Glossary of Buddhism
Part ofa serieson |
Buddhism |
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SomeBuddhistterms and concepts lack direct translations into English that cover the breadth of the original term. Below are given a number of important Buddhist terms, short definitions, and the languages in which they appear. In this list, an attempt has been made to organize terms by their original form and give translations and synonyms in other languages along with the definition.
Languages and traditions dealt with here:
- English(Eng.)
- Pāli:TheravadaBuddhism
- Sanskrit(orBuddhist Hybrid Sanskrit): primarilyMahayanaBuddhism
- Bengali(Bgd):Buddhism in Bangladesh
- Sinhala(Sri):Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Burmese(Bur):Buddhism in Myanmar
- Karen(Kar): Theravada Buddhism
- Khmer:Buddhism in Cambodia
- Mon(Mon): Theravada Buddhism
- Mongolian(Mn):Buddhism in Mongolia
- Shan(Shan): Theravada Buddhism
- Tibetan(Tib):Tibetan Buddhism
- Dzongkha ༼རྫོང་ཁ༽(Dzo):Buddhism in Bhutan
- Thai:Buddhism in Thailand
- Lao:Buddhism in Laos
- CJKV languages
- Chinese(Cn):Chinese Buddhism
- Cantonese(Hk):Buddhism in Hong Kong
- Japanese(Jp):Buddhism in Japan
- Korean(Ko):Korean Buddhism
- Taiwanese Hokkien(Tw):Buddhism in Taiwan
- Vietnamese(Vi):Buddhism in Vietnam(Mahayana and Theravada)
- Javanese(Jv):Buddhism in Indonesia
A
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abhidhammaA category of scriptures that attempts to use Buddhist teachings to create a systematic, abstract description of all worldly phenomena |
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Avataṃsakasūtra"Garland Scripture" |
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Abhidhamma PitakaThe third basket of theTripitakacanon, the reorganization of all doctrines in a systematic way |
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Abhiniṣkramaṇasūtra |
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acariya,lit. "teacher", One of the two teachers of a novice monk - the other one is calledupādhyāya |
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Adbhutadharmaparyāyasūtra |
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AdhigamadharmaRealized Dharma |
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adhitthanaDetermination, to pray, to wish |
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ĀgamaThe non-Mahayana divisions of the Sutra Pitaka |
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Āgamadharmascriptural Dharma |
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ahimsaThe devotion to non-violence and respect for all forms of life. Practicers of ahimsa are often vegetarians or vegans |
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Akshobhya |
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Ködelüsi ügei, Ülü hödelügci |
akuśalakarmapathaunwholesome courses of action |
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alayavijnana,seestore consciousness |
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AmitabhaLit. "The Buddha of Infinite Light". The main buddha of thePure Land school,but is popular in other Mahayana sects as well. The image is of light as the form of wisdom, which has no form. Also interpreted as the Tathagata of Unhindered Light that Penetrates the Ten Quarters byTan Luan,Shinranand others |
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Amitābhasūtra |
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Amoghasiddhi |
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anagārikaA white-clothed student in the Theravada tradition who, for a few months, awaits being considered forsāmaṇeraordination. An anagārika takes theeight precepts,and in some cases, may choose to remain in this position for years to directly support thesangha. |
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anapanasatiMindfulness of the breath meditation |
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anattaThe principle denial of the soul in any phenomena. See alsonegative theology. |
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aniccaImpermanence |
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anityaImpermanence, synonym to anicca | ||
anuttaraUnsurpassing |
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anuttara samyak sambodhi,unsurpassable, complete, perfect enlightenment; unsurpassable, right, and full enlightenment |
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arhat,lit. "the Worthy One", A living person who has reached Enlightenment |
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ārūpyarāga |
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asura"nongods," |
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atmanliterally "self", sometimes "soul" or "ego". In Buddhism, the predominant teaching is the negating doctrine of anatman, that there is no permanent, persisting atman, and that belief in atman is the prime consequence of ignorance, the foundation ofsamsara |
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Avalokitesvara,lit. "One Who Hears the Suffering Cries of the World", Thebodhisattvaof compassion (see alsoGuan Yin) |
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avidya"ignorance" or "delusion" |
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B
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bardo,lit. "intermediate state" or "in-between state", According to Tibetan tradition, the state of existence intermediate between two lives |
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bhavacakra/bhavacakkaA circular symbolic representation ofsamsara,also known as Wheel of becoming |
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bhanteThe polite particle used to refer to Buddhistmonksin theTheravadatradition.Bhanteliterally means "Venerable Sir." |
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bhavaBecoming, being, existing; the 10th link ofPratitya-samutpada |
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bhikkhu/bhikshu,lit. "beggar", A Buddhist monk |
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bhikkhuni/bhikshuniA Buddhist nun |
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bija,lit. "seed", A metaphor for the origin or cause of things, used in the teachings of theYogacaraschool |
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bodhiAwakening or Enlightenment |
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Bodhisattvapiṭaka"The Bodhisattva Basket" |
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Bodhi treeTheSacred Fig(Ficus religiosa) tree under which Gautama reached Enlightenment |
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Bodhicaryāvatāra"Introduction to the Practice of Enlightenment," written by Śāntideva (685-763) |
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bodhicittaThe motivation of abodhisattva |
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bodhisattvaOne with the intention to become a Buddha in order to liberate all other sentient beings from suffering |
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BoghdaHoly, living Buddha, living Boddhisattva. The title ofJebtsundamba Khutuktu;also title used with the names of highest Buddhist masters, e.g.boghda Tsongkhapa,Panchen boghda |
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BuddhaA Buddha; also, the Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama. |
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buddha natureThe uncreated and deathless Buddhic element or principle concealed within all sentient beings to achieve Awakening; the innate (latent) Buddha essence (esp. in theTathagatagarbhasutras,Tendai/Tiantai,Nichirenthought) |
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BuddhismThe religion and philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to theGautama Buddha,a wandering teacher who lived in ancient India during the 6th or 5th century BCE |
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C
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cetanaVolition |
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CetiyaA reliquary holding holy objects of veneration |
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chandaintention, interest, desire to act, aspiration |
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D
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dakiniA supernatural female with volatile temperament who serves as a muse for spiritual practice. Dakinis are often depicted naked to represent the truth |
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Dalai Lama,lit. "the lama with wisdom like an ocean", secular and spiritual leader ofTibetas nominated by the Mongols |
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danaGenerosity or giving; in Buddhism, it also refers to the practice of cultivating generosity |
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devamany different types of non-human beings who share the characteristics of being more powerful, longer-lived, and, in general, living more contentedly than the average human being |
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dependent origination,seePratityasamutpada |
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dhamma/dharmaOften refers to the doctrines and teachings of the faith, but it may have broader uses. Also, it is an important technical term meaning something like "phenomenologicalconstituent. "This leads to the potential for confusion, puns, and double entendres, as the latter meaning often has negative connotations |
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dhamma name/dharma nameA Dharma name or Dhamma name is a new name traditionally bestowed by a Buddhist monastic, given to newly ordained monks, nuns, and laity during both lay and monastic Buddhist initiation ritual in Mahayana Buddhism and monastic ordination in Theravada Buddhism (where it may also be called a Sangha name). Dhamma names are usually considered aspirational, not descriptive. |
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dhammavinayaThedharmaandvinaya(roughly "doctrine and discipline" ) considered together. This term essentially means the whole teachings of Buddhism as taught to monks |
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dhammacakka/dharmacakraA symbolic representation of thedharma,also known as the Wheel of Dharma |
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Dhammapadaa versified Buddhist scripture traditionally ascribed to the Buddha |
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dhammapala/dharmapalaA fearsome deity, known as protector of the Dharma |
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Dhyana,see jhana |
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Dīpankara Buddha |
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doanIn Zen, a term for person sounding the bell that marks the beginning and end ofZazen |
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dokusanA private meeting between a Zen student and the master. It is an important element in Rinzai Zen training, as it provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate understanding |
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dudieofficial certificate for monks and nuns issued by government |
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dukkhaSuffering, dissatisfaction, unsatisfactoriness, stress |
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dveṣaaversion |
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dzogchenThe natural, intrinsic state of every sentient being |
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F
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Five Five-Hundred-Year PeriodsFive sub-divisions of thethree periods following the Buddha's passing( tam thời hệ niệm Cn:sānshí;Jp:sanji;Vi:tam thời), significant for many Mahayana adherents:
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Four Noble Truths
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fukudoIn Zen, term for person who strikes thehan |
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gasshōA position used for greeting, with the palms together and fingers pointing upwards in prayer position; used in variousBuddhisttraditions, but also used in numerous cultures throughout Asia. It expresses greeting, request, thankfulness, reverence and prayer. Also considered amudraorinkeiof Japanese Shingon. See also:Añjali Mudrā,Namaste,SampeahandWai.Shaolinmonks use half a gassho using only one arm to greet.
In Japan, it is used not only during rituals concerning Buddhism but also as a gesture to appease the opposite party when making apologies or asking for permission or favors. In addition, there are cases where a person greets them during a greeting before and after a meal, which is a custom derived from Buddhism. In Shinto, they clap hands together as hands, but then lower their hands, bow and worship (in Shinto worship, they do not share hands). |
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Gautama Buddha |
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gesheA Tibetan Buddhist academic degree in theGelugtradition, awarded at the conclusion of lengthy studies often lasting nine years or more |
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gongan,lit. "public case", A meditative method developed in theChán/Seon/Zentraditions, generally consisting of a problem that defies solution by means of rational thought; seekoan |
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Guan YinThe bodhisattva of compassion in East Asian Buddhism, with full name being Guan Shi Yin. Guan Yin is considered to be the female form ofAvalokiteshvarabut has been given many more distinctive characteristics. |
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hanIn Zen monasteries, wooden board that is struck announcing sunrise, sunset and the end of the day |
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Hinayana,lit. "small vehicle", A coinage by the Mahayana for the Buddhist doctrines concerned with the achievement ofNirvanaas aŚrāvakabuddhaor aPratyekabuddha,as opposed to aSamyaksambuddha.While sometime thought as derogatory, it means in fact that the Hinayana doctrine is made to save but 1 individual, the one who follows its teachings, just like a 1 place vehicle, while the Mahayana allow the monk to take other people along with him, like a bus or a great plane. |
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I
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Ino,Jp. lit. "bringer of joy to the assembly." Originally from Sanskritkarmadana,lit. bestower of conduct [karma]. In Zen, the supervisor of the meditation hall [sodo]. One of the six senior temple administrators. |
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Jetavana |
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jhanaMeditative contemplation; more often associated withśamathapractices thanvipaśyana.See also:shamata,samadhi,samapatti |
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jishaIn Zen, a senior priest's attendant |
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jukaiZen public ordination ceremony wherein a lay student receives certain Buddhist precepts. |
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Kakusandha Buddha |
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karma,lit. "action", or more specifically, an action that is driven by intention (cetanā) which leads to future consequences (vipāka). In Buddhist thought, this is a deed done deliberately through body, speech or mind, which leads to residual effects in the present or future. It is a central belief within the Buddhist tradition and is synonymous withcausality(cause and effect). |
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Karmasiddhiprakaraṇa |
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Kassapa Buddha |
Sanskrit:Kasyapa |
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kenshoIn Zen, enlightenment; has the same meaning assatōri,but is customary used for an initial awakening experience |
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khyenpo,alsokhenpo,An academic degree similar to a doctorate in theology, philosophy, and psychology |
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khantipatience |
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kinhinZen walking meditation |
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koanA story, question, problem or statement generally inaccessible to rational understanding, yet may be accessible to Intuition |
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kṣaṇainstant |
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kṣaṇasaṃpadopportune birth, born at a time when either a Buddha is living and teaching on earth or when a Buddha's teaching is available |
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ksantiThe practice of exercising patience toward behaviour or situations that might not necessarily deserve it—it is seen as a conscious choice to actively give patience as a gift, rather than being in a state of oppression in which one feels obligated to act in such a way. |
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Kṣitigarbha"Earth Store," one of the eight great Bodhisattvas. |
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Kṣitigarbhasūtra"The Scripture on Kṣitigarbha" |
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kleśaafflictions |
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Koṇāgamana Buddha |
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Kumbhāṇḍa |
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kuśalakarmapathawholesome courses of action |
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kuśalamūlaroots of virtue, wholesome faculties; |
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kyosakuIn Zen, a flattened stick used to strike the shoulders duringzazen,to help overcome fatigue or reachsatori |
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L
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lakṣaṇacharacteristics, marks |
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Lam rim chen mo "Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path "written by GuruTsongkhapain 1402 |
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Lalitavistara |
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lamaA Tibetan teacher or master; equivalent to Sanskrit "guru" |
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lineageThe official record of the historical descent of dharma teachings from one teacher to another; by extension, may refer to a tradition |
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Mahābodhi Temple- "Temple of the Great Awakening", the great stūpa at Bodhgayā where Shakyamuni Buddha attain enlightenment. |
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MadhyamakaBuddhist philosophical school, founded byNagarjuna.Members of this school are called Madhyamikas |
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mahabhutafour great elements in traditional Buddhist thought |
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mahamudraA method of direct introduction the understanding ofsunyata,ofsamsaraand that the two are inseparable |
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Mahāprajñāpāramitāsūtra"Sutra on the Great Perfection of Wisdom" |
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mahasiddhalitt. great spiritual accomplishment. A yogi inTantric Buddhism,often associated with the highest levels of enlightenment |
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Mahāvadānasūtra | Sanskrit:Mahāvadānasūtra |
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Mahayana,lit. "great vehicle", A major branch of Buddhism practiced in China, Tibet, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Main goal is to achieve buddhahood orsamyaksambuddha |
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MaitreyaThe Buddha of the future epoch |
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makyoIn Zen, unpleasant or distracting thoughts or illusions that occur duringzazen |
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Mānaconceit, arrogance, misconception |
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manas-vijñānaseventh of theeight counsciousnesses |
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mandalaa spiritual and ritual symbol representing the Universe |
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maṅgalaauspiciousness |
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mantraChant used primarily to aid concentration, to reach enlightenment. The best-known Buddhist mantra is possiblyOm mani padme hum |
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MappoThe "degenerate" Latter Day of the Law. A time period supposed to begin 2,000 years after Sakyamuni Buddha's passing and last for "10,000 years"; follows the two 1,000-year periods of Former Day of the Law ( chính pháp Cn:zhèngfǎ;Jp:shōbō) and of Middle Day of the Law ( tượng pháp Cn:xiàngfǎ;Jp:zōhō). During this degenerate age, chaos will prevail and the people will be unable to attain enlightenment through the word of Sakyamuni Buddha. See theThree periods |
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merit |
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mettāloving kindness |
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Middle WayThe practice of avoidance of extreme views and lifestyle choices |
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(right)mindfulnessThe practice whereby a person is intentionally aware of his or her thoughts and actions in the present moment, non-judgmentally. The 7th step of theNoble Eightfold Path |
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mokshaLiberation |
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mokugyoA wooden drum carved from one piece, usually in the form of a fish |
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mondoIn Zen, a short dialogue between teacher and student |
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mudralit. "seal", A gesture made with hands and fingers in meditation |
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N
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namoAn exclamation showingreverence; devotion.Often placed in front of the name of an object of veneration, e.g., a Buddha's name or a sutra (Nam(u) Myōhō Renge Kyō), to express devotion to it. Defined in Sino-Japanese as quy mệnhkimyō:to base one's life upon, to devote (or submit) one's life to
Derivatives:
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Narakarealm of hell |
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nekkhammarenunciation |
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Nirvana/NibbanaExtinction or extinguishing; ultimate enlightenment in the Buddhist tradition |
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Nikaya,lit. "volume", The Buddhist texts in Pāli |
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Noble Eightfold Path
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O
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oryokiA set of bowls used in a Zen eating ceremony |
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oshoA term used to address a monk of the Zen Buddhist tradition. Originally reserved for high-ranking monks, it has since been appropriated for everyday use when addressing any male member of the Zen clergy |
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pabbajja,(a layperson) leaving home to join a community of monks and nuns (lit. "to go forth" ) |
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panca skandhaThe five constituent elements into which an individual is analyzed. They are:
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Panchen LamaThe second highest ranking lama in theGelugpasect ofTibetan Buddhism.after the Dalai Lama |
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paññā,seeprajna |
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paramarthaAbsolute, as opposed to merely conventional, truth or reality; see alsosamvrti |
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paramita,lit. "reaching the other shore," usually rendered in English as "perfection." The Mahayana practices for obtaining enlightenment; giving, ethics, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom |
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parinibbana/parinirvanaThe final nibbana/nirvana |
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Perfection of Wisdom |
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Platform Sūtra of the Sixth PatriarchSermon of the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism |
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Pointing-out instructionThe direct introduction to the nature of mind in the lineages of EssenceMahamudraandDzogchen.A root guru is the master who gives the 'pointing-out instruction' so that the disciple recognizes the nature of mind |
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prajna/paññā"wisdom", "insight" |
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pratisaraṇa"reliance" |
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pratitya-samutpada"Dependent origination," the view that no phenomenon exists (or comes about) without depending on other phenomena or conditions contingent with it. In English also called "conditioned genesis," "dependent co-arising," "interdependent arising," etc.
A famous application ofdependent originationis theTwelve Nidana,or 12 inter-dependences (Sanskrit:dvādaśāṅgapratītyasamutpāda;Thập nhị nhân duyên, thập nhị nhân duyên Cn:shíàr yīnyuán;Jp:jūni innen;Vi:thập nhị nhân duyên), which are:
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Pratyekabuddha/Paccekabuddha,lit. "a buddha by his own", A buddha who reaches enlightenment on his own |
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Pure Land BuddhismA large branch ofMahayana,dominantly inEast Asia.The goal of Pure Land Buddhism is to be reborn in the WesternsukhavatiofAmitabha,either as a real place or within the mind, through the other-power of repeating the Buddha's name, nianfo or nembutsu. |
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PuruṣaMan (ep. representative of the male gender); human being |
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R
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rebirthThe process of continuity of life after death |
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Ratnasambhava |
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refugeUsually in the form of "take refuge in theThree Jewels" |
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Rigpa,the knowledge that ensues from recognizing one's nature |
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Rinpoche,lit. "precious one", An honorific title for a respected Tibetan lama, such as atulku |
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RinzaiZen sect emphasizing koan study; named for masterLinji Yixuan |
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RohatsuA day traditionally honored as the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. While deep in meditation under a bodhi tree, he attained enlightenment upon seeing the morning star just at dawn; celebrated on the 8th day either of December or of the 12th month of the lunar calendar |
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roshi,lit. "Master", An honorific given to Zen teachers in the Rinzai and Obaku sects. |
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S
[edit]Definition | Etymology | In other languages |
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saccatruthfulness |
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SaddharmapuṇḍarīkasūtraLotus Sutra | Sanskrit:Saddharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra |
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ṣaḍgati"six destinies" | Sanskrit:ṣaḍgati |
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samanera/shramaneraA male novice monk, who, after a year or until the ripe age of 20, will be considered for the higher Bhikkhu ordination |
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samathaMental stabilization; tranquility meditation. Distinguished fromvipassanāmeditation |
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samsaraThe cycle of birth and rebirth; the world as commonly experienced |
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samuWork, conceived as a part of Zen training.[2] |
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samvrtiConventional, as opposed to absolute, truth or reality; see alsoparamartha |
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sanghaThe community of Buddhist monks and nuns. Teachers and practitioners. |
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SanlunBuddhist philosophical school based on theMadhyamakaschool |
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sanzenA formal interview with a teacher in many traditions of Zen. Similar todokusan |
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satoriAwakening; understanding. A Japanese term for enlightenment |
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sayadawBurmese meditation master |
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seichuIn the Zen Buddhist calendar, a period of intensive, formal monastic training. It is typically characterized by week-longDaisesshinsand periodicsanzen |
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sesshinA Zen retreat where practitioners meditate, eat and work together for several days |
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shikantazaSoto Zen. "Only concentrated on sitting" is the main practice of the Soto school of Japanese Zen Buddhism |
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shunyataEmptiness; see alsoNagarjuna |
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Sikhī BuddhaBuddha of Knowledge |
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sila"morals", "morality", "ethics": precepts |
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SōtōSect of Zen emphasizingshikantazaas the primary mode of practice; see alsoDōgen |
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store consciousnessThe base consciousness (alayavijnana) taught inYogacaraBuddhism |
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Śrāvastī |
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sukhahappiness; ease; pleasure; bliss |
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sutraScripture; originally referred to short aphoristic sayings and collections thereof |
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Śūraṃgamasamādhisūtra |
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Sutra PitakaThe second basket of theTripiṭakacanon, the collection of all Buddha's teachings |
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T
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tangaryōA period of waiting for admission into a Zenmonasteryat the gate, lasting anywhere from one day to several weeks—depending on the quality of one's sitting. Refers to the room traveling monks stay in when visiting, or await admittance into the sōdō. |
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tanhaCraving or desire |
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TantoIn Zen, one of the main temple leaders, lit. "head of the tan." In a Zen temple, the Tanto is one of two officers (with theGodo) in charge monks' training.[2] |
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tantraEsoteric religious practices, includingyoga,mantra,etc. See alsoVajrayana. |
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Tathagataone of theBuddha'sten epithets |
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tathagatagarbhaBuddha-nature or the seed of enlightenment |
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teishoA presentation by a Zen master during a sesshin. Rather than an explanation or exposition in the traditional sense, it is intended as a demonstration of Zen realisation |
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tenzoIn Zen, the head cook for a sesshin. In Zen temples, the officer in charge of the kitchen |
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Tevijja SuttaDiscourse of the Three-fold Knowledge |
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Theravada,lit. "words of the elders", Most popular form of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. |
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theraortheir,lit. "elder", Honorific applied to senior monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. |
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Three JewelsThree things that Buddhists take refuge in: the Buddha, his teachings (Dharma) and the community of realized practitioners (Sangha), and in return look toward for guidance (see alsoRefuge (Buddhism)) |
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Three periods
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Three PoisonsorThree Fires
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Tiantai/TendaiA Mahayana school ofChinathat teaches the supremacy of theLotus Sutra |
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trailõkyaThe 3 "regions" of the world:
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trikayaThe 3 "bodies" of Buddha:
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Triṃśikā |
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TripitakaThe "Three Baskets"; canon containing the sacred texts for Buddhism (Pāli)
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Triratna/Tiratana,see Three Jewels above |
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triviṣathree poisons |
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trsna,seetanhaabove | ||
tulkuA re-incarnated Tibetan teacher |
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U
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Udānavarga"Groups of Utterances" |
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upadanaClinging; the 9th link ofPratitya-Samutpada;the NinthTwelve Nidanas |
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Upajjhayaspiritual teacher |
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upasakaA lay follower of Buddhism |
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upasikaA female lay follower |
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upayaExpedient though not necessarily ultimately true. Originally used as a polemical device against other schools - calling them "merely" expedient, lacking in ultimate truth, later used against one's own school to prevent students form forming attachments to doctrines
In Mahayana, exemplified by the Lotus Sutra, upaya are the useful means that Buddhas (and Buddhist teachers) use to free beings into enlightenment |
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upekkhaequanimity |
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urnaA concave circular dot on the forehead between the eyebrows |
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V
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Vajrayana,The third major branch, alongside Hinayana and Mahayana, according to Tibetan Buddhism's view of itself |
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Vairocana |
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Vāsanāhabitual tendencies or dispositions |
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Vinaya Pitaka,The first basket of theTripitakacanon, which deals with the rules of monastic life |
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vipassanaUsually translated as "Insight" meditation, most associated with the Theravāda tradition, but also present in some other traditions such as Tiantai. Often combined withśamathameditation |
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viriyaenergy, enthusiastic perseverance |
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Y
[edit]Definition | Etymology | In other languages |
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yānadivisions or schools of Buddhism according to their type of practice (lit. "vehicle" ) |
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Z
[edit]Definition | Etymology | In other languages |
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zazenSitting meditation as practiced in theZen SchoolofBuddhism |
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Zen SchoolA branch of Mahayana originating in China that originally emphasizes non-dualism and intuition. Modern monastic forms have a strong emphasis on zazen (Korean) or on zazen combined with militaristic top-down hazing (Japanese) |
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zendoIn Zen, a hall where zazen is practiced |
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Leighton / Okumura (1996).Dogen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community.Albany, NY: SUNY. p. 214.ISBN0-7914-2710-2.
- ^Leighton/ Okumura (1996).Dogen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community.Albany: SUNY. p. 231.ISBN0-7914-2710-2.
External links
[edit]- Pali Text Society Dictionary(Be sure to check the "Unicode font" option, and to have one; also, if looking for a word, choose "words that match" )
- Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary
- Digital Dictionary of Buddhism(Login with userid "guest" )
- Kadampa Glossary of Buddhist Terms
- Fo Guang Shan Glossary of Buddhist Terms (with Chinese translation)