Kothedism is a popular school of thought within the Tamashp religion. It incorporates traditional Padi, Trebori, and Kupati folk and cultural beliefs mixed with some Troe and Abripi practices. Kothedism was initially practiced as a nomadic religion. As part of their faith Kotheds believe that poverty and travel, similar to what Tamazi would have faced in his life, cultivates greater spirituality. In the modern era, only devout practitioners follow the traditional path of Kothed.
Beliefs
Many consider Kothedism an unstructured interpretation of Tamazi’s teachings within Tamashp. While this is generally true, Kotheds commonly acknowledge Tamashp doctrines but are much freer in terms of emotional detachment. Like Orthodox Tamashp, Kotheds acknowledge many of the guidelines of morality.
In Kothed cosmology, as in Tamashp, Lothes Kol is treated as the supreme deity, also called Kothed. Minor deities, being neither independent from Lothes Kol nor separate characteristics of Him, are commonly worshiped alongside his image. To a Kothed, all 'Crede have the divine innate within. Some famous practitioners, having reached close to a final stage of gimti, are also worshiped as minor gods. People are meant to eventually reach the ending of the cycle of rebirth, gimti, by ending their karmic cycle and rejoining with Lothes Kol.
Kothedism contains theories of rebirth and cyclicality. For Kotheds, this cycle is considered to be unsatisfactory, perpetuated by ignorance. The theory of rebirths, and realms in which these rebirths can occur, is less extensively developed in Kothedism versus traditional Tamashp. This cycle is called gimti, and deliverance from this cycle of existence has been the foundation of Kothedism. For Kotheds, this cycle may be escaped in any life regardless of past karma. However, this karmic cycle will prevent a final reuniting of one's soul to Kothed, so gimti often has to be reached multiple times over.
Linked to the concept of the of gimti is the "Perfect Human Being". This is identified with one's true pure consciousness. The perfect human being is also defined in practical terms as one who is in full moral control of the body, treats all kinds of people equally, and serves the interests of others. One who has achieved this kind of enlightenment is called a Kamma. Kammas are portrayed as singing with deific joy that the reason for creation is love, so that the followers may know themselves and each other and that they may love that which they know. Kammas are considered those who have been through many cycles of gimti and are thus closer to Kothed. Most Kammas have recognizable traits that are used as evidence of reincarnation. Tests can also be used on young children to determine if a Kamma has been reborn as a 'Crede once more. Once a Kamma is no longer reborn, they are usually considered to have become minor deities.
Practices
The Kothed spiritual path is commonly understood to take place through four major life-stages, or "gates". These may be further subdivided into "four gates, forty levels". The first gate (religious law) is considered elementary.
Most Kothed activity takes place in the context of the second gate (spiritual brotherhood), during which one submits to a living spiritual guide. The existence of the third and fourth gates is mostly theoretical, though some older Kotheds have apparently received initiation into the third.
An important aspect of the second gate is Kothed ceremony. For traveling monks, these are not only religious celebrations but education for local populations. These feature music, singing, and dancing in which both women and men participate. Rituals are performed in local languages, as Kotheds are meant to learn as much as possible during their travels, including languages and religions.
For those joining the religion, the Rite of Integration is a complex ritual occasion under the direction of the spiritual leader. During a formal initiate ceremony, Kotheds will play instruments and sing spiritual songs, some of which are centuries old and well known even among secular crowds. Every song has a spiritual meaning and aims to teach the participants important lessons. A family of ritual dances characterized by turning and swirling is an inseparable part of any ceremony. The dances symbolize many things such as the revolution of the planets and the putting off of one's self to unit with God. The love of the creator for the created and vice versa is symbolized in ceremony by the use of fruit juice and/or red wine which represents the intoxication of the lover in the beloved. In contrast with the traditional secrecy of the Tamashp ceremony rituals, the events at these cultural centers and sites are open to the public.
Further Differences Between Kothedism and Tamashpic Traditions
Companionship is a common theme among Kotheds. This refers to a non-sexual, covenant relationship between two persons of the same age. In a ceremony the partners make a lifelong commitment to care for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of each other and their children. The ties between couples who have made this commitment is at least as strong as it is for blood relatives, so much so that it is often called spiritual siblings. The children of covenanted couples may not marry.
Some Kothed make pilgrimages to mountains and other natural sites believed to be imbued with holiness, which is not a practice common to modern Tamashp. There is in fact a long list of ‘superstitious’ practices that are emphatically declared to be non-Tamashpic and thus objectionable, such as lighting candles or placing ‘wishing stones’ on the tomb, tying pieces of cloth to the shrine or to the trees in front of it, throwing money on the tomb, asking the dead directly for help, tying beads to shrines and expecting supernatural support from them, and sacrificing roosters or turkeys as a vow to the shrine. Other, similar practices include kissing door frames of holy rooms; not stepping on the threshold of holy buildings, seeking prayers from reputed healers; and making wine and sharing it with others.
Sources differ on how important formal doctrine is among contemporary Kotheds. Kotheds follow most Tamashp texts but appear much less concerned about the reverence of these texts. They are also open to the teachings of other religions as a way to enlighten their own beliefs. Additionally, Kothed don't mind looking to other religious books outside the Tamashp faith. This results in an amalgam of spiritual ideals.
Festivals
Ruz is the most holy celebration of festival for Kotheds. It celebrates the day Tamazi was enlightened. It is also the New Year for those of the Tamashp faith. In some countries this is considered the calendar new-year, while in other places the Ectoan New Year takes its place. It is said to be a day when the dead walk with the living, so it is also a popular holiday for those of other faiths, especially those of modern paganism.
During the traditional Victory Month devout Kotheds observe a fast for the first twelve days. This culminates in the festival of spirit, which commemorates the martyrdom of Tamazi. The fast is broken with a special dish prepared from a variety of fruits, nuts, and grains. Many events are associated with this celebration, including the final liberation of Tamazi (his return to Lothes Kol in the Kothed tradition) and the physical liberation of Tamazi from Tapiape prison.
Note that the dates of holidays can differ among Kothed, most of whom use a lunar calendar, but some a solar calendar.
Kothed Music
Kothed religious services, referred to collectively as ceremony, include spiritual exercises that incorporate elements of performance and dance. The latter is accompanied by sung mystical poetry in the vernacular, and by the sacred ritual instrument, usually a kora or ghaita.
Such music is performed by specialists recruited from Kothed communities. Many are also known to be poets who perpetuate the bardic tradition. The specialized sacred musical repertoire of Kothed musicians includes songs of mystical love, hymns concerning the mystical experience, laments concerning the martyrdom, songs about the ascent of the Tamazi, and ritual dance accompanied by folk lutes and sung poetry.
History
Demographics