who fear you—this is the path of light.”
4. Simran (Remembrance)
Daily remembrance of Okan through spoken word, meditation, and righteous action is vital. Devotion is not mere ritual—it is lived through discipline, mercy, and courage.
“
Carry the name of the One not only on your lips, but in the silence between your deeds.”
5. Satya (Truthfulness)
Truth is the highest law. The follower of Okan must speak with clarity, live with honesty, and oppose falsehood, even when it is dangerous. A corrupt tongue is a dimmed lantern.
“
The sword may wound the flesh—but the lie wounds the soul.”
6. Daya (Compassion)
True strength is tempered by kindness. Mercy, forgiveness, and gentleness are not weaknesses but virtues of the enlightened. Even enemies deserve grace.
“
Strike down cruelty, not the cruel.”
7. Nirbhau, Nirvair (Without Fear, Without Hate)
Followers of Okan are to live without fear of death or tyrant, and without hatred toward those who oppose them. The Light cannot be extinguished by fire or blade.
“
A soul lit by Okan cannot be cast into shadow.”
8. Sahaj (Balance and Simplicity)
Reject excess, pride, and indulgence. Live in balance with the world and with oneself. Work honestly, eat moderately, and walk the path with humility.
“
The mountain does not shout, yet its presence moves rivers.”
Okanist Structure
Okanist temples are known as
Sannidha-Sala ("
Halls of Presence")—humble yet dignified locations where the presence of Okan, the everlasting and indivisible divine, is celebrated through meditation, song, communal assembly, and acts of service. Temples lack idols or depictions of the divine, instead featuring open halls, modest platforms for discourse, and a central basin or pool of calm water—a symbolic reminder that the truth of Okan is found in introspection, clarity, and oneness. Sannidha-Salas serve multiple purposes, including worship, education, refuge, and redistribution. Everyone is welcome, regardless of caste, clan, or origin, and everyone is expected to help care for and work in the place.
Okanism preaches that everyone is equal before Okan, yet some choose the path of guidance. Leadership is acquired through insight, humility, and lifetime service, not birth or fortune.
1. The Paramarthika (Prime Guru)
- Supreme teacher and spiritual guide of the Okanist tradition.
- Considered the living voice of The Truth, though not divine or infallible.
- Lives without permanent residence, traveling through cities and villages, teaching and resolving disputes between schools or leaders.
- Successors are chosen based on merit and recognition by consensus among senior teachers and regional councils.
- Seen as the harmonizer of the tradition, especially during times of political or spiritual crisis.
2. The Sārdhika (Regional Guides)
- Appointed to guide large districts or regions—typically a valley, city cluster, or province.
- Oversee the training of teachers, ensure fairness in temple governance, and serve as mediators between city councils and the faithful.
- Elected by councils of local elders and Bhaktas, or appointed by the Paramarthika.
- Represent both orthodox continuity and regional flexibility, adapting the faith’s guidance to local customs while upholding the central teachings.
3. The Bhakta-Janaka (Community Teachers)
- Serve as the heads of individual Halls of Presence.
- Lead public recitations, organize local service efforts, offer guidance to families, and settle ethical disputes through consensus.
- Often teach reading, history, and moral lessons to children.
- Are required to periodically step away from leadership to return to common labor or pilgrimage, a practice known as Pratyāvṛtti (“Return to the Dust”).
4. The Seva-Bhaktas (Vowed Servants)
- Lay followers who take formal vows of service, learning, and compassion.
- Serve as caretakers, scribes, cooks, midwives, peacekeepers, and laborers within temple communities.
- Frequently accompany traveling Bhaktas or aid remote villages without temples.
- Some later become teachers or enter into meditative retreat.
5. The Common Sangha (Fellowship)
- All adherents of Okanism are part of the Sangha, the fellowship of equals.
- All may speak in temple gatherings, all are expected to engage in mutual aid, and all are taught that the divine light resides within every person.
- No caste, wealth, or family line holds spiritual advantage within the Sangha.
- Daily life is considered an act of sacred labor—whether farming, smithing, healing, or governing.
Divine Domains
Community (including Education), Good, Healing, Liberation (including Freedom and Self-Realization), Sun (only Light)
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Holy Weapon - Kirpan
Holy Animal - None
Holy Colors - Orange and Blue
Holy Mineral - None
Holy Symbol - See logo
