REL101 final study guide
main schools in china
on page 436
Martin Luther king jr
one of the most inspiring religious figures of the 20th cent, a model for a different kind of new age religious practice, one that absorbs the global wisdom of diverse religions, but does so without indiscriminately mixing elements to create a new religion, as is typical of the eclectic syncretism of most new are religions. Noted his commitment to nonviolent resistance, or civil disobedience, as a strategy for protecting human dignity had its roots in two sources: Jeusus Sermon on the Mount and Ghandi's teaching of nonviolence based on Hindu sacred story.
chan/zen
Mahayana school emphasizing meditation, discipline, and individual effort to reach nirvana; "self power". Bases authority on an unbroken line of enlightened teachers from Shakyamuni onward, with each subsequent enlightened master, in turn, transmitting a "mind of enlightenment" to his key disciple wordlessly, beyond all scriptures. Respected Mahayana scriptures, but also complied their own texts recounting the teachings of their own patriarchs and masters, including their approaches to unlocking the gates of nirvana realization.
new religious movements
New age religious movements can be divided into modernist forms, which continue to privatize religion, and postmodernist public forms of religious practice, which seek an active role, socially and politically, in transforming. their goal is to realize a "higher self" through intense personal experiences of transformation.
mormonism
established in 1830 by Joseph Smith Jr, rose in response to the confusion and conflict created by the sectarian diversity of 19th century Christianity. Smith believed he had been led by angels to discover a revelation that would overcome his confusion. The Book of Mormon was understood by followers as a continuation of the Bible. The book was given first to Native Americans by risen Christ for new revelations. Other tribesmen rejected the revelations and buried the book, but it could not be repressed forever and Smith found it so Mormonism could flourish once more. Capstone, Christ would come to establish a "new Jerusalem" in America. Emphasis on family, community, and healthy, wholesome living, flourishes today, with 15 million
new religions
formed in postmodern times; new sects formed since the nineteenth century combining elements of Buddhism
Shramana
wandering ascetic, a term applied to Buddhists, Jains, and others
confucianism
what - culture of the literate elite (rujia) informed by Confucius and his disciples, who mastered the classics and rituals; the moral tradition upholding the "three bonds" and the "three principles" as the basis of social life; the spiritual tradition of revering ancestors as part of the family bond When - 6th century BCE Who - Master K'ung (Confucius): success of Confucius' teaching was largely due to advocacy by several great disciplines Mencius and Master Fun Key texts: 1. Analects - compilation of the masters teachings, anecdotes, and sayings. Beliefs - Ethical propriety, good manners, ritual performances(li) lead to being fully human (ren). Stresses importance on conduct with the family, moral observance, bond between child and parent. Mandate of Heaven - authorization of ruler can be revoked if rulers cease to be virtuous
karma
"action" but also meaning the effects of actions that, through a hidden natural casualty, condition a being's future; buddhists define its effects on the consciousness and habits
prajna
"insight"; quality of mind discerning reality clearly and calmly, its completeness necessary for enlightenment
anatman
"no-atman", the doctrine denying the reality of a permanent, immortal soul or ego at the center of a person
major Mahayana sutras
- Lotus Sutra (100CE): early Mahayana text that reveals the universal cosmic character of Buddhas and the Dharma. Followers are encouraged to not be satisfied with the arhats' limited nirvana, when Buddha-hood is the proper, final religious goal for all. Focuses on the bohisattvas who have earned the merit necessary to earn rebirth as divinities. - Perfection of Wisdom (prajnaparamita): represent a search for the ultimate truth behind the words of the oldest Buddhist scriptures - "Consciousness Only" (Cittamatra) school: focuses on consciousness as the center of spiritual realization - Buddha-nature school: belief that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment -
buddhist teachings
- perennial threefold goals: establishing moral community, securing worldly blessings, and realizing nirvana - Three Marks of Existence: Buddhist terms for analyzing human reality as marked by impermanence, suffering, and no soul (necessary for attaining nirvana) - 5 precepts of morality - 1. not to destroy life intentionally 2. not to steal 3. not to have sexual misconduct 4. not to lie. 5. not to become intoxicated; later householders began observing 8 precepts on holy days with stricter observance: 6. not to eat (solid) food after noon 7. not to view shows, dancing, or singing or to wear garlands, perfumes, or jewelry 8. not to sleep on high or wide beds - Four Good Deeds (to seek): wealth gotten by lawful means, good renown in society, long life, birth in heaven - Four Good Deeds (to use wealth for): make family and friends happy, ensure security against worldly dangers, make offerings, support worthy religious people - Three Refuges: The Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community) - framework of spiritual teachings for disciples: 1. Dana (self-less giving -
four noble truths
1. "all life entails suffering" 2. "the cause of suffering is desire" 3. "removing desire removes suffering" 4. "the way for removing desire is to follow the Eightfold Path"
noble eightfold path
1. right views - especially of the Noble Truths, thoughts shaped by detachment from hatred and cruelty 2. right intentions - staying committed to final realization 3. right speech - which refrains from falsehood, gossip, and frivolity 4. right action - defined as action free of killing, stealing, and harming 5. right livelihood - the refusal to earn a living through inflicting harm or killing 6. right effort - to clear and calm the mind 7. right mindfulness - the distinctive form of buddhist meditation that observes clearly the mind and body and that cultivates detachment 8. right concentration - another form of advanced meditation that attains the mastery of trance states
Five Hierarchical Relationships
1. son and father (filial piety<-> paternal example) 2. minister and ruler (obedience<->righteousness) 3. wife and husband (obedience<->dominance) 4. young and old (respect<->precedence) 5. friend and friend (mutuality and trust)
when does confucianism become tied to the state?
200BCE-220CE Unification of China occurred under the Han, who established an imperial university and examination system that was based exclusively on confusion teaching. Later, the content of the Five Classics had been officially established (book of changes, documents, poetry, rites)
when does Daoism transform from a 'philosophy' to a religion?
2nd Century - Ancient ideas developed into various traditions, which differed in their disciplines required for individuals to achieve immortality. 2 main avenues to reach this goal: 1. meditation aimed at strengthening and multiplying the life force(qi), typically through breathing exercises, fasting, and sexual practices 2. study of alchemy, transforming substances like mercury and gold into an elixir that, when ingested, gives birth to an "inner child" whose body and soil are invincible to decay or death. Through these paths, Daoist mystics and alchemists contributed to the development of Chinese science and medicine. Religious Daoism also focused on temples dedicated to the divine immortals, who were called upon to help in practical as well as spiritual matters.
the difference between Mahayana and Theravada buddhism
62% - Mahayana 38% - Theravada Mahayana - located mostly in the north with more modern teachings. Reflects universal human tendency to divide religious communities between those inclined to a literal, conservative approach and those inclined to a more open-ended and experimental approach to spiritual matters. For the majority in East Asia, being a Mahayana devotee meant performing rituals and asking for blessings from these and other compassionate bodhisattva divinities. Theravada - located mostly in the south with traditional teachings.
pure land (300 CE)
A paradise for rebirth created by a bodhisattva, with all conditions needed for humans to be reborn and reach enlightenment. Probably had its origins in the prediction of Buddhism's decline after a thousand years, this expectation allowed for a new spirituality to match the changed times. Originated in China and assured followers that by drawing on this Buddha's power through devotional practices, even those with bad karma could be reborn. Paradise - Sukhavati, Buddha - Amitabha; "other power".
Emperor Ashoka (273-232 BCE)
An emperor of the powerful Maurya dynasty, whose support encouraged Buddhism as a broad-based religious tradition that reached beyond the ascetics; it came into a position to unify the social classes of Indic civilization and link the householder population with its monastic elite. The first definite traces of buddhist monasteries, oral collection of teachings, and shrines can be dated to this era.
buddhism in china when is it introduced? how is it viewed by the confucians? when does it become more or less influential?
Arrived in 120CE. Chinese literati criticized Buddhism for its rejection of family life and service to ones kin and the worship of Deities who originated from "barbarian" people outside China. Buddhist Ideal of monastic retreat for personal enlightenment was construed as an antisocial behavior. After the fall of Han, Confucian literati lost their power. For most of its first 500 years in East Asia, Buddhism was widely and deeply incorporated into the region's religious life, finding support in the imperial courts and eventually among all segments of society, from philosophers to farmers
"protestant" buddhism
Began in colonial Sri Lanka, a pattern of reform in which Buddhists adopted perspectives of Protestant Christianity. Conveys two distinct but historic trends: 1. Adapted aspects of missionary Protestant Christianity into the Buddhist framework to revitalize its institutions, practices, and doctrines 2. an ironic reference to a past marked by the arrogance of missionaries and British colonial discrimination against Buddhism. Emphasized the importance of laity in revitalization and the founding of Buddhist publications and schools. The laity could reestablish "true buddhism" through adhering to the pure philosophy and meditation practices taught by the human Buddha
Mao zedong
Chinese Communist leader from 1949 to 1976.
civil religions
Civil religion reintroduces religion under the disguise of "indigenous cultural history and tradition" to reinforce the authority of new and more secular modern nations. Communist Party Leader Mao Zedong was promoted as the sage-philosopher leader of the nation of China. His words were pivotal for national salvation, and his character radiated the morality of communist truth. Communist Party disavowed religion, but strategists adapted powerful religious ideas from European and Chinese traditions to create a civil religion to confirm the legitimacy of its dictatorship.
communism and religion in china
Communism spread to China in 1949, lasted until 1976, and began an era of religious repression. Chinese religions suffered the destruction of properties and religious institutions through unprecedented governmental attempts to exterminate any vestige of traditional religious teaching or spiritual training. During cultural revolution where under Mao Zedong, religious traditions and practitioners were persecuted.
Daoism vs. Confucianism
Daoists felt that the Confucians harmed society through imposing ruled that interfered with humanity's natural inclinations. Daoist mysticism conflicted strict regulations of Confucianism.
tolstoy-gandhi
Ghandi and Tolstoy were associates who emphasized nonviolence. Sermon on the Mount: loving your enemy and turn the other cheek. Ghandi returned to Hinduism but found parallels in Jesus' teachings. Ghandi was inspired by Tolstoy as he led the fight for the dignity of the lower castes and outcasts within Hindu society and for the liberation of India from British colonial rule.
What was the relationship between the Sangha, the householders, and political authorities in pre-modern Buddhism?
In subsequently allowing the sangha to receive lands, buildings, and other donated communal resources, the Buddha established a framework in which the sangha shifted its focus over time, from wandering to settled cooperative communal existence. This development, also gave householder disciples a fixed focus for their patronage, in turn strengthened the sangha
japan's indigenous Shinto
Indigenous religion of Japan that reveres native deities, including the Emperor. Japan was portrayed as a spiritual territory filled with deities called kami (associated with places, animals, emperor). Priests of major shrines inherited their positions and learned the rituals from their fathers; thus they were always males from aristocratic families. Shinto has never developed any "inner" spiritual practices. In the Modern period, the state regulated Shinto as a vehicle for modernization
"engaged" buddhism
Reformist movement among global Buddhist seeking to relate the teachings to contemporary suffering. Refuse to turn away from suffering, counseling instead "mundane awakening". In this way engaged buddhists hope to elicit compassion on the part of individuals, villages, countries, and eventually all people, arguing that engagement is fundamental to Buddhism as the ascetic and solitary practices of the spiritual elite.
new age religions
Represent the integration of the diverse influences from different traditions. Not based solely on the great world religions; often they incorporate elements of primal religions, exhibiting a special interest in Shamanism. Also they reflect the global influence of science and technology. ex: scientology, Baha'i
daoist alchemy
Second path to achieve immortality: study of alchemy, transforming substances like mercury and gold into an elixir that, when ingested, gives birth to an "inner child" whose body and soil are invincible to decay or death. Goo Hong prescribed a path to the goal of harmonizing with Confucianism based on moral goodness, social service, and alchemy utilizing two metals: gold (which neither corrodes nor diminished if buried or melted) and cinnabar (a red mercury ore). this inner alchemy along with breath meditation, and consumption of wild herbs one will achieve profound transformation and oneness with the cosmos
the narrative of Buddha's life and the founding of Buddhism
Siddhartha was born a prince and was accompanied by celestial signs and a wise man's prediction that the child would be successful as either a universal monarch or great ascetic. His father did every thing in his power to make sure he would be a ruler. The first time he left the palace walls he saw four passing sights: a sick man, an old man, a dead man, and a shramana. Siddhartha then left the palace in search of a teacher among forest-dwelling ascetics (29 yrs old). He joined 5 men, vowing to explore a rigorous practice involving fasting, breath control, and long periods seated in unmoving meditation. He adopted this lifestyle for 5 years but abandoned it as it was too extreme. Siddhartha came to understand that spiritual life is best undertaken as a middle path between the extremes of sensory indulgence and asceticism so zealous that it weakens the body. He came to sit under a tree, but Mara interrupted him, he touched the earth as a sign of merit and this was to have caused earthquakes and wash away Mara. Finally reached enlightenment under the tree after 7 weeks, being able to extinguish all desire and ignorance and enjoy the bliss of nirvana. His very first disciples were householders, merchants who made offerings and received his benediction for their continues success. He then walked for days to a deer park outside the city where he found his former ascetic colleagues. Their disdain turned to awe after he taught for the first time. The 5 ascetics became the first five members of the sangha, instructed to travel to share the Dharma with all people of the world. For the next 40 years, Buddha empowered his enlightened disciples to act on his behalf, admit qualified seekers into the sangha, guide those who wish to meditate, and teach the Dharma to whoever would hear it. Later in life the Buddha began to suffer from ailments, and he died in Kushinagar at the age of 80. His body was cremated and his remains were divided into 8 portions and were enshrined in relic mound shrines that became the focus of Buddhist rituals and the architectural representation of the Buddha's presence in the world.
Korea's indigenous shamanism
The traditions focused on individuals who can leave their bodies to enter the realm of the afterlife and spirts where they can learn higher spiritual truths and the arts of healing to bring back to one's people; has its roots In ancient animistic and polytheistic cultures. One will always find a steady reliance on Korean spirit mediums
daoism
What - East Asian visionaries who advocated individualistic retreat, learning from the natural world, and noninterference by the state as the best way to ensure humanity's flourishing When - 6th cent Who - Lao Zi: "Old Baby"; author of Daodejing and founder of Daoism Key texts - 1. Daodejing: aims to express the nature of the Dao while paradoxically beginning with the proviso that "the true Dao" cannot be spoken or adequately defined 2. Zhuang Zi: through lively parables and mind-boggling paradoxes, his sayings explore the mysterious reality of the Dao in everyday human experiences. Ex: meditation on waking from a dream of being a butterfly Beliefs - Dao is the prime source of creation, from which the yin and yang forces emergence in ever-shifting harmonies. Dao determines all things and flows as the spontaneous energy (de) of the universe, functioning without the will or purpose of a divine creator. To experience the Dao, one must pursue the path of noninterference (wu-wei). Political message - return to primary simplicity, with the state interfering as little as possible with the lives of people.
bodhisattva
a "future Buddha", either in the present life or in a future life.
baha'i
a powerful example of the embrace of globalization in a new religious movement that links the biblical religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is a sweeping vision that comes to embrace the religions of Asia as well. Emerged in 19th Century Persia in a world dominated by Islam, claimed to be founded on a new revelation to Shrirazi Sayid Ali Muhammad, the Bab; who broke away from Shiite Islam. Emphasizes the primacy of political leadership by divinely inspired Imams; God's revelation did not end with Jesus, but God provides a new messenger or "manifestation" for each new age of humanity. Think God has provided other revelations in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism through Krishna and Buddha, that are part of God's "great covenant" of continuing revelations to all humanity. Calls to establish oneness as a fact beyond all divisions of nationality, religion, race, or gender.
Filial piety
a virtue of respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors
theosophy
any of a number of philosophies maintaining that a knowledge of God may be achieved through spiritual ecstasy, direct intuition, or special individual relations
nirvana
blissful state of liberation from rebirth, defined by the extinction of karma
oracle bone divination
question were inscribed on large bones of animals and a ritualist applied hot metal to the bones and discerned answers from the cracking patterns produced. ones found today mostly have questions regarding the world, for example: whether to undertake military action, journeys or ceremonies, predicting weather or gender of children.
dharma
teachings of the Buddha
pali canon
the Theravada Canon written in the Pali language (derived from Sanskrit). Taught that humanity should aspire to become enlightened arhats.
sangha
the buddhist monastic community of monks and nuns
characteristic features of Chinese 'diffuse religion'
the key elements of the "diffuse religion" were widely shared and had come to include the notions of yin-yang theory, geomancy, the major deities of the pantheon, and the understanding of souls going to an afterlife.
scientology (1952)
the religious fascination with the authority of "science" broke free of its earlier linkings to christianity in movements of the "Christian Science" brought about Scientology. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote a book claiming he had discovered a cure for all human psychological and psychosomatic ills through the realization of a state of mind he called "Clear". We learn the mind is made up of two parts, the analytic and the reactive. The way to dissolve traumatic impressions is to work with an auditor, who leads the individual into reenacting the events that caused them trauma, thus releasing them from its negative effects and obtaining "clear".
samsara
the world of rebirth subject to the law of karma and the inevitability of death
Neo-Confucianism
tradition seeking to harmonize early Confucian humanism with elements of Daoism and Buddhism. Strength - provided both the individual and the state with a convincing philosophy for understanding the world. Inner meditation and education was needed to perfect the qi.
