Gredl Desmond/pretty#8295
Level 0
SHINSEI SEINARU MONASTERY APPLICATION
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Out-Of-Character (OOC) Section
IN-GAME NAME (IGN):
Norsex
DISCORD NAME & TAG:
pretty#8295
WHAT IS YOUR TIMEZONE?:
CET
LIST ANY PREVIOUS BANS:
None, as of right now.
DO YOU HAVE A MICROPHONE?:
I sadly do not own a microphone.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACTIVITY ON THE SERVER:
I'm mostly active in the game on weekends but I'm also active on Monday-Friday.
WHAT POSITION ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?:
I'd like to apply as a Shrine Priest
WHAT KNOWLEDGE DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE OF SHINTOISM AND ARE YOU PREPARED/WILLING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RELIGION?:
I know that Shinto has no known founder or single sacred scripture. Shinto is wholly devoted to life in this world and emphasizes man’s essential goodness. Shinto is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, and it is as old as Japan itself. Today it continues as Japan’s major religion alongside Buddhism and Christianity. The customs and values of Shinto are inseparable from those of Japanese culture."
In Shintoism, Shrines are considered as shelters for the places of worship of Kami. These shrines can be any public building, a place of natural beauty such as sacred forests, waterfalls or mountains or they can also be small shrines set up in homes that are also as Kamidana. Public shrines often have a gate (Torii gate) to separate the cared place and the common space. The public shrines have both priests and priestesses.
In Shinto, the things that come closest to the western notion of evil are pollution and impurity, and the solution of these problems is considered through rituals of purification. Shintoist followers do not regard suffering as a form of punishment for human behavior.
Shinto gods and goddesses are believed to be equally gentle and loving or awesome and terrifying.
WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT FOR THIS ROLE OVER OTHER APPLICANTS?
I stand out from the other applicants because I am confident, confident in myself and what I can do and achieve. in addition; I am very creative, I can make up a story out of thin air and use it to my advantage. My communication skills are ideal, I do not fear to step into conversations, as I will do my best to make the guests feel like they are welcomed and at home. I can easily cooperate with others as I find trusting eachother important and mandatory. I will always uphold the values of the Shrine by assisting anyone in need. Besides that my commitment to teamwork will always be there. This reffers to talking within the group, to make it fun for all of us together.
DO YOU ACKNOWLEDGE YOU WILL HAVE TO ATTEND MANDATORY TRAININGS TO BE TAUGHT MORE ABOUT SHINTOISM AND THE ACCORDING PROCEDURES?:
I agree to follow all of the procedures; as a Shrine member this is mandatory, not following these procedures would only indicate that I have been lying about my motive, wanting to become a shrine priest. not being able to comprehend the procedures would feel like I myself failed to chase my motivation, it would be tragic.
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In-Character (IC) Section
SECTION 1: Character Details
CHARACTERS FULL NAME:
Gredl Desmond.
CHARACTERS TITLE (E.g. Mr. Mrs. Miss):
My character's title is "Miss"
CHARACTERS AGE (E.g. 21-80):
17.
CHARACTERS MARITAL STATUS:
Single as of right now.
CHARACTERS NATIONALITY:
Northern Europe
CHARACTERS PHONE-NUMBER:
+81 030-093-9288
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR APPLYING TO WORK AT THE MONASTERY?:
I am passionate about being a Shinto Priest, my motivation comes from its culture and the people that are currently working at the Shrine. They motivate me to become just like them. I want everyone to know what Shintoism is, I want to make that my goal. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a positive experience with this religion, and I want to persue that. I want everyone to feel at ease and at home. I will also maintain peace and order within the Shrine.
TELL ME WHAT HISTORY AND INFORMATION YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SHINSEI SEINARU MONASTERY:
the original shrine unfortunately got burned to the ground. However the old shrine building still remains, it's just that nobody uses it anymore.
There are many speculations around it. Some people believe that the Kami did it when it was somewhat mad. Some think that it was a natural cause.
And even that someone did it. However unfortunately we will never truly know what happened since none of us were born back then.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE MONASTERY LEAD :
Dear Monastery Lead,
While I had little experience with the work of a shrine, I've became a helpful person because of you, and I am sure I could handle caring for the shrine. I have endured some very BAD things and focused on very bad things throughout my whole life, until I've learned about you and the history about It and I wish to have a fresh experience by serving the shrine, the community, and Shintoism as a Priest, and I promise you that you won't regret a single bit of it! I also believe in you and what greatness you have accomplished, a safe place for me and my friends to associate in. A safe surrounding for all of us. I warmly thank you for reading my application and possibly considering me worthy as to pass this application.
BACKSTORY (100+ Words):
Hansel and Gredl are the young children of a poor woodcutter. When a famine settles over the land, the woodcutter's second wife tells the woodcutter to take the children into the woods and leave them there to fend for themselves, so that she and her husband do not starve to death. The woodcutter opposes the plan, but his wife claims that maybe a stranger will take the children in and provide for them, which the woodcutter and she simply cannot do. With the scheme seemingly justified, the woodcutter reluctantly is forced to submit to it. They are unaware that in the children's bedroom, Hansel and Gredl have overheard them. After the parents have gone to bed, Hansel sneaks out of the house and gathers as many white pebbles as he can, then returns to his room, reassuring Gredl that Inari will not forsake them.
The next day, the family walk deep into the woods and Hansel lays a trail of white pebbles. After their parents abandon them, the children wait for the moon to rise and then follow the pebbles back home. They return home safely, much to their stepmother's rage. Once again, provisions become scarce and the stepmother angrily orders her husband to take the children further into the woods and leave them there. Hansel and Gredl attempt to gather more pebbles, but find the front door locked.
The following morning, the family treks into the woods. Hansel takes a slice of bread and leaves a trail of bread crumbs for them to follow to return back home. However, after they are once again abandoned, they find that the birds have eaten the crumbs and they are lost in the woods. After days of wandering, they follow a beautiful white bird to a clearing in the woods, and discover a large cottage built of gingerbread, cookies, cakes, and candy, with window panes of clear sugar. Hungry and tired, the children begin to eat the rooftop of the house, when the door opens and a "very old woman" emerges and lures the children inside with the promise of soft beds and delicious food. They enter without realizing that their hostess is a bloodthirsty witch who built the gingerbread house to waylay children to cook and eat them.
The next morning, the witch locks Hansel in an iron cage in the garden and forces Gredl into becoming a slave. The witch feeds Hansel regularly to fatten him up, but serves Gredl nothing but crab shells. The witch then tries to touch Hansel's finger to see how fat he has become, but Hansel cleverly offers a thin bone he found in the cage. As the witch's eyes are too weak to notice the deception, she is fooled into thinking Hansel is still too thin to eat. After weeks of this, the witch grows impatient and decides to eat Hansel, "be he fat or lean".
She prepares the oven for Hansel, but decides she is hungry enough to eat Gredl, too. She coaxes Gredl to the open oven and asks her to lean over in front of it to see if the fire is hot enough. Gredl, sensing the witch's intent, pretends she does not understand what the witch means. Infuriated, the witch demonstrates, and Gretel instantly shoves her into the hot oven, slams and bolts the door shut, and leaves "the ungodly witch to be burned into ashes". Gredl frees Hansel from the cage and the pair discover a vase full of treasure, including precious stones. Putting the jewels into their clothing, the children set off for another adventure yet to be discovered.
SECTION 2: Self-Knowledge Details
What duties do Shinto Priests and Maidens have?:
The main duty of a Shinto Priest is to perform purification rituals and ceremonies and communicate with the gods. A Shrine Maiden, usually a young female, is trained to do sacred cleansing and perform the sacred Kagura dance basically they look after the shrine as well as the same for priests ( the maidens look after the shrine and the priests )
What are the steps needed to be taken at the purification trough before entering the Shrine?:
Simple, first thing you would need to stand Infront of the Tsukubai. Afterwards bow Infront of the water basin before picking up the ladle with your right hand, scoop up the water and carefully pour it into your left hand. Next step you do the same with your other hand before bringing the ladle up to your mouth. Then take a swig of the water and swish it around your mouth. Afterwards spit the water out to the rocks on your feet before putting the ladle back down.
How are offerings to a Kami performed?:
The kami can read your thoughts so you don't have to physically say your prayer. During the last bow, the supplicant offers words of gratitude and praise to the kami if they are offering a prayer for aid they will also state their name and address. After the prayer and/or worship they repeat the two bows, two claps and a final bow in conclusion.
How do you perform a tea ceremony ritual?:
You need a pot with some fresh water, an incense, Tea bowls and finally the macha. You'd heat the water within the kettle before taking it off as it boiled. Then carefully pour it to the teapot. Next you need to activate the incense which would cleanse the tea bowls, after each one is finished you'd let out a small bow as a sign of appreciation. Then carefully sprinkle the macha into each of the cups before following it with the boiling water, carerfully mix it together. Afterwards pick it up before turning to the guest you would do a final bow.
Explain what a Tamagushi, Ofuda and Kagura Suzu is and what they're used for:
Tamagushi is a form of Shinto offering made from a sakaki-tree branch decorated with shide strips of washi paper, silk, or cotton,
A Kagura Suzu is a stick of bells used in the kagura dance performed by maidens.
Ofuda is a talisman made out of various materials such as paper, wood, cloth or metal.
(OPTIONAL) Based on your character; which other Kami would they worship?:
I would say, Omoikane the god of wisdom and intelligence, because she's very concentrated on her studies and loves to read the newspaper everyday to stay informated on the news.
───────────────────────────────────────
Out-Of-Character (OOC) Section
IN-GAME NAME (IGN):
Norsex
DISCORD NAME & TAG:
pretty#8295
WHAT IS YOUR TIMEZONE?:
CET
LIST ANY PREVIOUS BANS:
None, as of right now.
DO YOU HAVE A MICROPHONE?:
I sadly do not own a microphone.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACTIVITY ON THE SERVER:
I'm mostly active in the game on weekends but I'm also active on Monday-Friday.
WHAT POSITION ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?:
I'd like to apply as a Shrine Priest
WHAT KNOWLEDGE DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE OF SHINTOISM AND ARE YOU PREPARED/WILLING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RELIGION?:
I know that Shinto has no known founder or single sacred scripture. Shinto is wholly devoted to life in this world and emphasizes man’s essential goodness. Shinto is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, and it is as old as Japan itself. Today it continues as Japan’s major religion alongside Buddhism and Christianity. The customs and values of Shinto are inseparable from those of Japanese culture."
In Shintoism, Shrines are considered as shelters for the places of worship of Kami. These shrines can be any public building, a place of natural beauty such as sacred forests, waterfalls or mountains or they can also be small shrines set up in homes that are also as Kamidana. Public shrines often have a gate (Torii gate) to separate the cared place and the common space. The public shrines have both priests and priestesses.
In Shinto, the things that come closest to the western notion of evil are pollution and impurity, and the solution of these problems is considered through rituals of purification. Shintoist followers do not regard suffering as a form of punishment for human behavior.
Shinto gods and goddesses are believed to be equally gentle and loving or awesome and terrifying.
WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT FOR THIS ROLE OVER OTHER APPLICANTS?
I stand out from the other applicants because I am confident, confident in myself and what I can do and achieve. in addition; I am very creative, I can make up a story out of thin air and use it to my advantage. My communication skills are ideal, I do not fear to step into conversations, as I will do my best to make the guests feel like they are welcomed and at home. I can easily cooperate with others as I find trusting eachother important and mandatory. I will always uphold the values of the Shrine by assisting anyone in need. Besides that my commitment to teamwork will always be there. This reffers to talking within the group, to make it fun for all of us together.
DO YOU ACKNOWLEDGE YOU WILL HAVE TO ATTEND MANDATORY TRAININGS TO BE TAUGHT MORE ABOUT SHINTOISM AND THE ACCORDING PROCEDURES?:
I agree to follow all of the procedures; as a Shrine member this is mandatory, not following these procedures would only indicate that I have been lying about my motive, wanting to become a shrine priest. not being able to comprehend the procedures would feel like I myself failed to chase my motivation, it would be tragic.
───────────────────────────────────────
In-Character (IC) Section
SECTION 1: Character Details
CHARACTERS FULL NAME:
Gredl Desmond.
CHARACTERS TITLE (E.g. Mr. Mrs. Miss):
My character's title is "Miss"
CHARACTERS AGE (E.g. 21-80):
17.
CHARACTERS MARITAL STATUS:
Single as of right now.
CHARACTERS NATIONALITY:
Northern Europe
CHARACTERS PHONE-NUMBER:
+81 030-093-9288
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR APPLYING TO WORK AT THE MONASTERY?:
I am passionate about being a Shinto Priest, my motivation comes from its culture and the people that are currently working at the Shrine. They motivate me to become just like them. I want everyone to know what Shintoism is, I want to make that my goal. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a positive experience with this religion, and I want to persue that. I want everyone to feel at ease and at home. I will also maintain peace and order within the Shrine.
TELL ME WHAT HISTORY AND INFORMATION YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SHINSEI SEINARU MONASTERY:
the original shrine unfortunately got burned to the ground. However the old shrine building still remains, it's just that nobody uses it anymore.
There are many speculations around it. Some people believe that the Kami did it when it was somewhat mad. Some think that it was a natural cause.
And even that someone did it. However unfortunately we will never truly know what happened since none of us were born back then.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE MONASTERY LEAD :
Dear Monastery Lead,
While I had little experience with the work of a shrine, I've became a helpful person because of you, and I am sure I could handle caring for the shrine. I have endured some very BAD things and focused on very bad things throughout my whole life, until I've learned about you and the history about It and I wish to have a fresh experience by serving the shrine, the community, and Shintoism as a Priest, and I promise you that you won't regret a single bit of it! I also believe in you and what greatness you have accomplished, a safe place for me and my friends to associate in. A safe surrounding for all of us. I warmly thank you for reading my application and possibly considering me worthy as to pass this application.
BACKSTORY (100+ Words):
Hansel and Gredl are the young children of a poor woodcutter. When a famine settles over the land, the woodcutter's second wife tells the woodcutter to take the children into the woods and leave them there to fend for themselves, so that she and her husband do not starve to death. The woodcutter opposes the plan, but his wife claims that maybe a stranger will take the children in and provide for them, which the woodcutter and she simply cannot do. With the scheme seemingly justified, the woodcutter reluctantly is forced to submit to it. They are unaware that in the children's bedroom, Hansel and Gredl have overheard them. After the parents have gone to bed, Hansel sneaks out of the house and gathers as many white pebbles as he can, then returns to his room, reassuring Gredl that Inari will not forsake them.
The next day, the family walk deep into the woods and Hansel lays a trail of white pebbles. After their parents abandon them, the children wait for the moon to rise and then follow the pebbles back home. They return home safely, much to their stepmother's rage. Once again, provisions become scarce and the stepmother angrily orders her husband to take the children further into the woods and leave them there. Hansel and Gredl attempt to gather more pebbles, but find the front door locked.
The following morning, the family treks into the woods. Hansel takes a slice of bread and leaves a trail of bread crumbs for them to follow to return back home. However, after they are once again abandoned, they find that the birds have eaten the crumbs and they are lost in the woods. After days of wandering, they follow a beautiful white bird to a clearing in the woods, and discover a large cottage built of gingerbread, cookies, cakes, and candy, with window panes of clear sugar. Hungry and tired, the children begin to eat the rooftop of the house, when the door opens and a "very old woman" emerges and lures the children inside with the promise of soft beds and delicious food. They enter without realizing that their hostess is a bloodthirsty witch who built the gingerbread house to waylay children to cook and eat them.
The next morning, the witch locks Hansel in an iron cage in the garden and forces Gredl into becoming a slave. The witch feeds Hansel regularly to fatten him up, but serves Gredl nothing but crab shells. The witch then tries to touch Hansel's finger to see how fat he has become, but Hansel cleverly offers a thin bone he found in the cage. As the witch's eyes are too weak to notice the deception, she is fooled into thinking Hansel is still too thin to eat. After weeks of this, the witch grows impatient and decides to eat Hansel, "be he fat or lean".
She prepares the oven for Hansel, but decides she is hungry enough to eat Gredl, too. She coaxes Gredl to the open oven and asks her to lean over in front of it to see if the fire is hot enough. Gredl, sensing the witch's intent, pretends she does not understand what the witch means. Infuriated, the witch demonstrates, and Gretel instantly shoves her into the hot oven, slams and bolts the door shut, and leaves "the ungodly witch to be burned into ashes". Gredl frees Hansel from the cage and the pair discover a vase full of treasure, including precious stones. Putting the jewels into their clothing, the children set off for another adventure yet to be discovered.
SECTION 2: Self-Knowledge Details
What duties do Shinto Priests and Maidens have?:
The main duty of a Shinto Priest is to perform purification rituals and ceremonies and communicate with the gods. A Shrine Maiden, usually a young female, is trained to do sacred cleansing and perform the sacred Kagura dance basically they look after the shrine as well as the same for priests ( the maidens look after the shrine and the priests )
What are the steps needed to be taken at the purification trough before entering the Shrine?:
Simple, first thing you would need to stand Infront of the Tsukubai. Afterwards bow Infront of the water basin before picking up the ladle with your right hand, scoop up the water and carefully pour it into your left hand. Next step you do the same with your other hand before bringing the ladle up to your mouth. Then take a swig of the water and swish it around your mouth. Afterwards spit the water out to the rocks on your feet before putting the ladle back down.
How are offerings to a Kami performed?:
The kami can read your thoughts so you don't have to physically say your prayer. During the last bow, the supplicant offers words of gratitude and praise to the kami if they are offering a prayer for aid they will also state their name and address. After the prayer and/or worship they repeat the two bows, two claps and a final bow in conclusion.
How do you perform a tea ceremony ritual?:
You need a pot with some fresh water, an incense, Tea bowls and finally the macha. You'd heat the water within the kettle before taking it off as it boiled. Then carefully pour it to the teapot. Next you need to activate the incense which would cleanse the tea bowls, after each one is finished you'd let out a small bow as a sign of appreciation. Then carefully sprinkle the macha into each of the cups before following it with the boiling water, carerfully mix it together. Afterwards pick it up before turning to the guest you would do a final bow.
Explain what a Tamagushi, Ofuda and Kagura Suzu is and what they're used for:
Tamagushi is a form of Shinto offering made from a sakaki-tree branch decorated with shide strips of washi paper, silk, or cotton,
A Kagura Suzu is a stick of bells used in the kagura dance performed by maidens.
Ofuda is a talisman made out of various materials such as paper, wood, cloth or metal.
(OPTIONAL) Based on your character; which other Kami would they worship?:
I would say, Omoikane the god of wisdom and intelligence, because she's very concentrated on her studies and loves to read the newspaper everyday to stay informated on the news.
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