PHL 255 final

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all concepts from the study guide, before review

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108 Terms

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Siddhartha Gautama
* Founder of Buddhism
* Also known as the Buddha
* Born in Nepal in 563 BCE
* Left his privileged life to seek enlightenment
* Achieved enlightenment under a bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya
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The Four Sights
* Four sights that Siddhartha Gautama saw on a journey outside his palace
* Old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic
* Led to his decision to leave his privileged life and seek enlightenment
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Pure Land Buddhism
* A form of Mahayana Buddhism
* Emphasizes the importance of devotion to Amitabha Buddha
* Believes in a pure land or paradise called the Western Pure Land, where followers can be reborn after death
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The Four Noble Truths
* Core teachings of Buddhism

1 Life is suffering

2 Suffering arises from craving and attachment

3 Suffering can be overcome

4 The path to the end of suffering is the Eightfold Path
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Bodhidharma
* Buddhist monk who brought Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China
* Also known as Da Mo
* Famous for sitting in meditation facing a wall for nine years in a cave
* Considered the first patriarch of Chan/Zen Buddhism
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The Noble Eightfold Path
* Eightfold path to end suffering and achieve enlightenment
* Right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration
* Practiced by followers of Buddhism
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Chan/Zen Buddhism
* Branch of Mahayana Buddhism
* Emphasizes meditation and direct experience of ultimate reality
* Traces its lineage back to Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Chan/Zen
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The Middle Way
* Concept in Buddhism
* Rejects extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification
* Advocates for a balanced approach to life
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zazen
* Seated meditation practice in Zen Buddhism
* Involves sitting in a specific posture and focusing on the breath
* Goal is to develop concentration, mindfulness, and insight
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The Three Marks of Existence
* Core teachings in Buddhism
* Impermanence (anicca/anitya)
* Suffering (dukkha)
* No-self (anatman)
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Koan
* Riddle or paradoxical statement used in Zen Buddhism
* Designed to provoke enlightenment or realization in the student
* Often begins with the question, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
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Dukkha
* Pali term for suffering or unsatisfactoriness
* One of the Three Marks of Existence
* Can be caused by desire, attachment, and ignorance
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Tibetan Buddhism
* Branch of Mahayana Buddhism
* Emphasizes meditation, compassion, and the importance of a teacher
* Believes in the reincarnation of lamas, such as the Dalai Lama
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Anatman
* Sanskrit term for no-self or non-self
* One of the Three Marks of Existence
* Rejects the idea of a permanent, unchanging self or soul
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Dalai Lama
* Leader of Tibetan Buddhism
* Spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people
* Believed to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama
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Anicca/Anitya
* Pali/Sanskrit term for impermanence
* One of the Three Marks of Existence
* Refers to the idea that all things are constantly changing and in flux
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Nirvana
* Buddhist concept of ultimate liberation and enlightenment
* Escape from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara)
* Achieved through the elimination of craving and attachment
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Tathata “Suchness”
* Buddhist concept that emphasizes the true nature of reality
* Everything is as it is, without any added interpretation or judgment
* Also known as "thusness" or "thatness"
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samsara
* Concept in Buddhism
* The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
* Governed by karma, the law of cause and effect
* Samsara can be escaped through enlightenment or Nirvana
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karuna
* Sanskrit term for compassion
* One of the Four Immeasurables in Buddhism
* The wish for all beings to be free from suffering
* Practiced by followers of Buddhism
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trishna/tanha
* Sanskrit/Pali term for craving or thirst
* One of the Three Poisons in Buddhism
* Associated with suffering and attachment
* Can be overcome through the Eightfold Path
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the three jewels
* Core components of Buddhism
* Buddha (the teacher)
* Dharma (the teachings)
* Sangha (the community of practitioners)
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Dharma
* Buddhist term for the teachings of the Buddha
* Includes the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and other Buddhist teachings
* Considered one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism
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Sangha
* Buddhist term for the community of practitioners
* Includes monks, nuns, and laypeople
* Considered one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism
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Buddha
* Sanskrit term for "awakened one"
* Refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism
* Also used as a title for other enlightened beings
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Theravada
* Oldest surviving branch of Buddhism
* Emphasizes personal liberation through insight meditation
* Found primarily in Southeast Asia
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Mahayana
* Branch of Buddhism that developed later than Theravada
* Emphasizes compassion and the idea of the bodhisattva, who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all beings
* Found primarily in East Asia and Tibet.
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arhat
* In Theravada Buddhism, an individual who has attained enlightenment
* Has achieved Nirvana and will not be reborn
* Focuses on personal liberation
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bodhisattva
* In Mahayana Buddhism, an individual who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all beings
* Delays their own enlightenment until all beings are liberated
* Emphasizes compassion and altruism
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Pali Canon
* The primary scripture of Theravada Buddhism
* Contains the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali language
* Consists of three sections: the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka
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Three Unwholesome Roots
* In Buddhism, the three negative mental states that lead to unwholesome actions
* Greed or craving (lobha)
* Hatred or anger (dosa)
* Delusion or ignorance (moha)
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Emperor Ashoka
* Mauryan emperor who ruled over much of India in the 3rd century BCE
* Converted to Buddhism and promoted its spread
* Responsible for the spread of Buddhism throughout much of Asia
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parinirvana
* The final Nirvana, achieved at the end of an arhat's life
* The ultimate release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
* Associated with the death of the Buddha
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transcendental immanence
* A concept in Mahayana Buddhism that reconciles the apparent duality of samsara and Nirvana
* Emphasizes the interdependent nature of all phenomena
* All things are ultimately empty of inherent existence
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mandala
* A circular diagram used in Buddhism and other spiritual traditions
* Used as a focus for meditation and visualization
* Often includes symbolic representations of deities or aspects of the universe
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Nagarjuna
* Indian philosopher and founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism
* Emphasized the concept of shunyata or emptiness
* Considered one of the most important Buddhist philosophers.
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dependent arising
* A fundamental concept in Buddhism
* All phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena
* The cycle of cause and effect that governs samsara.
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Kung fu tzu
* Chinese philosopher and teacher (551–479 BCE)
* Founder of Confucianism
* Emphasized the importance of moral principles and social harmony
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xunzi
* Chinese philosopher and follower of Confucius
* Believed that human nature is fundamentally flawed and must be improved through education and ritual
* Emphasized the importance of social order and ritual
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Mozi
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rujia
* A philosophical and ethical system developed from the teachings of Confucius
* Emphasizes the importance of moral principles and social harmony
* Forms the basis of traditional Chinese culture
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the analects
* A collection of sayings and teachings of Confucius
* Forms one of the primary texts of Confucianism
* Emphasizes the importance of moral principles, family values, and social harmony
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mencius
* Chinese philosopher and follower of Confucius
* Emphasized the goodness of human nature and the importance of cultivating moral virtues
* Believed that rulers should be benevolent and responsive to the needs of their people
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wu-lun
* The "five relationships" in Confucianism
* Ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, friend-friend
* Emphasizes the importance of social hierarchy and respect for authority
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xiao
* Confucian concept of filial piety or respect for parents and elders
* Emphasizes the importance of family values and social harmony
* One of the core values of Confucianism
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bent rods
* Confucian metaphor for effective leadership
* The leader should be flexible like a bent rod, able to adapt to changing circumstances
* The leader should also be firm like a straight rod, able to provide stability and guidance
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mandate of heaven
* Chinese concept of the divine right to rule
* The belief that the ruler is given the right to rule by the gods or the heavens
* The ruler must rule justly and be responsive to the needs of the people or risk losing the mandate
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shu
* Confucian concept of reciprocity
* "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself"
* Emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect
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sprouts
* Confucian metaphor for the innate goodness of human nature
* Just as sprouts will naturally grow towards the sun, humans have an innate tendency towards goodness and morality
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rectification of names
* Confucian belief that language and naming must be accurate and true
* Proper naming is essential for creating social order and harmony
* Incorrect naming can lead to confusion and disorder
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ren
* Confucian virtue of benevolence or humaneness
* Emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, and empathy towards others
* One of the core values of Confucianism
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li
* Confucian concept of propriety or proper conduct
* Emphasizes the importance of social norms and rituals in creating social order and harmony
* Proper conduct is essential for maintaining social hierarchy and respect for authority
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chun tzu
* Confucian ideal of the "superior person" or the "gentleman"
* Emphasizes the importance of moral virtues and leadership qualities
* A chun tzu is someone who embodies the virtues of ren, li, and other Confucian values
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wei
* Confucian concept of action or behavior
* Emphasizes the importance of proper behavior and conduct in creating social harmony
* Proper wei is essential for maintaining social hierarchy and respect for authority
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yi
* Yi is a core Confucian value, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and ethical behavior.
* It is considered one of the key virtues for achieving a harmonious and stable society.
* In Confucian philosophy, yi is closely linked with other values such as ren (benevolence), li (propriety), and zhi (wisdom).
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Lao Tzu
* Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism
* Author of the Tao Te Ching, a classic text on Taoist philosophy
* Emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature and following the natural flow of the universe
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wu wei
* Taoist concept of non-action or non-interference
* Emphasizes the importance of letting things unfold naturally, without trying to force or control them
* Often associated with the idea of "effortless action"
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Taojia
* School of Taoist philosophy that focuses on the study of the Tao Te Ching and other Taoist texts
* Emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom and living in accordance with the Tao
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Chuang Tzu
* Chinese philosopher and key figure in Taoist philosophy
* Author of the Chuang Tzu, a classic text on Taoist philosophy
* Emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature and embracing the concept of wu wei
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wan wu
* Taoist concept of the "ten thousand things"
* Refers to the infinite variety of phenomena in the universe
* Emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with nature
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Skeptical relativism
* Philosophical concept that emphasizes the limitations of human knowledge and the difficulty of obtaining objective truth
* Often associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu)
* Emphasizes the importance of questioning one's own beliefs and perceptions
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fu, yin, and po
* In Taoist philosophy, these are the three spirits or "souls" of the human being
* Fu represents the physical body, yin represents the spirit, and po represents the soul
* Emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the importance of balance and harmony between the two
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yang
* One of the two complementary forces in Chinese philosophy, along with yin
* Associated with masculine energy, light, and activity
* Often represented by the sun or daytime
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tai chi
* Chinese martial art and form of exercise
* Involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing
* Emphasizes the principles of balance, relaxation, and internal energy cultivation
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chi
* Vital energy or life force in Chinese philosophy
* Believed to flow through the body and be influenced by factors such as breath, movement, and environment
* Central to practices such as acupuncture, Tai Chi, and Qigong
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feng shui
* Chinese system of arranging the environment to promote harmony and balance
* Involves the placement of objects and the orientation of buildings in relation to natural features and energy flows
* Emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony between humans and their environment
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tao
* Central concept in Chinese philosophy, often translated as "the way" or "the path"
* Refers to the natural order or principle that governs the universe
* Emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and following the natural flow of things
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principles of nature
* Central to Taoist philosophy
* Emphasizes the importance of following the natural order and living in harmony with nature
* Involves principles such as balance, harmony, simplicity, and humility
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tao te ching
* Classic text of Taoist philosophy, attributed to the legendary figure Lao Tzu
* Emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Tao and following the natural flow of the universe
* Contains teachings on topics such as leadership, ethics, and spirituality
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I ching
* Ancient Chinese divination system and book of wisdom
* Involves the use of hexagrams to represent different states of being and situations
* Emphasizes the importance of balance and the principles of nature in decision-making
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tzu jan (ziran)
* Taoist concept of naturalness or spontaneity
* Emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with one's true nature and the natural flow of things
* Central to the practice of wu-wei and other Taoist concept
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zhenren
* A term used in Taoism to refer to a "real" or "true" person who has achieved enlightenment or immortality
* Often associated with the attainment of spiritual and physical perfection
* Considered a role model for spiritual seekers
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ming
* A concept in Chinese philosophy that refers to the destiny or fate of a person or thing
* Believed to be determined by a combination of factors such as one's actions, environment, and cosmic forces
* Can be influenced through self-cultivation and spiritual practice
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hseng sheng
* Chinese term for reincarnation or transmigration of the soul
* Believed to occur after death and involve the migration of the soul to a new physical body
* Central to many Chinese religious and philosophical traditions
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trigram
* A set of three lines used in divination and cosmology in Chinese philosophy
* Represent different elemental forces and correspond to various aspects of life and the universe
* Used in practices such as feng shui and I Ching divination
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dantian
* A focal point in the body used in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Taoist practice
* Refers to an area in the lower abdomen believed to be the center of physical and spiritual energy
* Important in practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and neidan (inner alchemy)
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neidan
* A Taoist practice of inner alchemy, aimed at cultivating spiritual and physical transformation
* Involves practices such as meditation, breathwork, and visualization
* Aims to develop the practitioner's inner resources and cultivate a deeper understanding of the nature of reality
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shen
* A term in Chinese philosophy that refers to the spiritual or divine nature of a person or thing
* Believed to be associated with consciousness, mind, and spirit
* Central to many religious and philosophical practices in China, including Taoism and Confucianism
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fangshi
* A term used in Chinese philosophy to refer to a master or expert in various fields, including divination, medicine, and alchemy
* Often associated with esoteric knowledge and spiritual attainment
* Central to many Chinese religious and philosophical traditions
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jing
* A term in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy that refers to the body's vital essence or energy
* Believed to be stored in the kidneys and associated with physical and sexual vitality
* Important in practices such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and neidan.
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Han Feizi
* A philosopher and statesman who lived during the Warring States period in China
* Founder of the Fajia (Legalist) school of philosophy
* Believed in a strict system of laws and punishments to maintain social order and strengthen the state
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Fajia
* A school of Chinese philosophy that emerged during the Warring States period
* Emphasizes the importance of strong government and strict laws to maintain social order and stability
* Associated with Han Feizi and other Legalist thinkers
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fa
* A term in Legalist philosophy that refers to the law or principle used to govern the state
* Seen as a tool to maintain social order and prevent chaos
* Emphasizes the importance of strict and impartial enforcement of the law
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shu
* A concept in Legalist philosophy that refers to statecraft or political strategy
* Involves tactics such as spying, deception, and manipulation to gain and maintain power
* Seen as essential to the success of the state and the ruler
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shi
* A term in Chinese philosophy that refers to the scholar-official class
* Played a key role in the government and bureaucracy of imperial China
* Considered to be educated and morally upright, with a responsibility to serve the state and the people
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the two handles
* A metaphor used in Legalist philosophy to describe the two primary tools of the ruler: rewards and punishments
* Seen as essential to maintaining social order and ensuring obedience to the law
* Emphasizes the importance of balancing the use of rewards and punishments to maintain the stability of the state
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system of ranks
* A hierarchical system used in imperial China to organize society and government
* Based on Confucian ideals of social order and harmony
* Divided society into different classes and ranks, with officials and scholars at the top
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authoritarianism
* A political system characterized by strong central control and limited political freedoms
* Often associated with strict laws and regulations, as well as a focus on maintaining social order and stability
* Can be seen as compatible with Legalist philosophy and the concept of the strong state.
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Angra Mainyu
* A concept in Zoroastrianism that represents the principle of evil and chaos
* Seen as a counterpart to the principle of good, represented by Ahura Mazda
* Associated with destructive forces such as disease, death, and natural disasters
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Ahura Mazda
* The supreme deity in Zoroastrianism
* Represents the principle of good and order
* Associated with positive forces such as truth, wisdom, and righteousness
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apocalypticism
* A belief system that focuses on the end of the world and the final judgment
* Often associated with religious or political upheaval
* Can be seen in various religious traditions, including Zoroastrianism
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ethical dualism
* A belief system that posits the existence of two opposing moral forces
* Associated with Zoroastrianism and other religious traditions
* Often emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path and acting ethically
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gathas
* The oldest sacred texts of Zoroastrianism
* Composed in poetic form by the prophet Zarathustra
* Emphasize the importance of moral and ethical behavior, and the battle between good and evil
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haoma
* A sacred plant used in Zoroastrian rituals and ceremonies
* Associated with immortality, healing, and divine power
* Often used in rituals involving fire, which is also considered sacred in Zoroastrianism
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daeva
* A term in Zoroastrianism that refers to evil or demonic spirits
* Seen as opposing the forces of good and order represented by Ahura Mazda
* Later associated with the concept of demons in other religious traditions
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concentration
* A process in religious or philosophical thought of making abstract concepts more tangible or concrete
* In Zoroastrianism, this process can be seen in the development of ideas such as the afterlife, heaven and hell, and the battle between good and evil
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idolatry
* The worship of physical objects or images as representations of the divine
* Often seen as a violation of religious principles in various traditions, including Zoroastrianism
* Can be associated with the worship of daevas or other spirits in Zoroastrianism
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one true teaching
* The belief that a particular religious tradition or group possesses the one true path to salvation or enlightenment
* Often associated with exclusivism and a rejection of other belief systems
* Can be seen in various religious traditions, including Zoroastrianism
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exclusivism
* Exclusivism claims exclusive access to truth
* Can lead to intolerance and conflict
* Often involves rejection or criticism of other beliefs or perspectives