Eastern Belief Systems

Hinduism

A belief system developed in India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation, karma, and a supreme being who takes many forms

Caste System

Introduced by the Aryans, a set of rigid social categories in Hinduism that determine not only a person's occupation and economic potential, but also his or her position in society.

Brahmins

The top level of the caste system (priests)

Kshatriyas

The second level of the caste system (warriors and nobles)

Vaishyas

The third level of the caste system (artisans, merchants, and tradesmen)

Shudras

The fourth level of the caste system (manual laborers and farmers)

Untouchables

The last level of the caste system, "dalits" (they have the unclean jobs nobody wanted like toilet cleaning and street sweeping)

Brahma

Four faced Hindu god who is believed to have created the world.

Vedas

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism. They include hymns, prayers and guidance for Hindu priests.

Moksha

the goal of Hinduism- union with Brahman, and freed from the cycle of rebirth.

Karma

The belief in Hinduism and Buddhism that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life.

Dharma

A person's religious and moral duties or "the right way of living," in Hinduism they are caste, gender and age specific.

Buddhism

A religion from India based on the ideas of the Buddha, which focuses on living morally in order to overcome suffering and achieve enlightenment.

Nirvana

The goal of all Buddhists- it means "nothingness" it is the absence of human suffering and the release from reincarnation

Siddhartha Gautama

The Hindu prince (also known as Buddha) was the founder of Buddhism who realized truths about human suffering while meditating.

Mahayana Buddhism

Branch of Buddhism followed in China, Japan, and Central Asia. It viewed the Buddha as a compassionate god. Less strict observance.

Therevada Buddhism

Branch of Buddhism followed in southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Centers around monks and a more strict monastic life

Four Noble Truths

The four basic beliefs that form the foundation of Buddhism regarding the cause & cure for human suffering.

Eightfold path

The basic rules of behavior and ethical guidelines in Buddhism- they represent the Middle Way

Buddha

The title for Siddhartha Gautama meaning "enlightened one".

Samsara

The wheel of life- the cycle of birth & reincarnation (dying and being born into a new body) in Hinduism & Buddhism

Aryans

Indo-Europeans who migrated into India and finally settled; bringing the Vedic tradition and the beginning of caste system

Vishnu

A Hindu god considered the preserver of goodness and social order in the world

Shiva

A Hindu god considered the destroyer of the world.

Brahman

A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything

Ahimsa

the principle of nonviolence toward all living things

Atman

in Hindu belief, a person's essential self, the breathe, the soul.

Middle Way

A basic Buddhist teaching that rejects both over indulgence and self-denial , calling for a way of life between the extremes.

Bhagavad Gita

The most important work of Indian sacred literature, a dialogue between the great warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna on the importance of dharma and fulfilling one's duty.

Hymn of Primeval Man

In Hinduism- the story of Purusha's sacrifice and the creation of the universe and the caste system.

Confucius

(551-479 BCE) A Chinese philosopher known also as Kong Fuzi, created one of the most influential philosophies in Chinese history.

5 key relationships

ruler-subject, father-son, elder brother-younger brother, husband-wife, friend-friend: the hierarchy of Confucianism meant to bring stability & order.

Analects

the recorded teachings of Confucius: they offer ethical guidelines and emphasize Confucian values.

Filial Piety

respect for parents- the most important duty in Confucianism