RELS 264 Flashcards & Terms

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Upanishads

Philosophical texts that explore the concepts found in the Vedas, focusing on meditation and the nature of reality.

Reincarnation

The belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death.

Karma

The law of moral cause and effect, where one's actions influence future experiences.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

Moksha

The liberation from the cycle of samsara and union with the divine.

Preya

The path of pleasure, often associated with immediate gratification.

Shreya

The path of the good or beneficial, often associated with long-term fulfillment.

Atman

The individual soul or essence in Hindu philosophy.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism.

Buddha

The enlightened one; Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment and taught the path to liberation.

4 Noble Truths

The foundation of Buddhist teaching that identifies the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Dukkha

The concept of suffering, pain, and unsatisfactoriness in Buddhism.

Impermanence

The Buddhist concept that all things are in a constant state of flux.

Meditation

A practice for developing concentration, clarity, understanding, and emotional positivity.

Mahayana

A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the bodhisattva path.

Theravada

The older tradition of Buddhism that emphasizes individual enlightenment.

Bodhisattva

A being who seeks enlightenment for the sake of others.

Tulku

A reincarnated lama or spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Bardo

In Tibetan Buddhism, the intermediate state between death and rebirth.

Phowa

The practice of transferring consciousness at the moment of death in Tibetan Buddhism.

Rigpa

The intrinsic awareness or natural state in Tibetan Buddhism.

Sipa

A Tibetan term for the intermediate states experienced after death.

Sky Burial

A Tibetan funeral practice of leaving the body exposed to the elements for vultures to consume.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs and practices.

Filial Piety

A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors in Confucianism.

Yin Soul v. Yang Soul

Concepts in Chinese philosophy representing the dualities of nature and the human spirit.

Tao (Dao)

The fundamental principle that is the source and pattern of everything that exists in Taoism.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius.

Taoism (Daoism)

A religious and philosophical tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao.

Religious v. Philosophical Daoism

Distinction between Taoism as a religion with rituals and beliefs versus a philosophical outlook on life.

Ancestor Worship

A practice of honoring deceased ancestors and seeking their guidance.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical figure who became the Buddha and founded Buddhism.

Naciketas

A figure from the Katha Upanishad who seeks knowledge of the true self.

Yama

The Hindu god of death and the underworld, also a figure in the Katha Upanishad.

Agni

The Hindu god of fire and the acceptor of sacrifices.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher whose teachings are the foundation of Confucianism.

Lao Tzu (Laozi)

An ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, the founder of Taoism.

Jake

A character from 'Jacob’s Ladder' representing elements of human suffering and existential questioning.

Jezzie

A character in 'Jacob’s Ladder' symbolizing personal relationships and emotional struggles.

Sarah

A character from 'Jacob’s Ladder' reflecting themes of family and loss.

Louie

A character in 'Jacob’s Ladder' representing aspects of friendship and loyalty.

Gabe

A character from 'Jacob’s Ladder' connected to themes of morality and redemption.

Hindu Funeral Rites

Rituals performed to honor the dead, including cremation and offerings.

Sikh Funeral Rites

Practices that include prayers and hymns, focusing on the soul's journey.

Tibetan Buddhist Funeral Rites

Rituals that guide the deceased through the bardo state.

Chinese Funeral Rites

A set of rituals including burial or cremation and ancestor worship.