Like Buddhism or Confucianism, the religion of the Sefaian is more of a philosophy than a theistic religion. It focuses on the self, the soul, which must be led to self-realisation. To achieve this, external influences must be eliminated. Depending on the philosopher or region, there are different views or denominations that interpret the world differently. The religion is influenced by the popular religion of the Sefai.

Name

The name is made up of ‘tai’ ~egg and ‘tusat’ ~skin. It alludes to the body as a vessel for the soul.

Traditions

The focus is on the ego and the soul. It must be freed from external influences in order to achieve self-realisation. They gnaw at the soul and prevent it from being a whole person. Self-preservation plays a major role in keeping the soul healthy. For this, (spiritual) purification, mental and physical effort and the care of the tail are important. The soul of the individual is located in the tail, which is why it must be nurtured with the greatest care. There is a certain syncretism with their own folk religions and neighbouring belief systems. A strong central ‘church’ does not exist, the practitioners of the faith or ‘priests’ live out their beliefs. Although the writings of the philosophers form the basis, external influences are not necessarily removed. This is why gods are sometimes worshipped and ancestors honoured. Nature is an eternal struggle for life support. It is eat or be eaten. Importance is placed on the family or social order. Although the focus is on the individual and their soul, groups serve the self. Only by treating each other with respect can useful protection be achieved, which also defends against external influences.

The aim of religion is to free oneself from external, negative, spiritual influences. For this purpose, comprehensive and far-reaching instruction is useful in order to be able to preserve oneself. The acquisition of different experiences and perspectives is intended to minimise narrow-mindedness. Important practices are meditation, mindfulness and material renunciation. Rulers can be seen as a ‘tool’ for self-realisation. One's own goals can be achieved through them. They should be shown respect. Pain and fear are negative external influences that gnaw at the soul and cloud it. Protection by a group or a ruler can minimise the influence. Fear in particular can be minimised by many experiences and impressions.

Philosophers

WIP

Afterlife

After death, the soul blends back into the spiritual cosmos of the world. However, if it is not nurtured in life, it remains as an evil spirit in the material world. That is why it is important to live.

Burial traditions

WIP

Structure

No increase in drugs. They cloud the soul and confuse the self.

Creation myth

The world emerged from chaos. Only through the formation of the soul and the human endeavour for order could the world be created.

Symbolism

The Sickle is a symbol of Taitus.

Ethnic religion of Sefai

The ethnic religion of the Sefai is often seen as the origin of Taitus. It featured a heavy ancestor worship mixed with animism. There were animal gods, similar to the Beetle Gods of the Ribangese.