Dhatma
 Aum of Dhatma | |
| Scriptures | |
|---|---|
| Dhatma Sutra | |
| Languages | |
| Prakit, Sanskrit, Jansakti, Srikhi, Vatram, Khilam |
Dhatma, meaning One Soul, is a non-theistic religion from the Jinhong Khem with ancient origins stretching as far as 250 BCE. It is centered around the writings of anonymous Dhatmani monks, known as the Bhikshu, over the course of six centuries. This large mix of poetry, ballads, teachings, fables and stories, would be collectivized into a coherent scripture commonly known as the Dhatma Sutra.
In the Dhatma Sutra, the main principles outlined are non-attachment, asceticism and truth, emphasizing spiritual development and strict moral conduct in order to attain a truthful living. In the view of traditional Dhatma belief, the cyclical continuation of death and rebirth is driven by being ignorant of truth and soul, locked in a state of being reborn in different forms. All living things are considered one in all the same, all things are Dhatma inheriting different forms. This one soul, a lifeforce which animates the world, is reflected in the way people live. The ultimate goal is universal enlightenment in order to ascend as one higher being and break the cycle of physical suffering.
The ancient Dhatman monks are untraceable, but the Sutra scriptures have been continuously updated by Dhatma scholars for generations. It is now law within the religion that whoever adds to the Dhatma Sutra must remain nameless and that the scripture is eternally authorless. Adding to the Dhatma Sutra is decided by the Acharyabrahmin and Guardian Saddhu Council; a spiritual order of ascetics at the head of appointing the Acharya and protecting the Dhatma Sutra text.
For a long time Dhatma was henotheistic with loose structure, still small in comparison to the ancient Hindu beliefs at the time. The Dhatmani remained a small group of ascetics until the fall of the Kaew-Thae Empire. They developed a holy warrior society, known as the Dhatmaksha, that slowly took over the southern lands. These ascetic warriors were originally mercenaries, converted to the cause of the Dhatmist. The nation Pavirata was a theocracy originally created by the Dhatmaksha as a result. In these times, formation was pursued and nontheistic language was revived, rejecting the numerous accumulated gods worshipped by the common people.
Creation Story
The Dhatma Sutra begins with the creation of the universe, saying that it has always been, with timeless length. The void of the universe was essentially filled by the wandering thought and imagination of the one soul in eternal meditation. Dhatma would, at some time, evolve itself into existence, imagining itself as alive and creating the current form of all things.The process of Dhatma and the universe is dependent on the choices of living beings, as Dhatma reflects and personifies all things.
This process began with the first dream of light, creating the sun and stars. Dhatma soon dreamt of life, occupying it to live in the universe.
Life & Reincarnation
In the Dhatma Sutra, the universe is mostly described as ceaseless and self-sufficient. Dhatma is shaped by the karma one has in their life, which reflects the world and other people. Dhatmist wish to leave the cycle of reincarnation, but only believe it is possible collectively, as we are one soul. This is because adherents believe that us, Dhatma, are locked in this perpetual cycle of dreaming suffering. Waking humanity from this cycle through universal enlightenment will bring about the Arohana, the Ascent.
So each individual action impacts the overall physical and spiritual well-being of the world. Some schools may differ however, the Dhamaksha for example are strict in their interpretations of collective enlightenment. Maintaining that humanity is in a cycle of 'lower samsara' - this has historically driven conversion efforts and holy wars. However, the Jivanist for example, believe there are higher levels of reincarnation, ‘higher lives’, and that universal enlightenment is a slow, natural process rather than a revolutionary one.
Non-Attachment
Dhatma teaches that non-attachment is key to achieve universal enlightenment, as attachment to worldly illusions causes suffering. This keeps one locked in a lower state of reincarnation, creating karma which erodes the vitality of our one soul. Attachment to worldly delusions is believed to misguide one into a false sense of self. Many guru will teach that attachment therefore pulls people apart, most importantly pulling them from reality and sowing division. Above all, non-attachment is used as a mechanism to teach universal equality.
Sarasata
Sarasata is the path a Dhatmanist must follow to achieve Arohana. As karma determines Dhatma and is believed to reflect the world and people. When a new connection to soul is created, an individual being born, it molds their personality in combination with their own experiences and actions. Souls can be changed with right action and right thought - conditioned through practicing the Sarasata regimen.
1. Meditate in the morning before beginning the day, then in the evening at the end of the day. This time being for reflection on a mantra from the Dhatma Sutra, or a personal mantra.
2. Speak the truth always, never lie, never seek to deceive others.
3. Do not take what is not given to you, do not steal. Additionally, do not become gluttonous.
4. Share food, shelter, compassion and wealth amongst each other within the community. Serve the community in selfless giving.
5. Make an honest living in dedication to the world with hard worth ethic, abstain from professions like prostitute or activities like gambling. Some sects, like the Dhamaksha that dominate Pavirata, outright ban prostitution and gambling.