Eastern Philosophy: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, concepts, and figures across Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism as detailed in the lecture notes.

Gautama Buddha

Spiritual teacher born in Lumbini (Ancient India) who lived from 563 to 480 BC, founded Buddhism as a Dharmic religion, and taught that the goal of life is Nirvana and ending suffering.

Buddha

A title meaning "The Awakened One".

Buddhi

Intelligence and discernment that is free from cognitive distortions.

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life is full of suffering. 2. Desire is the root cause. 3. Suffering can be ended. 4. It is by the Eightfold Path.

Nirvana

Extinguishment; the ultimate goal in Buddhism representing enlightenment and the end of human sorrow and suffering.

The Eightfold Path

The Buddhist path to end suffering, consisting of: 1. Right view, 2. Right resolve, 3. Right speech, 4. Right conduct, 5. Right livelihood, 6. Right effort, 7. Right mindfulness, and 8. Right meditation.

Jhana

Buddhist meditation involving breath meditation, mindfulness, insightful meditation, and right concentration.

Atman

In Hinduism, the individual soul.

Brahman

In Hinduism, the Supreme Creator.

Karma

Actions in this life that affect the next life.

Dharma

The religious and moral duties of an individual in Hinduism.

Artha

The pursuit of wealth and prosperity in one's life.

Moksha

Enlightenment; the ultimate goal of life in Hinduism.

Reincarnation

The cycle of rebirth based on karma from a previous life.

India's Caste System

A social stratification system that splits society into groups according to work and birth: Brahmins (priestly, academic class), Kshatriyas (rulers, administrators, warriors), Vaishyas (artisans, tradesmen, farmers, merchants), Shudras (manual laborers), and Dalits (street cleaners, menial tasks).

Confucianism

A system of social and ethical philosophy devised by Chinese scholar K'ung Fu-tzu in 6th century BC China, emphasizing personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, sincerity, education, and obedience to hierarchy.

Confucius

K'ung Fu-tzu, also known as Kong Qiu or Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.), referred to as China's First Teacher, who mastered Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics.

Rén (仁)

The Confucian virtue of humaneness, compassion, and benevolence.

Yì (義)

The Confucian virtue of righteousness and justice; being morally right.

Lǐ (禮)

The Confucian virtue of ritual propriety, proper customs in social rituals, and expectations.

Zhì (智)

The Confucian virtue of knowledge, understanding, and familiarity with truths, facts, and/or principles.

Xìn (信)

The Confucian virtue of integrity, adhering to moral character, and honesty.

Five Constant Relationships

The Confucian doctrine emphasizing grand harmony among human relationships: Parent & Child, Husband & Wife, Faith between Friends, Precedence of Old over the young, and Ruler and Subject.

Selfhood (Confucianism)

Regarding oneself first and foremost as a center of human relationships rather than focusing on individuality.

Filial

The primary Confucian virtue of respecting and acting in a suitable manner towards one's elders or parents.