Kriya Tantra (Skt)
ja gyü (Tib); bya rgyud (Wyl)
The first of four classes of tantra, also called Action Tantra, because it emphasizes external activities, such as prayers, mudras and so forth.
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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.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 "K"
Ksitigarbha (Skt)
One of the eight bodhisattvas.
Kuan Yin
A female form of Avalokiteshvara, revered in Chinese countries, her name is short for Guanshiyin, "She who hears the cries of the world."
kundalini (Skt)
Literally, "coiled". The system of the energy channels (nadis) and centers (chakras) within the human body.
kundalini yoga
Blissful energy dormant within the physical body, aroused through tantric practice and used to generate penetrative insight into the true nature of reality.
Kurukulla (Skt)
A female tantric deity associated with attracting positive energy and attaining positive goals, red, standing on one leg in a dancing posture and holding a flowery bow and arrow; an aspect of Tara.
Kusali (Skt)
A name given to a hidden practitioner.
kusha (Skt)
Long-stranded grass used under the retreat seat during tantric initiations, and for making brooms in India. Shakyamuni Buddha made a seat out of kusha grass when he meditated under the bodhi tree at Bodhgaya and attained enlightenment.
Kushinagar
The place in north India where the Buddha died and was cremated. The site of the 152-metre (500-foot) Maitreya statue to be built by the FPMT.
Kyabje (Tib)
skyabs rje (Wyl)
Literally, lord of refuge. A title of respect.
