Eastern Philosophy Vocabulary

cosmic law, moral duty, or righteous path

“Following one's dharma means fulfilling one's purpose in life.”

Origin: Sanskrit dharma 'law, duty' from dhr 'to hold, maintain'

the principle that actions have consequences across lifetimes

“Karma links present circumstances to past actions.”

Origin: Sanskrit karma 'action, work' from kr 'to do, make'

the cycle of death and rebirth

“Liberation means escaping the wheel of samsara.”

Origin: Sanskrit samsara 'wandering through' from sam 'together' + sr 'to flow'

the extinction of desire and liberation from suffering

“The Buddha achieved nirvana under the Bodhi tree.”

Origin: Sanskrit nirvana 'blowing out' from nis 'out' + va 'to blow'

the fundamental, nameless way of the universe

“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.”

Origin: Chinese dao 'way, path, principle'

effortless action in harmony with natural flow

“Wu-wei is acting without forcing or striving.”

Origin: Chinese wu 'without' + wei 'action, doing'

complementary opposites that form a dynamic whole

“Yin-yang represents the interdependence of all dualities.”

Origin: Chinese yin 'shady side' + yang 'sunny side'

direct insight into one's true nature through meditation

“Zen emphasizes practice over scriptural study.”

Origin: Japanese zen from Chinese chan from Sanskrit dhyana 'meditation'

one's reason for being or sense of life purpose

“Finding ikigai brings deep satisfaction and meaning.”

Origin: Japanese iki 'life, living' + gai 'worth, value'

the state of no-mind or empty awareness in action

“The swordsman acts from mushin, without hesitation.”

Origin: Japanese mu 'without' + shin 'mind, heart'