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Society, Life and Culture

Word List with 12 words
By Dictionary.com

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Words in This List

samurai

A member of the hereditary warrior or military nobility class in pre-industrial Japan.

warfare

Armed conflict between two massed enemies, armies, or the like. Warfare and destruction characterized Medieval Japan.

Buddhism

A religion, originated in India by Buddha (Gautama) and later spreading to China, Burma, Japan, Tibet, and parts of southeast Asia. Buddhism's influence rose during this period of Japanese history.

Zen Buddhism

A Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.

meditation

Continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation; a major element of Zen Buddhism.

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tea

Any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers, etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicines. In medieval Japan, the ceremony of serving tea became a formalized Zen ritual.

literature

Writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. Japanese literature from this time is heavily Zen-focused.

Shinto

The native religion of Japan, primarily a system of nature and ancestor worship.

Noh

a blend of storytelling, juggling, acrobatics, harvest-ritual music, skits (Kyogen) and dance.

calligraphy

Fancy penmanship, especially highly decorative handwriting, as with a great many flourishes.

presentation

Offering, delivering, or bestowal, as of a gift. Japanese culture puts great emphasis on the presentation of cuisine.

landscape gardening

The art or trade of designing or rearranging large gardens, estates, etc.