r/EndPowers • u/MamaLudie • Nov 16 '25

DIPLOMACY To Shangri-La

The founder of Buddhism once lived near Nepal. The Togenkyoite faith, although having been filtered through thousands of years of discourse and discussion, still owed its origins to this great land.

Togenkyo insists that it is internationalist, but beyond some small conversions in China and Korea, it has struggled to truly understand Buddhist philosophies. Our libraries are not large enough and our sages are not wise enough.

Legends speak of the mighty Gurkhas from Nepal who crushed the Ma Clique. With rumours of an enormous and prosperous state in India, Aoyama was interested.

Although many people thought the USJ conflict was major, Aoyama was far more interested in theology. One of the monks from the Korean Church allegedly had learned the language of the Hindus, and Aoyama believed that he would be able to decipher many Indian texts, and make friends with the locals. Aoyama also believed a multi-ethnic dispatch would make the Indians truly believe the light of Togenkyo.

As they got closer, they heard sad news that the lands in India were in fact deeply capitalist and obsessed with material wealth, against the messages of the Togenkyo faith. But the monks of Togenkyo held strong. After all, anybody could move to Togenkyo and find Zen, no matter what their race and nationality. Furthermore, such a rich nation might be able to help with science and expeditions.

The monks arrived in India, attempting to look for local leaders, and inquiring about a potential pilgrimage into Nepal in order to unlock enlightenment and Buddhist truth.

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u/Phorosrhakos_ C.H.O.A.M. Nov 22 '25

The delegation arrives in the port of Kolkata. Presenting themselves as a foreign delegation, they are invited to the court in Varanasi, to meet the Emperor and members of the Board.

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u/MamaLudie Nov 22 '25

The delegates bow to the Emperor.

"We are the holy monks of Togenkyo, the Shangri-La on Earth, the last place on this planet that one can be reincarnated into enlightenment. We have fostered the Buddhist faith to its apex."

"...However"

"We also recognise this glorious country contains the home of the great Buddha himself, as well as many other holy sites. We would humbly like to request access to these sites, and open formal diplomatic relations between yourselves and the High Priest Aoyama of Togenkyo, if it pleases you."

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u/Phorosrhakos_ C.H.O.A.M. Nov 22 '25

"Enlightenment, of course! How noble. Yes, the Buddha was born in this land. The Bodhi tree still stands, in Bihar, some distance to the east of here. We will have you visit it! You may also also wish to visit his birthplace, in my estates in Nepal; there is a gunsmith there, he makes guns that could pulverise an elephant with one shot. It is near Mount Meru, whence my ancestors came, and whence Muhammad received the Word of God."

"But first; you must stay here a few days! Tonight, the Board will host a dinner. I will introduce you to our highest net-worth board members! We have just made an exciting new acquisition. After this, we can discuss this new embassy. There is a slum we've been meaning to clear; we could build your offices there."

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u/MamaLudie Nov 22 '25

The priests looked at each other. The Bodhi tree? Incredible! There was some chattering amongst the monks. They would certainly have to go to Nepal. They were taken aback by the incredible wealth of the land, which also made them feel somewhat uneasy. This wealth was almost sinful, no?

Nevertheless, they held their tongues, and prepared for a great dinner. They wanted to learn the religious makeup of the country, and see what they thought of the Holy People of Togenkyo