Buddhism and Islam and Muhammed Notes

What was the state of the Middle East before Islam?

It was full of conflicts and contained many religions.

How did Arab nomads benefit from conflicts before Islam?

Economically and intellectually.

What geographical feature is known as the 'Empty Quarter'?

The Arabian desert, which cuts off the southern region from the northeast.

What is the significance of the Highlands of Yemen?

They are fertile and watered by spring monsoons.

Who is Muhammad in Islam?

The last prophet of Islam, born in Mecca in 570.

What was Muhammad's early life like?

He was raised as an orphan by his uncle and worked in trade.

What is the meaning of Islam?

Submission or surrender to the will of God.

What are the key themes of Muhammad's revelations?

They include mentions of Noah, Moses, and Jesus, and criticize Jews and Christians for not preserving God's revealed words.

What is the Night of Power and Excellence?

The first time God's angel Gabriel visited Muhammad.

What is Ramadan in Islam?

A Muslim holiday celebrating Muhammad's first visitation by Gabriel.

What was Mecca's significance during Muhammad's time?

It was a late blooming caravan city and the birthplace of Muhammad.

Who was chosen as the new leader after Muhammad's death?

Abu Bakr, chosen by kin group elders.

What is the Quran?

The holy book of Islam, containing Muhammad's revelations from the archangel Gabriel.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

1. There is only one God and Muhammad is his messenger. 2. Prayer 5 times a day. 3. Fasting during Ramadan. 4. Paying alms. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.

What caused the split in the Islamic community after Muhammad's death?

The assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, in 656.

What are the two main sects of Islam?

Sunnis (80% of the population) and Shi'ites (20% of the population).

What do Sunnis believe regarding leadership?

Leadership should be picked by a council of elders.

What do Shi'ites believe regarding leadership?

The leader must have a blood tie to Muhammad.

How did Islam spread?

Fast and peacefully, primarily based on trade.

What is the Ka'ba?

A religious shrine located in Mecca, towards which Muslims pray.

What was the outcome of Mecca's surrender to Muhammad?

Mecca became a new state based on a common religious faith.What was a significant trade route during the Tang Dynasty?

What major development occurred in Chinese Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty?

Chinese Buddhism matured and flourished.

Who is Siddhartha Gautama?

The Buddha, born to a noble family, who sought answers to human suffering.

What did Siddhartha Gautama experience at the age of 29?

He left home and experienced the pain and poverty of common people.

What practices did Gautama employ to seek answers to suffering?

Meditation, fasting, and asceticism.

What is the Middle Way in Buddhism?

A path of moderation and peace leading to enlightenment.

What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

1. All life is suffering. 2. Suffering is caused by desire. 3. Eliminate desire to end suffering. 4. Follow the Eightfold Path to be freed from desire.

List the components of the Eightfold Path.

Right views, right aspirations, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right endeavor, right mindfulness, right meditation.

What is the ultimate goal of following the Eightfold Path?

To achieve nirvana, which is perfect peace and harmony.

What does moksha refer to in Buddhism?

Release from the cycle of reincarnation.

What are Bodhisattvas in Buddhism?

Buddhist priests or monks who have achieved enlightenment.

What are the two major movements that formed after the Buddha's death?

Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.

What distinguishes Mahayana Buddhism?

It is the most popular form, where the Buddha is viewed as godlike and relies on Bodhisattvas.

How did Mahayana Buddhism influence Chinese culture?

It blended with ancestor worship and animism, creating a unique form of sainthood.

What was the impact of Mahayana Buddhism on society in Central Asia?

It created a cosmopolitan society that mixed styles, goods, and cultures from various parts of Asia.

What is Tibetan Buddhism?

A form of Vajrayana Buddhism that developed in Tibet, aimed at achieving Buddhahood in a single lifetime.

What role do lamas play in Tibetan Buddhism?

They serve as spiritual teachers essential for understanding and practicing tantric teachings.

What are some key practices in Tibetan Buddhism?

Mantras, meditation techniques, and tantric rituals involving visualization and mudras.

What was the tributary system in ancient China?

A practice where countries acknowledged the supremacy of the Chinese ruler.

What was the significance of Chang'an during the tributary system?

It was the center for tribute payments from foreign ambassadors.

What impact did the bubonic plague have on Asia?

It arrived from West Asia in the 5th century and infected Korea, Japan, and Tibet in the 700s.

What was Guangzhou's role in southern China?

It was the most important coastal town.

What historical context led to the decline of social order in China during the Tang Dynasty?

Political corruption, decay, and military decline prompted many to move to stable trade regions.