World Religions Exam Review

Flashcards for World Religions Exam Review

Monotheism

The belief of the existence of one God or the oneness of God.

Polytheism

The belief in or worship of one more God.

Atheism

The belief there is no such thing as sacred (God or Gods) - the lack of belief in deities

Agnosticism

A person who believes that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable; humans = limited experience. A person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.

Brahman

A supreme being that is divine, invisible, unlimited, and indescribable. The soul of the universe from which all things arise and into which they all return. Everything and everywhere. Anything that is imagined and meaningful for Hindus. Manifested in various deities

The Trimurti

The “Hindu Trinity” the three most important manifestations of Brahman: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer and restorer)

Avatar

Describes the act of various Gods taking human or animal form to perform a particular task usually with the goal of ridding the world of evil

Caste System

A traditional social structure in Hindu society, made up of Brahmins (priests & teachers), Kshatriya (police, governments, kings, warriors), Vaishya (merchants and landowners), Sudra (commoners & peasants), Untouchables (outsiders - have no caste)

Artha

The pursuit of wealth or material advantage

Kama

The desire of love, desire, and pleasure

Samsara

The cycle of birth and death. The belief that we reincarnate as any living being. The law of birth, death, and rebirth

Karma

Whatever one does in this life affects what one will be in the next - cause & effect

Moksha

The liberation from the cycle of rebirth (spiritual liberation) - freedom from samsara

Dharma

To perform good deeds and follow one’s duty within their caste- done with the goal of achieving moksha

Vedas

Hindu scriptures

Upanishads

Interpretations of the Vedas, added to the end of each. Moved Hinduism to a more philosophical focus

Ganges River

Sacred ritual takes place in the river. Millions of people bathe in it once every 12 years. The river is believed to have healing abilities, it is said to renew your spirit and get rid of your sins. Used to cleanse your body and spirit. Bathing in the river is believed to help you attain salvation

Atman

Seen on the Aum as the “truth”. Seeing your true self, without self centeredness

Sacred Cow

The cow is a symbol of life, prosperity, spiritual purity, motherhood, abundance, and strength. Because everything is a manifestation of Brahman, to attack any living thing is to attack Brahman and therefore oneself. Most Hindus are vegetarian because of this. The cow is sacred to society because the cow is a symbol of Ahimsa (the principle of non-violence)

Puja

The Hindu act of prayer - Shrine - Incense - Offerings: flowers, sweets, etc. - Meditation - Murti (embodiment of the divine found in a Hindu temple - treated like honoured guests)

Buddha

“Enlightened one” or “one who is awake”

The Four Noble Truths: 1

The truth of suffering (dukkha): you cannot live without death, frustration, etc. our lives involve suffering, therefore it is inevitable

The Four Noble Truths: 2

The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya): suffering is caused by craving and aversion; getting what you want doesn’t secure you happiness, it deprives you of it

The Four Noble Truths: 3

The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha): suffering can be overcome, if we stop craving useless things and live each day at a time, we will be happy and free

The Four Noble Truths: 4

The truth of the path that leads us from suffering (magga): the noble, 8 fold path leads us to the end of all suffering. The way to stop wanting and being greedy is the 8 fold path.

Middle Way

In Buddhism, the “Middle Way” refers to a path of practice that avoids the extremes of self- indulgence and self-denial, leading the enlightenment through the Noble Eightfold Path.

Nirvana

The end of personal suffering and the experience of unchanging peace.

Meditation

The purpose of meditation is to relax and gain clarity. The use of mantras, mandalas, and prayer beads is common. Meditation helps Buddhists to reflect on the fact that nothing is permanent, as well as separate themselves from daily life.

Three Marks of Existence: 1

Anicca - impermanence

Three Marks of Existence: 2

Dukkha - suffering

Three Marks of Existence: 3

Anatta - not self

Five Precepts: 1

Abstain from killing living beings

Five Precepts: 2

Abstain from taking which is not given

Five Precepts: 3

Abstain from sexual misconduct

Five Precepts: 4

Abstain from false speech

Five Precepts: 5

Abstaining from intoxicants

Dharma

The teachings of Buddha

Three Jewels: 1

Buddha - (the teacher)

Three Jewels: 2

Sangha - (the community)

Three Jewels: 3

Dharma - (the teachings) *represented by the centre of the wheel of dharma.

Dalai Lama

Tibetan Buddhists believe a Dalai Lama to be the reincarnation of the last lama, who decided to be reborn again to continue his important work, instead of moving on in the wheel of life, THE spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Anatta

“Not self” Says that all phenomena, including our bodies, are considered impermanent because they give rise to stress & affliction, and because of this, they are NOT SELF

Sikh

Means “disciple” or “learner of truth” in Punjabi

8 major teachings: 1

Monotheism (there is only one God)

8 major teachings: 2

The reality of the world (the world is good, not a cause of suffering)

8 major teachings: 3

Spiritual achievement in this life (the goal is to escape our self-will and become one with God)

8 major teachings: 4

Union of the spiritual and worldly lives (no asceticism, helping others, consumerism, and materialism are highly discouraged)

8 major teachings: 5

Nam (the presence of God in each human heart)

8 major teachings: 6

Good deeds (ritualism is condemned - at the end of their lives, they’ll be judged solely on their actions)

8 major teachings: 7

Equality and human dignity (all humans are equal)

8 major teachings: 8

A just society (community should all work together, pray together, eat together, and be treated equally.)

Guru

Refers to the teacher or “guide” - they are the spiritual leaders of Sikhism

Guru Arjun Dev

Began compiling writings and contributions of former Gurus into what is now the Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Gobind Singh

Created the order of the Khalsa (saint-soldiers). Began the Baptism of the Sword ceremony giving the saint soldiers special symbols and sacraments for protecting themselves

Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhism’s holy scripture, given the title of everlasting guru.

Khalsa – 5 Ks: 1

Kesh (uncut hair and beard): symbolizes saintlessness and respect for the body - hair must be kept clean

Khalsa – 5 Ks: 2

Kangha (wooden comb to care for the hair): represents cleanliness

Khalsa – 5 Ks: 3

Kachha (short pants worn by soldiers): represents restraint and discipline

Khalsa – 5 Ks: 4

Kara (steel bracelet): Symbolizes God, without beginning or end

Khalsa – 5 Ks: 5

Kirpan (a small sword/dagger): symbolizes power, self-reliance, and dignity - “Sikhs are slaves to no person”

Sewa

Sewa: service to others as a part of daily behaviour - If you get anything in return, it is not sewa

Langar

Means “eating together”. It refers to both the kitchen and the meal - it is open to everyone

Vaisakhi

The birthday of the Khalsa and Sikh new year. Baptism

Golden Temple

The holiest place of Sikhism. It symbolizes strength, integrity, and glory. It is located in the holy city of Amritsar.

Turban

The head covering worn by male Sikhs.

Waheguru

The name of God in Sikhism. Waheguru must remain in their minds at all times.

Parshad

Sacred, sweet pudding offered during religious ceremonies (baptism of the sword)

Gurdwara

A Sikh temple or place of worship.

Abraham

Abram (later Abraham) was the first patriarch to enter into a covenant with God. He is considered the father of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and islam.

Abraham and God: the Covenant

He agreed to give god: monotheism/first commandment, his ultimate faith and devotion (two tests), his leadership to guide future generations, circumcision (physical sign of the covenant). God gave Abraham: a “true” son, many descendants (“as numerous as the stars”), the promised land

Chosen People

In Judaism, Jewish people are seen as the “chosen people,” with the special mission of bringing the light of God to the world

Moses

Passover == Exodus == 10 Commandments == Promised Land

Sabbath (Shabbat)

Shabbat is Judaism’s most distinctive practice, honours the commandments to keep the Sabbath holy

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish holiday celebrating the birth of the world. It is seen as a time for atonement and fresh starts

Yom Kippur

The most significant holy day on the Jewish calendar, It is a day of atonementIt occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashanah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

A Bar Mitzvah (boys) and a Bat Mitzvah (girls) are Jewish coming-of-age ceremonies that usually happen in a synagogue or temple

Orthodox Beliefs

Continues to observe all the ancient rules and practices. Members want to avoid watering down the faith

Torah (aka Pentateuch)

The Torah is the most sacred Jewish scripture; it is the first 5 books of the bible

Tanakh (aka TNK)

Presents the core teachings of the Jewish faith in the form of a story. It is Judaism's foundational text

Symbols in Judaism: Yad

Used to point while reading the Torah; prevents smudging. They don't touch the Torah with their hands as they believe it's holy!

Symbols in Judaism: Mantle

Decorative covering for when Torah scrolls are not in use

Symbols in Judaism: Menorah

The menorah is a seven-branched candelabra, created in the wilderness (in Exodus) and later transferred to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The seven branches of the menorah symbolize the seven days of creation. Because its shape suggests a tree, the menorah is sometimes referred to as a “tree of life.”

Symbols in Judaism: Yarmulka

(sometimes referred to as a Kippah) is a small, flat hat worn in a synagogue by most male Jews. In more liberal branches women may also wear them.

Symbols in Judaism: Mezuzah

Located on every door post of every Jewish house. It contains a piece of parchment with the Shema. Every time they enter the door they touch or kiss it as a sign of reverence

Symbols in Judaism: Tefillin

Are cubic black leather boxes with leather straps that Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish men wear on their head and their arms during weekday morning prayer

Shofar

A rabbi blows the shofar. The ram's horn is blown many times during the Rosh Hashanah synagogue service as a celebration of God’s creation and a heralding of the Messiah. The shofars call represents a call to repentance and a reminder that God is king. It is also sounded at the end of Yom Kippur

Kosher Laws

Perhaps the most well known Jewish religious practice is that of eating only foods that are “kosher.”

Diaspora

The scattering of Jews outside of Israel in both ancient and modern times

Synagogue

Main place of worship in Judaism. Services led by a rabbi and a cantor (singer)

Anti-Semitism

Hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people

Islam

Means peace, purity, submission, and obedience to Allah

Shahadah

The profession of faith - all of daily life is permeated with the profession of faith in God as one

Salat

Creates the rhythm of daily life Occurs 5 times daily with 5 different prayers

Zakat

Muslims who are wealthier must donate 2.5% of money or goods to the needy, to help build Mosques, or similar causes

Sawm

Takes place during Ramadan, the month of which Muhammad first received the message of Allah

Hajj

Arabic word meaning “pilgrimage”. It is the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are asked to make 1 time in their lives (if they’re financially and physically able)

Jihad

For Muslims, life is a struggle to submit to Allah's will

Allah

The creator. He is the being that was before time and space

The books of God- the Qur’an

Highest authority in both religious and legal matters. Muslims believe that is an errorless record of the angel Gabriel’s revelations to Muhammad

Kaaba

The destination of an annual pilgrimage called the Hajj. It is a black cube said to be sent from the heavens