Lecture Notes on Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture about Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, focusing on morality, proper social relationships, and good governance.

Taoism

A religious and philosophical tradition emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao, the fundamental nature of the universe.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.

Ren

A Confucian term for total morality or humaneness, an ideal quality that individuals should cultivate.

Junzi

A term in Confucianism denoting a morally superior individual or gentleman.

Wuwei

A Taoist concept meaning 'nonaction' or 'effortless action'.

Qi

A vital force that flows through all living things, important in Taoist practices.

Mandate of Heaven

A political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the king or emperor in China, asserting that rulers must be virtuous to retain their right to govern.

The Analects

A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius, foundational to Confucianism.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

The Four Noble Truths

The central teachings of Buddhism, diagnosing the nature of suffering and prescribing a path to its cessation.

Karma

The Buddhist concept that refers to the actions that an individual takes, which influence their future rebirth.

Dharma

In Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha that outline the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.

Self-Cultivation

The process of improving oneself, particularly through moral and ethical development, emphasized in both Confucianism and Taoism.

Cosmology

A philosophical or religious view of the universe and its origins, often discussed in relation to Taoism and Buddhism.