Surak's katric ark
A katric ark is a polycrystalline vessel said to have been used by the ancient Vulcans to preserve a katra after death. (ENT: "Awakening")
A set of katric arks were discovered at P'Jem monastery, but efforts by the Vulcan Science Academy to determine whether they contained katras (including a Vulcan mind meld) failed.
Syrran, leader of the Syrrannite movement, discovered Surak's katra inside a katric ark on Vulcan in 2137. (ENT: "The Forge")
- The arks serve a similar purpose and may be in some way similar to the receptacles used by Sargon's people.
Alternate reality
In 2258 of an alternate reality, the katric ark was also a facility in which the Vulcan High Council was to retreat in case of planetary emergency so as to preserve the Vulcan heritage and culture. This seemed to be an ancient structure, with few or no technological systems. It was, however, impenetrable to communication or transporter signals.
Shortly before the destruction of Vulcan by the Narada, the katric ark was also destroyed by seismic activity caused by the black hole that was created in the planet's core. With help from the crew of the USS Enterprise, some of the Council members were saved. Several of them perished, however, including Amanda Grayson. (Star Trek)
The IDIC symbol was used as early as the 4th century CE when it appeared on Surak's katric ark (ST: ENT "The Forge"). In that incarnation, the triangular portion was directly vertical where most later examples of the symbol have the triangular portion at an angle.
This custom essay is to be followed by a second part which will focus more specifically on Vulcan religious symbols as they are integrated into clothing with specific emphasis on the religion surrounding Mount Seleya.
Apocrypha
In several Star Trek novels, such as The Lost Years, the katrik ark facility is a chamber within Mount Seleya known as the "Hall of Ancient Thought". In the Hall are thousands of receptacles (vre'katra) containing the katras of the greatest and most powerful Vulcan masters throughout history. Vulcan scholars, philosophers, and mystics could petition to be permitted to meld with these katras for research or enlightenment.
External link
- Template:NCwikiThis custom essay is to be followed by a second part which will focus more specifically on Vulcan religious symbols as they are integrated into clothing with specific emphasis on the religion surrounding Mount Seleya.