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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
When a being becomes enlightened, thirty-two major marks and eighty minor signs or exemplifications are displayed. These unique physical characteristics of a buddha include the ushnisha (crown protrusion), the impressions of a thousand-spoked wheel on the soles and palms, and so forth. See thirty-two major marks and eighty minor signs.