The Shih-Lei-Jhih-Jhong Classification

The Shih-Lei-Jhih-Jhong ('Ten Categories of Species'), or SLJJ, is a classification developed by the JSH to organize all beings in the Five Worlds into ten groups. It has also been adopted by the Council and their Eyes.

There are five kinds of immortal beings (Sian): Tian (Celestial), Di (Earthbound), Shen (Divine), Ren (Humanlike) and Guei (Ghostly).

And there are five kinds of mortal beings (Chong): Luo (Shorthaired), Lin (Scaly), Mao (Hairy), Yu (Feathery) and Kun (Swarming).

Every being is classed into one of these ten categories, except for four whose identities are mysterious even to the JSH and who defy all explanation. The four are known by various names, but are affectionately called the 'Sih Hou' ('Four Monkeys') by the Brotherhood.

For example, humans fall into the Luo Category. Those termed 'Higher Beings' (Shen) are just one of many kinds of divine beings in existence, and include the Entity.

Examples of each category:

• Tian: Zhoghans.


• Di: Calcatores.


• Shen: the Ogdoad.


• Ren: the Lords of the Underworld (eighteen spirits who govern the worlds of the dead: Kings Maru, Amukku, Vedhi, Kana, Bihiri, Golu, Kora, Murthu, Gulma, Jala, Gini, Pissu, Vaatha, Bootha, Pith, Abootha, Dhehva and their leader Kohla).
  
• Guei: Spacitti.


• Luo: Captain Richard.


• Lin: Cosmic Serpents.


• Mao: Camelopards.


• Yu: the Forest Archons (also called Old Ones or Ductores, singular Ductor): ancient avian beings who live in the mystical Black Forest (called the 'Huangcyuan' in the JSH database) outside the Dimensions, where they oversee every soul that is to be born and choose suitable bodies for them. They are Tapira Archon of Fire, Pudipara Archon of Air, Susail Archon of Water, Tatibana Archon of Earth, Hanpu Archon of Plants, Minamoto Archon of Fish, Lilitu Archon of Birds and Kajyata Archon of Beasts. They live for five Kou (one Kou: 4,000,000,000 years) and upon death are replaced with newly selected Old Ones chosen from worthy members of various species, who are given their predecessors' names and forms by the Forest (which sometimes manifests in a physical embodiment as Tai'ra Archon of Spiderwebs).


• Kun: Moonchildren.