This glossary contains an alphabetical list of Buddhist terms that you may find on this website. Many of the terms now include phoneticized Sanskrit (Skt) as well as two forms of Tibetan—the phonetic version (Tib), which is a guide to pronunciation, and transliteration using the Wylie method (Wyl). Search for the term you want by entering it in the search box or browse through the listing by clicking on the letters below. Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
Method is associated with the development of loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta, and supports the wisdom realizing emptiness. In order to attain buddhahood, practitioners must engage in both method and wisdom.
The second of the three levels of practice or scopes, the middle capable being has the goal of liberation from suffering. See also lower, higher capable being and the graduated path of the three capable beings.
See Madhyamaka.
A short prayer which praises Lama Tsongkhapa as being Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, and Majushri, and having their associated qualities of compassion, power, and wisdom. It is usually recited within the Gelug tradition at the beginning and end of teachings or prayer sessions.
Tibet's great yogi, who achieved enlightenment in his lifetime under the tutelage of his guru, Marpa, who was a contemporary of Atisha. One of the founding fathers of the Kagyü school.
Synonymous with consciousness (Skt: vijnana; Tib: nam shä) and sentience (Skt: manas; Tib: yi). Defined as that which is “clear and knowing”; a formless entity that has the ability to perceive objects. Mind is divided into six principal consciousnesses and fifty-one mental factors.
The seventh main consciousness posited by the Cittamatra school, the consciousness they say is needed to carry karmic imprints. The other schools only posit six main consciousnesses , but the Cittamatra school posits two additional types—mind basis of all and afflictive mental consciousness.
(Also spelt Mitrugpa.) See Akshobhya.
A system of divination often used by Tibetan lamas, and usually performed by throwing a couple of dice or counting beads on a mala.
A fried or steamed dumpling, usually filled with meat; a favorite food of Tibetans.
The Great Prayer Festival, initiated by Lama Tsongkhapa and conducted over the fourteen days between Tibetan New Year and the Day of Miracles (Tib: Chotrul Düchen).
The motivation set before an action is initiated. Cf. motivation of time.
The motivation that happens while an action is occurring. Cf. motivation of cause.
The sacred mountain in Tibet, also called Precious Snow Mountain (Tib: Kang Rinpoche). In Hinduism, said to be the home of Shiva.
The mythical center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
Literally, seal or token. A symbolic hand gesture, endowed with power not unlike a mantra. A tantric consort.
