Religion midterm/quiz flashcards

yin yang

complementary and opposing forces, represents the dualistic nature of the universe

wu wei

"effortless action" acting in alignment with the natural flow of life and universe

Taosim

living in harmony with the Tao (the way), a natural force of the universe

Confucianism

system of ethics, education, and statesmanship. Emphasizes moral integrity, social harmony, and importance of relationships

Buddhism

teaches that suffering is inherent in life and liberation from suffering can be achieved by meditation

Lao Tzu

Philosopher and author of Tao te Ching

Tao/Dao

The principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang. harmony with natural order

Tao Te Ching

centralist Taoism text, written as a guide for rulers. philosophical basis of Taoism

Chuang Tzu

The Chinese philosopher believed that respecting all forms of life was essential for harmony

Landscape painting

In Taoist art, they often depict the virtues of the natural world as examples

Immortals

beings who are achieved immortality through spiritual and physical cultivation

Stupa

Dome shaped, funerary monument, used as shrine for housing relics

Vihara

Buddhist monastery

Pagoda

tiered tower built for religious purposes

Temple

place of worship for buddhists

Sutras

“thread-like” scriptures/sacred texts containing the teachings of the Buddha

Pali

oldest known complete collection of Buddhist literature

Sanskrit

primary language for early Mahayana Buddhist scriptures and significant part of Buddhist literature

Theravada

branch of Buddhism prominent in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the original teachings of the Buddha

Mahayana

major branch, known as “great vehicle”

Vajrayana

branch that uses variety of methods to achieve enlightenment faster (single lifetime)

Nirvana

the ultimate goal of “extinguishing” the suffering caused by desire, hatred, and ignorance, leading to rebirth

Samsara

cycle of birth, death, and rebirtth

Mandala

diagram representing the cosmos and the universe, used as tool or meditation

Mudra

sacred hand gesture that symbolizes spiritual truth and characteristics of religious figures

Confucius

Chinese philosopher, created confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, harmonious social relationships, righteousness, kindness, sincerity, and rulers responsibilities to lead by virtue

Mencius

The Chinese philosopher, described as the second sage. Part of Confucius’s 4th generation of disciples, inheriting his ideology and developing it further

5 classics

books of poetry, book of documents, book of rites, book of changes, and the spring and autumn annals

4 books 

The Analects (Lunyu), Mencius (Mengzi), The Great Learning (Daxue), and The Doctrine of The Man (Zhangyang) 

5 great relationships

ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend

5 confucian virtues

benevolence (Ren), righteousness (Yi), propriety (Li), wisdom (Zhi), trustworthiness (Xin)

Calligraphy

form of art using words

Kami

The sacred spirits or divine Phenomena that are the focus of worship. Believed to inhabit places and elements of nature

Torii

A traditional gate is commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine. Marks transition from mundane to sacred

Ise

Shrine in Japan dedicated to the solar goddess Amaterasu Omikami and the grain goddess Toyouke-hime

Amaterasu

The Shinto goddess personification of the sun. Considered the most important deity in Shinto

Bushido

Code of ethics and conduct for samurai. Emphasizing loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discpline

Shimenawa

Sacred, twisted rice straw ropes used in Shinto to mark a boundary, purify a space, and ward off evil spirits

Gagaku

Japanese classical music that was used for imperial court music and dances

Noh

Masked drama incorporates elements of Shinto. Focus on nature, ritual, and presence of spirits