- "That's the thing about faith... If you don't have it, you can't understand it. If you do, no explanation is necessary." -Kira Nerys (DS9: "Accession")
The Bajoran religion is centered around the Prophets, the Bajoran name for the aliens who reside in the Bajoran wormhole, which the Bajorans believe is the Celestial Temple. Bajorans think of these aliens as gods, and they often pray to the Prophets and pray to them for guidance. They also believe that everything happens for a reason, as it is the will of the Prophets.
The word of the Prophets has guided Bajor for tens of thousands of years, and over the years, nine orbs, or "tears of the Prophets," have emerged from the wormhole. The spiritual leader of Bajor is the Kai. (DS9: "Emissary")
Charity, humility and faith are seen as the keys to enlightenment in the Bajoran faith. (DS9: "Covenant")
Organization
Over the centuries, a stratified system has developed by which the Bajoran faith is organized. Although the Emissary takes precedent above all others, the Kai is the spiritual leader of Bajor, elected from and by the Vedeks in the Vedek Assembly. The Assembly rules alongside the provisional government and its Chamber of Ministers. Vedeks normally preside over religious ceremonies, assisted by Ranjens.
Important Figures
Religious Traditions and Celebrations
- Death chant
- Gratitude Festival
- Days of Atonement
- Time of Cleansing
Related Topics
- Borhyas
- The Prophets
- Bajoran prophecy
- Bajoran temple
- Kai of Bajor
- Cult of the Pah-wraiths