Satyism

Satyism is the observation of Satya (Bhumi: सत्य) or "truth"

Beliefs

Satyism confirms the existence of demons, as well as numerous deities, it describes alternate realms of spirits and myths, enforces an idea of reincarnation and karmatic powers, tells of life energies running through the world, respects ancestors, and lists myths involving interactions with and between ancients and the supernatural world. Modern Satyists still hold strong belief in many aspects of traditional mythology, and ancestral shrines are common. Temples often include smaller shrines at which one may pay respect to a host of spirits and saints. Although holy texts exist, collectively known as the "Satya", or the truth, ascetics have a tendency to take it upon themselves to memorize passages and phrases that they may be spoken orally. In this sense, Satyism holds a great tradition of epic poetry.

Practices

Rituals are quite prevalent, with varying degrees of intensity. In the past, animal and even human sacrifices were made to various deities, including demons. Some monks have been known to use mind-altering substances. Generally, rituals involve contemplation and humbling oneself before idols or ancestral shrines. Many festivals exist throughout the year, such as one for each passing season, equinox, and solstices. Eclipses have also been known to spawn festivals. These festivals typically involve feasting, games, praise to deities and ancestors, colorful decoration, and general hedonism.

Organization

The basic object of structure in Satyism is the self. Above the self are local priesthoods, and above them are monks, above them are the grandmasters of each respective monastery. Up to this level there is little formalized and standardized, except that the clergy is intended to live a simple life as guardians of the temple and the people. Beyond the monasteries, a great leap is made to what are sometimes called Martyrs and Saints, though more properly these are equivalent to the Sotirian cardinals. These are people who have made extraordinary sacrifices for the sake of spreading the Satya, and their word is highly respected even though they may not be part of the clergy.

Priesthood at a local level primarily consists of local men and women who seek to do good. Priests proper do exist, and in small villages these are often the most educated men, but those who clean, defend, and keep the temples are also considered clergy. Furthermore, local ascetics and those with "pious souls" are given due credit without necessarily being part of the clergy.

Qualifications for proper priesthood generally involve a high level of education, and what is called "generous spirit", in that a priest is expected to aid, guide, and support without direct intervention. Priests-in-training are apprentices who work in the temples and, apart from daily work, are educated in their time to become new priests. Monks must take a vow of humility, that they have minimal possessions and have communal property within monasteries. The monks are expected to share food, space, and much of their lives with one another. To be a saint or a martyr, one must surrender a great deal of their physical good: a martyr in this sense may yet be living should they lose an arm or an eye doing the good of the Satya. Pious souls come from previous martyrs and monks, in combination with personal good deeds, and confers a high status. The aspect of a "pious soul" is not always reincarnated and can either be created individually or lost after death.

Demographics

Population of Satyists by Nation

Nation	Total population	Satyist population	Percentage of population
Ajahadya	166,112,000	38,704,096	23.3%
Garambura	8,401,266	873,732	10.4%
Kumuso	1,403,956	678,111	48.3%
Lainan	87 432 921	24 131 486	27.6%
Tinza	112,261,345	72,520,829	64.6%
Xiaodong	553,746,000	198,794,814	35.9%
Total		365,919,111