Vushtism

Vushtism is a religion and set of philosophies that is followed by the majority of western and central Aghantians.

Origins

Vushtism was founded by the prophet Meryem Helyeni in the early Artakhshandan Empire in Parthava. The life of the prophet have not been documented at all, and the few things we know about her have been passed down through verbal tradition.

It is claimed by Vushtis that Meryem recieved an arrow wound in a battle between the Padhavana clan and the Terthinatos clan on the steppe at the age of 14. When she was later taken to a hospital, she fell into a trance. On awakening, her friends noticed that her entire personality had changed - she had become much more peaceful, honest, and calm.

Vushtin recorded her philosophies in a book called the Madayahura. The first copy of this book was carved into the side of Takh-e-Kasran, in modern day Parthava city. This is the master copy with which all other copies are compared with, and is preserved now by the Parizhian government.

Further philosophers of Vushtism

Pure Vushtism is that which was laid down by Meryem herself. A majority of Vushtis identify themselves as pure Vushtis. However, between the 1st and 19th Centuries AI, several other philosophers added to the philosophies laid down by Meryem.

There were 3 main ones:

Philosophies of Vushtism

Vushtism is interesting and different from other religions in that it contains absolutely no mention or philosophies about god, prophecies, or any forms of mythology or stories. The Madayahura is simply a book of philosophy and instructions.

Among these are the Mehre fiil or, the Important Principles. These are:

• Speaking good words, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds.
• Equality of gender, race, religion, and age.
• Protection for the environment
• Kindness to animals and other people
• Encouragement for keeping the body clean
• Encouragement for science and learning
• Open-mindedness and tolerance
• Pacifism and calmness (in state of mind as well as physically)

Key to Vushtism (and probably its unique concept) is its system of prayer. Here, prayer does not necessarily involve worshipping a deity - other forms, such as meditation and calming, are generally considered much more important than connecting with deities.

To acquire a trance, one must keep their mind focused on nothing. They should have nothing in their thoughts. At first, it helps to listen to one's own breathing or concentrate on peaceful sounds. Several Vushtis engage in throat-singing chants whilst doing this, as the vibrations in the back of the throat create a calming sensation.

It is partly because of this that Vushtism is compatible with many other religions.