Buddhism A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in the 6th to 5th centuries B.C., in India. It began to spread through China in the 2nd century B.C., and Japan in the Heian period (see history page). See Wikipedia or Everything2.

Ch'an A Chinese sect of Buddhism, equivalent to Japanese Zen.

Chi or Qi Chinese term for life force or spirit energy.

Falun Dafa is a spirititual movement based on the ancient Chinese practices of qigong, which involve the process of refining the body and mind through exercises and meditation. These practices are also called Falun Gong, a term which is often used interchangeably with the spiritual movement of Falun Dafa itself, though Falun Dafa goes beyond the practices of qigong, incorporating principles of Buddhism and Taoism. There has been great controversy because of the Chinese government's intolerance of this movement. You may read more about Falun Dafa here.

Feng shui You will find a better explanation here than I could possibly give.

I Ching "The Book of Changes" is an ancient Chinese divination manual. Read more about it here.

Jingluo In ancient Chinese medical theory, the meridians (channels and collaterals) through which chi travels between organs of the body and also connect to points on the surface which may be stimulated by acupuncture or acupressure. Read more about it here.

Kami The objects of worship of Shinto, which may be gods or spirits, natural objects, or forces of nature. See Wikipedia or Everything2.

Ki Life force energy; the Japanese equivalent of chi.

Kokoro A combination of heart, mind, and spirit. Basically, human intelligence and emotions. Some animes (such as "Astro Boy") will deal with robots which have kokoro in the form of artificial intelligence.

Namaste A Hindi/Sanskrit greeting (commonly used by practicioners of Yoga), normally accompanied with a slight bow and hand gesture, which basically means that the speaker recognizes the divinity that resides within the one being addressed, and that they are the same. Something like that, anyway. It can be used as either a "hello" or a "goodbye." See Wikipedia or Everything2.

Onmyodo A Japanese system of divination and magic based on Chinese philosophies, influenced by Taosim, Buddhism, and Shintoism. See Wikipedia.

Qigong (Chigong, Chi kung) Ancient Chinese practices of exercise, breathing, and meditation. There are many forms of qigong, and it may be used purely for health reasons, or as a part of religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Falun Dafa, and is also the basis of martial arts. Read a bit more about it here.

Satori Understanding; Buddhist enlightenment.

Sesshin means "to touch the heart/mind." It is a Zen meditative retreat. Which kind of makes me wonder if this is why episodes of "Cowboy Bebop" are called "sessions." Probably not, but I think it's an interesting thought...

Shiatsu Japanese massage therapy, or more accurately acupressure, which is related to the Chinese Jingluo theory.

Shinto A traditional religion of Japan, in which kami are worshipped. See Wikipedia or Everything2.

Yin & yang You will find a better explanation here than I could possibly give.

Zazen Sitting meditation, a practice of Zen Buddhism.

Zen A moment at the end of The Daily Show. J/K! Actually, it is a Japanese sect of Buddhism, introduced to Japan in the 13th century through China's Ch'an Buddhism. Zen is basically about meditation. Read more about it here.

See also: mythology.