Shuocianism

Shuocianism

Total Population
Founder
Origin	date:
Type
Theology
Scriptures
Branches
Anren
Significant regions with adherents
Yanwen, Hui, Tianji, Guiya
Languages
Yanhua

Shuocianism is an intriguing and profound belief system that has rooted itself deeply in the traditions and culture of Western Davai. It stands out as a beacon of spiritual interconnectedness, presenting the idea that every entity, every moment, every aspect of the world around us is infused with its own distinctive spirit. Shuocianism has made a particular impact on the religious and cultural life of Yanwen and Hui. This isn't just a faith; it's a way of viewing and understanding the world that emphasizes the divine presence in all things.

Etymology

In Yanhua, Shuocianism is rendered as Shūo xiá, meaning "higher word" or "communion with the spirits". a term referring to a believer listening to the voices of the futsu. Very gentle and almost imperceptible voices permeate nature, which tells man of the future needs, emotions and will. Shūo xiá has been rendered into Shuocianism by Halish speakers as a way of describing the whole collection of related beliefs and doctrines of this decentralised faith.

Core beliefs

At the heart of Shuocianism is the idea that the world isn't merely a physical realm but a bubbling and effervescing fabric of spiritual manifestations called the futsu.

Futsu

The Futsu are the spirit or essence in everything that may exist; every twig, leaf, drop, river, tree, cloud and many more things has its own futsu. A futsu comes into being once something becomes its own discrete entity; a river may be its own futsu, but the drops and mist from the river become its own futsu once they come into being.

The state of nature and reality comes into being through the interactions of this separate futsu, and each futsu is believed to have its own needs, desires, will and temperament. The personality of the futsu and their mutual interactions with those of human deeds leads to the state and change of one's environment. For example, pleasant, positive thoughts, emotions and behaviour will lead to a more pleasant environment as the futsu are affected by human actions, feelings and thoughts. Conversely, negative emotions and thoughts will fight, anger or corrupt the purity and innocence of the futsu, leading to discord and chaos.

As everything contains its own Futsu, including places and structures, places where vile deeds and actions have happened or that have seen pain and violence over long periods become corrupted and hostile to the wellbeing of man and must be shunned or cleansed. Cleansing places of evil notoriety may be impossible depending on the quantity and quality of negative deeds that have happened there.

The futsu can be revered and sought for a favour by leaving offerings at shrines and temples or by performing rituals of reverence. An offering can be of food, drink, colourful pieces of paper, drips of wax or colourfully dyied flour or fabric. It is believed that the futsu may become perceptible by sight and sound if their need is great and may task believers with a mission or seek their help.

Khophu

Time and events are sacred, too, in the sense that every moment has its own divinity to be learned from, shunned, or cherished; these are known as Khophu. The now, or khophu, is important, and one must strive to shape it for one's wellbeing and that of the community. Believers must seek to create moments of serenity and beauty to enrich their life with khophu that will endure and promote their wisdom and health of their being and body.

khophu places such as gardens, temples and even just a room or corner of someone's dwelling designed for introspection are necessary for believers to enrich their lives and to commune with the futsu. Only in places of serenity and beauty can the faint but powerful voices of the futsu can be heard.

Role of spirits

The spirits in Shuocianism are not mere conceptual entities; they have profound implications in the everyday lives of its followers.

1. Guidance through Natural Phenomena: Shuocianists believe that these spirits often express themselves through the world's natural events. For instance, a sudden rain might be perceived as a spirit's message or a gentle breeze as a spirit's caress.
2. A Harmonious Existence: While Shuocianism acknowledges these spirits' omnipresence, it also understands their transcendental nature. They are beyond the direct influence of human rituals or intentions, unlike in Akchacknism. Instead of attempting to sway or appease these spirits, Shuocianists find peace in simply recognizing, honoring, and coexisting with them, cherishing their role in the grand scheme of things.

Practices and rituals

One unique element of Shuocianism is that the customary practice is to pray for the good of both one's ancestors and one's descendants, strengthening the entire family line.

Imagery and symbols

Every faith has its symbols, and in Shuocianism, imagery plays a pivotal role in communicating its tenets. Particularly in Yan traditions, the wolf emerges as a revered symbol. The depiction of the Alir, the Hela, and wolves in circular motifs often signifies the cyclical and interconnected nature of existence.

Denominations

Yannic Shuocianism

This is a significant branch of Shuocianism, emphasizing the omnipresence of spirits and the divine hierarchy in which beings like wolves occupy a special status. Rituals and practices in this denomination are not just about faith but also about fostering community ties (恭, gōng), understanding the natural world, and imbibing lessons from it.

Relationship to Kin

The Kin religion, that origninated within Western Davai in Kamura and spread to various places beyond, may be considered by some to be a Shoucian type belief system. Kin however has a number of differences the most signifacant of which is being monotheistic, worshipping a creator goddess. It does retain a belief in all-encompassing and interconnected spirits residing in all things.