Exploring East Asian Religions and Philosophies: Key Concepts and Figures

Posted on Apr 14, 2024 in History

Five Classics: A collection of five ancient Chinese books used for study in Confucianism, believed to be written or edited by Confucius.
Four Books: The accepted curriculum during the Ming and Qing Dynasties for those seeking civil office positions.
Jen: Compassion and care for others, emphasizing the government’s role in supporting the elderly and children without families.
Li (rites): Rituals and respect within relationships, highlighting the importance of roles and obligations.
Mandate of Heaven: The belief in the divine right of kings, with the understanding that this mandate can be revoked if rulers are unjust.
Tao (Confucianism): The universal moral law believed to be bestowed upon humanity by a higher power.
Wen: The importance of balance and lifelong learning, particularly in the humanities, to foster well-rounded individuals.

Confucius: A revered philosopher and teacher who emphasized ethics, social harmony, and good governance.
Mencius: A follower of Confucius who further developed the concept of innate human goodness.

Tao (Taoism): The “Way of nature,” a unifying force and source of all things.
Tao Te Ching: The foundational text of Taoism, attributed to Lao Tzu, containing his teachings on the Tao and its power.
Wu Wei: “Actionless action,” emphasizing effortless action and control over emotions.
Yin and Yang: The concept of balance and interconnectedness between opposing forces.
Hsien: An immortal being who has achieved the ultimate goal of physical immortality in Taoism.

Lao Tzu (wise master): The legendary founder of Taoism, known for his wisdom and teachings on living in harmony with the Tao.
Chuang Tzu: Another influential Taoist philosopher who explored themes of individual freedom and living authentically.

Heart Sutra: A prayer focused on cultivating compassion.
Neo-Confucianism: A movement that revived Confucianism while incorporating Taoist and Buddhist influences.
Pure Land Buddhism: A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes faith in Amitabha Buddha and the possibility of reaching the “Pure Land” after death.
Zen Buddhism: A school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience as paths to enlightenment.
Sects/Schools:
- Rinzai: Focuses on sudden enlightenment through practices like koans (riddles).
- Soto: Emphasizes seated meditation (zazen) as a means of cultivating awareness.

Kobo Daishi/Kukai: A Japanese monk who brought Tibetan Buddhism to Japan and founded the Shingon school.

Shinto (Shin Dao): “The way of the spirits,” the indigenous religion of Japan that reveres nature spirits and ancestors.
Kami: Spirits or deities that can be found in nature, objects, and deceased individuals.
Jinja: Shinto shrines or temples dedicated to the veneration of kami.
Kamidonna: A household altar for devotion to spirits.
Shimenawa rope: A rope used to mark sacred spaces or objects inhabited by kami.
Shinto texts:
- Kojiki: “Records of Ancient Matters,” a collection of myths and legends about Japan’s origins.
- Nihongi: “Chronicles of Japan,” another historical and mythological text.

Izanami and Izanagi: Deities in Japanese mythology who are believed to have created the islands of Japan.
Amaterasu: The sun goddess and a central deity in Shinto.

Feng Shui: The practice of arranging objects and spaces to achieve harmony and positive energy flow.
Goma: A fire ceremony practiced in some Buddhist traditions.
Harakiri: Ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai.
Henro: Pilgrims on the Shikoku pilgrimage route in Japan.
Hirohito: The Emperor of Japan during World War II, who renounced his divine status.
Jade Emperor: The main god in Chinese folk religion, ruling over a heavenly court.
Mirror of Amaterasu: A sacred mirror and part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Monkey King: A mythical figure known for his shape-shifting abilities and adventures.
Shogunate: A military government that ruled Japan for centuries.
Soka Gakkai: A modern Buddhist movement that emphasizes the Lotus Sutra and non-violence.
Spirit Tablet: A household shrine honoring ancestors.
Torii: Gates marking the entrance to Shinto shrines.
47 Ronin: A group of samurai known for their loyalty and revenge mission.