The Beliefs of Eastern Religions

Flashcards covering the foundational beliefs, key figures, deities, and sacred texts of Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto based on the lecture transcript.

Which five religions are identified as the Eastern Religions in the transcript?

Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto.

Who founded Taoism and when?

It was founded more than $2,000$ years ago in China by Lao-Tzu.

What is the Tao described as in Taoist philosophy?

The central or organizing principle of the universe, representing a universal oneness of existence.

What are the two primary books of Taoism and their specific purposes?

The Tao Te Ching (a handbook for the ruler and book of philosophy) and the Chuang Tzu (a handbook for the individual).

What core belief did Confucius hold regarding human improvement?

He believed in the perfectibility of humanity through the cultivation of the mind.

Who were the students of Confucius?

A renowned teacher with thousands of students and $72$ close disciples.

What are "The Five Classics" in Confucianism?

$2,000$ year-old books that detail Confucian ideas on Chinese law, society, government, education, literature, and religion.

In Hinduism, what is the Brahman?

An eternal, infinite principle that had no beginning and has no end, acting as the source and substance of all existence.

Define the Hindu concepts of transmigration and reincarnation.

Transmigration is the soul passing into another body at death, and reincarnation is the cycle of death and rebirth.

How do Hindus define karma?

The idea that your actions in one life have a direct effect on the events in your next life.

Name the three principal gods of Hinduism and their roles.

Brahma (creates the universe), Vishnu (preserves the universe), and Shiva (destroys the universe).

Who is Krishna in the Hindu tradition?

A major deity worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and the god of compassion, tenderness, and love.

According to Hindu belief, how were the Vedas created?

Neither man nor god wrote them; seers heard them and transcribed them into Sanskrit.

List the four Vedas of Hinduism.

Rig-Veda (Wisdom of the Verses), Yajur Veda (Wisdom of the Sacrificial Formulas), Sama Veda (Wisdom of the Chants), and Atharva Veda (Wisdom of the Atharvan Priests).

What is the Buddhist view of the world?

A prison of suffering and illusion that keeps people from reaching freedom and enlightenment.

According to Buddhism, how can people be freed from the cycle of death and rebirth?

By freeing themselves from desire and giving up their sense of self.

What is the stage of "perfect knowledge" called in Hinduism and Buddhism?

It is called moksha in Hinduism and nirvana in Buddhism.

What are "bodhisattvas" and "lamas"?

Enlightened souls who return to teach humanity about the path to freedom; they are called bodhisattvas in Hinduism and lamas in Buddhism.

In Buddhism, what does the Wheel of Dharma (Chamaru) symbolize?

Knowledge.

What is the Tripitaka and what are its three sections?

The canon of southern schools of Buddhism, comprising the Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline), Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourse), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Special Doctrine).

What does the Shinto religion emphasize?

The worship of nature, ancestors, and ancient heroes.

What is the meaning of the Shinto term "kami"?

Gods or spirits that exist in all things, such as mountains, trees, and waterfalls.

What does "kami-no-michi" translate to?

The way of the gods.

Which two works serve as the closest equivalents to Shinto scripture?

The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon shoki (Chronicles of Japan).