Asian Philosophies and Religions: Confucianism, Shintoism, and Buddhism

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the AP8 Quarter 1 Week 8 lecture notes on Confucianism, Shintoism, and Buddhism.

Philosophia

A Greek word meaning "love of wisdom" from which the term philosophy originated.

Philosophy

A systematic study of fundamental questions regarding existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind, and language.

Confucianism

A social philosophy and religion originating in China based on the teachings of Confucius (Kong Fuzi) in the 5th century BCE.

Confucius (Kong Fuzi)

A prominent philosopher and teacher in China during the 5th century BCE whose teachings formed the basis of Confucianism.

Ren

A core concept in Confucianism referring to humaneness, benevolence, and goodness toward others.

Li

A core concept in Confucianism referring to proper conduct, etiquette, practices, and rituals.

Xiao

A core concept in Confucianism representing filial piety, or respect and obedience toward parents and elders.

Junzi

A Confucian concept defined as a "noble person" who embodies high moral standards, integrity, and discipline.

Zhong

A Confucian concept signifying loyalty and faithfulness to the government and key societal leaders.

Shintoism

A religion and philosophy originating in Japan focused on expressing and celebrating the spirits of nature and ancestors.

Shinto

A term derived from the word "Shin" (spirit) and "To" (way or path).

Kami

Spirits in Shintoism that reside in natural forms such as mountains, rivers, trees, and other aspects of nature.

Torii Gates

Sacred traditional Japanese arches or structures associated with Shinto shrines where rituals and ceremonies are conducted.

O-bon

A Shinto festival and ceremony in Japan where the souls of deceased ancestors are remembered and celebrated.

Political Nationalism (in Shintoism)

The historical utilization of Shintoism during the Meiji Restoration and World War II to strengthen national identity and unity.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy originating in India during the 6th or 5th century BCE based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

Siddhartha Gautama

The founder of Buddhism, commonly known as the Buddha, who lived in India during the 6th or 5th century BCE.

Nirvana

The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism representing liberation from the cycle of suffering, life, and death.

Four Noble Truths

The core teachings of Buddhism comprising Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Magga.

Dukkha

The Noble Truth regarding the existence of suffering in Buddhism.

Samudaya

The Noble Truth regarding the cause or origin of suffering in Buddhism.

Nirodha

The Noble Truth regarding the cessation or end of suffering in Buddhism.

Magga

The Noble Truth regarding the path leading to the end of suffering in Buddhism.

Eightfold Path

A guide to right living and spiritual development in Buddhism consisting of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Karma

A Buddhist concept stating that a person's actions yield corresponding consequences in their present and future existence.

Reincarnation

The belief in Buddhism that the soul continues to transfer from one life to the next based on karma until achieving nirvana.

Meditation

A practice in Buddhism focusing the mind on the present moment, self-examination, and understanding reality.

Theravada

A major traditional branch of Buddhism practiced predominantly in Southeast Asia.

Mahayana

A major branch of Buddhism practiced predominantly in China and Japan.