Holy Light Lore

Fellow Disciples, in this short document you will find the most crucial information about the Light, and the behavior expected of you during your service. Please read this carefully, below you will find the list of books if you wish to pursue this topic further. Light be with you.

Nature of Light.

I will not go too deep on this topic, you may read more yourself. What is important, The Light is no Deity, no god. It is a universal power and a philosophy. The Light comes into your being through your positive feelings; by harboring those feelings and acting on them you will be granted Light’s power. Light comes from within, not from without.

The Three Virtues.

Philosophy of the Light is divided into the three Virtues, by adhering to them you will acquire greater wisdom and power of the Light, as well as live in a pure and Good way. The Virtues are:
Respect- it teaches to respect everything around you, as all things in the universe are interconnected, and you are connected to the Universe. You must be aware of that bond, and respect the world around you as you respect yourself.
Tenacity teaches patience and discipline, following light’s path is not an easy task and will take long, also remaining calm and respectful is hard and requires a lot of patience, you must not give up and not lose faith.
Compassion teaches to not only be aware of bond between Self and Universe, but also exploit it further for showing and acting upon positive emotions, offering aid, helping the needy and showing love and friendship. Compassion is the hardest of virtues, most hard to master- and the one most rewarding.

History

Among humans, The Faith in the Light has originated long ago when people of first human nation of Arathor had need for spirituality(-1200 years). First practices started in city-state of Lordaeron, but the sit of The Archbishop positioned in the Grand Cathedral of Stratholme. Light was mostly practiced by clerics, and there were no paladins, understanding of the light was also poor and it was even referred to as the Gods.

When the second war started, Uther Lightbringer a cleric of ruined abbey of Northshire combined art of war, and the Light becoming the first Paladin and founding the Order of the Silver Hand. He was made the first Grandmaster of the Silver Hand at Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme by Archbishop Alonsus Faol. It is during this times of Need that Light’s power to heal was truly discovered and that men learned more about it’s mysteries. The Faith in the light has outlived the Silver Hand, and spread to Elven and Dwarvish lands where we can find some of Light’s followers among these races. Recently, missionaries have brought the Light to lands of the High Elves.

The Draenei followed the Light ever since their Exodus from their homeworld of Argus(-25000 years). Unlike humans who have taught themselves, Draenei learned of the Light from the creatures known as The Naaru who guide them to this day.


Behavior of the follower of the Light.

Here I will not try to claim to know better, nor force you to behave strictly but merely give the directions so you can find your own way.

At first, follower of the Light must be courtly and respectful – even to the enemies. Showing respect costs nothing, and counts for a lot. Insulting and swearing serves no mean and directly opposes the virtue of respect. In the end it is always better to be kind and respectful than savage and insulting. You must realize that other people have feeling of dignity and honor, and seek not to break it. Most importantly, respect other ideas and views of the world – if you do not agree with them try to civilly discuss the matter, but if others do not let them go (and ideas are not Harmful or Malefic) simply let them believe in them

You should seek to be patient with others, as well as yourself. Do not rush ahead without thinking, do not expect others to be just as good and pure as you – give people time, and give yourself time to learn. Be patient, as patience will bear it’s fruits.

You must seek to harm others as less as possible, and especially never harm others for vengeance or pleasure. If enemy surrenders, there is no need to beat and humiliate him. You must bring happiness, not pain. Remember that pain is part of the world, and should it be the only option – you inflict it.

You should be courageous , determined and tenacious – do not step down before shadow, do not fear death when lives of innocents are at stake. But you must not be a zealot, remember that some situations are impossible. As always, the middle path is the best one.

You must give people chance to learn, redeem themselves, whenever possible. Such choice might be hard, but sometimes it is best. At least you must Forgive your enemies and hold no Hatred or Anger towards them – this does not mean that should they harbor evil you shouldn’t touch them. Those who seek to harm must be dealt with, forgiven or not.

-be respectful and courtly
-be patient
-show empathy and compassion
-be courageous and determined
-seek to fight the darkness and the evil.
-do not become a zealot, keep your mind open, choose the middle path.
-do not harbor hate, anger or vengeance
-do not inflict harm unless it is needed

List of Books.

History, lore and Biography
{ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/index.html#lore
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/chapter1.html (and other volumes)
http://www.wowwiki.com/Uther_Lightbringer
http://www.wowwiki.com/Alonsus_Faol
http://www.wowwiki.com/Velen }

Metaphysics and Philosophy
{ http://www.wowwiki.com/Holy_Light
http://www.wowwiki.com/Church_of_Holy_Light
http://www.wowwiki.com/Naaru }

You can find more books and references within the library, consult the librarian for an advise.
Writen by Exaythe, former Disciple.