Editing Austrism

|related=[[Idris]]

|type={{cat tag|Religion}}

|universe=[[Cosmere]]

'''Austrism''' is a monotheistic religion centered around a god named '''Austre''', practiced by the [[Idris|Idrian]] people on [[Nalthis]]. Austre is often called "God of Colors".{{book ref|wb|1}}

Austre is not [[Endowment]],{{wob ref|6590}} and his true identity (if any) is unknown. Before the [[Manywar]] and the exile of the royal family, he was also worshipped in [[Hallandren]].{{book ref|wb|15}}

According to the doctrine of Austrism, Austre commands the Returned to come back to life, and gives [[Breath]] to humanity.{{book ref|wb|15}}

|I saw men who placed themselves above others, and I saw them cast down.

The Visions teach the virtues of humility, sacrifice and seeing another's problems before your own.{{book ref|wb|40}} They teach that no person should try to put oneself above others, and that Austre regards all people equally.{{book ref|wb|19}} Acting ostentatiously, rejecting people because of their sins, and flaunting one's talents{{book ref|wb|27}} are seen as sins.{{book ref|wb|19}}{{book ref|wb|20}} Austrism also teaches that there is nothing wrong with feelings, but drawing attention to yourself with them is wrong.{{book ref|wb|1}}

Austrism, as practiced by [[Idrian]]s, considers Breaths to be intimately linked to human souls. For that reason followers of Austre consider holding the [[Breath]]s of others to be a sin, and using them to [[Awakening|Awaken]] to be an even greater sin.{{book ref|wb|13}} However, [[Vasher]] states that such intolerance toward Awakening only emerged after the [[Manywar]].{{book ref|wb|40}}

Terminating pregnancies is seen as a sin.{{book ref|wb|34}}

== Austre ==

{{quote

|He’s more of a force. You know, the thing that watches over all people, who punishes those who don’t do what is right and who blesses those who are worthy.

|[[Siri]] explaining the concept of Austre to [[Susebron]]{{book ref|wb|29}}

}}

Austre is the only god of the monotheistic religion of Austrism.{{book ref|wb|29}} He is often referred to as the "God of Colors."{{book ref|wb|4}} Austre is not [[Endowment]]{{wob ref|6590}}; it is unknown if he is a real being or not.

While male pronouns are used to reference Austre, he is not seen as a person, but instead, as an invisible karmic force that watches over all people.{{book ref|wb|29}} Despite being viewed as a force, he is often given human descriptions, such as colorful eyes.{{book ref|wb|9}} He is said to have emotion and to be able to be pleased or displeased with someone's actions.{{book ref|wb|4}} Followers of Austrism believe he regards all humans, regardless of their societal status, as equals.{{book ref|wb|19}}

He is believed to make all living things, and to put them in their proper place better than any human could.{{book ref|wb|1}}{{book ref|wb|29}} He is also said to give people their personalities{{book ref|wb|1}} and their talents.{{book ref|wb|27}} Austrism holds that he sends the [[Returned]] back to Nalthis as his prophets{{book ref|wb|15}}, and gave Vo the Five Visions.{{book ref|wb|29}}

The [[Idris|Idrians]] believe that Austre watches over them and protects them.{{book ref|wb|2}}{{book ref|wb|4}} They call themselves sons and daughters of Austre.{{book ref|wb|9}}

== Members of Austrism ==

{{columns|

* [[Vivenna]]

* [[Dedelin]]

* [[Siri]]

* [[Fafen]]

* [[Ridger]]

* [[Parlin]]

* [[Yarda]]

* [[Lemex]]

* [[Rira (character)|Rira]]

* [[Thame]]

}}

=== Curses ===

Almost every Idrian uses Austre's name for a variety of expressions of confusion, shock, and disbelief.

"For Austre’s sake!"{{book ref|wb|2}}

"Austre, God of Colors!"{{book ref|wb|4}}{{book ref|wb|6}}{{book ref|wb|10}}

"What in Austre’s name was that?"{{book ref|wb|10}}{{book ref|wb|11}}

"Oh, Austre."{{book ref|wb|10}}{{book ref|wb|20}}

"Oh, God, Lord of Colors!"{{book ref|wb|20}}

==Monks==

Monks of Austrism (also called Idrian monks) are supposed to be the most pious and least ostentatious of Idrians.{{book ref|wb|44}} They are required to shear off their hair and wear white robes. It is seen as a duty in Idris to provide at least one child for the monasteries (especially among noble or rich families), as it is against the Five Visions to be selfish, even with one's own blood.{{book ref|wb|2}} Idrian monks do not get locked in a monastery--they can leave at any time{{book ref|wb|44}}--and they provide services for the needy in Idris.

The monks act as servants to the kingdom's poor in a very formalized way. For example, if a man breaks his leg and can't work, a monk will take his place at his job; the wages earned will still go to the injured man's family. Occasionally, if a father dies, a monk is permanently assigned to his place at work and provides for that man's family.{{wob ref|6032}}

Monks are forbidden to own or possess anything themselves and give everything they have to the people.{{wob ref|6032}} Without the pressure to feed themselves or acquire goods, some monks can be a little lazy. However, many are very diligent, such as [[Fafen]].{{book ref|wb|2}}

== Trivia ==

Austre may be a very old Returned.{{wob ref|6590}}

[[es:Austrismo]]