Glossary of spirituality-related terms (A-C) 3093495 222110450 2008-06-27T16:38:18Z Lightmouse 4469495 Units/dates/other using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Portalpar|Spirituality|EndlessKnot03d.png}} This glossary of spirituality-related terms is based on how they commonly are used in Wikipedia articles. This page contains terms starting with A – C. Select a letter from the table of contents to find terms on other pages. <br /> <br /> <br /> <!--Keep above lines to allow TOC to center properly--> __NOTOC__ <center> '''{{MediaWiki:Toc}}:''' [[#top|Top]] – <!--Remove page reference on each current page to speed link--> [[#0–9|0–9]] [[#A|A]] [[#B|B]] [[#C|C]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#D|D]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#E|E]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#F|F]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#G|G]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#H|H]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#I|I]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#J|J]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#K|K]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#L|L]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#M|M]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#N|N]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#O|O]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#P|P]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#Q|Q]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#R|R]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/S#S|S]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#T|T]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#U|U]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#V|V]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#W|W]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#X|X]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#Y|Y]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#Z|Z]] </center> ==A== * '''[[Advaita Vedanta]]:''' (अद्वैत वेदान्त, prunounced as "ədvaitə ve:dāntə") Probably the best known of all [[Vedanta]] schools of philosophy of [[Hinduism]], the others being ''[[Dvaita]]'' and ''[[Vishishtadvaita]]'' (total six). "Advaita" literally means "not two", and is often called a [[monism|monistic]] or non-dualistic system which essentially refers to the indivisibility of the Self ([[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]]) from the Whole ([[Brahman]]). The key texts from which all Vedanta (lit., end or the goal of the Vedas) texts draw are the [[Upanishad]]s (twelve or thirteen in particular), which are usually at the end of the [[Veda]]s, and the [[Brahma Sutra]]s (also known as [[Vedanta Sutra]]s), which in turn discuss the essence of the [[Upanishad]]s. * '''[[Afterlife]]:''' (or life after death) A generic term referring to a continuation of [[existence]], typically [[spirituality|spiritual]] and experiential, beyond this world, or after death. This article is about current generic and widely held or reported concepts of afterlife. * '''[[Ahimsa]]:''' A [[religion|religious]] concept which advocates [[non-violence]] and a respect for all [[life]]. ''Ahimsa'' (अहिंसा ahiṁsā) is [[Sanskrit]] for avoidance of ''himsa'', or injury. It is interpreted most often as meaning peace and reverence toward all [[Sentience|sentient]] beings. Ahimsa is the core of [[Hinduism]], [[Jainism]], and [[Buddhism]]. Its first mention in Indian philosophy is found in the Hindu scriptures called the [[Upanishads]], the oldest dating about 800 BC. Those who practice Ahimsa are often [[vegetarianism|vegetarians]] or [[vegan]]s. * '''[[Aikido]]:''' (合気道 ''Aikidō'', also 合氣道 using an older style of [[kanji]]) Literally meaning "harmony energy way", or with some poetic license, "way of the harmonious spirit", is a [[gendai budo]] &mdash; a modern [[Japan]]ese [[martial art]]. Practitioners of aikido are known as aikidoka. It was developed by [[Morihei Ueshiba]] (植芝盛平) (also known by aikidoka as [[o-sensei]] (大先生)) over the period of the 1930s to the 1960s. Technically, the major parts of aikido are derived from [[Daito Ryu|Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]] (大東流合気柔術), a form of jujutsu with many joint techniques, and [[kenjutsu]] (剣術), or Japanese sword technique (some believe the tactics in Aikido are especially influenced by [[Yagyu Shinkage-ryu|Yagyū Shinkage-ryū]]). Aikido is also considered to contain a significant spiritual component. * '''[[Akashic Records]]:''' ([[Akasha]] is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "sky", "space" or "[[aether]]") Said to be a collection of mystical knowledge that is stored in the aether; i.e. on a non-physical plane of existence. The concept is common in some [[New Age]] religious groups. The Akashic Records are said to have existed since the beginning of the planet. Just as we have various specialty [[Library|libraries]] (e.g., medical, law), there are said to exist various Akashic Records (e.g., human, animal, plant, mineral, etc). Most writings refer to the Akashic Records in the area of [[human]] experience. * '''[[Altruism]]:''' Either a practice or habit (in the view of many, a [[virtue]]) as well as an [[ethics|ethical doctrine]]. In Buddhism it can also be seen as a fundamental property of (human) nature. :''Altruism'' can refer to: :* being helpful to other people with little or no interest in being rewarded for one's efforts (the colloquial definition). This is distinct from merely helping others. :* actions that benefit others with a net detrimental or neutral effect on the actor, regardless of the actor's own psychology, motivation, or the cause of her actions. This type of altruistic behavior is referred to in [[ecology]] as ''[[Commensalism]]''. :* an ethical doctrine that holds that individuals have a moral obligation to help others, if necessary to the exclusion of one's own interest or benefit. One who holds such a doctrine is known as an "altruist." :The concepts have a long history in [[philosophical]] and [[ethical]] thought, and have more recently become a topic for [[psychologists]], [[sociologists]], [[evolution]]ary biologists, and [[ethology|ethologists]]. While ideas about altruism from one field can have an impact on the other fields, the different methods and focuses of these fields lead to different perspectives on altruism. * '''[[Anatta]]:''' The [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] doctrine of Anatta ([[Pāli]]) or Anātman ([[Sanskrit]]) specifies the absence of a supposedly permanent and unchanging self or [[soul]] ([[atman (Buddhism)|ātman]]). What is normally thought of as the "self" is in fact an agglomeration of constantly changing physical and mental constituents ("[[skandhas]]") which give rise to unhappiness if clung to as though this temporary assemblage formed some kind of immutable and enduring [[Soul]] ("[[Atman (Buddhism)|atman]]"). The "anatta" doctrine attempts to encourage the Buddhist practitioner to detach him/herself from this misplaced clinging to what is mistakenly regarded as his or her Self, and from such detachment (aided by moral living and meditation) the way to [[Nirvana]] is able successfully to be traversed. :Anatta is one of the [[Three Seals]] of Buddhist [[doctrine]]s and is an important element of wisdom through the apophatic technique used to experience [[Nirvana]], the other two being ''dukkha'' and ''Anicca''. * '''[[Ancestor worship]]:''' (拜祖), also ancestor veneration (敬祖) A [[anthropology of religion|religious practice]] based on the belief that one's [[ancestor]]s possess [[supernatural]] powers. All [[culture]]s attach [[ritual]] significance to the passing of loved ones, but this is not equivalent to ancestor worship. Rather, ancestor [[worship]] involves the same sort of religious practices one sees when people appease or [[supplication|supplicate]] other entities thought to exist and possess supernatural powers, such as [[god]]s, [[angel]]s, [[saint]]s, or [[demon]]s. While far from universal, ancestor worship or ancestor veneration occurs in societies with every degree of social, political, and technological complexity, and it remains an important component of various religious practices in modern times. * '''Anomalous phenomenon:''' An observed [[phenomenon]] for which there is no suitable explanation in the context of a specific body of scientific knowledge (e.g. [[astronomy]] or [[biology]]). * '''[[Asceticism]]:''' Denotes a life which is characterised by refraining from worldly pleasures ([[austerity]]). Those who practice ascetic lifestyles often perceive their practices as [[virtue|virtuous]] and pursue them to achieve greater [[spirituality]]. :In a more cynical context, ascetic may connote some form of self-mortification, ritual punishment of the body or harsh renunciation of pleasure. However the word certainly does not necessarily imply a negative connotation. * '''[[Atman (Buddhism)]]:''' A Sanskrit word, normally translated as '[[soul]]' or '[[self (spirituality)|self]]' (also [[ego]]). In Buddhism, the concept of ''Atman'' is the prime consequence of ignorance, – itself the cause of all misery - the foundation of [[Samsara]] itself. :In a number of sutras of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as in certain Buddhist Tantras, however, the term "Atman" is used in a dual sense, in some instances denoting the impermanent, mundane ego (attachment to which needs to be overcome), and on other occasions explicitly referring to the ultimately real, pure, blissful Self of the Buddha in the state of Nirvana, a Selfhood stated to be unchanging, unshakeably firm, and eternal within all beings (see [[Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra]]). * '''[[Atman (Hinduism)]]:''' Beginning with [[Vedanta|Vedantic]] [[Hinduism|Hindu]] philosophy, the Ātman &mdash; [[Sanskrit]] (masculine nominative singular: Ātmā) is regarded as an underlying metaphysical self. It is first seen in its current Hindu usage in the [[Upanishads]], some of which date back to 1000 BC. The word "Atman" is interpreted by some schools as the "Main Essence" of man, as his Highest Self. "A" in this word is a negative particle. One popular, albeit apocryphal, etymology has it that the 'tma' of "atma" "Tma" means "darkness" in light of the word "tamas" &ndash; "darkness, ignorance or inertia", "spiritual darkness" &ndash; has the same root. Therefore "A-tma" or "Atman" means "opposite to darkness", "shining". :[[Advaita]] philosophers believe that individual "personal" [[soul]]s exist as [[Maya (Hinduism)|Maya]] only. [[Dvaita]] philosophy claims that there is an eternal plurality of souls as per [[Bhagavad Gita]] [http://vedabase.net/bg/2/12/en 2.12]. * '''[[Awareness]]:''' In [[biological psychology]], awareness describes an animal's [[senses|perception]] and [[cognitive]] reaction to a condition or event. Awareness does not necessarily imply [[understanding]]. Awareness is a relative [[concept]]. An [[animal]] may be partially aware, may be [[subconscious]]ly aware or may be acutely aware of an event. Awareness may be focused on an internal state, such as a visceral feeling, or on external events by way of sensory perception. Awareness provides the raw material from which animals develop [[qualia]], or [[Subjectivity|subjective]] [[idea]]s about their [[experience]]... :Neural systems that regulate [[attention]] serve to attentuate awareness among complex animals whose [[central nervous system|central]] and [[peripheral nervous system]] provides more information than [[cognition|cognitive]] areas of the brain can assimilate. Within an attenuated system of awareness, a [[mind]] might be aware of much more than is being contemplated in a focused [[extended consciousness]]. * '''[[Azeemi]]:''' People belong to the Spiritual order of Silsila-e-Azeemia currently headed by [[Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi]]. These people, while following their religion, do some mental exercises to boost their self-awareness and try to able to enter the spiritual world. ==B== * '''[[Bagua (concept)]]:''' ({{zh-cpwl|c=八卦|p=bā guà|w=pa kua|l=eight trigrams|}}, [[Korean language|Korean]] 한국어: 팔괘) A fundamental philosophical concept in ancient China. It is an [[octagon]]al diagram with eight trigrams on each side. The concept of ''bagua'' is applied not only to [[China|Chinese]] [[Taoist]] thought and the ''[[I Ching]]'', but is also used in other domains of Chinese culture, such as [[fengshui]], [[martial art]]s , [[navigation]], etc. [[Image:Seat of the Universal House of Justice.JPG|thumb|150px|left|Seat of the [[Universal House of Justice]], governing body of the Bahá'ís]] * '''[[Bahá'í Faith]]:''' An emerging global religion founded by [[Bahá'u'lláh]], a nineteenth-century [[Iran]]ian exile. "Bahá'í" is either an adjective referring to this religion, or the term for a follower of Bahá'u'lláh. :Bahá'í theology speaks of unity: the [[God in the Bahá'í Faith|oneness of God]]; the [[Bahá'í Faith and the unity of religion|oneness of religion]]; and the [[Bahá'í Faith and the unity of humanity|oneness of humanity]]. These three principles have a profound impact on the theological and social teachings of this religion. :Religion is seen as a progressively unfolding process of education, by God, through his messengers, to a constantly evolving human family. [[Bahá'u'lláh]] is seen as the most recent, pivotal, but not final of God's messengers. He announced that his major purpose is to lay the spiritual foundations for a new global civilization of peace and harmony, which Bahá'ís expect to gradually arise. * '''[[Bhajan]]:''' (or kirtan) A [[Hindu]] [[devotional]] [[song]], often but not necessarily of ancient origin. Great importance is attributed to the singing of bhajans within the [[Bhakti]] movement. It is also one of the pillars of Sikhism and in that context refers to the singing of the Sacred Hymns from the ''[[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]'', or "SGGS". The Sikhs place huge value on this type of singing and a Sikh is duty bound to listen to and/or sing Guru-Kirtan as frequently as possible. In [[Surat Shabd Yoga]], bhajan means listening to the inner sounds of the [[Shabd]] or the Shabd Master. * '''[[Bhakti]]:''' A [[Tamil language|Tamil]] or [[Sanskrit]] term from Hinduism that means intense devotion expressed by action (service). A person who practices bhakti is called bhakta. The concept of devotion is more or less the same in all religions. But in [[Hinduism]] there are certain extra subtleties which make it comparatively more complicated. These are : the One Reality versus many ‘Gods’ of worship; deity worship through ‘ idols’ , ‘icons’ and ‘images’; the freedom to choose one’s own ‘favourite deity’, at the same time not being exclusive; and the interactive ramifications of God’s grace, fate and free will. Although some element of Bhakti was present even in the Vedic times, it is over the last six or seven centuries that Bhakti has taken the modern shape. The [[Bhakti movement]] started in [[Tamil Nadu]] and spread slowly northwards, becoming eventually a pervasive feature of Hinduism. The [[Alvars]] and [[Nayanars]] initiated the concept of Bhakti as a means of attaining salvation. Bhakti is considered the easiest and the fastest spiritual path in [[Kali Yuga]]. * '''[[Bharatanatyam]]:''' (also spelled Bharathanatyam, Bharatnatyam or Bharata Natyam) A classical [[dance]] form originating in the [[South India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Originally known as ''sadir'', it owes its current name to Krishna Iyer and later, [[Rukmini Devi Arundale]]. ''Bharata'' could refer to either the author of the [[Natya Shastra]] or to a legendary king after whom the country of [[India]] was supposedly named [[Bharata]] and ''natyam'' is [[Sanskrit]] for the art of dance-drama. It was brought to the stage at the beginning of the 20th century by Krishna Iyer. * '''[[Bible]]:''' (sometimes ''The Book'', ''Good Book'', ''Word of God'', ''The Word'', or ''Scripture'') From [[Greek language|Greek]] (τα) βιβλια, ''(ta) biblia'', "(the) books", plural of βιβλιον, ''biblion'', "book", originally a diminutive of βιβλος, ''biblos'', which in turn is derived from βυβλος&mdash;''byblos'', meaning "papyrus", from the ancient [[Phoenicia]]n city of [[Byblos]] which exported this [[writing material]]), is the classical name for the [[Hebrew Bible]] of [[Judaism]] or the combination of the [[Old Testament]] and [[New Testament]] of [[Christianity]] ("The Bible" therefore actually refers to at least two different Bibles). It is thus applied to [[sacred]] [[scripture]]s. Many Christian English speakers refer to the Christian Bible as "the good book" (''Gospel'' itself means "good news"). For many people, their Bible is the revealed word of [[God]] or an authoritative record of the relationship between God, the world, and humankind. * '''[[Blessing]]''': (from to ''bless'', [[Old English language|Old English]] ''bleodsian'' or ''bletsian'') Originally meant "sprinkling with [[blood]]" during the pagan sacrifices, the [[Blót]]s (reference: [[The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language|AHD]]). A blessing, (also used to refer to bestowing of such) is the infusion of something with [[holiness]], divine will, or one's hopes. Within [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], and similar traditions, formal blessings of the church are performed by [[bishop]]s, [[priest]]s, and sometimes [[deacon]]s, but as in many other religions, anyone may formally bless another. * '''[[Bodhi]]:''' ([[Pāli|Pali]] and [[Sanskrit]]. Lit. ''awakening'') A title given in [[Buddhism]] to the specific awakening experience attained by the [[India]]n spiritual teacher [[Gautama Buddha]] and his disciples. It is sometimes described as complete and perfect sanity, or awareness of the true nature of the [[universe]]. After attainment, it is believed one is freed from the cycle of [[Samsara|Samsāra]]: birth, suffering, death and rebirth. Bodhi is most commonly translated into English as ''enlightenment'', though this translation is problematic, since [[enlightenment (concept)|enlightenment]] (the soul being "lit" by a higher power) is originally a concept from [[Christian mysticism]] or conversely evokes notions of the 18th century European [[Age of Enlightenment]] that are not identical with the Buddhist concept of Bodhi. There is no image of "light" contained in the term, "Bodhi" - rather, it expresses the notion of awakening from a dream and of being aware and Knowing (Reality). It is thus preferable to think of Bodhi as spiritual "Awake-ness" or "Awakening", rather than "enlightenment" (although it is true that imagery of light is extraordinarily prevalent in many of the Buddhist scriptures). * '''[[Born again]]:''' A term used primarily in [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Protestant Christianity]], where it is associated with salvation, conversion and spiritual rebirth. By extension it is applied in other areas, including a ''transcending personal experience'' &mdash; or the experience of ''being spiritually reborn'' as a "new" human being. [[Image:SiddhartaBirth.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The birth of [[Gautama Buddha|Siddhartha]], (2nd-3rd century).]] * '''[[Buddhism]]:''' A [[religion]] based on the teachings of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]], [[Gautama Buddha|Siddhārtha Gautama]], a prince of the [[Shakya]]s, whose lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 486 BC. Buddhism gradually spread from [[India]] throughout Asia to [[Central Asia]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Tibet]], [[Southeast Asia]], as well as to East Asian countries such as [[China]], [[Korea]], and [[Japan]]. It is classified as an Ārya dharma or a ''noble religion''. :With approximately 350 million followers, Buddhism is considered a [[major world religions|major world religion]]. :The aim of Buddhist practice is to end the suffering of cyclic existence, [[samsara]] (Pāli, Sanskrit), by awakening the practitioner to the realization of true reality, the achievement of liberation ([[nirvana]]). To achieve this, one should purify and train the mind and act according to the laws of [[karma]], of cause and effect: perform positive actions, and positive results will follow, and vice versa. :Buddhist morality is underpinned by the principles of harmlessness and moderation. Mental training focuses on moral discipline (''[[sila]]''), meditative concentration (''[[samadhi]]''), and wisdom (''[[prajna|prajñā]]''). :While Buddhism does not deny the existence of supernatural beings (indeed, many are discussed in [[Buddhist scripture]]), it does not ascribe power for creation, salvation or judgment to them. Like humans, they are regarded as having the power to affect worldly events, and so some Buddhist schools associate with them via ritual. ==C== [[Image:Cao-dai-temple1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Cao Dai]] Tay Ninh Holy See]] * '''[[Cao Dai]]:''' (Cao Đài) A relatively new, [[syncretism|syncretist]], [[monotheistic]] [[religion]], officially established in [[Tay Ninh]], southern Vietnam, in 1926. Đạo Cao Đài is the religion's shortened name, the full name is Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ. :The term ''Cao Đài'' literally means "high place." Figuratively, it means that highest place where God reigns. It is also the abbreviated name for [[God]], the creator of the universe, whose full title is ''Cao Đài Tiên Ông Đại Bồ Tát Ma-ha-tát''. :Caodaiists credit God as the religion's founder. They believe the teachings, symbolism and organization were communicated directly from Đức (means venerable) Cao Đài. Even the construction of the Tay Ninh Holy See had divine guidance. * '''[[Celibacy]]:''' May refer either to being unmarried or to [[sexual abstinence]]. An [[oath]] of celibacy is a promise not to enter into [[marriage]]. Some writers prefer this usage of "celibacy", while others use it interchangeably as a synonym for abstinence. :Some writers on sexuality draw a distinction between abstinence and celibacy, stating that celibacy means refraining from any sexual activity with a partner. They argue that this can be empowering, as it still allows that person to be "sexual" (through, for example, [[masturbation]]). [[Image:ChakraDiag.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Diagram of [[chakra]]s]] * '''[[Chakra]]:''' In [[Hinduism]] and its spiritual systems of [[yoga]] and in some related eastern cultures, as well as in some segments of the [[New Age]] movement -- and to some degree the distinctly different [[New Thought]] movement -- a chakra is thought to be an energy node in the [[human body]]. :The word comes from the [[Sanskrit]] ''cakra'' चक्र meaning "[[wheel]], circle", and sometimes also referring to the "wheel of life". The pronunciation of this word can be approximated in English by ''<u>chuh</u>kruh'', with ''ch'' as in ''chart'' and both instances of ''a'' as in ''yoga'' (the commonly found pronunciation ''<u>shock</u>rah'' is incorrect). :The seven main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the [[spine (anatomy)|spine]] to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain [[color]], multiple specific functions, an aspect of [[consciousness]], a [[classical element]], and other distinguishing characteristics. * '''[[Chant]]:''' The [[rhythm]]ic speaking or [[singing]] of [[word]]s or [[sound]]s, either on a single [[pitch (music)|pitch]] or with a simple [[melody]] involving a limited set of [[note (music)|notes]] and often including a great deal of [[repetition]] or statis. Chant may be considered speech, music, or a heightened form of speech which is more effective in conveying emotion or expressing ones spiritual side. :Chants are used in a variety of settings from ritual to recreation. Supporters or players in [[sports]] contests may use them (see [[football chant]]). Warriors in ancient times would chant battle cries. Chants form part of many religious [[ritual]]s. Some examples include chant in [[Africa]]n and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] [[tribe|tribal]] cultures, [[Gregorian chant]], [[Qur'an reading]], various [[Buddhist chant]]s, various [[mantra]]s, and the chanting of [[psalms]] and prayers especially in [[Roman Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox]], and [[Anglican]] churches. [[Tibetan Buddhist]] chant involves [[throat singing]], where multiple pitches are produced by each performer. Japanese ''[[Shigin]]'' (詩吟), or 'chanted poetry', mirrors [[Zen]] principles, and is sung from the [[gut]] - the locus of power in Zen [[Buddhism]]. * '''[[Channelling (mediumistic)|Channelling]]:''' The act of having spirits enter or possess one's body in order to speak and act through one as practised in many cultures and religions. [[Image:Van Dyck - Charity.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Allegory|Allegorical]] personification of Charity as a mother with three infants by [[Anthony van Dyck]]]] * '''[[Charity (virtue)|Charity]]:''' A term that refers to giving. In [[Christian]] [[theology]] it is one of the [[three theological virtues]], meaning loving kindness towards others; it is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. In its most extreme form charity can be self-sacrificial. Charity is one conventional English translation of the Greek term ''[[agapē]]''. * '''[[Chinese folk religion]]:''' A loosely-connected system of practices and beliefs that has been practiced by large segments of the [[Han Chinese]] population of [[China]] from the early period of Chinese continuing to the present. With the influx of [[Western culture|Western cultural]] influences for several centuries and the complex developments and modernization of the 20th century, the prevalence of Chinese traditional beliefs has declined, but still remain strong, many or most gradually transforming into elements of culture and social behavior while retaining little spiritual or religious significance. It is composed of a combination of [[religion|religious]] practices, including [[ancestor worship|ancestor worship or veneration]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Taoism]]. * '''[[Christianity]]:''' A [[monotheism|monotheistic]] [[religion]] recognizing [[Jesus Christ]] as its founder and central figure. With more than two billion adherents, or about one-third of the total world population, it is the largest world religion. Its origins are intertwined with [[Judaism]], with which it shares much sacred lore, including the [[Old Testament]] (the [[Tanakh]] or Hebrew Bible). Christianity is sometimes termed an [[Abrahamic religion]], along with Judaism and [[Islam]]. :The names "Christian" and hence "Christianity" are first attested in [[Acts of the Apostles|Acts 11:26]], "For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch Jesus' disciples were first called '''Christians'''" (Gr. χριστιανους, from ''[[Christ]]'' Gr. Χριστός, which means "the anointed"). :Christianity encompasses numerous religious traditions that widely vary by culture and place, as well as many diverse beliefs and sects. Since the [[Reformation]], Christianity is usually represented as being divided into three main branches: [[Catholicism]], [[Eastern Christianity]] and [[Protestantism]]. * '''[[Creation myth]]:''' The term creation myth refers to myths that describe the beginnings of [[first man|humanity]], [[earth]], [[life]], and the [[universe]] ([[cosmogony]]). Creation myths may explain that the beginnings of the universe were a deliberate act of "[[Creation (theology)|creation]]" by a [[supreme being]]. As with any set of [[belief]]s, opinions regarding the validity of particular creation myths differ&mdash;[[Perspective (cognitive)|points of view]] on these subjects vary widely. * '''[[Compassion]]:''' (in [[Pāli|Pali]]: [[Karuna]]) A sense of shared [[suffering]], most often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce such suffering; to show special kindness to those who suffer. :Compassionate acts are generally considered those which take into account the suffering of others and attempt to alleviate that suffering as if it were one's own. In this sense, the various forms of the [[Ethic of reciprocity|Golden Rule]] are clearly based on the concept of compassion. :Compassion differs from other forms of helpful or humane behavior in that its focus is primarily on the alleviation of suffering. Acts of kindness which seek primarily to confer benefit rather than relieve existing suffering are better classified as acts of [[altruism]], although, in this sense, compassion itself can be seen as a subset of altruism, it being defined as the type of behavior which seeks to benefit others by reducing their suffering. * '''[[Consciousness]]:''' A quality of the [[mind]] generally regarded to comprise qualities such as [[subjectivity]], [[self-awareness]], [[sentience]], [[sapience]], and the ability to [[perception|perceive]] the relationship between [[personal identity|oneself]] and one's [[natural environment|environment]]. Many philosophers divide consciousness into phenomenal consciousness which is experience itself and access consciousness which is the processing of the things in experience. :Many cultures and religious traditions place the seat of consciousness in a [[soul]] separate from the body. Conversely, many scientists and philosophers consider consciousness to be intimately linked to the neural functioning of the [[brain]] dictating the way in which the world is experienced. This aspect of consciousness is the subject of much debate and research in [[philosophy of mind]], [[psychology]], [[brain]] [[biology]], [[neurology]], and [[cognitive science]]. * '''[[Contemplation]]:''' A type of [[prayer]] or [[meditation]] in the [[Christian]], especially [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]], tradition. It is an attempt to [[experience]] [[God]] directly. It is connected to Christiam [[mysticism]], and authors such as [[Teresa of Avila]], [[Margery Kempe]], [[Augustine Baker]] and [[Thomas Merton]] have written about it extensively. It is briefly described in the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]], paragraphs 2709 onwards, where the [[Song of Songs]] is quoted. * '''[[Cosmogony]]:''' [Gr. ''Kosmogonia'' from ''Kosmos'' the world and root of ''gignesthai'' to be born] The coming into [[existence]], the creation and origination of the [[universe]]. It is also the ''study'' of these aspects. So ''a cosmogony'' describes how the [[Universe]] came to be; hence, the creation myth in the book of [[Genesis]] is one such cosmogony, and there are many others, both [[science|scientific]] and [[mythology|mythological]]. This contrasts with [[cosmology]], which studies the Universe at large, throughout its existence. * '''[[Cosmology]]:''' (from the [[Greek language|Greek]]: κοσμολογία (cosmologia, κόσμος (cosmos) world + λογια (logia) discourse) The study of the [[universe]] in its totality and by extension man's place in it. Though the word ''cosmology'' is itself of fairly recent origin, first used in [[Christian Wolff]]'s ''Cosmologia Generalis'' (1730), the study of the universe has a long history involving [[science]], [[philosophy]], [[esotericism]], and [[religion]]. <center> '''{{MediaWiki:Toc}}:''' [[#top|Top]] – <!--Remove page reference on each current page to speed link--> [[#0–9|0–9]] [[#A|A]] [[#B|B]] [[#C|C]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#D|D]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#E|E]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/D#F|F]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#G|G]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#H|H]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#I|I]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#J|J]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#K|K]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/G#L|L]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#M|M]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#N|N]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/M#O|O]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#P|P]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#Q|Q]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/P#R|R]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/S#S|S]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#T|T]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#U|U]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#V|V]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#W|W]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#X|X]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#Y|Y]] [[Glossary of spirituality-related terms/T#Z|Z]] </center> [[Category:Spirituality]] [[Category:Glossaries|Spirituality-related terms]] [[Category:Religion-related lists]]