Lesson 3: The Person as Embodied Spirit

Man

Refers to the entire human race (men and women).

Human

A word used to describe our kind/species.

Human Being

A term to show humans are different from animals or other species.

Person

A human who can think, make choices, and interact with others.

Personhood

The state of being a unique person with value and moral worth.

Homo Habilis

An early species in the classification of human origins.

Homo Erectus

An extinct species of humans that lived before Homo Sapiens.

Homo Sapiens

The species name for modern humans.

Cognitive Self

The thinking part of a person that answers 'What am I?'.

Physical Self

The body and actions that answer 'Who am I?'.

Embodied Spirit

The union of body and soul in a human person.

Self-awareness

The ability to recognize oneself as an individual.

Interconnectedness

The state of being connected with others and the world.

Freedom to choose

The capacity to make independent choices.

Intrinsic dignity

The inherent value and worth of a person.

Plato's Dichotomy

The belief that the body is the prison of the soul.

Rational Function

The aspect of the soul that includes reason and intellect.

Passion Function

The emotional and will-driven aspect of the soul.

Appetitive Function

The aspect of the soul related to physical desires and needs.

Vegetative Soul

The soul present in plants associated with growth and reproduction.

Sensitive Soul

The soul possessed by humans and animals involved in sensation and movement.

Rational Soul

The unique soul of humans associated with thinking and reflection.

Transcendence

The ability to surpass limits.

Divine image within

The inherent spiritual nature within an individual.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism.

Moksha

The liberation of the spirit from the cycle of samsara in Hinduism.

Karma

The law of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences.

Dharma

The law of salvation in Buddhism, focused on spiritual cultivation.

Nirvana

The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, a state of liberation.

Four Noble Truths

The foundation of Buddhist teaching that addresses suffering.

Right View

Acceptance of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism.

Right Intentions

Aspiration for good and moral desires in Buddhism.

Right Speech

Avoiding harmful or deceitful communication in Buddhism.

Right Action

Behaving with goodwill and moral integrity in Buddhism.

Right Effort

Directing efforts towards wisdom and virtue in Buddhism.

Right Concentration

Achieving deep meditation and mystical focus in Buddhism.

Right Mindfulness

Awareness of thoughts and actions in Buddhist practice.

Right Livelihood

Earning a living in an ethical manner in Buddhism.

Buddhist Councils

Meetings to preserve and recite the Buddha's teachings.

St. Augustine

A Christian philosopher who equated wisdom with love for God.

Three Levels of Existence

Mere Being, Living Being, Rational Being as defined by St. Augustine.

Rational Substance

The combination of soul and body in humans, as per St. Augustine.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher who emphasized the unity of body and spirit in humans.

Forgiveness

The act of freeing oneself from anger and resentment.

Beauty and Nature

Nature as a manifestation of grace and perfection.

Vulnerability

Acknowledging the human need for help and connection.

Failure

A lesson revealing limits that teaches hope and growth.

Loneliness

A choice between false happiness and meaningful solitude.

Love

An experience that brings joy, meaning, and transcendence.

True knowledge (vidya)

Realizing the real self (Atman) beyond sense-based understanding.

Self-knowledge

Understanding oneself deeply as emphasized in Hinduism.

Ethical Precepts

Moral guidelines in Buddhism for ethical living.

Four Sublime States

Ideal attitudes in Buddhism: love, sorrow for others, joy, equanimity.

Hindu Values

Four primary values: wealth, pleasure, duty, enlightenment.

Spiritual progress

The journey towards enlightenment and liberation in Hinduism.

Freedom in Buddhism

Intellectual freedom and independent thinking in the practice of teachings.