AMSCO Notes: Religions and Classical Civilizations (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and classical empires (Maurya and Gupta), plus some Mesoamerican notes.

Four Noble Truths

In Buddhism, life involves suffering (dukkha); suffering is caused by craving/desire and attachment; suffering can end; the path to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

The eight practices leading to the cessation of suffering: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. will lead you to nirvana (buddhism)

Nirvana

The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (enlightenment) in Buddhism.

Bodhi Tree

The sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Three Jewels (Buddhism)

The Buddha (teacher), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).

Theravada Buddhism

Oldest Buddhist tradition, practiced mainly in Southern Asia; emphasizes monastic life and individual enlightenment (arhat). “anyone can become buddha”. skinny buddha

Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhist tradition in Northern Asia that aims for universal salvation; includes practices like prayer and devotion and may involve multiple deities. fat buddha

Zen Buddhism

A Mahayana school in Japan emphasizing sudden enlightenment through meditation and aesthetics (arts like gardens and calligraphy).

Tibetan Buddhism

vegetarian ; features lamas (reincarnations of buddha); combines elements of Theravada and Mahayana with strict monastic practice.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Karma

The moral law of cause and effect; actions influence future experiences and rebirths. hinduism and buddhism

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Hindu belief.

Atman

The individual soul in Hindu philosophy.

Brahman

The ultimate, universal reality in Hinduism; source of all that exists.

Dharma

One’s duty, virtue, and the cosmic order; the path of righteousness in one’s current life. hinduism

Caste System

A hierarchical social structure in traditional Hindu society; determines social roles and duties. (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, Dalit)

Vedas

Ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism that convey its spiritual truths.

Trimurti

The Hindu triad of creator (Brahma), preserver (Vishnu), and destroyer (Shiva) of the universe.

Yoga

Spiritual practices in Hinduism and its traditions; Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge), Raja (meditation/concentration).

Ahimsa

Principle of nonviolence toward all living beings. hinduism and buddhism

Truth is one, paths are many

A Hindu/Buddhist idea that there is a single ultimate truth with many possible spiritual paths to reach it.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that Heaven grants emperors the right to rule; loss of mandate is indicated by natural disasters or corruption.

Analects

A collection of the sayings and ideas of Confucius compiled by his followers.

Filial Piety (Xiao)

Respect for one’s parents and ancestors; foundational virtue in Confucian thought.

Ren

Confucian virtue meaning humaneness, benevolence, and kindness toward others.

Li

Rites, rituals, and proper conduct that govern social harmony in Confucianism.

Five Relationships

Core Confucian framework: ruler–subject, father–son, older brother–younger brother, husband–wife, friend–friend.

Civil Service Exam

Exams in Han China used to recruit officials based on knowledge of Confucian teachings.

Scholar-Gentry

Elite educated class in Han China that held government office and influenced society.

Qin Dynasty

First Chinese imperial dynasty; standardized weights, measures, and roads; centralized power increased.

Han Dynasty

Chinese dynasty noted for political stability, population growth, trade expansion, and scientific advances.

Teotihuacan

Major pre-Columbian city-state in Mesoamerica known as the City of the Gods; planned grid, monumental temples, advanced calendar.

Dao (Tao)

The fundamental principle that is the source of everything; the path or way in Daoism.

Wu Wei

Daoist concept of effortless action; aligning with the natural flow of the Dao.

Eightfold Path

The eight practices leading to the cessation of suffering: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Yin and Yang

Daoist and Chinese philosophy concept of complementary forces—feminine, passive, dark vs. masculine, active, light.

Laozi

Founder of Daoism and traditional author of the Daodejing.

Daodejing

Core Daoist text outlining the Dao and its manifestations in the world.

Zoroastrianism

Monotheistic faith from Persia focusing on the struggle between good and evil and the role of free will.

Ahura Mazda

The supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom and truth.

Ashoka

Mauryan emperor who promoted prosperity, converted to Buddhism, and sponsored Buddhist edicts and pillars.

Mauryan Empire

First major Indian empire; centralized administration, road networks, taxes, and economic growth; spread of Buddhism under Ashoka.

Gupta Empire

Second Indian empire known as a Golden Age; advances in medicine and mathematics (zero, place value) and cultural achievements.

Twelve Tables

Early Roman code of law that established basic legal rights in the Republic.

Eightfold Path

The eight practices leading to the cessation of suffering: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.