Monks Of Shimura

 

History:

Long before there were lightsabers there were Jedi.  After the invention of those graceful weapons Jedi began to lose sight of what the Force was all about and fall into the Dark trap of technology, or so the revered Master Kambei Shimura thought.  The Knighthood was beginning to rely too much on “convenient” technology.  That’s not the way of life; the way of the Force.  Jedi after Jedi took up the saber and left for the stars and the adventures they contained.  A Jedi craves not these things.  Disgusted at the behavior of his fellow Jedi, Shimura broke away from the Academy with a handful of devoted students and established a Temple on the sixth moon of the third planet of the Nikus system.  There he taught his disciples the true gifts of the Force: perfection through inner peace, compassion, contemplation and, ironically, tolerance.

Millennia passed and student after student joined the Brotherhood and learned the teachings of Shimura and the way of Ka, the religious philosophy of the Monks.  Similar to Zen, Ka teaches the inner spirituality of life and the soul.  Everything is provided by the Force, there is little need for cold, unfeeling mechanisms.

During the Emperor’s great purge, the Temple of Shimura was located by Dark Lord Vader and torn asunder.  Few of the Brotherhood were able to escape and spread across the galaxy like seeds.  Today, with the Empire removed, these remaining skilled Monks are establishing their own Temples in remote systems to pass on what they have learned.

Beliefs/Lifestyle:

1) Avoid the use of (unnecessary) technology.  “There is nothing that technology may provide that the Force cannot.  Why artificially radiate food when nature provides fire?  Why ride aback metal creatures when the wind can send you across sea just as surely?  Technology is quick and easy.  These are traits of the Dark Side.  Life should be neither.”  Although it is true that nothing can be provided by science that the Force cannot, very few Jedi have been able to step across worlds.  The modern Brotherhood believes it is in the spirit of Ka to except one’s limitations.  The Monks will avoid most technology whenever possible (datapads, blasters, lightsabers, scanners, holocrons, bacta tanks, etc.) but will reluctantly use other forms (starships) when needed (which isn’t often.  Followers of Shimura discourage “adventuring” and tend to live entire lives in their Temples.  The rare exceptions are traveling teachers and emissaries).

A Shimuran Monk would never accept cybernetic replacements or enhancements, nor are they likely to associate with droids.

2) The way of Shimura is the way of Ka.  All answers may be found in it’s techniques.  Ka is the foundation of all Shimura’s teachings.  When a student is first accepted into the Brotherhood he begins learning Ka.  First simple koans and history and later develop the physical disciplines.  In line with the Brotherhood’s beliefs, the process is not quick or easy . . . it takes several years of hard work and devotion.

3) Follow the Jedi Code.  Although the Knighthood has allowed technology to cloud their judgment, the Shimuran Monks still believe in the Code.

4) Tolerate the misgivings of others.  Shimuran Monks are not retro, anti-technology fundamentalists.  They do not attack technological centers or those who choose to use technology, nor do they harass commuters at starports with pamphlets damning them for their way of life.  They simply have a different outlook on life.  If asked, they will tell a koan of enlightenment.  If sought out, they will teach their beliefs (but only those who prove worthy will learn Ka).  The Monks do not hate the Jedi; in fact, they feel sorrow for their fallen brothers and would do anything to help bring them back to the Light.

The Art of Ka:

The Monks of Shimura are best known for their mastery of Ka, their proto-martial art.  Practice of Ka strengthens the mind, body, and soul.  Masters of this art are capable of incredible feats.  Through Ka, Shimuran contemplatives seek perfection and enlightenment, and with it, they stand powerfully against all who would threaten the sanctity of their Temples.  Ka can be broken down into three parts: Skill (Ka Lore), Martial Art (Ka Combat), and Force Powers (Ka and Empower Self).  Those who are not Force-Sensitive may join the Brotherhood and learn the first two aspects of Ka but not the third.