Major Classical Religions & Philosophies – Vocab 2

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, beliefs, and concepts from Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Greek and Persian legacies, and Confucianism as outlined in Unit 0 lecture notes.

Indo-Aryan Migration

Movement of pastoral peoples from the Eurasian steppe into India (c. 2000–1500 BCE) that introduced Vedic religion and social structure.

Vedas

Sacred Hindu scriptures (compiled by c. 700 BCE) that codified early Vedic beliefs and rituals.

Hinduism

Ancient Indian religion teaching a cycle of rebirth, pursuit of dharma, karma, and eventual union with Brahma.

Brahma

The universal spirit in Hinduism with which souls seek ultimate union.

Reincarnation

Hindu/Buddhist belief that the soul is reborn in new bodies across lifetimes.

Dharma

One’s moral and social duty based on caste or position in Hindu thought.

Karma

Sum of a person’s actions determining future rebirths in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Caste System

Rigid Hindu social hierarchy of hereditary classes (varnas) tied to religious duty.

Brahmin

Highest Hindu caste of priests and scholars.

Kshatriya

Hindu warrior and ruler caste.

Vaishya

Merchant and land-owning caste in Hindu society.

Sudra

Hindu caste of common laborers and servants.

Untouchables (Dalits)

Outside the varna system; perform tasks considered impure such as street cleaning.

Siddhartha Gautama

Indian prince (c. 563–483 BCE) who founded Buddhism; known as the Buddha.

Buddhism

Religion teaching that suffering is caused by desire and can be ended by attaining nirvana.

Nirvana

State of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Buddhism.

Mauryan Empire

First large centralized Indian empire (322–187 BCE) that promoted Buddhism under Ashoka.

Ashoka the Great

Mauryan emperor who adopted Buddhism and sponsored its spread through edicts and stupas.

Stupa

Buddhist commemorative mound housing relics; built widely under Ashoka.

Zoroaster (Zarathustra)

Iranian prophet whose teachings founded Zoroastrianism (c. 2nd millennium–5th cent. BCE).

Zoroastrianism

Persian monotheistic religion centered on the cosmic struggle between Good and Evil.

Ahura Mazda

Supreme creator god in Zoroastrianism.

Free Will (Zoroastrian)

Belief that humans can choose to align with Good or Evil forces.

Messiah (Zoroastrian Concept)

Prophesied savior who will secure victory for Good in the cosmic battle.

Judaism

Monotheistic Hebrew religion whose scriptures are collected in the Tanakh.

Tanakh

Canonical collection of Jewish texts (Hebrew Bible).

Second-Temple Judaism

Form of Judaism (6th cent. BCE–70 CE) adopting stricter monotheism and messianic hope after Persian influence.

Messiah (Jewish/Christian)

Anointed savior expected to bring divine deliverance; identified by Christians as Jesus.

Jesus of Nazareth

Jewish teacher believed by Christians to be the messiah and incarnation of God (c. 4 BCE–30 CE).

Christianity

Monotheistic religion based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul of Tarsus

Early Christian missionary whose letters helped spread Christianity across the Roman Empire.

Roman Persecution

Suppression of Christians by Roman authorities fearing dissent and rebellion.

Hellenistic States

Successor kingdoms of Alexander the Great that adopted Persian-style centralized administration.

Centralized Government (Persian Model)

Administrative system with power concentrated in a capital and bureaucratic hierarchy.

Greek Skepticism

Philosophical approach emphasizing questioning and logical inquiry, foundational to empirical science.

Socrates

Athenian philosopher (469–399 BCE) who used dialogue to examine ethics and knowledge.

Plato

Student of Socrates; founded the Academy and wrote dialogues on forms, justice, and government.

Aristotle

Greek philosopher who systematized logic, science, and politics; tutor of Alexander the Great.

Confucius (Kong Fuzi)

Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE) whose teachings sought social harmony during the Warring States period.

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing moral virtue, hierarchical relationships, and social harmony.

Analects

Collected sayings of Confucius, foundational text of Confucianism.

Filial Piety

Confucian virtue of respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors.

Warring States Period

Era of military conflict (c. 475–221 BCE) preceding China’s unification under the Qin, inspiring Confucian reform ideas.

Patriarchal Hierarchy (Confucian)

Social structure where authority flows from male heads of family up to the emperor.