Macakkanism

Macakkanism (Alawese: ᨆᨌᨀᨀᨘᨊᨁ Macakkung, Kawalian: ᮙᮎᮊ᮪ᮊᮥᮔ᮪ᮌ᮪᮪, Huranian 亮教 liàngjiāo) is a Isuan religion based upon the teachings of the prophetess Aru. It emerged in the realm of King Daeng Mariok during the Alawokambese Thalassocratic Period, and was subsequently spread via trade interactions and conquest across Isuan. The world's Xth largest religion, Macakkanism is practiced by over XXX million adherents who are known as Macoes. Several divergent sects have emerged as the religion spread, the most dominant being the Lankung (Old law) and Barukung (New law) schools.

The core of Macakkanism is based on the recognition of two fundamental forces which make up all of the universe, Macinnong (goodness, purity) and Ajakeng (evil, malevolence). Macakkanism posits that these two forces are in constant opposition within every atom of the world, and that it is this dialectic relationship which underpins existence. Practice is based on the worship of a singular deity, Patotoé, who is referred to as the origin of destiny and all order. His opposite, Majasédi, is therefore the incarnation of chaos. The religion holds that the two deities are uncreated, and have competed in the creation of all of existence in an attempt to overpower one another. Followers attempt to live a life based on the teachings of the religion, believing that good begets good and bad begets bad. Macakkanism also believes in reincarnation, which is governed by the same principles of reciprocity.

Doctrines

Two fundamentals

A simplified depiction of the two fundamentals.

At the heart of Macakkanism are the "two fundamentals", metaphysical elements which are present within every single part of existence. The two fundamentals are Macinnong, which represents order and purity, and Ajakeng which represents chaos and suffering. As these two forces are opposed to each other, they react and it is this force of opposition which drives being and existence. In the teachings of the Lankung school, the two fundamentals lack any sort of moral connotation and are purely abstract, a position which is rejected by the Barukung tradition which proclaims the moral superiority of Macinnong and importance of order.

Cosmology

Macakkanism holds that the two fundamental forces are uncreated and through their constant interaction are constantly creating new actions and beings, in effect positing a form of cyclic time whereby all physical matter is merely allegorical for this overall struggle. This cosmology therefore allows for the existence of many different realms, one of which being the mortal plane. Macakkanism believes that while local areas may be dominated by one of the two fundamentals, the cosmic balance is completely equal and every action has an opposite reaction.

Theology

A Huranian depiction of Patotoé flanked by his Viceregents.

Macakkanism is generally considered to be a dualist pantheistic faith in general, though some schools are considered to resemble monolatry in their singular focus upon Patotoé. For all schools, the concepts of deities are loosely defined, with more focused placed on the importance of the two fundamentals that they respect than in individual piety to a god.

The faith proposes the existence of two primary deitys, Patotoé and Majasédi, who are each said to embody one of the two fundamentals, but recognises the existence of other minor deities and folk deities, who are referred to as Viceregents. This has allowed Macakkanism to assimilate local religious beliefs, aiding in its proselytism efforts.

Individual deities often represent local traditions and natural phenomena. For example, Ballasa is a deity who represents the wind and who is represented differently across different cultures. Offerings are often made to these deities as opposed to the primary deities, as they are believed to have greater influence over people's lives.

Ethics

Macakkanism has a complex ethical standpoint, which differs between the different traditions of the school. The Lankung school, which is regarded as the more traditional of the two major schools and which places less moral importance on the two fundamentals, holds a position which valorises balance in all affairs between order and chaos. The ideal for personal conduct is a sort of "managed spontaneity", which involves adherence to a moral code while remaining flexible and unaffected. It condemns excessive asceticism as well as avarice, promoting a middle way focused on self reflection and awareness of the contradictions within one's self.

In opposition, the Barukang tradition's ethical position is far more rigid. Isuanologists such as Hans Vogel have proposed this as a result of interactions between the faith and more morally coded religions as Macakkanism spread outside of its Alawokambese hinterland. In these schools, Macinnong is equated with moral goodness, and the focus is not upon maintaining balance but cultivating Macinnong through good deeds.

Reincarnation

The Macakkanist belief in reincarnation is a product of its belief that the two fundamentals exist in permanent opposition. As this dialectic which produces life is not ended with death, life will inherently be continued within another body. This process is described by the Macakkanist adage that "good begets good, and bad begets bad". Through this, a being who had cultivated more Macinnong will be reborn into a state with the same makeup of Macinnong and vice versa. In the Barukung tradition, this is the eventual goal and adherents aim to be reborn within the realm of Téposioro, which is composed purely of light.

Practices

Rituals

Flowers used in offering ceremonies in Selajung.

Like most religious currents, Macakkanism maintains a set of traditional rituals which are observed by its followers. As Macakkanism does not have a concept of a personal god, concepts such as ritual prayer are not present in the religion and practice is instead focused upon persona reflection. This includes intermittent fasting, which is proscribed for fridays as a mandatory fast and encouraged on other days as well. The goal is to maintain a balance in one's desires. Some schools also advocate dietary rules onto their acolytes, again placing constraints upon their desire.

Offerings

The practice of making offerings is widespread in Macakkanism. It is rooted in the idea of reciprocity, as it is believed that if pure items are given away to the deities they will be rewarded with Macinnong. An offering can be made in the name of one's ancestors, which is believed to grant them good favour in their new lives. Sacrifice of animals is not permitted, as killing is associated with Ajakeng. Offerings are commonly made to the Viceregents, who are more akin to the personal gods of western faiths.

Macoramitai

A traditional painting depicting a Kambese monk practicing Macoramitai in the jungle.

The major personal practice within Macakkanism is Macoramitai, or clear-seeing. A form of meditation, Macoramitai is practiced by concentrating all of one's attention upon a single object and reflecting upon the internal contradictions which make it up. The goal is to perceive the harmony which can arise from the balance between the two fundamentals and through this be able to apply such critical thinking to one's own life. Though conventionally practiced through simple observation, all of the senses can be used in order to cultivate focus. For example, a practicioner may sound a gong or bell and focus on the ringing.

The process of Macoramitai has also been applied within the domain of the sciences, leading to the discovery of several scientific principles. This advancement was visible in the discipline of chemistry, where alchemical research led to the discovery of several important compounds such as gunpowder. Another area of science influenced by the macoramitai is Astronomy, which was seen as one of the clearest places to observe the relations between different celestial bodies as a macrocosm of the internal dialectic.

Acupuncture and massage

Acupuncture is practiced as a means of releasing Ajakeng from one's body. According to Macakkanism, both Macinnong and Ajakeng circulate through the body according to different focal routes. These routes can be tapped, using needles or one's fingers, and the energy removed from circulation. This is primarily done to remove Ajakeng, which is related to stress and worries. Traditional Isuanese massages are popular in much of the west, though their original religious connotation is generally ignored in favour of simplified accounts of "negative energy removal". The involvement of such massage parlours in the illegal sex industry has had a negative effect on Macakkanism's perception in some countries as it is therefore associated with prostitution.

Architecture

A traditional style of temple, in Selajung.

A Huranian temple in Yol.

There are several different types of religious buildings which are employed by Macakkanists in the practice of their faith. The smallest and most prevalent is the spirit house, small structures which house relics and are believed to be the abode of tutelary deities. These are widespread, and provide a place for offerings to be made to local spirits or gods. The focal building in a Macakkanist community is the temple, which is where community celebrations are held. Though styles differ across the Macakkanist world, there are certain aspects of design which are constant in most temples. These include a singular tower or dome, which represents a lighthouse. This maritime symbolism is a product of the naval focus of Alawokambese society, as Macakkanism was seen as the light which would guide people as the lighthouse guides ships. Within the temple there is typically a square sitting room, where devotees will come to listen to sermons, as well as a library. Many temples will also have a kitchen, where food can be prepared by the clergy to serve their congregation, a loud gong which is used to call the faithful when a sermon is to be delivered, and a garden in which Macakkanists can practice Macoramitai.

A Kaonamese seminary.

The largest Macakkanist religious buildings are the seminaries, where the clergy are trained. These are large buildings, often located outside of urban areas, which host varying numbers of students. Seminaries usually take the form of a large hall, with just one room, in which the students sleep, eat and follow some classes. Seminaries conventionally include large gardens, allowing instruction to take place outside as well as inside.

In the west, where Macakkanist communities can often not afford to construct temples in traditional styles, temples are often located in buildings originally built for other purposes such as community halls. This makes several traditional design elements such as the tower difficult to incorporate.