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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Middle Way
Concept in Buddhism
Rejects extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification
Advocates for a balanced approach to life
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
The Three Marks of Existence
Core teachings in Buddhism
Impermanence (anicca/anitya)
Suffering (dukkha)
No-self (anatman)
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?"
Dukkha
Pali term for suffering or unsatisfactoriness
One of the Three Marks of Existence
Can be caused by desire, attachment, and ignorance
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
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
Dalai Lama
Leader of Tibetan Buddhism
Spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people
Believed to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama
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
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
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"
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
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
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
the three jewels
Core components of Buddhism
Buddha (the teacher)
Dharma (the teachings)
Sangha (the community of practitioners)
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
Sangha
Buddhist term for the community of practitioners
Includes monks, nuns, and laypeople
Considered one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism
Buddha
Sanskrit term for "awakened one"
Refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism
Also used as a title for other enlightened beings
Theravada
Oldest surviving branch of Buddhism
Emphasizes personal liberation through insight meditation
Found primarily in Southeast Asia
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.
arhat
In Theravada Buddhism, an individual who has attained enlightenment
Has achieved Nirvana and will not be reborn
Focuses on personal liberation
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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.
dependent arising
A fundamental concept in Buddhism
All phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena
The cycle of cause and effect that governs samsara.
Kung fu tzu
Chinese philosopher and teacher (551–479 BCE)
Founder of Confucianism
Emphasized the importance of moral principles and social harmony
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
Mozi
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ren
Confucian virtue of benevolence or humaneness
Emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, and empathy towards others
One of the core values of Confucianism
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
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
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
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).
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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Ahura Mazda
The supreme deity in Zoroastrianism
Represents the principle of good and order
Associated with positive forces such as truth, wisdom, and righteousness
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
exclusivism
Exclusivism claims exclusive access to truth
Can lead to intolerance and conflict
Often involves rejection or criticism of other beliefs or perspectives
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