Lecture Notes Review: East Asian Religions and Philosophies

These flashcards cover key concepts, figures, and practices from the lecture on East Asian religions and philosophies.

Alchemy

A practice in Daoism aimed at achieving immortality through transformation and elixirs.

Ancestor Worship

The veneration and honoring of deceased relatives through rituals that can positively or negatively affect one's life.

Animism

The belief that everything has a spirit or soul, a key concept in Shinto religion.

Bodhisattva

A person who delays enlightenment out of compassion to assist others in achieving nirvana.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy developed from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing the path to enlightenment.

Bushido

The samurai code of conduct emphasizing loyalty, honor, and moral virtues.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius, focusing on moral integrity and social harmony.

Dao (Tao)

Meaning 'way,' it refers to the fundamental principle that underlies and unites all things in Daoist philosophy.

Divination

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through various methods including oracles and hexagrams.

Filial Piety

A Confucian virtue of respect and duty owed to one's parents and ancestors.

Kami

Spiritual beings or forces in Shinto that inhabit the natural world and human experiences.

Joss Paper

A form of paper offering burned as a currency for the deceased, representing their needs in the afterlife.

Legalism

A Chinese philosophy advocating strict laws and harsh punishments to control society.

Mahayana Buddhism

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the collective path to enlightenment and compassion for all beings.

Mandate of Heaven

The divine right to rule, legitimizing a ruler's authority based on their moral virtue.

Merit (Buddhism)

The spiritual benefit gained from ethical actions and good deeds.

Wu Wei

A Daoist concept meaning 'non-action' or 'effortless action,' advocating for alignment with the natural flow.

Yin and Yang

Concepts representing the dual forces of nature; Yin symbolizes passive, dark elements, while Yang embodies active, bright elements.

Zen Buddhism

A form of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation and direct experiential insight.

Torii

A ceremonial gate at Shinto shrines marking the transition between the sacred and the ordinary.

Shinto

The indigenous religion of Japan focused on rituals and practices honoring kami in natural and ancestral sites.

Junzi

A term in Confucianism referring to a 'cultivated person' or someone who embodies virtue and moral integrity.

Emperor

The figure in Chinese and Japanese dynasties representing both political authority and spiritual legitimacy.

Daoist Master Sage

An individual who achieves harmony with the Dao, often viewed as an immortal or enlightened being.

Nihongi

Chronicles of Japan that record mythic accounts and historical narratives, important in understanding Shinto beliefs.