maskormenace | 02

[Hello, imPorts! Today, when Saint Walker takes to the network, there is a certain solemnity to his perpetually cheerful features, though that in no way overrides the pleasantness in his voice. It is out of acknowledgment of their current predicament; nothing more.]

Good afternoon. To say that the past few months have been trying would, I think, be something of an understatement. I am unable to make any grandiose statements that alleviate this tension, nor am I able to offer any suggestions on what one may do on the macro scale. What I would like to offer, however, is my personal help to any of you who may be feeling the strain of these trying times.

Where I am from, I often guided those in need of assistance in sorting out complicated feelings, and guided others in the art of meditation. Whether one is facing great problems or small - and I assure you, I have provided my help to people who fit both of these categories - meditation can help with that, whether it is to assist in bringing about even temporary inner peace and calm, or bringing clarity to matters that need addressing.

If you require another to speak to, or wish to learn more of meditation, please contact me - privately or otherwise.

[He inclines his head towards the camera.]

Thank you for your time, and may you all find your own sense of peace.

[OOC: An open log for meditation sessions has gone up HERE!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Meditation is a practice that can be used for divine inspiration, as you so put it, but has many, many other uses where I am from as well. It is to help soothe the soul, to focus the body and mind, to assist one with processing whatever may cross their paths. It sounds as if you have witnessed meditation, but have not practiced it yourself; am I correct?

You are mostly correct. I've witnessed it and had all the ins and outs explained to me, but no, I've never been obligated to practice it. My instructors all agreed that my unique gifts were better suited to more practical matters, you see.

[~~Their way of saying she'd be awful at it.~~]

I find it surprising that they did not at least advise you to try. It does not matter what you personally are better suited for -- to meditate is to find peace within, and it is a practice I believe all can benefit from if they are willing to put forth the effort. What matters, precisely, were your efforts directed towards?

A great many things! Developing my latent talent for magic, naturally, as well as learning all the history and lore of the realm, its laws and statutes, the doctrines and tenets of the faith, courtly etiquette, the arts, diplomacy... why, there was never any shortage of instruction for a young princess to absorb!

And I'm certain they could see that I already had quite a lot of inner peace!

[That makes Saint Walker pause.]

Much of that sounds to me like political aspirations rather than spiritual ones. Do tell me: how does learning laws and statuses contribute towards your understanding of the spiritual world?

Oh, but in a theocracy, the political and the spiritual overlap all the time! Rausten was founded by the blessed Saint Latona, one of the Five Heroes of old, and to this day our laws are based upon his holy teachings. The two are quite inseparable!

Because one is infused with another does not mean that they are both intrinsically connected. Think of it as, say... tea. To drink tea is to drink water, but the opposite does not hold; you are not drinking tea each time you drink water.

You would not suggest that the holy men and woman of your city are somehow less spiritually complete due to their lack of political authority, correct?

Goodness, now you're just not making any sense! They do not lack political authority! My homeland is a theocracy, as I have said. The church is the government, and the government is the church. A high-ranking member of the clergy is a high-ranking member of the government, and the head of the clergy is the Divine Emperor of Rausten.

Of course, I'm well aware that other nations do things very differently. I have travelled with and fought alongside clergy members from Frelia and from Grado, and I would never suggest that they are any less spiritual than their equivalents in Rausten. Why in heaven's name do you even need to ask such a question?

Because the conflation of the spiritual and non-spiritual is a very odd thing indeed. The establishment of religion as inherently authoritative, or authority as inherently religious...

[It doesn't sit well with him.]

Such things come with trappings that many may not realize.

Oh yes, it is an uncommon system, certainly. And of course it would not work everywhere. But it has worked very well for us for over eight hundred years. If ever you are blessed with the chance, you must come to Rausten and see for yourself!

If the opportunity ever presents itself, I will be certain to visit and assess your situation.

[And, no offense meant to L'Arachel, will be speaking to the commoners about their views on the structure. He's seen far more corrupt methods of authority than what L'Arachel is describing, but as far as he's seen, there is no perfect method at hand.]

Perhaps one day, we will be able to visit other worlds at will. Until then, we must remain here.

I do hope that day will come! You shall be my guest of honour, and I shall personally show you all the sights of my beloved homeland! I promise, you won't be disappointed!

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