maetamism

Maetamism is a philosophical movement and spiritual tradition that emerged in the early 21st century on the Meridan Islands. It centers on the principle of maeta, a term describing attentive awareness of interdependence and the conditions that give rise to suffering and well-being.

Beliefs: Maetamism teaches nonviolence, care ethics, and the duty to minimize harm. It holds that all beings are interconnected and that ethical action arises through reflective practice and experiential understanding rather than ritual dogma. Authority is earned through demonstrated wisdom and service, not through birth or decree.

Practices: Practitioners engage in daily meditative rounds known as Maeta Hours, communal meals, service work, and reflective journaling. Seasonal gatherings celebrate ecological cycles, and adherents strive to align daily choices with the principle of maeta, including mindful consumption and humane treatment of animals.

Texts and organization: There is no single canonical scripture. The Maetam Texts collect aphorisms, dialogues, and case studies used in study circles. Leadership is decentralized, with regional guides and mentorship networks that emphasize collaborative decision-making.

History and reception: Maetamism arose in the early 2000s among intellectuals and environmental groups on the Meridan archipelago and subsequently spread to adjacent regions. It has influenced eco-spiritual movements and attracted academic attention, while critics argue that its language can be vague and its communities insular.