ancient india & china

Hinduism

one of the worlds oldest religions, characterized by a variety of beliefs and practices, including concepts of dharma, karma, and moksha.

caste System

a hierarchical social structure in Hindu society that divides people into four main categories, influencing their occupation and social status.

Dharma

the moral and ethical duties that individuals are expected to follow in accordance with their role in society.

Karma

the principle of cause and effect in which a person's actions influence their future destiny, impacting their current life and future lives.

reincarnation

the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in which the soul is reborn into a new body after death, determined by the individual's karma.

buddhism

a spiritual tradition founded in ancient India that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical living, and mindfulness.

Siddhartha Gautama

founder of buddhism, known as the buddha, and was the indian prince who became a buddha after enlightenment

Eightfold Path

Buddhist guidelines for living correctly, leading to enlightenment

four noble truths

core buddhist teachings that explain the nature of suffering and how it ends

Nirvana

a state of peace and enlightenment in buddhism, free of suffering.

Ashoka

a powerful Indian emperor who spread buddhism after converting

silk road

network of trade routes connecting asia, the middle east, and europe

cultural diffusion

the spread of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and customs from one culture to another

Mandate of heaven

the belief that a rulers power came from the gods and could be taken away if the ruler governs poorly

dynastic cycle

the pattern in chinese history where dynasties rise, rule, decline, and are replaced

confucianism

a belief system based on Confucius teachings that stress order, respect, and proper behavior

filial piety

the confucian value of respect and obedience to parents and elders

Daoism

a belief system that teaches living in harmony with nature and following the Dao

Legalism

a philosophy that believes strong laws and harsh punishments are needed to maintain order

Qin Shi Huangdi

the first emperor of china who united the country and ruled using legalism