Confucianism | Daoism cosmology and medicine | Buddhist ethics | What's the meaning of life? | Potpourri redux |
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What is ren?
This is the most important Confucian virtue whose cultivation is an essential part to flourishing as a human being. So be sure to cultivate it!
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What is qi?
In Chinese medicine, this vital energy must be balanced and flow steadily throughout the body for one to maintain physical and mental well-being.
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What is desiring or craving?
"Tanha", translated roughly as this, is the cause of suffering, according to Buddhism.
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What is samsara?
According to both Buddhism and Hinduism, the purpose of life consists of escape this cycle of rebirth. (In Sanskrit, it means "wandering".)
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What are meridians?
According to Daoism, these are the paths in the body through which qi travels.
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What is "junzi"?
This is the name for the "Confucian gentleman" - an ideal figure who, likely, resembled the disposition of Confucius himself.
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What is wuxing?
In Daoist cosmology, the steady interactive dance between yin and yang forces produced the five elements, known by this Chinese name.
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What is following the Eightfold Path?
Many have noticed the diagnosis-prescription of Buddhism's Four Noble Truths. According to Buddhists, this is the prescription to end desire and, ultimately, suffering.
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What are matter, movement, and mind?
The goal of "Vitalizing Daoism" is to increase the flow of vital energy (qi) through these three methods. Think of M&Ms plus one more.
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What is the xiaoren?
In contrast to the junzi, Confucianism uses this label for individuals who are greedy, selfish, and immoral.
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What is li?
According to Confucius, this terms, which refers to the proper behavior, rituals, and etiquette necessary for a orderly society, is also a means for cultivating ren.
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What are matter, movement, and mind?
These three methods (sometimes called the "3 m's"), Daoists believe, are thought to increase the flow of qi throughout the body.
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What is right livelihood?
The items in the Eightfold Path include: right view, right intent, rich speech, right conduct, right effort, right mindfulness, and this. Be careful what you major in!
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What is wu wei?
When Bruce Lee said, "Be like water", he was most likely invoking this Daoist idea.
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What are the devas?
Buddhism is NOT an atheistic religion, because technically speaking, Buddhism believes in the existence of entities.
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What is individual character? (Also: rituals, institutions)
Confucian aimed to help society return to a state of social order and harmony through the cultivation of this.
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What are meridians?
These are a set of pathways in the body through which vital energy (qi) is thought to flow.
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What is Mahayana Buddhism?
Between the two major traditions of Buddhism, this tradition is often regarded as the more selfless and altruistic due to its ideal of the bodhisattva.
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What is false?
True or false - nirvana can only be achieved after bodily death.
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What are old age, disease, death, and religious asceticism?
When away from the palace, the young prince Siddhartha Gautama witnessed these four passing sights.
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Who is the Duke of Zhou?
In the eyes of Confucius, this man an ideal ruler whom Confucius idolized.
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What is the Dao?
This is, according to the Dao De Jing, cannot be talked about. According to Lao Tzu, he who knows it does not try to speak it, and he who tries to speak it does not know it.
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What is anatman?
In the Eightfold Path, right mindfulness, among other things, asks the individual to be aware of the flow of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without becoming attached to them. This, supposedly, will help the individual experience and realize the truth of this central notion in Buddhism. The Western philosopher David Hume would approve!
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What is "Atman is Brahman"?
According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10: “And whoever among the gods had this enlightenment, also became That. It is the same with the sages, the same with men. Whoever knows the self as ‘I am Brahman,’ becomes all this universe.” Which Hindu idea does this quote reflect?
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What is ruler-subject.
According to Confucianism, the five relationships are: parent-child, husband-wife, older sibling-younger sibling, older friend-younger friend, and this relationship.
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