| Legacy | Indelible mark on history |
| Role of monks | Powerbrokers • Educators • Patrons of the arts |
| Source of power | Taoist monasteries |
| Alternate timeline | Dominant Taoism |
| Significant influence | Culture • Politics • Economy |
In this alternate timeline, Taoism is the dominant religion and plays a central role in shaping society, culture, politics, and the economy. Taoist monasteries and monks wield great influence, paralleling the power of European Catholic monastic orders. Taoist monasteries function as both spiritual and political centers, with monks acting as mediators, powerbrokers, and kingmakers.
Taoist monasteries are not only places of worship and spiritual growth but also forces shaping the economy and politics of their society. They are often centers of learning, patronage of arts, and economic activity.
Taoist monasteries play an integral role in shaping society. They are centers of political power, with monks acting as mediators, negotiators, and advisors in times of political strife. As such, large and long-established monasteries boast significant wealth, land holdings, and political connections.
Some Taoist monasteries stand independently, while others are agents of powerful religious orders that rival nobles and even emperors in their influence. These orders, staffed by highly educated monks, are symbols of national unity and act as intermediaries, negotiating deals, and alliances on behalf of secular rulers.
Taoist monasteries are often wealthy not only from donations and pilgrims but also through direct economic activities. Effective management of agriculture, industry, and trade by monks creates self-sufficient monasteries, which can support large communities centered around their monastery. The land holdings of some monasteries make them among the largest property owners in the country.
As leading patrons of arts and education, Taoist monasteries boast vast collections of art, manuscripts, and relics. Monks are typically well-educated and participate in the exchange of ideas, directly contributing to scientific discoveries and philosophical inquiries in the society. Many monasteries host schools that draw gifted students from across the country, helping to maintain Taoism's preeminence.
Large Taoist monastery compounds serve as self-contained communities that meet all the needs of their inhabitants. These compounds are usually walled, providing protection and privacy for its inhabitants, which include not only monks but also families and craftsmen who live and work within the walls.
A typical monastery compound consists of a central temple, dormitories for monks, quarters for laymen, kitchens, workshops, stables, and gardens. The size and organization of the monastery compound often reflect its wealth and prestige.
Monks living in the monasteries have a strict daily routine, alternating periods of meditation and prayer with physical labor. Tasks include tending to gardens and stables, cleaning, cooking, and crafting religious items. Some monks receive special training in specific crafts or industries, contributing to the monastery's income.
In addition to their daily chores, monks channel their spiritual practice towards helping others and contributing to their communities. They provide advice, education, and healing, spreading the teachings of Taoism throughout society.
Taoist monks follow a strict hierarchy based on both age and scholastic achievement. At the top is the abbot, who oversees the monastery's financial, spiritual, and administrative affairs. On the other end, younger and less educated monks are responsible for daily chores and manual labor.
The process of becoming a Taoist monk is rigorous, starting with an extended novitiate where individuals learn basic discipline, meditation, and Taoist scriptures. Those who display aptitude may continue their scholarly studies, eventually leading to their ordination and elevation within the monastery.
Famous Taoist monks include the Five Tigers (the five monks who founded one of the greatest Taoist orders), and Li Longji, a famous ruler who renounced his worldly titles to become a monk and help spread Taoist teachings. Other Taoist orders, like the "Dragon and Tiger" order have played pivotal roles in the society's history, contributing to its cultural and intellectual growth.
These famous Taoist orders serve as a reminder of the long-lasting impact these monks have had on their societies, shaping the very course of history with their teachings, politics, culture, and economics.
