South and Southeast Asia Vocab

Question 1

Bodhisattva

Answer 1

a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in this world in order to help others advance spiritually. *A potential Buddha.

Question 2

Buddha

Answer 2

a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. Buddha was the first awakened being.

Question 3

Chaitya

Answer 3

a type of buddhist temple found in India. Built in a basilican form, it is highly decorated with sculpture and is usually carved from a cave or a natural rock location. It houses a sacred shrine (stupa) for worship.

Question 4

Harappan

Answer 4

first discovered civilization in the late 12th century.

Question 5

Mudra

Answer 5

a symbolic hand gesture in Buddhist art that denotes certain behaviors, actions, or feelings.

Question 6

Nirvana

Answer 6

an ancient Sanskrit term used in Indian religions to describe the profound peace of mind that is acquired with moksha (liberation). In shramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering.

Question 7

Shiva

Answer 7

deity known as the destroyer

Question 8

Caste system

Answer 8

the division of labor and power in the Indian society.

Question 9

Stupa

Answer 9

bell-shaped religious monument containing sacred relics

Question 10

Torana

Answer 10

ornamented gateway arch in a temple, usually leading to a stupa

Question 11

Urna

Answer 11

curl of hair on the forehead that is a mark of a buddha; symbol of divine wisdom

Question 12

Samsara

Answer 12

cycle of death and rebirth

Question 13

Ushnisha

Answer 13

a bulge on top of the head; symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment

Question 14

Wat

Answer 14

monastery, temple

Question 15

Yakshi (yakshas)

Answer 15

female (male) nature spirits that act as agents of Hindu gods; sculptures commonly found on Hindu temple entrances

Question 16

predella

Answer 16

platform or step on which altar stands

Question 17

chakra

Answer 17

decorative low relief carving of wheels

Question 18

stylization

Answer 18

causing to conform to to a particular style

Question 19

mandala

Answer 19

image of the cosmos represented by an arrangement of circles or concentric geometric shapes containing diagrams or images. Used for meditation and contemplation by Buddhists.

Question 20

mithuna

Answer 20

amorous male and female couples in Buddhist sculpture, usually found at entrance of sacred building. Symbolize harmony and fertility of life.

Question 21

darshan

Answer 21

beholding a deity; visions of the divine

Question 22

puja

Answer 22

religious ritual in Hinduism