Exam 3 Study Guide for REL103

These flashcards cover important terms and concepts related to Confucianism, Daoism, Communist China, and Shinto, based on the REL103 Exam 3 Study Guide.

Emperor of Heaven (Tian)

The supreme deity in Chinese religious belief.

Mandate of Heaven (Tian)

The doctrine used to justify the rule of the emperor of China, stating that heaven grants emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.

Ancestor veneration

A respect for and worship of deceased ancestors in traditional Chinese culture.

Divination

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means.

Confucius (Kungfutzu)

A Chinese philosopher known for his teachings on ethics, politics, and morality.

Ren (Confucian virtue)

The Confucian virtue of benevolence or humaneness, emphasizing compassion and empathy.

Five Relationships of Confucianism

The hierarchical interpersonal relationships defined in Confucian thought: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend.

Three Doctrines of China

The combination of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism that represents the major philosophical systems in Chinese culture.

Lao Tzu (Laozi)

The ancient Chinese philosopher attributed with founding Daoism and authoring the Dao Dejing.

Dao Dejing

The foundational text of Daoism, traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, focusing on the way (Dao) and virtue (De).

Dao (Tao)

The fundamental principle underlying the universe, according to Daoism.

Yin and Yang

The concept in Chinese philosophy describing the dual nature of reality, with opposites that complement each other.

Chi (Qi)

The vital life force that flows through all living things in Chinese philosophy.

Wuwei (Daoist virtue)

The Daoist principle of 'non-action' or 'effortless action,' encouraging alignment with the natural flow of the universe.

Daoist Immortals

A group of legendary figures in Daoist mythology who have achieved immortality.

Celestial Masters Sect (Tianshi)

A major school of Daoism founded by Zhang Daoling, combining Daoist religious practices and philosophy.

The Three Pure Ones

The highest deities in Daoism, representing different aspects of the Dao.

Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao)

The founding father of the People’s Republic of China and a key figure in Communist ideology.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system where the means of production are communally owned.

Cultural Revolution in China

A sociopolitical movement initiated by Mao Zedong aimed at preserving Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements.

Red Guards

Militia groups formed by young people during the Cultural Revolution to protect the ideals of Maoism.

Mao’s Little Red Book

A book of quotations from Mao Zedong, widely circulated during the Cultural Revolution.

Shinto (Shen Tao)

The indigenous spirituality of Japan, focusing on ritual practices to connect with kami (spirits).

Kami

The spiritual beings or gods in Shinto, representing forces of nature, ancestors, and other elements of life.

Creation myth of Izanami and Izanagi

The Japanese myth concerning the creation of the Japanese islands and the divine couple involved.

Amaterasu

The sun goddess in Shinto and a major deity in Japanese mythology.

Ise

The site of the most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu.

Susanoo

The storm god in Shinto, brother of Amaterasu, known for his tumultuous and adventurous personality.

Features of a Jinja (Shinto Shrine)

Typical elements include torii gates, shimenawa, and sacred spaces for ritual practices.

Torii

A traditional Japanese gate that symbolizes the transition from the profane to the sacred.

Shimenawa

A rope made of rice straw used in Shinto to mark sacred spaces and objects.

Role of Shinto priests

Conduct rituals, maintain the shrine, and perform ceremonies in Shinto practice.

Inari

The kami of rice and agriculture in Shinto, often associated with foxes (kitsune).

Kamidana

A household Shinto altar where prayers and offerings are made to kami.

Hachiman

The kami of war and protector of Japan, often associated with archery.

Meiji Restoration

The era of Japanese history that restored imperial rule and marked the modernization of Japan.

State Shinto

A form of Shinto that was promoted by the state during the Meiji period, emphasizing national identity.

Kamikaze

Divine winds that destroyed enemy fleets, also the name given to suicide pilots in World War II.

Yasukuni Shrine

A controversial Shinto shrine in Tokyo commemorating Japan's war dead.