Sendōjō

Place of the Immortal Sage's Way

Created & Written by Khali A. Crawford |仙道場 (Sendōjō) translates to "Place of the Sage’s Way" or more specifically "Place of the Immortal Sage's Way."

A Sendōjō is a prestigious institution where the Renaissance Arts, including philosophy, religious studies, Magic, weapon mastery, and the pursuit of enlightenment, are taught and practiced. These schools are founded by Great Sages or Buddhas who seek to cultivate their immense knowledge and experience while guiding others on the path to wisdom and enlightenment. The ultimate goal of a Sendōjō is to produce new Sages and, potentially, Buddhas—beings of enlightenment—who can continue the cycle of teaching and self-realization.

At its core, a Sendōjō serves as both an academic and spiritual institution, where students can learn the profound secrets of magic, mastery of weapons, and the pursuit of higher wisdom. It blends intellectual growth with physical and metaphysical training, striving for a holistic form of enlightenment. Every Sendōjō is a hub of innovation, creativity, and the search for truth, both through the Renaissance Arts—such as science, engineering, and art—and through the mystical arts of Magic and spirituality.
The ultimate purpose of a Sendōjō is to guide students on the path to Buddhahood or Sagehood, where they might unlock their highest potential. The school fosters mastery of individual disciplines and a deep, integrated understanding of the universe. Students learn that magic, science, philosophy, and art are interconnected, and through this synergy, they may attain ultimate wisdom.

Sendōjō Naming Traditions

A Sendōjō’s name provides a detailed history and structure of the institution, reflecting its lineage, location, and founding figures. The name is typically divided into several parts, each of which has a specific meaning, contributing to a system that honors the school's origins and the philosophy of its founding Sages. The first part of the name is the Variant, which indicates whether the Sendōjō is an iteration or an offshoot of a previously established Sendōjō. There are two common types of variants:

• Numbered Variants: If the Sendōjō is part of a series, a number is placed at the beginning to show its position in the lineage. For example, if Great Sages trained at a previous Sendōjō go out into the cosmos and establish a new school, the new institution will be numbered as the next iteration. A Sendōjō with a number in its name reflects that it continues the teachings of its predecessor but may have evolved based on the experiences of the founding Sages. For instance, "The 21st Paambi Sendōjō" would indicate that this is the 21st Sendōjō founded by graduates of the original Paambi dojo, continuing its traditions and teachings.
• Branch or Specialized Variants: If there is no number, the word "Branch" or "Specialized" follows instead. This indicates that the school is an offshoot of the original Sendōjō and focuses on a specific aspect of the teachings, but does not offer a full, holistic education leading to Sagehood. A Branch Sendōjō may provide more specialized or localized training, such as battle magic or a certain magical art, but does not have the comprehensive curriculum of the main dojo.

The second part of the name reflects the planet or realm where the Sendōjō is physically located. This is crucial because it not only provides geographical context but also can imply certain cultural, magical, or environmental influences that shape the institution’s curriculum and philosophy.
In some cases, specific cities, provinces, or regions on the planet may be included. This could be relevant for worlds or realms where multiple Sendōjōs exist or where regional differences are significant. For instance, a Sendōjō located in a mountainous province known for its spiritual practices may offer teachings heavily influenced by local customs and geography.
The location can affect everything from the type of magic taught to the resources available for students. For example, a Sendōjō on a desert planet might have a focus on survival skills, sand-based magic, or techniques for communing with ancient elemental spirits tied to that environment.
The third part of the name contains the religious name(s) of the Sage(s) who founded the school. These names are significant not only because they honor the founders, but they also represent the guiding philosophy, religious teachings, or magical traditions of the institution. The religious name often indicates the spiritual or mystical alignment of the sages, revealing deeper connections to certain divine or arcane forces.

Government

Every Sendōjō is founded by a Great Sage or a Buddha, legendary beings who have already traversed the path of enlightenment. These founders design the Sendōjō as a space to preserve their knowledge and legacy while nurturing future generations of enlightened beings.

• The Buddha: The highest authority within a Sendōjō, the Buddha is an enlightened being who has fully transcended the mortal and metaphysical planes. When a Buddha is present, their word is law. They set the philosophical and religious doctrines of the Sendōjō, acting as the spiritual compass of the institution. However, Buddhas often wander, seeking further enlightenment or aiding others across different realms. In their absence, the leadership falls to the Great Sages.

• The Great Sage: After a Buddha, the Great Sages are the most respected figures in the Sendōjō. These individuals have achieved mastery across multiple disciplines and are well along the path to enlightenment, though they have not fully transcended. If a Buddha is not present, a Small Council of Great Sages oversees the day-to-day management and major decisions of the Sendōjō. When the founding Great Sage passes on, their successor is either chosen by this council or appointed through spiritual insight or merit.

Each Sendōjō is divided into Schools, each of which specializes in a specific discipline. A Grand Master, who is an expert in their particular field, leads each School. The Grand Masters are responsible for maintaining the rigorous standards of excellence within their domain. Each Grand Master is responsible for the comprehensive training of their students and for ensuring that their discipline aligns with the overarching philosophy of enlightenment pursued at the Sendōjō.

Students and Masters

The students of a Sendōjō are handpicked, often selected for their innate talent, dedication, or potential for enlightenment. Once accepted into the institution, each student is assigned to a Master—a senior member of the Sendōjō who becomes their personal mentor. The bond between Master and student is sacred, representing the transfer of knowledge, wisdom, and discipline across generations.

• Obediadem: Upon becoming a student under a specific Master, the student wears an Obediadem, a golden circlet that signifies their submission to the teachings and guidance of their Master. The Obediadem is both a symbol of mentorship and the commitment to the path of enlightenment.

• School Learning vs. Personal Mentorship: While students learn the theoretical and practical knowledge of their chosen disciplines in the Schools, it is their Master who fine-tunes their education. The Master’s role is to help the student apply their lessons in a meaningful way, guiding their personal growth and spiritual journey. This personalized training is what truly shapes the student into a potential Sage or Buddha.

Industry & Trade

The financial stability and sustainability of a Sendōjō rely on a diversified portfolio of funding sources, ensuring that these prestigious institutions can continue their mission of cultivating enlightenment and mastery of the Renaissance Arts. The intricate economic network supporting a Sendōjō reflects its importance as a spiritual and academic hub and an integral part of the broader political and economic ecosystem.

State Funding and Grants

Every Sendōjō operates within the political jurisdiction of a specific planet or realm, and the state often views the Sendōjō as a valuable asset. States may provide annual grants or specific funding packages to cover the maintenance of the institution's vast facilities, including temples, halls, and archives. In return, the state benefits from the prestige and influence of having a Sendōjō within its borders, as well as access to the wisdom and guidance of its Great Sages. Additionally, the state might formally employ a Great Sage for diplomatic or ceremonial duties, or as an advisor to the government, ensuring that the Sendōjō maintains a role in the state’s political and cultural life. This relationship reinforces the mutually beneficial connection between the institution and the ruling powers, fostering a stable financial base for the Sendōjō.

Noble Patronage

The Noble Houses of the region often seek to align themselves with the prestige and spiritual authority of the Sendōjō. Charitable donations from these wealthy families are not uncommon, as they seek the favor of the institution to ensure that their heirs and children receive exclusive education and mentorship from the most revered Sages. In return, noble families might expect preferential treatment or guaranteed apprenticeships for their children under specific Masters. This exchange allows the Sendōjō to receive a steady stream of financial contributions while ensuring the next generation of nobility is intimately tied to its teachings, further enhancing the institution's influence.

Private Investments and Megacorporations

To sustain itself independently, many Sendōjōs wisely invest in megacorporations, interstellar trade, and the stock market. These strategic investments ensure a steady flow of income that is relatively stable, providing the institution with financial security over the long term. The Sendōjō may employ financial advisors who manage a diversified investment portfolio, including shares in major corporations, resource extraction industries, or advanced technologies. These investments allow the Sendōjō to fund not only its day-to-day operations but also ambitious expansion projects, such as the construction of new halls, and libraries, or even opening new branches of the Sendōjō across other realms.

Leasing Facilities for Ceremonial Use

Given the sacred and historical value of Sendōjō’s architecture and its beautifully maintained grounds, the institution often rents out its ceremonial halls, temples, and courtyards for special events. These spaces may be used for a wide variety of purposes, from royal weddings and state banquets to religious festivals and diplomatic summits. The Sendōjō’s reputation as a center of spiritual and cultural significance makes it an ideal location for such events, and renting out these venues provides a lucrative source of income. The sacred energy that permeates these spaces adds to their appeal, drawing in individuals and organizations willing to pay premium rates for access to these prestigious settings.

Student Tuition and Fees

Although merit and potential are key factors in student selection, many students (particularly from noble or wealthy families) pay tuition or contribute to the Sendōjō's upkeep. Some students even sponsor scholarships or endowments as they ascend to positions of power, ensuring the continued operation of the institution. These fees support both the education system and the infrastructure that allows Sendōjō to thrive, providing resources for day-to-day operations, expansion, and future initiatives.

Districts

The Sendōjō is divided into various districts, each with its own specialized functions. These districts embody both the spiritual and practical aspects of the institution, facilitating everything from ceremonies to daily living, study, and secure communication. Each district contributes to the holistic environment that supports the pursuit of enlightenment, knowledge, and mastery of disciplines. Below is a more detailed look at each of these key areas.

The Wat: The Heart of the Sendōjō

The Wat is the central hub of the Sendōjō, containing its most important structures and facilities. It serves as the beating heart of the institution, where the spiritual, ceremonial, and academic activities converge. Many of the Sendōjō’s most sacred spaces are located within the Wat.

• The Ordination Hall: The Ordination Hall is the most revered space within the Wat, a vast ceremonial room where important rituals take place. This hall is used to formally induct new students into the Sendōjō and to honor Great Sages. With its eight protective pylons, the hall is designed to ward off evil forces and prevent Scrying Eyes from peering in. These pylons, along with the spiritual energy contained within the hall, create an atmosphere of divine protection and reverence.

• The Stupa: A Stupa is a conical or bell-shaped structure that houses sacred relics of the Sendōjō, particularly those belonging to Buddhas who have passed on. Inside the Stupa, relics such as ashes from cremated Buddhas, icons, and ancient artifacts are stored. These structures represent the connection between the past and present, linking current practitioners with the enlightened beings who came before them. The Stupas are not merely places of storage but serve as focal points for meditation and reflection on the journey toward Buddhahood.

Ho Trai: The Knowledge Fortress

The Ho Trai is the sacred library of the Sendōjō, housing an extensive collection of Buddhist texts, historical records, and other critical information. It functions as both a traditional library and a modern, secure digital archive.

• Buddhist Texts and Records: The library contains original copies of ancient Buddhist scriptures, carefully preserved and maintained. Alongside these are digital copies, accessible only to certain members of the Sendōjō, ensuring that knowledge is both preserved and adaptable to modern means of study.

• Information Nexus: The Ho Trai also acts as a vital communications hub. It stores comprehensive data, including lists of all members, past and present, as well as more esoteric materials like gene-seed sequences and hidden knowledge. Secure lines of communication run through this facility, ensuring that the inner workings of the Sendōjō remain confidential and protected from external threats. Access to the Ho Trai is highly restricted, unlike other areas of the Sendōjō, making it a well-guarded fortress of wisdom.

Kod Complex: The Living Quarters

The Kod Complex is a mini-campus designed as the residential district for all members of the Sendōjō, from students to the Great Sages. This district provides both individual living spaces and community zones for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction.

• Housing and Community: Within the Kod Complex, there are a variety of housing options, from modest student apartments to expansive estates for senior members like Great Sages. Facilities for recreation—such as gardens, meditation rooms, and communal halls—ensure that members have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate amidst their rigorous training and study.

Mondop: The Sacred Worship Halls

A Mondop is a square, open-air pavilion with four arches and a pyramidal roof, designed to house religious texts or sacred objects. Spread across the Sendōjō, these structures offer spaces for worship, meditation, and reflection.

• Multiple Mondops: These pavilions can be found in several locations across the Sendōjō, each dedicated to different spiritual practices or objects of reverence. Their open and airy design creates a tranquil environment for practitioners to connect with the sacred texts or symbols placed within them.

Sala Halls: Multifunctional Spaces

The Sala Halls are versatile buildings within the Sendōjō that serve a wide range of purposes. These halls can be used for everything from ceremonies and donations to study sessions, dining, and relaxation.

• Lecture and Training: Most commonly, Sala Halls are found in the Schools of the Sendōjō, where they serve as lecture halls, training grounds, and exam spaces. The flexibility of the Sala Halls ensures that they can adapt to the institution’s various needs, whether it’s academic, ceremonial, or communal activities.

Guilds and Factions

The Sendōjō is divided into distinct Departments, each representing a different area of study and expertise. These Departments provide students with a range of disciplines, from the pursuit of scientific and artistic knowledge to the mastery of arcane and practical skills. While each department is equally important, they serve different purposes within the Sendōjō, creating a balanced environment of intellectual, magical, and practical growth.

1. Renaissance Schools
2. Schools of Magic
3. Practical Polymath Schools

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The Renaissance Schools encompass the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—collectively known as STEAM. These schools are focused solely on the intellectual and scientific disciplines, without any inherent connection to magic or the arcane arts. Instead, they emphasize the exploration of the natural laws of the universe, technological advancement, and the cultivation of creativity and philosophical thought.

• Science & Engineering: In this school, students explore natural phenomena, delving into subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. These disciplines focus on understanding the mechanics of the physical world, from mundane technologies to advanced engineering innovations.
• Technology & Mathematics: The focus here is on the development of cutting-edge technology and the study of mathematical theorems. Students in this school learn to apply mathematical principles to both theoretical and practical problems, advancing fields like robotics, data science, and engineering.
• Art & Philosophy: This school is centered on the humanities, fostering creativity, aesthetics, and critical thinking. Students engage in intellectual debates and the study of ethics, metaphysics, and artistic expression, cultivating an understanding of how society and culture are shaped by these disciplines.

The Renaissance Schools emphasize STEAM applications in the broader sense of technological and philosophical development, focusing entirely on the material world and intellectual growth.

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The Schools of Magic are dedicated to the study and mastery of the arcane arts. Unlike the Renaissance Schools, these schools focus entirely on the exploration of magical principles and the development of mystical abilities. The Department of Magic Education oversees these schools, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training across different magical disciplines.

• Witchcraft: Witchcraft is the magical practice rooted in the mastery of Kannagara, the natural and spiritual laws governing a realm or planet. Practitioners of Witchcraft draw their power from the natural environment and spiritual entities, focusing on healing, protection, and balance. Witchcraft emphasizes the harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds, and each practitioner’s magic is closely tied to the land they inhabit.
• Wizardry: Wizardry is the academic and systematic study of magic, involving rigorous research, incantations, and theoretical application. Wizards are dedicated to understanding the underlying mechanics of magic and developing new spells and techniques through scholarly study. Their approach is highly structured, focusing on magical theory and controlled spellcasting.
• Battle Magic: Battle Magic focuses on the practical application of magic in combat scenarios. This school trains students to use their magical abilities for offensive and defensive purposes, often in high-pressure situations like warfare or personal protection. Battle Magic prioritizes quick decision-making and practical efficiency over the more theoretical studies of Wizardry.

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The Practical Polymath Schools offer training in disciplines unrelated to STEAM or magic, focusing instead on practical skills that are essential for survival and success in the physical realm. These schools cover a range of areas, from combat and piloting to leadership and strategy.

• Marksmanship: This school teaches both traditional weaponry (bows, crossbows) and modern ballistics (firearms, energy-based weapons), providing students with precision training in a wide variety of ranged combat methods.
• Starship Piloting: Students in this school are trained to navigate and pilot starships, mastering interstellar travel and combat maneuvers. They learn everything from navigation systems to space warfare tactics, ensuring they can operate effectively in the vast expanses of space.
• Martial Arts: This school covers both unarmed combat and the use of melee weapons. Students are trained in various martial arts techniques, blending physical prowess with philosophical understanding, ensuring they are prepared for any confrontation.

The Practical Polymath Schools provide students with the essential skills needed for life outside of intellectual and magical pursuits, ensuring that they are well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in various realms and situations.

The Role of Enlightenment

At its heart, the Sendōjō is a pathway to enlightenment, with every aspect of its structure designed to foster growth in both knowledge and spirituality. Students and faculty alike strive not only for mastery of their respective arts but for the dissolution of ego and the attainment of wisdom that transcends the material world.

• The Quest for Buddhahood: For Sages, the ultimate goal is Buddhahood, the complete awakening and transcendence of mortal limitations. While many students will advance to the level of Great Sage, only the rarest and most enlightened will reach Buddhahood. Those who do become Buddhas often leave the Sendōjō to continue their wanderings, seeking to aid others in their spiritual journey or establish new institutions of learning.

• Philosophy and Doctrine: The philosophical and religious doctrines set by the Buddha (or, in their absence, the Great Sages) are fundamental to guiding the institution. These teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of all things—magic, science, art, combat, and spirituality. The Renaissance Arts are not seen as disparate disciplines but as facets of a unified pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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Alternative Name(s)

Place of the Sage’s Way | Sage School

Inhabitant Demonym

Students