Glossary of spirituality-related terms (T-Z)
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This '''glossary of spirituality-related terms''' is based on how they commonly are used in Wikipedia articles. This page contains terms starting with T – Z. Select a letter from the table of contents to find terms on other pages.
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==T==
[[Image:Yang Ch'eng-fu circa 1918.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A [[Tai Chi Chuan]] posture]]
* '''[[Tai Chi Chuan]]:''' T'ai Chi Ch'uan or Taijiquan ({{zh-cpl|c=太極拳|p=Tàijíquán|l=supreme ultimate fist}}) (commonly known as T'ai Chi, Tai Chi, or [[Taiji]]) A [[nei chia]] ("internal") [[Chinese martial arts|Chinese martial art]]. This art is often practiced for the purposes of [[health]] and [[longevity]] (some recent medical studies support its effectiveness here). T'ai Chi Ch'uan is considered a ''soft'' style martial art, an art applied with as complete a relaxation or "softness" in the musculature as possible, to distinguish its theory and application from that of the ''hard'' martial art styles which use a degree of tension in the muscles. T'ai Chi as practised by its traditional styles contains much language, theory and imagery from [[Taoism]] and [[Chinese Buddhism]] as well as the Chinese school of thought known as [[Neo-Confucianism]].
* '''''[[Tao Te Ching]]:''''' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 道德經, ''Dào dé jīng'') Roughly translated as ''The Book of the Way and its Virtue'' (see [[#Translations of the title|article]] on translating the title) is an ancient [[Chinese classic texts|Chinese scripture]]. Tradition has it that the book was written around [[600 BCE]] by a sage called [[Laozi]] (WG: Lao Tzu, "Old Master"), a record-keeper in the Emperor's Court of the [[Zhou Dynasty]]. A careful reading of the text, however, suggests that it is a compilation of [[Maxim_(saying)|maxims]] sharing similar themes. The authenticity of the date of composition/compilation and the authorship are still debated.
:This short work is one of the most important in [[Chinese philosophy]] and [[Chinese religion|religion]], especially in [[Taoism]], but also in [[Buddhism]], because the latter – an Indian religion – shared many Taoist words and concepts before developing into [[Chinese Buddhism]]. (Indeed, upon first encountering it, Chinese scholars regarded Buddhism as merely a foreign equivalent of Taoism.) Many Chinese artists, including [[Chinese poetry|poets]], [[Chinese painting|painters]], [[Calligraphy|calligraphers]] and even [[Chinese garden|gardeners]] have used the book as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside the Far East, aided by many different translations of the text into western languages.
* '''[[Tenrikyo]]:''' (天理教; ''Tenrikyō'', lit. ''Teaching of Divine Reason'', also known as Tenriism) A [[religion]] of [[Japan]]ese [[Shinto]] origin with some [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] influence. It was founded by a female peasant, [[Nakayama Miki]], who underwent a revelatory experience from 1838 onwards. After this date she is referred to as [[Oyasama]] (lit. Honoured Parent) by followers. Tenrikyo is estimated to have about 2 million followers world-wide with 1.5 million of those in Japan.
:The focus of the religion is to attain ''yoki yusan'' or ''yoki gurashi'', the 'joyous life', on Earth through charity and abstention from greed, a self-serving life, hatred, anger and arrogance.
:* ''Yo'' (陽) is "positive", the same character as ''Yang'' in the Chinese [[Yin and Yang]].
:* ''Ki'' (氣) is "spirit" or "energy", the same character as [[Qi|''Ch'i'']] in Chinese.
:* ''Yusan'' (遊山) is "an outing to the mountain or fields" (lit. excursion), implying an outgoing life.
:* ''Gurashi'' (暮) is "livelihood", implying life in a more day-to-day sense.
* '''[[Theism]]:''' The belief in one or more [[deity|god]]s or [[goddess]]es. More specifically, it may also mean the belief in God, a god, or gods, who is/are actively involved in maintaining the [[Universe]]. This secondary meaning is shown in context to other beliefs concerning the divine. The term is attested in English from [[1678]], and was probably coined to contrast with ''atheism'' attested from ca. [[1587]].
* '''[[Theosis]]:''' In [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Eastern Rite Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]] theology, theosis, meaning ''divinization'' (or woodenly, ''deification'' or, ''to become god''), is the call to man to become [[holy]] and seek union with God, beginning in this life and later consummated in the [[resurrection]]. ''Theosis'' comprehends salvation from sin, is premised upon apostolic and early Christian understanding of the life of faith, and is conceptually foundational in both the East and the West.
* '''[[Tithe]]:''' (from [[Old English language|Old English]] ''teogotha'' "tenth") A one-tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a [[tax]] or levy, usually to support a [[Jewish]] or [[Christian]] religious organization. Today, tithes (or ''tithing'') are normally voluntary and paid in [[money|cash]], [[check (finance)|check]]s, or [[stock]]s, whereas historically tithes could be paid in kind, such as agricultural products. There are still European countries today that allow some churches to assess a mandatory tithe which is enforced by law.
* '''''[[Torah]]:''''' (תורה) A [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word meaning "[[teaching]]," "[[instruction]]," or "[[law]]." It is the central and most important document of [[Judaism]] revered by [[Jew]]s through the ages. It primarily refers to the first section of the [[Tanakh]]–the first five books of the [[Hebrew Bible]], but the term is sometimes also used in the general sense to also include both of Judaism's written law and [[Oral law#Oral law in Judaism|oral law]], encompassing the entire spectrum of authoritative [[Jew]]ish religious teachings throughout history, including the [[Mishnah]], the [[Talmud]], the [[midrash]], and more.
* '''[[Transcendentalism]]:''' The name of a group of new ideas in [[literature]], [[religion]], [[culture]], and [[philosophy]] that advocates that there is an ideal [[spirituality|spiritual]] state that 'transcends' the physical and empirical and is only realized through a knowledgeable intuitive awareness that is conditional upon the individual. The concept emerged in [[New England]] in the early-to mid-[[nineteenth century]]. It is sometimes called "''American'' ''Transcendentalism''" to distinguish it from other uses of the word ''[[transcendental]]''. It began as a protest against the general state of culture and [[society]] at the time, and in particular, the state of [[intellectualism]] at [[Harvard]] and the doctrine of the [[Unitarian]] church which was taught at [[Harvard Divinity School]].
==U==
[[image:Flaming Chalice.svg|150px|thumb|The [[flaming chalice]]]]
* '''[[Unitarian Universalism]]:''' (UU or UUism) A theologically [[liberal]], inclusive [[religion]] formed by the merger of [[Unitarian]] and [[Universalist]] organizations in the mid 20th century. UUs generally: cherish creativity, freedom, and compassion; embrace diversity and interconnectedness; and promote personal spiritual growth and justice-making through worship, fellowship, personal experience, social action, deeds, and education. While one UU may differ from another in personal creed, the term UU is a distinct theological signifier and [[Unitarianism]] or [[Universalism]] should not be confused or interchanged with Unitarian Universalism.
* '''''[[Upanishad]]:''''' (उपनिषद्, ''Upaniṣad'') Part of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] ''[[Śruti (scripture)|Śruti]]'' [[Sacred text|scripture]]s which primarily discuss [[meditation]] and [[philosophy]] and are seen as religious instructions by most schools of [[Hinduism]]. The ''Upanishads'' are commentaries on the [[Vedas]], their putative end and essence, and thus known as ''Vedānta'' = "End of the Veda". The term ''Upanishad'' derives from the [[Sanskrit]] words ''upa'' (near), ''ni'' (down) and ''ṣad'' (to sit) = "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher to receive instruction in the Guru-Shishya tradition or parampara. The teachers and students appear in a variety of settings (husband answering questions about immortality, a teenage boy being taught by [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yama]], or Death personified, etc.). Sometimes the sages are women and at times the instructions (or rather inspiration) are sought by kings.
==V==
* '''[[Vegetarianism]]:''' The practice of not eating [[meat]], [[poultry]], [[fish]] or their by-products, with or without the use of [[dairy]] products or [[egg (food)|egg]]s. The exclusion may also extend to products derived from animal carcasses, such as [[lard]], [[tallow]], [[gelatin]], [[rennet]] and [[cochineal]]. Some who follow the diet also choose to refrain from wearing products that involve the death of animals, such as [[leather]], [[silk]], [[feather]], and [[fur]]. It should be noted that although vegetarians generally try to abstain from all animal by-products, many are willing to make small exceptions for their diet, attire, and so forth.
* '''[[Veneration]]:''' In traditional Christian churches (for example, [[Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]]), veneration ([[Latin]] ''veneratio'', [[Greek language|Greek]] δουλια ''dulia''), or veneration of saints, is a special act of honoring a dead person who has been identified as singular in the traditions of the religion, and through them honoring [[God]] who made them and in whose image they are made. Veneration is often shown outwardly by respectfully bowing or making the [[sign of the cross]] before a [[saint]]'s [[icon]], [[relic]]s, or [[cult image]]. These items are often also kissed.
* '''[[Vipassana]]:''' (Sanskrit: vipasyanā) The practice of Insight Meditation. While it is often referred to as [[Buddhist meditation]], the practice taught by the Buddha was non-sectarian, and has a universal application. It does not require conversion to Buddhism. While the [[meditation]] practices themselves vary from school to school, the underlying principle is the investigation of phenomena (Sanskrit: [[Dharma#Dharmas in Buddhist phenomenology|dharmas]]) as they manifest in the five aggregates ([[Skandha]]) namely, matter or form ([[Rupa]]), sensation or feelings ([[Vedana]]), perception ([[Samjna]]), mental formations ([[Sankara]]) & consciousness ([[Vijnana]]). This process leads to direct experiential perception, Vipassanā.
* '''[[Virtue]]:''' ([[Greek language|Greek]] ''αρετη''; [[Latin]] ''virtus'') The habitual, well-established, readiness or disposition of man's powers directing them to some goodness of act. (1) Virtue is moral excellence of a man or a woman. The word is derived from the Greek [[Arete (excellence)|arete]] (αρετη). As applied to humans, a virtue is a [[goodness|good]] character trait. The Latin word ''virtus'' literally means "manliness," from ''vir'', "man" in the masculine sense; and referred originally to masculine, [[war]]like virtues such as [[courage]]. In one of the many [[irony|ironies]] of [[etymology]], in [[English language|English]] the word ''virtue'' is often used to refer to a woman's [[chastity]].
:In the Greek it is more properly called ''ηθικη αρετη''. It is "habitual excellence". It is something practised at all times. The virtue of perseverance is needed for all and any virtue since it is a habit of character and must be used continuously in order for any person to maintain oneself in virtue.
==W==
* '''[[Wabi-sabi]]:''' (in [[Kanji]]: 侘寂) Represents a comprehensive [[Japan]]ese world view or [[aesthetic]]. It is difficult to explain wabi-sabi in [[Western culture|Western]] terms, but the aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is imperfect, [[impermanent]], or incomplete. A concept derived from the [[Buddhist]] assertion of the first noble truth - [[Dukkha]].
* '''[[Worship]]:''' Usually refers to specific acts of [[religion|religious]] praise, honour, or [[devotion]], typically directed to a [[supernatural]] being such as a [[god]] or [[goddess]]. It is the informal term in English for what [[sociology of religion|sociologists of religion]] call ''[[cult (religion)|cultus]]'', the body of practices and traditions that correspond to [[theology]]. Religious worship may be performed individually, in informally organized groups, or as part of an organized service with a designated leader (as in a [[church]], [[synagogue]], [[temple]], or [[mosque]]). In its older sense in the [[English language]] of ''worthiness'' or ''respect'', ''worship'' may sometimes refer to actions directed at members of higher social classes (such as [[lord]]s or [[monarch]]s) or to particularly esteemed persons (such as a [[lover]]). Typical acts of worship include: [[prayer]]; [[sacrifice]] (''[[korban]]'' in Hebrew); [[ritual]]s; [[meditation]]; [[holiday]]s, [[festival]]s; [[pilgrimage]]s; [[hymn]]s or [[psalm]]s; the construction of [[temple]]s or [[shrine]]s; the creation of [[idolatry|idols]] of the deity.
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==Y==
* '''[[Yana (Buddhism)]]:''' A [[Sanskrit]] word with a range of meanings including [[noun]]s such as [[vehicle]], journey, and path; and [[verb]]s such as going, moving, riding, and marching. In the Indian religions [[Buddhism]] and [[Hinduism]], both ''yana'' and [[marga|''marga'']] (road or path) express the [[metaphor]] of spiritual practice as a path or journey. Ancient texts in both religions discuss doctrines and practices associated with various ''yanas''. In Buddhism, ''yana'' often augments the metaphor of the spiritual path with the idea of various vehicles that convey a person along that path. The ''yana/marga'' metaphor is similar to the Chinese image of the [[Tao]] (path or way) but Indian and Chinese cultures appear to have evolved such similar metaphors independently.
[[Image:Yin_yang.svg|left|thumb|150px|[[Yin and yang]] symbol, or ''Taijitu'' 太極圖]]
* '''[[Yin and yang]]:''' The concept of yin and yang ([[Korean language|Korean]]: 음양; [[Revised Romanization of Korean|Revised]]: eumyang; [[McCune-Reischauer]]: ŭmyang; {{zh-tsp|t=陰陽|s=阴阳|p=yīnyáng}}; [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]]: Âm-Dương) originates in ancient [[Chinese philosophy]] and [[metaphysics]], which describes two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night; yang, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the day.
:The pair probably goes back to ancient agrarian religion; it exists in [[Confucianism]], and it is prominent in [[Taoism]]. Though the words yin and yang only appear once in the [[Tao Te Ching]], the book is laden with examples and clarifications of the concept of mutual arising.
:Yin and yang are descriptions of complementary opposites rather than absolutes. Any yin/yang dichotomy can be seen as its opposite when viewed from another perspective. The categorisation is seen as one of convenience. Most forces in nature can be broken down into their respective yin and yang states, and the two are usually in movement rather than held in absolute stasis.
[[Image:Yoga_instructor.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A [[Hatha yoga]] [[asana]]]]
* '''[[Yoga]]:''' (Sanskrit योग, "union") A family of [[spiritual practice]]s that originated in [[India]], where it is seen primarily as a means to [[enlightenment (concept)|enlightenment]] (or [[bodhi]]). Traditionally, [[Karma Yoga]], [[Bhakti Yoga]], [[Jnana Yoga]], and [[Raja Yoga]] are considered the four main yogas. In the [[western world|West]], yoga has become associated with the [[asanas]] (postures) of [[Hatha Yoga]], which are popular as fitness exercises. Yoga as a means to [[enlightenment (concept)|enlightenment]] is central to [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]].
==Z==
* '''[[Zazen]]:''' In [[Zen]] [[Buddhism]], sitting meditation or zazen ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]: 座禅; literally "seated concentration") is a [[meditation|meditative]] discipline practitioners perform to [[samatha|calm]] the body and the mind and experience [[vipassana|insight]] into the nature of existence. While the term originally referred to a sitting practice, it is now commonly used to refer to practices in any posture, such as walking.
* '''[[Zhuangzi]]:''' Zhuāngzǐ ([[pinyin]]), Chuang Tzu ([[Wade-Giles|W-G]]), or Chuang Tse ([[Chinese language|Chinese]] 庄子/莊子, literally meaning "Master Zhuang") A famous [[Chinese philosophy|philosopher in ancient China]] who lived around the [[4th century BCE]] during the [[Warring States Period]], corresponding to the [[Hundred Schools of Thought]] philosophical summit of Chinese thought. He was from the Town of Meng (蒙城 Méng Chéng) in the State of Song (now Shāngqiū 商邱, [[Henan]]). His [[given name]] was 周 Zhōu. He was also known as 蒙吏, Méng Official, 蒙莊 Méng Zhuāng and 蒙叟 Méng Elder.
:The [[Taoism|Taoist]] book ''Zhuangzi'' (莊子) of the same name as the author is a composite of writings from various sources. The traditional view is that Zhuangzi himself wrote the first seven chapters (the "inner" chapters) and his students and related thinkers were responsible for the other parts (the "outer" and "miscellaneous" chapters). Strong proof of direct authorship by Zhuangzi of any of the text is difficult.
[[Image:Faravahar.png|thumb|right||150px|[[Faravahar]], a symbol of soul in [[Zoroastrianism]]]]
* '''[[Zoroastrianism]]:''' Once the "official" religion of [[Sassanid dynasty|Sassanid]] ([[Sassanian]]) [[Persian Empire|Persia]], and played an important role in the [[Achaemenian]] as well as [[Parthia|Parthian]] empires in [[Persian Empire|Persia]]. The religion is also known as Mazdaism by some followers; and currently, as Zarathustrianism by others.
:The faith is ostensibly monotheistic, although Zoroastrianism has a [[dualistic]] nature, with a series of six entities (similar in function and status to [[angels]]) accompanying [[Ahura Mazda]] (the Supreme Being), and forming a heptad that is good and constructive, and another group of seven who are evil and destructive, lead by a [[satan]]ic figure, [[Ahriman]]. It is this persistent conflict between good and evil that distinguishes Zoroastrianism from monotheistic frameworks that have only one power as supreme. By requiring its adherents to have faith and belief in ''equally opposing'' powers Zoroastrianism characterizes itself to outsiders as dualistic.
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[[Category:Spirituality]]
[[Category:Glossaries|Spirituality-related terms]]