Great Principle

The Great Principle constitutes the ancient code of behaviour for all Kuei-jin, as set down by Xue himself. Each new disciple is commanded to learn and live by its precepts, called the Fivefold Way, in his or her every word and deed. In theory, the Great Principle embodies a Kuei-jin's personal directive of discovering and fulfilling his divine purpose under Heaven to atone for his sins as a mortal. Tightly linked to the Great Principle are the five orthodox Dharmas, that also originated in Xue's teachings.

Whether the vampire in question actually does so or not, or whether the vampire's wu and court actually adhere to the teachings, are other matters. In the lands of the Hindukush, most of the Hungry Dead adhere to codes that are at least as old as Xue's teachings, and some Dharmas are labelled heretical because of their rejection of one or more tenets of the Principle. Other protesters find themselves in the Bamboo Princes, young and rebellious Kuei-jin, who want to end the anachronistic and unadjusted teachings of the Ancestors.

The Great Principle was first elaborated in the Commentaries of Ki, penned down by Ki, a disciple of the great Arhat.

The Fivefold Ways

 * The Way of Origin: All Kuei-jin come from the same place (the Thousand Hells), returned for a purpose and will eventually reach the same place (Hundred Clouds).
 * The Way of Lineage: Respect your Ancestors and those more advanced in the quest for Enlightenment.
 * The Way of Integrity: Maintain your honour and trust in all thought, word, and deed, for the behaviour of one affects the entire community.
 * The Way of Obligation: Adhere to the five Obligations - Power (individual Kuei-jin and Courts), Legacy (Elder Kuei-jin and their younger counterparts), Knowledge (Mentor and student), Court (individual Keui-jin and different Dharmas/Courts) and World (Kuei-jin and the Ten Thousand Things) - to fulfill your purpose.
 * The Way of Propierty: Respect and conduct the ceremonies and rituals of old, to follow and harmonize all aspects of the Great Cycle.