Pilgrimage to Enlightenment

The Pilgrimage to Enlightenment is an arduous path that monks take to learn to control their focus, choose their tradition to follow, and hopefully achieve enlightenment. The monks of Master Vhanu are divided into the following, with their training described:
 

Acolyte of Breath

Whispering Step - The Acolyte of Breath is the first rung on a monk's spiritual ladder. Upon admittance, they are told not to speak, only listen. These initiates will rarely, if ever, speak throughout their entire time at the monastery as they learn discipline and purposeful movement.
  To graduate, they must meditate for three days on an open cliff where wind whips against them. They must remain absolutely still and silent, only moving to drink at dedicated times. Upon the dawn of the fourth day, they are taken to a courtyard, where they watch a simple martial form and must replicate it to perfection. This final test may last minutes or hours.
 

Disciple of Form

Whispering Step - Not yet able to move to the Ember Veil in the south, Disciples of Form must first join their mind with their body. Here, they will learn purposeful movement, basic martial arts, and body control. Hours of balance training, repetition of forms, and meditation are conducted in complete silence. No sparing or contact happens here, only the most basic of forms, while disciples learn to move their bodies with the deliberateness they have instilled in their minds.
  The final trial for monks at the Whispering Step is a walk through the Garden of Echoes. Students must walk through a large swath of pressure-sensitive stones that sing out when misstepped on. Students must tread deliberately while also being careful not to displace curtains of stones, perfectly still pools nearby, and finally a gauntlet of iron chimes requiring precise bodily control. Disciples may attempt this 10's or 100's of times before being allowed to graduate to Speaker of Pulse.
 

Speaker of Pulse

Ember Veil - The first trial for a Speaker of Pulse is the journey to the southern monastery. Traveling through the mountains to the dormant volcano of Ember Veil is a difficult journey that some turn back from. Those who make it are welcomed in and begin learning the ways of focus and resilience. Finding and honing one's ki is a spiritual journey forged through purity and pain. Students may ask questions and seek guidance from masters at the monastery to unlock the secrets of ki. Training includes meditating on burning obsidian rocks over magma in the heart of the volcano, striking basalt pillars utilizing focus to strike faster while still controlled, and running over lava rocks with pots of boiling water.
  The final trial at Ember Veil is one of focus, precision, and speed. Candidates must make their way through a spiraled path where traps and other monks lie, utilizing focus to dodge or strike back quickly. At the center lies the Heartflame, where speakers must channel their ki and offer a symbolic sacrifice of self. If accepted, the flame will wrap itself around them and mark them with a Burn of Worth - a glowing tattoo that pulses faintly with ki. This symbol marks a graduate of the Ember Veil, allowing monks to continue their journey.
 

Sibling of Echo

The Hollow Echo - After another long journey to the western monastery of The Hollow Echo, monks are taken in and introduced to the masters of form. Here, monks will train under different masters, being introduced to different paths before choosing one. After training with all of the masters, monks will undergo The Hollowing. In this, they will fast and meditate, letting go of all ego, memory of self, and worldly thoughts. When they are hollowed completely, their ki will echo through them and resonate for the masters to hear. This echo matches one of the existing forms, and they are claimed by it. After more specific training, siblings may attempt the final trial.
  The final trial is different for each form. In the Shadow Path, monks must navigate the darkness and steal a feather from their master's robe. Monks of the Way of Four Elements must navigate fields of ice, fire, wind, and difficult earth - manipulating their ki to pass through quickly and unharmed. Warriors of The Open Hand must utilize their ki in combat against their master. The goal is not to defeat, but to manipulate and force them into a ring and knock them down. Common to every way, upon completion of the final trial, monks graduate and are deemed worthy to continue their journey.
 

Eye of the Flow

The Still Core - Upon graduation from The Hollow Echo, monks are instructed to travel to The Still Core. It is here they decide their next steps. Considered Eyes of the Flow at this point, monks are granted an audience with Master Vhanu and receive an answer from Him. This may be an answer to a question they put forth, but more commonly is one they need not ask. After this, monks choose whether to continue their training or be stationed somewhere around Shu'Yun Zhen as guards or teachers. If they choose to continue their training, they need not stay at The Still Core, but are able to venture out and forge their own paths. Those who return to the central monastery may challenge the Hollow Coil - the rings around The Still Core, containing challenges. They may also be called upon to join the ranks of the Still Masters.
 

Still Masters

The Still Core - Chosen by Master Vhanu himself, Still Masters are silent titans of Shyu'Yun Zhen. Still Masters begin by sitting in a limited conversation with Master Vhanu, receiving sacred wisdom and purpose. They serve as leaders of temples, generals, and authorities throughout the state. Their presence and guidance are sought and revered.