World Religions Flashcards
Expirential Dimension
Encounter with the sacred (visions, revelations) the emotional dimension. Often connected with rites of passage.
Mythical Dimension
Stories that provide answers (Bible, Qur’an), the narrative dimension
Ritual Dimension
What believers “do” in practice of their faith, (Mass, Muslim Daily Prayer) transform ordinary into extraordinary
Doctrinal Dimension
Belief systems, official formal teachings of a faith, give order and focus (Trinity, Five Pillars of Islam)
Ethical Dimension
Belief guide lines (10 Commandments, Buddhist 8-fold path) the “behavior dimension” doctrine influences ethics
Social Dimension
Formal organization, human group of believiers in practice (Islamic Mosque, Coptic Christian Church)
Material Dimension
The physical dimension, ordinary places that manifest the sacred, the “symbols” of a faith (chalice, Jerusalem, etc.)
The Dreaming
The mythic (and ritual) period of the Ancestors where they created various forms of life and geographic formations, organized life into tribes. The spiritual essence of the Ancestors live on in their creation. Participating maintains its order, ritual approach gives access to sacred power at sites.
Ancestors
Supernatural beings who emerged and roamed the Earth during the Dreaming. Creates various life forms, organized the first humans, and created language, social customs, and rules.
Totem
Symbol of the relationship of the connection between each Aborigine as a living representation of an Ancestor. Natural entity that has special significance for the religious life of that individual or group.
Taboo
System of social ordering that dictates that specific objects and activities owing to their sacred nature are set aside for specific people/groups and are strictly forbidden to others
Wilyaru
Ritual and social and experiential. Main initiation ritual, men cut arms an let it drip and cake on the initiative. Blood is a connection between Ancestors and living
Ochre
Artistic medium, incredible longevity. Dust from stone, like pastels. Ritual, a prscribed order of events that convey meaning
Lakota
Plains tradition, hunters of bison, shared many traditions with other Native cultures. Means ally, friend
Wakan Tanka
Lakotan name for the supreme reality, means most sacred, Great Spirit. Refers to 16 sperate deities, 4x4 (sacred directions)
Inktomi
(Spider) one of the supernatural beings involved in activites such as creation. Was a Lakota trickster figure. Mediator between supernatural and human worlds. Taught people customs
Inipi
Sweat lodge, a way of purification
Wiwanyak Wachip
Sun dance, celebration of the new year, prepares tribe for annual bison hunt
Hanblechya
Vision quest, crying for a vision
Axis Mundi
Middle of everything, center of the universe, cardinal directions are sacred
Lakota Emergence Story
Lakota people emerge from wind cave, the banished spirits Inktomi (trickster spider) and Anoq-Ita (devil faced women) trick some Lakota to emerge early. Creator turns the early emergers into buffalo to to protecrt them. When the rest emerge they are told to follow the buffalo.
Cosmology
Understanding of the universe
Quetzalcoatl
Created the universe and the ancient city of Teotihuacan is the origin of the cosmos
Topiltzan Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl’s earthly devotee ruling as a priest-king. Perfect model for authority
5th sun
What the Aztecs believed the present age to be and would be destroyed as the last sun. Spacial world had four quadrants extending from the center of the universe. Human sacrifice believed to post-pone the end
Aztecs view of human condition
A sort of axis mundi, saw humans to have 2 divine forces connecting the earthly realm to the divine realm.
Similarities between Australian aboriginal, Lakota, and Aztec
Human body is sacred, sacred locations, believing in the center of the universe, emergence stories
Rig Veda
Hinduisms oldest sacred text. Mythical Dimension
Moksha
The ultimate goal of Hinduism, releasement from the cycle of reincarnation
Monism
Doctrinal belief that describes Hindu cosmology “that all is one”
Brahman
In Hinduism, the one reality that pervades the universe. Makes up everything and is beyond the reach of human perception and thought
Upanishads
Philosphical texts of Hinduism contemplating the reality of the self and its connection to all reality, such as rivers to an ocean or branches to a tree
Atman
The eternal self, the small part of Brahman that resides in the individual and is reincarnated in Hinduism
Dharma (Hinduism)
Ethical dimension, standard for determining “rightness” of an action.
Samsara
The wheel of rebirth of the earthly realm
Bhagavad-Gita
Hinduism’s most popular sacred texts, teaches of various ways to god. In it Krishna teaches the warrior, reincarnation and duty not connected to a deity nor acts as divine judgement
Karma
Ethical dimension, moral law of cause and effect
Jnana Marga
(Hinduism) One of the 3 great paths to moksha, based on human tendency to learn, shortest but steepest. Knowledge over ignorance, nature of reality. Expirential dimension. Awareness of the truth, requires reflection and meditation. Features three schools of philosophy
Vedanta
A philosphical school of Jnana Marga, faithful to the idea of monism
Maya
Taught by Vedanta, the world is a cosmic allusion brought by divine creative power.
Sankhya
A philosophical school of Jnana Marga, contrary to the ideas of monism. 2 realities, samsara is when they are mixed
Yoga
A philosophical school of Jnana Marga, similar to Sankhya. Emphasizes physical and psychological practice in 8 steps
Samadhi
A trance-like state in which consciousness is lost and the mind absorbed into the ultimate reality through the practice of yoga. Final step/goal of yoga.
Karma Marga
Path of works, ethical duty.
Ahimsa
Non-violence (abstain from meat also)
Marga
Path of, way
Bhakti Marga
Path of devotion. Focuses on emotional attachment, unconditional love of creation moves focuses the mind and senses on Brahman and Atman. Spiritual energy channeled through worship and offerings. Ritual and material dimensions
Puja (pooja)
Hinduism, name for the ritual act of prayer of the gods and goddesses which includes adorning images of the deity with flowers, food, light, and oil.
Darsan (Hinduism)
Seeing and being seen by the gods/goddesses during devotional prayer
Trimurti
Three major gods of Hinduism, Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu
Avatar
Human form of a god
Kama
Human desire of pleasure (balanced by dharma) (Hinduism)
Artha
Human desire of material success (Hinduism)
Caste
Hierarchy
Buddha
Bodhisattva
Means enlightened one. Siddhartha Gautama and others who have gained enlightenment
One on his way to becoming a Buddha, but doesn’t obtain Nirvana to guide others. Provides divine assistance and has mythical qualities
Siddhartha Gautama
Founder of Buddhism, sought a way to heal human condition and suffering, had an enlightened answer
4 passing sights
Gautama saw age, disease, death, and a religous ascetic and realized the impurity of the world, but found hope and sought a solution
The Great Going Forth
The event of Gautama rejecting sensual/worldly pleasures for finding a cure. Spiritual triumph over physical pleasure
The Middle Way
Buddhist doctrine believing that ahealthy spritual life requires a healthy physical life. Complete contentment in body, spirit, and mind.
Kshatriya
The warrior class. Gautama belonged to this one
Ascetic
Yogi, one devoted to a smple life
Mara (maya)
God of death tempted Gautama with Discontent, desire, and delight. Experiences detachment
Nirvana
Buddhist goal, liberation from samsara. Eternal bliss. Enlightenment. Obtained through detachment
Sangha
Buddhist monastic community, one of the three jewels of Buddhism
Dharma (Buddhism)
The teachings of the Buddha
Buddhism three marks of existence
Anatta—no self, no ultimate reality within, no Atman
Annica—impermanence, existence is constantly changing
Dukkha—result of these is “suffering”, 1 of the 4 Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths
- To live is to suffer
- Suffering caused by desire (tanha)
- Suffering can cease
- Solution is the 8-fold Path
Yana
Name for the rafts/vehicles symbolizing the cross of the river to Nirvana
4 Stages of Life (Hinduism)
Student, Householder, Hermit, Wandering ascetic
Monotheism
Belief in one god
Polytheism
Belief in many gods
Pantheism
Identifies god with nature, god is in the laws of nature and he is manifested in the universe
Nontheistic
Not believing in a (or many) god(s)
Transtheistic
Neither theistic nor atheistic
Questions religions seek to answer
The why, what’s the purpose/reason
Aborigines
People of diverse culture and language, particularly in Australia
Reincarnation
Rebirth
Theravada
A raft of Buddhism (the lesser vehicle). “The way of elders.” Focuses on the teachings versus the person. Knowledge of 4 Noble truths and 8-fold, and meditation=monastic lifestyle
Mahayana
A raft of Buddhism (the great vehicle). Largest division focusing on religious devotion and prayer over cultivation of wisdom. Focuses on the compassion and grace of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Practices the triple gem
Vajrayana
A raft of Buddhism (the diamond vehicle). Buddha holds the diamond sceptor (vajra). Fight fire with fire, energy of desire used to obtain enlightenment. Nirvana can be achieved in this here and now.
Dalai Lama
The spiritual leader of Vajrayana. Believed to be an incarnation of a prominent bodhisattva passed on through rebirth.
Mandala
Prominent Vajrayana practice of patterned icons that visually excite but are destroyed
Mantra
Prominent Vajrayana practice of chanted phrases/syllables used to evoke a deity or enhance meditation. Used in Hindusim and other forms of Buddhism
Mudra
Prominent Vajrayana practice of choreographed hand movements that draws on its energy
10 Precepts
Guidleines for a moral life, For most just 5:
Don’t take life, take what is not given, engage in sensual misconduct, use false speech, drink intoxicants
Adi Granth
Sikhism’s most important sacred text. Treated like a human and also called Shri Guru Granth Sahib. Contains the wisdom of the eternal guru
Guru
A spiritual teacher, when capitalized means the 10 Sikhism leaders, the sacred text, or god.
Guru Gobind Singh
10th Guru (second greatest), established the Khalsa, military campaigns, and Adi Granth as the last Guru
Guru Nanak
Greatest of the 10 Gurus, founded Sikhism after a revelation from god and wanted more from life
Gurdwara
The name for the seat of the holy Sikhism scripture, the place of worship, and the langar meal
Haumai
Human inclinations of self-centeredness rather than god. Its five vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride, keeps people in samsara
Hukam
The end goal of Sikhism is the uniting with the divine will which is called Hukam. The divine order.
Jupji
Sikhism proffession of faith prayed at the beginning of the day
Khalsa
The “pure ones” of Sikhism initiated into the community through baptism and wear the 5 K’s and defend the faith
Langar
Sikhism communal meal that demonstrates dedication to service and equality of all in Sikhism
Mool Mantar
Statement of Sikh belief stated prior to reading from the sacred scriptures
Waheguru
Name of the eternal and omnipresent god of Sikhism
Buddhism and Sikhism share the belief of
A compassion and service to others
Confucius
Born as a “common gentleman,” was educated, born into a warring states period in China
Analects
Major text compilation of Confucius’s teachings written years after him, teach the virtues of compassion and respect in all interactions, focus
Chun-Tzu
Goal of Confucianism, the ideal person, superior person, benevolence with ultimate virtue of loving others
5 constant relationships
Ruler—Subject
Parent—Child
Husband—Wife
Elder brother—Younger Brother
Elder Friend—Younger Friend
Jen
(Benevolence) compassion and love for others, a virtue of Chun Tzu
Li
Proper conduct (5 relationships) whose hierarchy should be earned/responsibilities. Goal is to establish a social order. Virtue of Chun Tzu
Shu
Compassion/respect for others. Virtue of Chun Tzu
Wen
Arts of peace, unifying actions instead of acts of war. Poetry, music, relationships, etc. Virtue of Chun Tzu
Xiao
Filial piety, reverence for family, respect for ones ones parents and ancestors, profoundly for ones living elders
Te (Confucianism)
Moral character/virtue. Human perfectedness
Lao Tzu
Founder of Taoism, said to have been born of a shooting star with white hair and wisdom. Around the time of Confucius, but sought solution to the problems in nature.
Wu Wei
The supreme Taoist virtue, similar to actionless activity, pure effectiveness, yielding to win. Being so intune with nature that it powers you
Tao Te Ching
Written by Lao Tzu, one of Taoism two fundamental texts. Philosophical text about how one should live.
Yin/Yang
Balance of opposites, not in contention but harmony
Paradox
Something that appears contradictory but upon closer inspection proves to make sense
Tao
The way of nature, ineffable, requires deep contemplation to understand
Te
Virtue acquired by the individual who lives in harmony with Tao
Covenant
A promise where something is promised of on both sides
YHWH
The name of God that was too sacred to be pronounced but is something like this. (Tetragrammaton)
Rabbi
A teacher
Tanakh
Common way of reference to the Hebrew Bible. Derived from first letters of of the Hebrew names of its sections Torah (T), Prophets (N), and Writings (K)
Torah
Revelation of God’s will to the people, first 5 books of the Bible
Shema
Judaism’s most basic theological statement, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone”
Jesus and Judaism
Some believ him to be the phrophecized savior, others don’t because they expect more of a war hero king
Jewish oppression
Often under some sort of oppression, partly for being one of if not the first monotheistic religion. Holocaust and anti-semitism (prejudice against Jews)
Jewish home
Believed to be in Israel, the promised land, but its control of it keeps changing
Sabbath
Seventh day of the week, God created it as a day of rest and work should not be done on it
Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year, (Yom Teruah)
Yom Kippur
Holiest day for Judaism, fasting and ascetism in atonement for bad behavior
Passover
In remembrance of the Passover in Egypt
Bar Mitzvah
Jewish coming of age ritual (Masculine) becomes a son of the commandments
Bat Mitzvah
Jewish coming of age ritual (feminine) becomes a daughter of the commandments
Messiah
Annointed one, for some Jews it was Jesus as a savior
Apocalypse
End of the world, the final coming/battle
Ekklesia
A called out assembly or congregation (translated to church)
Communion
To participate/have a spritual bond/a fellowship
Eucharist
The breaking of bread, the body and blood of Christ
Revelation
Wisdom/insight from God part of the deposit of faith
Sect
A division/unit of a larger thing. Christianity is almost/like a sect of Judaism
Muhammad
The seal of the prophets/founder of Islam. Caravan trader that recieved revelations from God.
Seal of the prophets
Muhammad as he is seen as the final prophet
Qur’an
The sacred boof of Islam. Contains many teachings of Muhammad and others, and is never fully translated from Arabic to preserve its beauty
Sunna
The sunna of the prophet is the teachings and actions of the prophet Muhammad recorded in the hadith (which combined with the Qur’an) is a model for being Muslim
Islam means
Surrender
Hijra
Muhammads move to Yathrib (Medina) marking the first date of Islam’s beginning
Umma
Islamic community
Five Pillars of Islam
Declaration of faith
Obligatory prayer
Compulsory giving
Fasting in the month of Ramadan
Pilgrimage to Mecca
Mosque
Place of worship for the community of Islam
Ramadan
The holy month of fasting in Islam, focuses on devotion, community, and reflection
Ka’bah
In Mecca, in the center of Islam’s most important mosque. Abraham believed to recieve visions/guidance here, first built by him.
The triple gem of Buddhism
Respect the:
Buddha
Dharma
Sangha
Tanha
Desire, causes suffering (Buddhism) (one of the 4 noble truths)
