Religion and Cultural Identity in Asia

Flashcards covering the definitions of religion and philosophy, and the key figures, texts, and beliefs of Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Religion

An organized system of shared beliefs, practices, values, and worship pertaining to a powerful, higher being or force that causes all things and events to happen in the world.

Belief

Accepting that something is true or meaningful.

Philosophy

Derived from the Latin words philo, meaning "love," and sophia, meaning "knowledge," it is a means for humanity to broaden views and explain the true meaning of existence.

Yahweh

The God of Judaism, recognized as the creator of all things in this world.

Tanakh

The Holy Book of Judaism, also known as the Hebrew Bible.

Torah

Meaning "law and lesson," it consists of the $5$ books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Ten Commandments

A list of commandments that Moses received from God as primary teachings in Judaism.

Hanukkah

Also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, this holiday celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Holy Temple.

Siddharta Gautama

Also known as Buddha or "The Enlightened One," the founder of Buddhism.

Tripitaka (Tipitaka)

The sacred scriptures of Buddhism, also called the "Three Baskets," containing teachings, rules for monks/nuns, and philosophical discussions.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism where Buddha is considered a god and the system is treated as a religion.

Theravada Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism where Buddha is viewed as a teacher and a holy man, characterizing it as a philosophy.

Nirvana

Paradise or glory; the ultimate goal of Buddhists.

Noble Eightfold Path

The guide used by Buddhists to attain nirvana.

Vesak

Also called "Happy Buddha Day!", it is the celebration of Buddha's birth, death, and enlightenment.

Laozi (Lao Tzu)

Meaning "Old Master," the pioneer of Taoism whose actual existence is uncertain.

Dao de Jing (Tao Te Ching)

Also known as the Book of the Way of Virtue, it contains the primary teachings of Taoism.

Tao

Meaning "the way," it represents the force that connects everything in the universe.

Wu Wei

Meaning "action through non-action," suggesting that one should not force things and that everything happens according to Tao.

Confucius

Also known as K'ung-fu-tzu or Kongfuzi, meaning "Master Kung," a teacher who spread his philosophy after leaving government service.

Five Classics

The book containing the teachings of Confucius.

Filial piety (Xiao)

The highest virtue in Confucian society, meaning children should obey and respect their parents.

Civil Service Examination

A contribution of Confucianism where government positions are designated based on intelligence and skill instead of being inherited.