The Chodona
Properly called the Eight-spoked Wheel of the Law or the Chakradharmasamhita, the Chodona was composed at the first Samashti in 1314. It marks the first appearance of the Euthanatos as a singular Tradition. At the First Convocation, Tradition elders added commentaries and clarifications that became the foundation of Euthanatos law, beliefs and ethics.
The core principles (called the Eight Spokes) of the Chodona follow.
Preamble
Before the eyes of heaven we write this code: We, who know the dance of life and death, and who have been chosen to guard the Wheel of the world, do avow before all present powers that this is our law, to be held sacred forever.
We testify to the existence of a Cycle of birth, death and rebirth that pervades the cosmos with its rhythm. We testify that souls of humankind and all animate beings are conducted through this Cycle towards an eventual end. We testify that this Cycle is the Law of the universe. We swear to support this Cycle, and prevent its stagnation or corruption.
Hiranyagargha
We believe in the fundamental unity of all that exists, and that Creation springs from One original source, to which it will return. We further state that all animate beings carry within them the pure seed of this original source, no matter how corrupt their outer shell might be.
Kala
We avow that Decay and Entropy are part of the natural Cycle, and that all things must eventually decay to dust so as to return to the womb of the universe. We accept this as part of our existence, and vow that we shall not cause ourselves undue pain in a futile battle with the principle. Rather, we shall harness the endless Wheel of Time and the secret Web of Fate as our allies in guarding the structure of the universe.
Gopaya
We have been given our insight and power for a purpose to be guardians of humankind and the world. This is our sacred duty from which we still stray only upon pain of death and the loss of our souls. We will guard the Wheel and those caught in its thrall, regardless of the danger to our mortal existences or the suffering it may cause us.
Sadhana
One cannot remain pure without being controlled of the senses and the spirit. Hence, we vow to always seek our own spiritual betterment. We shall practice the rites, sing the sacred songs, and subject ourselves to trials to strengthen the body and will. We will resist the temptations of desire, no matter the form in which they come to us.
Daya
It is impossible for us to complete our duty if we close our hearts to the suffering in the world around us. To attempt such would be to open our doors to corruptions and evil. Thus, we must never close our eyes to the pain of others, or the pain our own actions cause.
Tyaga
Since action done for pleasure and one's own gain carries with it always the danger of corruption, we shall forgo such action. Our duty shall be done in the name of the cosmos, and offered in sacrifice to the cosmos. We shall eschew action that is created purely by our desires, for such action would threaten our souls and our duties.
Diksha
One cannot properly enter a new life without a death, and one cannot serve that which one does not understand. All those who care to join our number, as part of their rite of entry, before they receive their names, or their mantras, or their sacred tools, must walk on the other side of life. They must lay curled within the belly of death and return to us before we will count them in our number.
