Intro to World Religion: Buddhism and Asian Religions Vocab

Nirvana

not existing, to end suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara)

Bodhisattva

one who is capable of awakening or enlightenment, typically delayed to help people, example Budhi

Ohm

a sound/syllable used in mantras (meditation/enlightenment)

Buddha

enlightened one, one with the universe through 3rd eye

Siddhartha Gautama

founder of Buddhism “Buddha,” was foretold and became enlightened under a tree

Pali Cannon

collection of texts, the pitakas = baskets

Shinto

ancient religion of Japan, focuses on harmony with nature

Taoism

a philosophy/religion founded by Laozi/Lao Tsu about finding the righteous way of the world

Tantra

mystical and magical texts showing how to train your body and inner energy to control the environment

Confucianism

created by Confucius/Kung Fu-tzu with ethical and political principles to follow; also golden rule

Zen

meditation to get rid of the self

Yin yang

the balance of good and evil; a symbol of homeostasis

The Dalai Lama

typically a celebrity or religious figure that helps people to convert or live a better life, thought to be reincarnated atman (soul), currently on the 14th

Dukkha

the teaching that life is suffering

8-Fold Path

also known as the middle way and is the path to cessation of Dukkha, consists of the right_____ x8/ way of life

Mahayana Buddhism

greater vehicle, worships multiple Buddhas

Theravada Buddhism

way of the elders (lesser vehicle), 1 Buddha

Amitaba Buddhism

Japan, city of Nara 700s under Zen Buddhism

Torii Gate

the entrance, relates to the Japanese word for “bird perch”

Mahavira

main sage, last and 13th never to return Jainism

Jainism

Indian religion from Hinduism, founded by Rishabhdev and based on Tirthankaras

Ahimsa

extreme/complete non-violence towards all sentient and non-sentient beings