Soken
The Way
Ignorance begets fear,
Understanding begets enlightenment.
Enlightenment enables.
Summary
The Soken walk the paths of the Four-fold Way to achieve enlightenment and refine their being. By walking each path in turn the supplicant seeks to understand each of the four pillars of their own existence, Spirit, Body, Life, Mind.
Path of Body
The body is humanity, the common thread that links all together. It is the form that carries each person through life. The basis of perception and sensation, control and order, the body allows each to interact with the world and shape it as they wish, and hope. Through the body the supplicant imposes their will upon themselves and, through that, upon the universe.
Path of Life
Existence alone is not enough, to truly be a part of the world one must live. Without the drive to live and grow there is no change, no quest for improvement and no effort to help. Humanity possesses vitality and flexibility, drawing strength and purpose from their connections. By honing those connections and truly understanding the bonds that flow between each other and the world, the supplicant finds tranquillity and foundation.
Path of Spirit
The human spirit invigorates and inspires each of us. Yearning to grow and be heard, the spirit provides drive and purpose to our lives even as it drives intuition and instinct. Through passion and belief each is thus refined, improving that which was and making each unique. The supplicant listen to their passions and instincts, harnessing the great energy it imparts.
Path of Mind
Reason and knowledge raises humanity above. To meditate on the nature of truth and learning, to pursue answers to the mysteries, these are the goals of the perceptive mind. Harnessing imagination, memory and power of reason each can explore the world around them and through their journey gain mastery. The supplicant sharpen their minds to better discern the truth, and understand the twisting paths.
Only when you have soared through the morning skies on wings of flame can you understand the Spirit. Only when you have conquered the mountain with your own two hands can you understand the Body. Only when you have walked through the river and tamed it's flow can you understand the Life. Only when you have sang in the eye of the storm can you understand the Mind. And only one who has travelled, but ultimately turned away from each of these paths, can understand the Soken.
For upon completing each Path of the Way the supplicant has become Soken. Yet for the Soken this is not the end of their work but the beginning. The Enlightenment they have gained is meaningless if it is static and removed from the world, so the Soken is obligated to help others to find their way. The Soken's martial prowess makes them natural champions and protectors, but enlightenment is not bound to any one role. The patience and discipline that mark an Soken's training make them suitable for a number of callings, from the most repetitive of mindless menial labour to the most arcane and convoluted of intellectual pursuits. Thus while the Soken toils, they make themselves an example for others to follow, and show them the path; in the end however it is they who must follow it.
