World Religions, Philosophies, and Trade Routes

Vocabulary flashcards covering world religions, philosophical traditions, key religious figures, and historical trade routes from the lecture notes.

Hinduism

A religion developed in South Asia that is similar to Judaism, with Moshka as its spiritual goal, core beliefs in karma, moshka, and Brahman, and recognized as the most popular Indian religion.

Upanishads

Ancient Hindu texts that focus on spiritual ideas and the meaning of life, teach about Brahman and Atman, and cover karma, rebirth, and moshka (freedom from the cycle of rebirth).

Siddhartha Gautama

Historical figure known as Buddha whose teachings became the foundation for Buddhism.

Theravada Buddhism

A Buddhist tradition meaning 'Teaching of the elders' that centers on meditation focusing on yourself.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism teaching that anyone can reach enlightenment through helping others rather than just focusing on yourself.

Bhakti movement

A Hindu religious movement focused on love and devotion for a personal god, allowing anyone to reach spiritual salvation through faith and devotion regardless of social class.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius that focuses on respect for family, education, good behavior, following social rules, acting responsibly, and teaching others with respect.

Han dynasty

A Chinese dynasty from 206 BCE - 220 CE that expanded China, improved trade, made Confucianism an important part of government, and served as the golden age of ancient China.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy focused on living in harmony with nature and the Dao through peace, balance, and going with the natural way of life.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion believing in one god that follows the teachings of the Torah and emphasizes following god's laws and traditions.

Jesus of Nazareth

A Jewish teacher whose teachings became the foundation of Christianity, believed by Christians to be the son of god and the messiah.

Saint Paul

A Christian leader who helped shape early Christianity and spread it throughout the Roman Empire, writing letters that became part of the New Testament.

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah

The founder and prophet of Islam who helped receive messages from Allah that became the quaran, and helped spread Islam throughout Arabia.

Quaran

The holy book of Islam.

Umma

The worldwide community of islams that emphasizes unity and support among Islams.

ulama

Islamic scholars who study and interpret Islamic teachings and laws, helping Muslims understand the quaran and religious traditions.

Sufism

A mystical tradition within Islam focused on developing a close relationship with god through love, devotion, prayer, and spiritual growth.

Silk Roads

Land based trade routes connecting East Asia with Central Asia, Middle East, and Europe.

Sea Roads

Maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean and surrounding seas that connected many religons.

Sand Roads

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert connecting North and West Africa with other regions.