Midterm

Question 1

Indigenous

Answer 1

Native or original traditions tied to a specific region or people, often involving nature-based beliefs.

Question 2

Lifeway

Answer 2

A holistic approach to living where spiritual beliefs are integrated into daily life.

Question 3

Dreamtime

Answer 3

The foundational era of creation when ancestral spirits shaped the world.

Question 4

Shaman

Answer 4

A spiritual leader or healer who communicates with the spirit world through rituals and trance states.

Question 5

Divination

Answer 5

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or hidden truths through supernatural means.

Question 6

Atman

Answer 6

The individual soul or self, considered eternal and part of the universal spirit.

Question 7

Brahman

Answer 7

The ultimate, infinite reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism.

Question 8

Dharma

Answer 8

The moral law or duty guiding an individual’s conduct according to their role in society.

Question 9

Sannyasin

Answer 9

A Hindu renunciant who has given up worldly possessions to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Question 10

Guru

Answer 10

A spiritual teacher or guide in Hinduism, Sikhism, and other traditions.

Question 11

Vedas

Answer 11

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit, containing hymns, philosophy, and rituals.

Question 12

Upanishads

Answer 12

Deep spiritual concepts like Atman and Brahman.

Question 13

Krishna

Answer 13

A major deity, considered an incarnation of Vishnu, known for his role in the Bhagavad Gita.

Question 14

Saraswati

Answer 14

Hindu goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts.

Question 15

Bhakti

Answer 15

Devotional worship or love directed toward a personal god in Hinduism.

Question 16

Puja

Answer 16

A ritual offering of prayers, food, and other items to deities in Hinduism.

Question 17

Jiva

Answer 17

The individual soul or living being.

Question 18

Tirthankara

Answer 18

A spiritual teacher in Jainism who has achieved enlightenment and helps others achieve liberation.

Question 19

Mahavira

Answer 19

The 24th and final Tirthankara in Jainism, considered the founder of its current form.

Question 20

Asceticism

Answer 20

A lifestyle of self-discipline and denial of material pleasures for spiritual growth.

Question 21

Ahimsa

Answer 21

The principle of non-violence toward all living beings, central in Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Question 22

Theravada

Answer 22

The oldest form of Buddhism, emphasizing individual enlightenment through meditation and discipline.

Question 23

Arhat

Answer 23

Someone who has attained enlightenment and broken free from the cycle of rebirth in Theravada Buddhism.

Question 24

Mahayana

Answer 24

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment.

Question 25

Bodhisattva

Answer 25

Someone who delays their own enlightenment to help others achieve liberation in Mahayana Buddhism.

Question 26

Vajrayana

Answer 26

Tantric practices and rituals, mainly practiced in Tibet.

Question 27

Mandala

Answer 27

A symbolic geometric design used in meditation and ritual, especially in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Question 28

Mantra

Answer 28

A sacred word or phrase repeated during meditation or prayer to aid concentration.

Question 29

Chan/Zen Buddhism

Answer 29

Emphasizing meditation and direct insight into reality.

Question 30

Yin and Yang

Answer 30

Complementary forces representing balance and harmony in nature in Daoism.

Question 31

Dao

Answer 31

The fundamental principle in Daoism, representing the natural way or path of the universe.

Question 32

Chi (Qi)

Answer 32

Life energy or vital force in Daoism and Chinese medicine.

Question 33

Yijing (I-Ching)

Answer 33

An ancient Chinese text used for divination, based on interpreting hexagrams.

Question 34

Lao Tzu

Answer 34

The legendary founder of Daoism and author of the Tao Te Ching.

Question 35

Daoist Sage

Answer 35

A wise person who lives in harmony with the Dao, embodying simplicity and humility.

Question 36

Wu-Wei

Answer 36

The Daoist principle of effortless action, aligning one’s actions with the natural flow of life.

Question 37

Confucius

Answer 37

A Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasized social harmony, morality, and proper relationships.

Question 38

5 Relationships

Answer 38

* Ruler-subject * Parent-child * Husband-wife * Elder sibling-younger sibling * Friend-friend

Question 39

Rectification of Names

Answer 39

The Confucian idea that people must use proper language and fulfill their social roles accurately.

Question 40

5 Virtues

Answer 40

* Ren (benevolence) * Yi (righteousness) * Li (ritual propriety) * Zhi (wisdom) * Xin (integrity)

Question 41

Junzi

Answer 41

The Confucian ideal of the noble or superior person who exemplifies virtue and righteousness.

Question 42

Kami

Answer 42

Spirits or deities in Shinto, associated with natural elements, ancestors, and sacred places.

Question 43

Kamidana

Answer 43

A small household Shinto altar where offerings and prayers are made to kami.

Question 44

Torii

Answer 44

A traditional Japanese gate marking the entrance to a sacred Shinto site.

Question 45

Jinja

Answer 45

A Shinto shrine, a place where kami are enshrined and worshipped.

Question 46

Amaterasu

Answer 46

The Shinto sun goddess, considered the most important kami and ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.