Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) key terms

A Hindu text containing teachings about religious duties, social conduct and law, including the responsibilities of women and men.

A legally recognised union of two people, understood by Christians as a sacred relationship involving lifelong commitment.

The Hebrew word for Messiah, meaning ‘Anointed One’; traditionally, a future human leader descended from King David who will bring an age of peace.

Worldly illusion and the passing attractions of material life, such as wealth, possessions and status. Pride in or attachment to Maya can distract a person from God.

A partition separating men and women during worship in an Orthodox synagogue.

A practice of training the mind to develop qualities such as concentration, calmness and insight.

Compassion and forgiveness towards those who have done wrong.

The ‘anointed’ or ‘chosen’ one. Many Orthodox Jews expect a leader sent by God, while Reform Judaism generally emphasises a future age of peace rather than a particular individual.

A future era of peace, justice and knowledge of God, associated in traditional Judaism with the coming of the Mashiach.

Loving kindness: wishing happiness and wellbeing for all living beings.

The cultivation of loving kindness, usually through meditation.

The Buddhist approach that avoids both indulgence in pleasure and extreme self-denial.

The angel, also known as Michael, placed in charge of plants and rain, providing nourishment by Allah’s command.

A Buddhist text, also called the Questions of King Milinda, which records discussions between King Milinda and the monk Nagasena.

A quorum of ten adult Jews needed for certain communal prayers; traditional Orthodox practice counts men.

A commandment or religious duty in Judaism; the plural is mitzvot.

God’s commandments: actions Jewish people are required to perform or avoid. Jewish tradition identifies 613 in the Torah.

Liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth; ultimate union with God.

The belief that all existence ultimately rests on one essential reality.

Belief that there is only one God.

The opening statement of the Guru Granth Sahib, describing the nature of God, including God’s oneness and creative power.

The opening statement of the Guru Granth Sahib, which summarises Sikh beliefs about the nature of God.

God's covenant with the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai, establishing their responsibility to obey God's commandments.

Spiritual liberation from the cycle of rebirth and union with Waheguru.

An image or statue of a god or goddess, often a focal point of puja.

God’s Name, remembered and meditated upon as a way of keeping God at the centre of life.

Remembering and meditating on God’s name.