09/14 Religions of East Asia Free Online FlashCards

What does sanjiao mean?

Sanjiao means “Three Teachings”: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. It highlights their interaction rather than treating them as completely separate systems.

What does ren mean in Confucian ethics?

Ren means humaneness, benevolence, or concern for others. It is a central Confucian virtue developed through relationships and ethical conduct.

What is li in Confucianism?

Li refers to ritual propriety, manners, and appropriate conduct. Confucian ritual trains emotions, expresses respect, and stabilizes social relationships.

What does wuwei mean in Daoism?

Wuwei means non-forcing or effortless action. It is not inactivity; it means acting responsively without violating the tendencies of people, situations, or nature.

What is ziran in Daoism?

Ziran means naturalness or spontaneity. Daoist thought values conduct that follows the generative processes of the Dao rather than imposing rigid control.

Why is Daoism more than a philosophy?

Daoist traditions include philosophical texts, organized religious communities, priestly lineages, rituals, meditation, healing, and longevity practices. Daoism is therefore broader than either “nature worship” or philosophy alone.

What are kami in Shinto?

Kami are beings or forces regarded as sacred or extraordinary, including natural phenomena, ancestors, local guardians, imperial ancestors, and remarkable persons or objects.

What does a torii mark in Shinto?

A torii is a gate that may mark the sacred boundary of a Shinto shrine. It signals a transition into a space associated with a kami.

What is harae?

Harae is purification that removes pollution, misfortune, or obstacles to proper relations with kami. It restores a condition suitable for participation in sacred life.

What is a matsuri?

Matsuri is a Shinto festival involving offerings, prayers, music, processions, sacred dances, and community participation. It connects local identity and social cooperation with sacred relationships.

What concerns organize Buddhist teaching in East Asia?

Buddhism teaches about suffering, desire, karma, rebirth, ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom, compassion, and liberation. In East Asia it also developed devotional, funerary, and monastic practices.

How did Buddhism change in China?

Buddhism entered China during the first centuries of the Common Era and was reshaped through Chinese language, intellectual categories, family debates, ritual practices, and political institutions.