China/Japan RELI

Analects

A collection of sayings and teachings of Confucius, forming the foundation of Confucian thought.

Ch’an (Buddhism)

A Chinese school of Buddhism focused on meditation and direct experience rather than scripture (becomes Zen in Japan).

Chaung Tzu (Zhuang Zi)

a Daoist philosopher who emphasized relativity, freedom, and living naturally in harmony with the Dao.

jun-zi

The “ideal person” in Confucianism — morally superior, disciplined, and virtuous.

Neo-Confucianism

A later development of Confucianism that combines Confucian ethics with Daoist and Buddhist ideas, focusing on both morality and the nature of the universe.

Five Great/Constant Relationships

Confucian social structure based on hierarchy and duty:

1. ruler–subject

2. father–son

3. husband–wife

4. older–younger sibling

5. friend–friend

ren

Core Confucian virtue meaning humaneness, compassion, or benevolence.

Lao-tzu (Lao Zi)

traditional founder of Daoism and associated with the Daodejing

K’ung fu-tzu (Confucius)

founder of Confucianism; emphasized ethics, social order, and proper conduct.

Pure Land (Buddhism)

A form of Buddhism focused on devotion to Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in a paradise

Shang-di / Tian di

Early Chinese concept of a supreme god or Heaven (Tian) as a moral force governing the universe.

Dao (Tao)

“The Way” — the natural order and flow of the universe in Daoism

Daodejing

Central Daoist text attributed to Laozi; teaches simplicity, humility, and harmony with the Dao.

T’ai-chi chuan (Taiji quan)

A slow, meditative martial art based on balance, harmony, and the flow of qi.

I Ching (Yi-Jing)

“Book of Changes” — an ancient Chinese text used for divination and understanding patterns of change.

feng shui

Practice of arranging environments to harmonize with the flow of qi (energy).

wu-wei

Daoist concept meaning “non-action” or effortless action — going with the natural flow instead of forcing things.

yin-yang

Symbol of balance between opposite but complementary forces (light/dark, male/female, etc.).

Li

In Confucianism: rituals, proper behavior, etiquette, and social norms.

Mencius

Confucian thinker who taught that humans are naturally good.

Mandate of Heaven

Belief that rulers have divine approval to govern, but lose it if they rule unjustly.

Five (Confucian) Classics

Important early Chinese texts studied in Confucianism (e.g., Book of Changes, Book of Rites).

ch’i (qi)

The life force or energy that flows through all living things.

ch’i-kung (qi gong)

Practice of cultivating and balancing qi through breathing, movement, and meditation.

Amitabha / Amida (Buddhism)

Buddha of Infinite Light, central to Pure Land Buddhism.

Zen (Japan)

Japanese form of Ch’an Buddhism, emphasizing meditation and direct enlightenment.

Koan (Buddhism)

A paradoxical question or statement used in Zen to break logical thinking and trigger insight.

za-zen (Japan)

Seated meditation practice central to Zen Buddhism.