Belief Systems and East Asia

Moksha

Hinduism

liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara). ... This concept of liberation or release is shared by a wide spectrum of religious traditions

Braman

Hinduism

Many practitioners believe this as the ultimate reality – one 'Supreme Spirit' in many forms.

Samsara

Hinduism

cycle of death and rebirth

caste

Hinduism

a strict social hierarchy characterized by hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution.

karma

Hinduism

The principle of cause and effect, especially in regards to actions. Good actions will lead to good outcomes in the cycle of death and rebirth, while bad actions will lead to bad outcomes.

dharma

Hinduism

A concept of law, custom and morally correct action that is prevalent in religions from India.

Four noble truths

Buddhism

They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

Eightfold path

Buddhism

consists of eight practices: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi ('meditative absorption or union').

Ahisma

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Respect towards all living things/ avoidance of violence

bodhisattvas 

Buddhism

(in Mahayana) a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings; a way of being we can all aspire to. 

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(\*In practice, many practitioners revere and pay homage (puja) to Bodhisattvas.)

Torah

Judaism

the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pentateuch).

Synagouge

Judaism

the building where a congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.

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* Also: a Jewish assembly or congregation.

Sabbath

judaism

a day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by practitioners of this faith from Friday evening to Saturday evening

Monotheism

belief in one god

diaspora

Judaism

The dispersion of any people from their homeland in general

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* Specifically, the dispersion of these people from Israel 

Trinity

Christianity

the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one.

Gospel

Christianity

accounts of the life of Jesus Christ as recorded by early Christians; there are four accepted gospels which are part of the New Testament of the Christian Bible

Papacy

Christianity

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in the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope is the highest religious authority; the pope’s authority and tenure is the papacy

monasticism

A religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work. Often open to both men, who are called monks, and women, who are called nuns.

5 pillars of islam

islam

profession of faith, daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, obligatory charity, pilgrimage

Shahada (profession of faith)

Islam

There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Hajj (pilgrimage)

Islam

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The expectation that all Muslims make a journey to Mecca in their lifetimes if they are able.

Zakat (alms - giving)

Islam

Mandatory 2.5% tax on all Muslims to help support those in need in the community (umma= community/ "nation").

Sharia (law)

Islam

Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Koran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna), prescribing both religious and secular duties and sometimes retributive penalties for lawbreaking.

Quran

Islam

The sacred text of Islam, believed to be the direct word of god as revealed to Muhammad.