What is Religion?
A social institution that involves a unified system of beliefs and practices. These practices often reveal the sacred and give people a sense of meaning.
Eastern religions aim to reduce...
suffering (dukkha)
The founder of Zoroastrianism
founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster).
Oldest religion in the world
Hinduism
The oldest known monotheistic religion
Is often considered to be Zoroastrianism.
Religion consists of the...
Sacred vs Profane
Polytheism vs Monotheism
a belief in one supreme being vs the belief and worship of many divine beings
Where Zoroastrianism originated
It originated in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and was
Seer
A visionary who "sees" or perceives spiritual truths and divine knowledge, often through deep meditation or divine revelation.
Define Sacred
Define Profane
recognizing something like a certain place, object or experience as special & creating markers that separate it from daily life
the mundane everyday parts of life
According to Sociologist Emile Durkheim religion creates...
Social Cohesion, Social Control, Sense of Purpose
What is environmental ethics?
Often include principles of sustainability and minimal harm to the environment. These ethics encourage practices that protect both the earth and its inhabitants.
Hymns thought to be Zoroaster's exact words
Saptharishi
The Saptarishi are the seven revered sages in Hindu tradition, considered the primordial seers and custodians of sacred knowledge.
Define Essentialism
Define Perennialism
The ancient philosophical view that the things we see in the world express unchanging forms
Belief that there is one religion underlying what appears to be many religions— that all religions are, in essence, one
What is Theism?
belief in the existence of a god or gods
Region where Eastern Religions originate
Asia
What is Asha?
Asha is cosmic order (truth, righteousness, spiritual purity)
Name the subgroups of sacred texts in Hinduism
S(h)ruti (The Revealed Heard)
Smrti (The Remembered Spoken)
Avesta: this word has 2 meanings. Give both
Sacred texts and language of Zoroastrianism
2 ways of approaching religion
01: the way of Faith & Devotion
02: the way of Academia
Two major practices of Eastern Traditions
Mindfulness & Meditation
The ThreeFold Path
Good thoughts Humata, Good words Hukhta, and Good deeds Huvarshta
Define three of the 6 terms
Atman, Brahman
Dharma, Karma
Moksha, Samsara
Atman (individual soul), Brahman (ultimate reality)
Dharma (duty), Karma (action and consequences)
Moksha (liberation), Samsara (cycle of rebirth)
Prayer time in Zoroastrianism
How many are there?
Gahs
Five