Anomai

Anomai, also Aga Ma'i or Maism, is a religion founded and first spread in Jashnagar. Maism is considered both a spiritual and philosophical practice by its followers, and is concerned with the uplifting and transcendence of the individual and soul. Anomai states that the universe was created by a single god, whose presence maintains the universe and its function. This god and the universe are subject to the concept of Dam, an underlying and immutable force that permeates the core of all existence.

Maism postulates that life and the universe itself is impermanent, but not capable of a true end. In Maist doctrine, every action lingers in some form eternally, connected to Dam. Maists view the universe as cyclical, with death and endings only illusion. This view is justified by the principle that existence begets existence, and that once started cannot be stopped. As a result, Maists reject ideas of heaven or a hell, and view the afterlife as existence beyond current existence. Maist cosmology accepts the idea of additional universes, each with their own creator god, all connected through Dam.

Maist practitioners are concerned with the lingering of action and the direct effect of choices on the self and on others. Exemplifying higher virtue established by doctrine will not only be beneficial to the self and others, but is what separates one's soul and existence from mindless creation. Anomai followers believe that humans are special by virtue of sentient choice, and must better exercise that in accordance with the faith to align themselves with god. An individual will pay for their negative actions eternally because the ripples from which are never destroyed, nor is the individual. Likewise, they will also reap the rewards of positive action eternally as well. As the individual receives the results from their conduct, so too will others benefit or suffer from the actions of fellow man.

Maism has no singular established scriptural text, but is instead spread out among a series of poems and epics that define doctrine. It follows heavily from monastic tradition, with teaching stemming down from monastic lineages. Anomai is divided among various monastic schools of thought, some of which hold traditions contrary to the primary teachings of the faith. It is notable for having a religious state in Jashnagar.

History

The Anomai faith likely started as a temple sect in the lower Jash kingdoms sometime between 300 BCE and 140 BCE, originating from early Damic religious groups. While scholars believe the early ideals forming the basis of the faith were probably shared amongst multiple temples, Maist tradition states that the faith was organized and officiated at Kauloon Temple, by the legendary abbot Gana Rashin.

By around 100 BCE, Maist temples had cropped up in many coastal cities and gained a considerable lay following. Monks spread the faith southward to the Pa'ea peoples. There it gained easy traction among the chiefdoms. By 200 CE temples could be found on all of Jashnagar's primary islands and by 600 CE it had become the dominant faith in the Jashnagari archipelago.

During the late 12th century, an archipelago-wide religious conflict broke out between Maists and followers of other indigenous religions, termed the War of the Flames. The Maist victory in the war firmly sealed Anomai as the primary faith in the region. Previously the abbot of Kauloon temple had acted as the de-facto leader of the Maist faith, with

Bankara Temple, a ruined Anomai temple from 25 BCE

After the unification of Jashnagar under King Ilo'gnara, the A'sina priestess of Yuram was declared the physical link to God, and Anomai doctrine was officially codified by the state. This move formerly tied the religious and secular aspects of the Jashnagari government together, and established it as an authority for Anomai faithful worldwide.

Adherents of the faith continue to use missionary work as the primary form of conversion and as a result Anomai is a growing religion. Meanwhile, the Jashnagari military still hosts a "crusader" title for their armed forces, typically engaged in humanitarian aid where possible.

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