Ancient/Classical India Vocab

Eightfold Path

• A key idea in Buddhism where followers should live their lives according to the teachings of Buddha

• A set of rituals performed during Buddhist ceremonies

• A collection of Buddhist scriptures and texts

• A philosophical debate among Buddhist scholars

Monsoon

• A type of tropical storm

• A strong wind that brings heavy rain to southern Asia in the summer

• A seasonal change in wind direction

• A weather phenomenon causing droughts

Brahma

• The highest god in the Hindu faith

• A sacred text of Hinduism

• A famous Indian river

• A type of traditional Indian dance

Belief System

• A way of life usually surrounding principles to live by or a religion to follow

• A set of scientific theories and laws

• A collection of historical events and figures

• A method of financial investment

Enlightenment

• The state of gaining spiritual insight and finding universal truth

• A period of intellectual and philosophical development in Europe

• A religious doctrine that emphasizes faith over reason

• A psychological state of confusion and doubt

Polytheism

• The belief in one god

• The belief in multiple deities

• The worship of nature

• The rejection of all gods

Power

• The ability to do something

• A measure of energy consumption

• A type of electrical current

• A unit of force

Monotheism

• The belief in many gods

• The belief in one god

• The belief in no gods

• The belief in a god-like figure

Edict

• A command that is obeyed like law

• A type of ancient manuscript

• A formal announcement of a new law

• A religious decree

4 noble truths

• Suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end

• Suffering is an illusion; it can be ignored; it has no cause

• Suffering is temporary; it can be avoided; it has many causes

• Suffering is universal; it is caused by desire; it can be eliminated