Mauism: Difference between revisions
Added History
(Added links) |
(Added History) |
||
Line 1:
[[File:Maui.jpeg|thumb|A dramatic depiction of Maui, the titular deity of the Mauist religion. ]]
Mauism is the majority religion in [[the Oan Isles]], [[Asian Pacific Islands]] and the [[Kohatu Isles]]. It is practiced by small communities of Oan expatriates and descendants living in [[Great Morstaybishlia|Morstaybishlian]] and other [[Aurora|Auroran]] countries.
Mauism originates around 1000 years ago, when Ahua the Great united the Polynesian Peoples and became the [[Emperor of Polynesia]]. It is regarded as a branch of
== History ==
The Oan Isles and surrounding island nations largely practiced the worship of the ancestors, several gods and nature spirits. Their beliefs were varied and diverse depending on their needs and circumstances. From 700 to 900 CE, missionaries of Thaerism from Aurora landed on the Polynesian Islands and spread their religious beliefs. Many people converted to Thaerism but they disagreed on some of its tenets and continued to practice syncretism with their native religions. Several scholars held their own interpretations. The Purist school believed in sticking to Thaerism and disavowing other Deities and religions. The Moderate school called for a combination of Thaerism and folk beliefs. The Traditionalists believed that folk beliefs held precedence over imported ideals.
Around 1000 CE, the islands of the West and South Pacific faced many challenges such as natural disasters, population pressures and political disagreements which exacerbated religious differences. Ahua the Great was the leader of an influential tribe and his tribe was notoriously well-trained and had great ships. According to legend, Ahua the Great saw a vision of Maui in the form of a Spix Macaw which gave him the power to unite the Polynesian people, gave his bloodline the right to rule forever and taught him about the universe.
Ahua the Great used this to claim the divine right to rule. He brought together the teachings of folk religions and the Thaerist purists in a way that appealed to moderates and undecided people. People rallied around him and established a cult of personality. Many joined his forces and ascribed to his teachings. He eventually defeated most South West Pacific tribes and united them as the Oan Isles (named for Heaven, the divine realm of the Almighty Atea). The word for the Creator deity, Atea, is derived from the proto-Yasteruon word Thaer or Daer which was used in Aurora as the name for the Creator deity.
Prominent scholars arose who built on the beliefs that Ahua established. Ahua was venerated for bringing Thaerism to the Polynesian people and for the favour that Maui bestowed on him. Ahua's line has remained unbroken for a thousand years. People continue to see his descendant - the modern Emperor of Polynesia - as the head of the Mauist religion and spiritual Incarnation of Ahua the Great. Scholars such as Tamatea Waitangi, Aotearoa Marama and others shaped the modern religion. Each one supported a different school of thought or sect. Today, there are many sects and the Mauist religion is highly diverse.
==Deities and prominent beings==
[[File:Spix Macaw.jpeg|thumb|The Spix Macaw is the sacred bird of Maui. Maui appeared as a Spix Macaw to Ahua the Great. ]]
Mauism teaches that there is an all powerful, all knowing and all present supernatural and infinite being called the Creator (Atea). Atea created the Universe and all that is in it and guides the evolution of living things. Atea is believed to be holy, self-sustaining and fully independent, eternal, immutable and immortal. It is believed that Atea created two types of sentient beings: angels and humans. In Mauist philosophy, humans are seen as all sentient physical beings regardless of species. This includes Lupines and other beings which live in the physical universe. Atea inhabits the non-physical universe.
Line 19 ⟶ 30:
==Human life and morality==
[[File:Mauist Shrine.jpeg|thumb|The Waitangi Mauist Shrine, an example of a shrine where people gather, worship and pay their respects to the dead. ]]
Mauist sects have wildly divergent views on human life and morality. There is no central point by which human deeds can be easily judged Nevertheless, they are united in the general philosophy that morality is a natural predisposition to all beings that reflects the foundational tenets of divine law. Some scholars have tried to guide human thinking through propounding various models and views such as utilitarianism, emotivism and Consequentialism to guide human morality. Mauism holds that Human Morality is subject to Logical Reasoning and Consistency. They hold that humans are intrinsically morally upright beings who have been corrupted by the temptation of the Accuser.
Humans can overcome the darkness in their hearts through faith, prayer and good deeds. Mauist believe that good and bad deeds and thoughts enrich and diminish the immortal soul respectively. They exhort people to pursue goodness in their deeds and thoughts as this will determine their position and glorification in the New Universe. Mauism teaches that ultimately, human life is concerned with the following Five Purposes: Emulate Atea, Glorify Atea, Serve Atea through serving humans and nature and Spread the news of Atea.
==Rituals and ceremonies ==
[[File:Mauist Diviner.jpeg|thumb|A diviner or seer believed to be able to foretell the future and perceive secret divine knowledge. ]]
Mauists hold that their intermediary is Maui. Thus, they direct their prayers to Atea through Maui. Prayer is very informal and there no rules for praying or worship. Different sects encourage different practices. Some sects encourage dancing and singing, other encourage incense and others encourage gifts to an idol of Maui. Mauism encourages like minded believers to gather frequently, sharing the Good News, exhorting each other to do Good, counseling and supporting one another. In practice, Mauists form small organizations and meet regularly. Some organizations have fixed place such as a building or a field while others meet in different places such as the home of a member.
Line 30 ⟶ 43:
==Relations with other religions==
Mauism believes that each group of people has a different Angelic Protector and their relationship with Atea is different based on the teaching of their respective Angelic Protector. Thus, they hold all Atea-centric religions as being legitimate and rights. Thus, Mauism has highly positive relationships with other religious beliefs and traditions. Most people in the Oan Isles and other Polynesian countries practice a form of Mauism and syncretism with another religion.
[[Category:Polynesia]] [[Category:Religion]]
| |||