The Three Taos
The Three Taos, known as Wisdom, Endurance, and Precision are a system of philosophical ideologies founded by the Three Sages that focus on the key elements that flow through all living beings, both mortal and immortal. A philosophy essentially rooted in cultures worldwide such as Shilonese, Tekkanese, Midora, and Monkhu faiths alike, with some cultures valuing one of the three aspects over others. But those who achieve everlasting greatness are the ones who see the importance of all three.
The principles were written well over several thousand years ago during the Lost History era (LH) by three noble brothers (known today as the Three Sages) of the celestial court. The three committed a great offense to Shen Hai and were cast down to the mortal world as punishment. The first brother nearly went mad from his descent and shame and went on a journey to seek spiritual enlightenment. Eventually fully detaching himself from his pride and befriended a fish. The second brother landed in a sea of thorn bushes and nearly succumbed to the pain. Though his will to live was tough as iron, and found his way out through endurement.
The third brother bore the blame on himself for his sloth and incompetence due to his amputated hand, so he swore to never blink nor sleep again. Focusing on his redemption and nothing else.
Statues representing the three sages, (from left to right) Wisdom, Endurance, and Percision.
Wisdom
Wisdom is the first of the three, often associated with spiritual guidance, self-healing, and enlightenment. While not necessarily efficient in strengthening or honing one's skill, it is considered one of the most important principles of the three. For it helps one to concentrate on the flow of the universe and the long-term effects of happiness. People who practice this principle are not necessarily the fastest nor strongest but understand what's important in life and are regarded as much more content people.
Endurance
Endurance is the principle that represents the body and its tenacity, survival, and adaptation. Despite this practice lacking the understanding of higher thinking like the other two. The body is the material vessel of the soul, and can easily succumb to the earth's trials if not properly cared for. To strengthen the body, it must endure trials that test its limits and force it to adapt, some of these trials overextending the human limit and creating something much stronger at a high cost. Examples of this practice include monks of the Genbari tribe hardening their skulls by smashing their heads against ice-cold stone until their firm either matches it or even exceeds it.
Precision
Precision is the last of the three principles, representing the mind and its capability to strict, achieve, and perfect. A practice many great achievers consider to be most important, valuing efficiency over well-being and striving for whatever it takes to become more. Those who have cultivated this tao are amongst the most intelligent, cunning, and persistent. While being an utmost essential to those who seek improvement, those who sway too deep into this ideology will detach themselves from the ways of the universe to find themselves on an obsessive path of unobtainable expectations. Similar to fire and its relation with the five elements, Precision is the most formidable and dangerous of the three taos and can be very destructive if not balanced correctly.
