G is for Gateways

Translation of the initial stanzas of the Catechism of the Dorai, an extended verse mnemonic taught in preparation for their initiation rituals performed at the age of maturity. These rituals are purported to assure that the initiate is a true person and not a malignant spiritual energy made manifest. Subsequent stanzas go into extensive detail on overcoming specific physical, mental,and spiritual challenges that might be faced within the context of the ritual.

Now, to pass through the Kingdom of the Shadow,
and come out again the other side,
there are many paths to take
but there's something you forsake:
there are many things you must decide.

There's a gateway that's a portal of Fire
There's a gateway that's a portal of Ice
and whichever gate you choose,
there is something that you lose:
You can't pass without a sacrifice.

You might leave behind some pieces of your body,
you might leave behind some pieces of your soul:
but take care which parts you shed -
(there are far worse fates than "dead") -
and to come out sane's your highest goal.

Subsequent stanzas go into extensive detail on overcoming specific physical, mental,and spiritual challenges that might be faced within the context of the ritual. There is much debate among scholars as to the symbolic meanings attached to the Gates of Fire and Ice in these verses, with some asserting that they clearly represent Passion and Will, others championing Emotion and Reason, and still others proposing Action and Restraint, and even a few considering the possibility of Anger and Fear or Love and Detachment. It is worth noting that none of the scholars prominent in this debate have ever undergone the rituals, and the few adult Dorai who have consulted with researchers about the topic have dismissed the question out of hand, saying that the verses are clear on the primary point, which is that the choice of which gate you choose is of no consequence to the final outcome, and that the choices that you make must be consistent with your true self.