Way of the Leaf

The Way of the Leaf is the philosophy followed by the Tuatha'an. It advocates a life of absolute pacifism.

Overview

The Way of the Leaf promotes a philosophy of absolute pacifism. Its followers abstain from violence or carrying weapons, even in the case of self-defense. The Way of the Leaf holds that, if its followers are attacked, they should flee if they can, and endure if they cannot. The philosophy also promotes a strict vegetarian diet.

Many in the Westlands not of the Tuatha'an choose to abandon a life of violence and join them, adopting the Way of the Leaf. However, there are also some Tuatha'an who choose to leave the wagons and abandon the Way after they see the wider world.

History

The Tuatha'an have held to the Way of the Leaf for thousands of years.

After Ila's daughter was killed for sport by a group of bandits, her resolve for the Way of the Leaf grew. She came to believe that choosing the path of peace was the ultimate form of revenge on those who had chosen the path of violence, and vowed to spread the Way of the Leaf to create a peaceful world for her daughter, whenever she was reincarnated by the Wheel of Time.

Season 1

When Perrin Aybara and Egwene al'Vere stay with the Tuatha'an, Perrin questions why they cannot defend themselves. Raen and Ila explain that the Tuatha'an follow the Way of the Leaf, and will not do violence even in the case of self-defense. Ila asks Perrin if his life has been made better or worse by violence, promoting a somber response from him. Later, Perrin and Ila talk about the Way of the Leaf, and how Ila's resolve for pacifism was only strengthened by her daughter's death.

Quotes

The leaf, in its time, falls to the dirt that nourishes the tree that, in its time, grows the leaf again.

Ila to Perrin Aybara and Egwene al'Vere.

Changes from the book series

The Way of the Leaf is an adaptation of the philosophy of the same name  (book spoilers!) in the book series.