Asian Studies Final

Shinto

A historical Japanese religion that focused on spirits known as Kami. These spirits were associated with the Japanese people’s ancestors and also the nature. It’s significant because it was a historical religion that they followed which shaped Japanese culture/national identity and was used to guide their government.

Heian

The historical Japanese period from 794-1185 that focused on literature, aesthetics, and court culture. It was significant because this period saw a decrease in the influence of the Chinese and a rise in Japan’s culture.

Murasaki Shikibu

She was the author of The Tale of Genji. Her novel provided insight in the Heian court culture and the role of women in the court

Kukai

A buddhist monk who found esoteric (Shingon) Buddhism. Significant because he was one of the first major Japanese Philosophical figures and founded a widely practiced new form of buddhism.

Pure Land

Pure land is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Teachings played a major role in Japanese teachings and social life

Shoen

Shoen were private feudal estates in Japan. These estates led to lossage of power for the emperor but the rise of power for local clans.

Gempei War

A civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans, resulting in the Minamoto victory and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. Significant because it was the beggining of the samuai rule in Japan.

Bushido

A code of ethics known as “the way of the warrior”. Emphasized loyalty and honor and it was significant because it had a lasting impact on Japanese society and values.

Zen

Another school of Mahayana buddhism that emphasized meditation and perosnal enlightenment. Influenced Japanese aesthetis and philosophy

Qu’ran

The book of islam and the word of god. Foundation of Islamic religion and practice

Hadith

A report, tradition ,or saying attributed to the prophet Muhammad. Significant because they allow for the interpretation of the qu’ran and islamic legal system.

Jihad

Jihad means struggle. It is typically used to refer to the greater jihad which is the internal struggle against sin and the less jihad which is the internal struggle against injustice.

Caliph

Spiritual leader of islam and is the successor to muhammad. Significant because they were early political and religous leaders that advanced islam.

Sunni

Largest branch of Isla. They believe that the caliph should be chosen via the majority vote of the muslim community. Significant because the majority of Muslim’s fall under this branch.

Shia

A branch of Islam that believes that Caliph should be based on Family Lineage. Particularly believe that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son in law should be the prodecessor. Significant because they have a distinct practices and dominant in Iran/

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

law prohibbited the immigration of chinese laborors. First major law to restrict immigration by nationality and reflected the growing anti-asian sentiment at the time

Immigration reform of 1965

Ended immigration quota that favored Western and northern european. Allowed Asians to immirgrate again, changed the demographic of the USA, and allowed Asian American communities to grow.

Model Minority Myth

The idea that Asian Americans were the perfect law-abiding, respectful, and well mannered minority who got everything based off of meret. Significant because it was used to further the divide between minoritized groups and invalidate system racism because some minorities were successful.

Vincent Chin

A Chinese American man who was murdered by two white men. Sparked asian american activism and was a landmark civil rights case

DREAM Act

Grant legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the us as children. Significant because it helped many asian immigrants reach legal status.

Indian National Congress

Political party that opposed the british rule. Significant because they dominated indian politics post independence.

Gandhi

The major starter of the nonviolence civil disobedience movement. He influenced other global movements and polticial leaders around the world.

Bangladesh Liberation War

There was a war in East Pakistan between them and West Pakistan. It was significant because it was a battle for independence, and East Pakistan won and eventually became Bangladesh.

Narendra Modi

Prime minister of India and leader Bharatiya Janata Party. Major pusher for hindu nationalism and the politial agenda of the BJP.

The BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party

National political party in india. Promotes hindu cultural values and has been a dominant political force

Mao Zedong

Founder of the people’s republic of china. Significant because he led them through the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.

Deng Xiaoping

Mao’s successor and introduced economic reform to China. His leadership marked the beginning of China’s transformation into a global economic power.

Special Economic Zones

Zones in China where the economic laws are relaxed. Attracted foreign investments.

Xi Jinping

China’s current President and General Secretary of the Communist Party. His leadership is marked by increased authoritarianism, centralization of power, and assertive foreign policy.

Tiananmen Square Massacre