Religon

Phenomenological method

An approach that emphasizes understanding religion through the eyes of believers, avoiding reduction to psychology, economics, or politics.

Ontological

A focus on what religion is at its core, examining its true nature beyond outside influences.

Transcendence

The belief that the sacred is completely separate from everyday life, central to religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Immanence

The belief that the sacred exists within the natural world, often found in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Incarnation

The embodiment of a pre-existing divine person, such as Jesus Christ.

Shaman

A mediator between humans and spirits who possess sacred powers, often through rituals and sacrifices.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of desire, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth.

Four Noble Truths

Suffering is inherent in life; desire and attachment cause suffering; suffering can be overcome; the Eightfold Path leads to liberation.

No-Self Concept

Buddhist teaching that the self is an illusion, and that attachment leads to suffering; meditation and moral living lead to Nirvana.

Siddhartha Gautama

The real name of the Buddha, founder of Buddhism who attained enlightenment.

Bodhisattva

A being who helps others reach Nirvana, motivated by compassion and equality.

Mahayana

Achieves enlightenment but postpones Nirvana, emphasizing bringing others to enlightenment.

Sacramental

Prophetic

Teachings that reveal sacred truth through prophets, focusing on divine revelation.

Mystical

An approach that emphasizes experiencing the sacred through personal experience, with meditation being key.

Hafiz

A person who has memorized the entire Quran and can recite it from memory.

Samsara

The cycle of rebirth and death in Hinduism and Buddhism, driven by karma.

Ka’ba

The sacred site in Mecca, Islam, which is the house of worship and faces towards during prayer.

Mecca and Medina

Holy cities in Islam; Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and Medina is where he established the first Muslim community.

Performative Language

Language that shapes reality through words imbued with spiritual power, often seen in rituals and ceremonies.