Dort: Abbey History & Dogma

[Maeve]

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The Abbey : History
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When the world was new and still very young, there were a million and one things left undone; seeds to be planted, animals to be reared, oceans to be filled... Mother Earth laboured for a full year, tending to her creation and ensuring that the cycle of seasons was set and passing as it should. At the end of the first year, Mother Earth was tired, tired as she had ever been; so she picked a green and pleasant spot, and lay down to sleep. As she slept, the earth on which she lay kissed its mother, and absorbed some of her essence, making that place uniquely part of her. The place where she lay is the site of the current Abbey.

In those long ago times, Grey Elves lived on Dort; they called the place where Mother Earth had slept 'Eruhelen', which means 'place of the Mother'. They were the first settlers there; it was the Grey Elves who raised the fine stone walls and buildings now used by the monks. Then, as now, Eruhelen was a place of worship, its inhabitants devoting their lives to the teaching and faith of Mother Earth. The land were they built was incredibly fertile, its streams clear and pure; it was if Mother Earth had blessed that part of Dort.

Why the Grey Elves left is unknown; perhaps they resented the rise of the Man in the isles, seeing what Mankind had done to another indigenous race, the Picti; perhaps the Grey Elves finally achieved a state of nirvana, and became part of Mother Earth herself. In any event, the doors were sealed and the buildings of the Grey Elves stood empty for long, long years.

During that time the site became the subject of myth and legend; the superstitious natives of Dort believed (quite rightly) that it was a sacred place, and to walk there was to invite the interest of the Gods, and whilst they did not shun the place they chose not to dwell there.

Two hundred years ago, a healer of Islay named Finn O'Shea is said to have dreams in which Mother Earth herself urged him to visit the site, and to seek the knowledge that was held within. Finn gathered 4 companions, and went to the buildings; once there, the doors sprang open on his touch, and fires were lit as if by divine intervention. Finn and his companions explored the complex, eventually finding a great library beneath the ground, a great record of the life and times of the Grey Elves, detailing their faith and devotion. Finn and companions also felt a great urge to serve Mother Earth, to devote their lives to her and her teachings; Finn became the first Human Abbot, and his companions the first Stewards of the four remaining halls.

The first monks were dedicated to teaching the concept of Gaia, that the world is a vast living organism that we are all part of, and that by living in harmony with the world, both are enriched. Their teachings soon found favour with the poor farmers and labourers of Dort, and word of the Abbey and its wondrously fertile land spread. Soon others came to join Finn and his companions, to learn and seek a deeper understanding of the world and Mother Earth...

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The Abbey : Teachings
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Here are the basic teachings of the Abbey:

GAIA
The principle teaching of the Abbey is the Gaia principle, that the earth is alive; we are part of the world, and the world is part of us. Neither can exist without the other; the only true path is via harmonious co-existence. Finn O'Shea, the first Abbot, wrote: "The earth is alive, alive like a tree, quietly existing, never moving except to sway in the wind, yet endlessly conversing with the sunlight and the soil. Using sunlight and water and nutrient minerals to grow and change. But all done so imperceptibly, that to me the old oak tree on the green is the same as it was when I was a child."

WYRD
The Abbey teaches that we are all connected to the world (and the world to us) by a life force that runs through all things - stone, wood, water, creatures - and which connects them like a vast web of threads. This life-force is called wyrd, and the monks of the Abbey are taught are how to recognise and use wyrd to achieve harmony and eventual unity with Mother Earth.

There are 6 lessons of Wyrd:

- Wyrd shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But if the need arises then Wyrd shall be used to protect your life or the life of others.
- Wyrd is used only as need dictates.
- Wyrd may be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none.
- It is unwise to accept money for the use of Wyrd, for it quickly controls the taker.
- Use not Wyrd for prideful gain, for such cheapens its mystery.
- Ever remember that Wyrd is the sacred gift of Mother Earth, and should never be misused or abused.

TEACHINGS OF FINN O'SHEA
The first Abbot, Finn O'Shea, left 9 teachings, which all monks of the Abbey adhere to:

- As often as possible, hold rites in forests, by the seashore, on deserted mountaintops or near tranquil lakes. In doing so you will bring yourself closer to Mother Earth.
- Seek out wisdom in books, rare manuscripts and cryptic poems if you will, but seek it out also in simple stones and fragile herbs and in the cries of wild birds. Listen to the whisperings of the wind and the roar of water if you would discover the true meaning of Gaia, for it is here that the old secrets are preserved.
- Books contain words; trees contain energies and wisdom books never dreamt of.
- Ever remember that the Old Ways are constantly revealing themselves. Therefore be as the river willow that bends and sways with the wind. That which remains changeless shall outlive its spirit, but that which evolves and grows will shine for centuries.
- There can be no monopoly on wisdom. Therefore share what you will of our ways with others who seek them, but hide mystic lore from the eyes of those who would destroy - for to do otherwise increases their destruction.
- Mock not the rituals or spells of another, for who can say yours are greater in power or wisdom?
- Ensure that your actions are honourable, for all that you do shall return to you three-fold, good or bane.
- Be wary of one who would dominate you, who would control and manipulate your workings and reverences. Be guided by your heart and your faith.
- Honour all living things, for we are of the bird, the fish, the bee. Destroy not life save it be to preserve your own.