atman (Skt)
dag (Tib); bdag (Wyl)
Self; as opposed to anatman (no-self), the Buddha’s explanation of selflessness in the Four Noble Truths Sutra.
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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
Glossary terms for "A"
attachment
A disturbing thought that exaggerates the positive qualities of an object and wishes to possess it; one of the six root delusions.
attachment-scattering thought
auddhatya (Skt); gopa (Tib); rgod pa (Wyl)
Also known as excitement, this is a mental factor which disrupts concentration through the force of attachment and is one of the three kinds of scattering. At a gross level, the meditator loses the object of meditation altogether. At a more subtle level, the mind holds the object of meditation, but a part of the mind is distracted by another object. See also sinking thought and lethargy.
Avalokiteshvara (Skt)
Chenrezig (Tib); spyan ras gzigs (Wyl)
The buddha of compassion. A male meditational deity embodying fully enlightened compassion.
Avici (Skt)
narme (Tib); mnar med (Wyl)
The lowest level of hell.
