Literacy Quiz on Confucianism and Buddhism

Mandate of Heaven

Universe/ancestors gives power to rule

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher and teacher, known for his teachings on ethics, morality, and proper social relationships, which form the foundation of Confucianism.

Analects

A collection of sayings and ideas from Confucius, recorded by his students/disciples.

Filial Piety

A virtue of respect and duty towards one's parents and ancestors, emphasizing family loyalty and reverence in Confucianism.

Meritocracy

Hard work rewarded with success

Civil Service Exam

An examination system in imperial China that selected candidates for government positions based on merit, emphasizing Confucian teachings and knowledge. A test to take to become gentry, based on how well someone does on the test they could be sent to govern at a national, provincial, or local level.

Five Relationships

A Confucian concept outlining the hierarchical relationships between ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend, emphasizing respect and duty.

Gentry

Scholars who have passed the Civil Exam

Bureaucracy

Government with levels, the levels have different responsibility and different leaders.

Siddhartha Guatama

Founder of Buddhism, Indian, from the Brahmin caste

Tripitaka

Sacred text for Buddhism written by Buddha’s followers

Stupa

Sacred building for Buddhists, can also be called a temple

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, characterized by the cessation of suffering and desire.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering, its cause, the way to end all suffering is to end all desires, and the way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

A series of practices in Buddhism that guide individuals towards ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, ultimately leading to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. Specifically, Right Thinking and Right Concentration

Five Precepts

The Five Precepts are fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism that outline the moral conduct expected of lay Buddhists. They are: 1) to abstain from taking life (non-violence), 2) to abstain from taking what is not given (stealing), 3) to abstain from sexual misconduct, 4) to abstain from false speech (lying), and 5) to abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind (substances that alter consciousness). Following these precepts is essential for developing good karma and progressing spiritually towards enlightenment.

Mahayana Buddhism

Popularized sect, less demanding, worships Buddha as a God, this one spreads the quickest.

Theravada Buddhism

Conservative, Buddha not god but a teacher, role model, view Buddha as a human. Closer to the original teachings.