PHIL 2350 TTU Exam 1

Samsara

*Hindu*: The cycle of reincarnation going over and over again until enlightenment is achieved. *Buddhism*: The cycle of rebirth, learning from your past each and every round, all in an effort to reach Nirvana

Main ideas from Webb "Karma" reading

- Karma is believed to be the universe working its natural way to keep things just. no being judging your actions. - Problem a.) there is no concrete idea of how Karma is to work. of course we know its a law of nature acting, but no being is involved to make these events happen which punish those who have bad karma, making many skeptical -Problem b.) Free will is the biggest problem, where it is hard to distinguish whether or not karma made you do something or whether you chose to do that and should suffer consequences

Main Ideas from Stoeber "Personal Identity and Rebirth"

- Stoeber separates the two schools of thought on the idea of Rebirth/Reincarnation. Separates into Retributive and Soul-making. -Argues that Soul-Making differs from Retributive rebirth in that retributive is seeking a punishment for past deeds done, whereas soul-making argues that it isn't necessarily punishment but a learning experience instead. -claims Each life should let you learn in order to become a better soul, having no recollection of past actions doesn't affect this theory since it is only learning experiences and don't rely on past actions. -Gives more believability to the idea of rebirth/reincarnation as the argument of recollection of past lives seemed to be the loop hole in the theory.

Main ideas from Locke "Identity and Diverstiy"

- overall, Locke argues that because all things are made up of matter, most anything has a relationship to one another, however, it is the conscious of that person and their memories that truly define them as a unique person and give them an identity. -This text challenges the thought of reincarnation because of its claims that memory is what truly defines and makes up a person. Thus, when someone is "reborn," they won't have memories of their past life, therefore one person in a current life cannot be the same as someone from a past life. theyre separate people.

Three Main gods in Hinduism

-Brahma (creator) -Vishnu (preserver) -Shiva (destroyer)

Hindu Caste system (in descending order)

-Brahman: priests and Hindu scholars -Kshatriya: Kings and warriors, noble people expected to protect others -Vashyas: economic specialists (merchants and farmers) -Shudra: manual laborers and artisans -"Untouchables:" lowest of the low, they dealt with everything that people in classes above were too pure to deal with

The Four Noble Truths

-Dukkha: Truth of Suffering -Samudaya/Tanha: Truth of origin on Suffering -Nirodha: Truth of suffering stopping when craving stops -Magga: Truth of the path to the end of suffering

4 Main groups of religions

-Indian: all centered around rebirth to Nirvana -China: concentrated on duty and social structure -Jordan Valley Religions: all monotheistic, very similar in structure and belief -Indigenous: smaller and more localized religions

Dukkha

Buddha's First noble truth, dictating that in life there will always be suffering. Also explaining that we will always have suffering in life, from a variety of things. But it is because of everlasting changes in life. All things are constantly changing. Even our own selves are constantly changing according to Buddha.

Tanha

Buddha's second noble truth, saying that the root of all suffering (from Noble Truth #1) is found in craving. In other words, in want and desire. Humans can want and desire something, and not want and desire something. It is from this that our suffering comes.

Anatta

Doctrine from Buddha explaining there is no one, single, immortal, permanent self or soul, but instead a non-permanent composition of interdependent physical, emotional, and cognitive components. Helps to combat the doubts in the rebirth/reincarnation process which Hindu's believe.

Brahman

Serves two functions for Hindu's a) one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Brahman is the all-knowing and creator of the universe. b) a class in the Hindu Caste system. The highest of all the classes in the caste system. Comprised of priests, philosophers and those who teach the way to enlightenment in Hinduism

transitivity

The ability to understand that relationships between two objects can extend to a third object. (if a=b & b=c, then a=c) In religious terms of rebirth, it applies to two different past lives merging in to one current one. two can relate to one.

rebirth

The belief that ones inner-self (or *atman* [Hindu]) is born again after one's death in a different setting and body. This is repeated over and over until enlightenment is reached. This in both Buddhism and Hinduism is a core part of the belief system

Soul-Making

The belief which is contrary to that of Retribution; explaining that instead of thinking of ones current life as a punishment from their previous actions of a past life, it is meant to be seen as a step to grow and learn for a better and more complete life in the future. (upbeat way of thinking about it)

Nirvana

The goal of spiritual efforts for all Buddhists. Not a place like in other faiths, but a state of mind, in which the follower has followed the teachings of buddha and followed his truths. "The only way to end the cycle of suffering is to end all craving and lead a life free of attachment that has no karmic consequences." Buddha preached that his teachings are the raft to a farther shore. (referring to Nirvana as the farther shore)

Atman

The philosophical concept of inner self in Hinduism. This inner self controls you much as Brahman controls everything around you. Sect of Hindu belief which mainly focuses on this: *Vedanta* i.e. your atman is what travels with you from life to life through reincarnation

Kshatriya

The second of the four classes of the Hindu Caste system. This class is made up of kings and warriors. Purpose is to guard and preserve society

Upanishad

Writings of scholars and priests, further explaining in more detail the meanings of the Vedas, giving greater insight to followers. beginning of the doctrine, "Atman is Brahman"

Tipitaka

a collection of ancient sacred texts containing rules for monastic diciplines, Dharma Teachings, and scared writings. mostly studied now by Theravada followers of Buddhism. directly translated as "the three baskets" because of old tradition of keeping manuscripts in wicker baskets. also known as the "Pali Canon" as is originally written in Pali (ancient dialect) and was recited in the language

Retributive

pertaining to the Hindu and Buddhist belief of Reincarnation/Rebirth. meaning to be punished for past actions in the current life one lives. follows strict traditional view of what Karma and reincarnation doctrine states.

Identity

the concept of one's existence and who they are. Identity is based on ones conscious. According to John Locke, someones conscious and real memory defines their identity.

Karma

the hindu belief that all actions have a reaction to them which can either be good or bad. Also believe this is what determines how you go into your next life based off of your actions in the present life