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Glossary

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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.

Bakula Rinpoche (1917–2003)

A Ladakhi lama, the reincarnation of one of the sixteen arhats, who served for many years in the Indian parliament and as Indian ambassador to Mongolia.

basis of imputation

dag zhi, tag zhi (Tib); gdags gzhi, btags gzhi (Wyl)

Also called “basis of designation” or “basis for labeling”, the object or valid base on which a label is placed as part of the third and most subtle level of dependent arising.

beginningless rebirth

Since the continuity of the mind has no beginning, our rebirths in samsara also have no beginning.

Ben Gungyal, Geshe

A Kadampa practitioner and follower of Atisha, he was a robber before he renounced his life of crime and became ordained.

bhagavan (Skt)

chom den dä (Tib); bcom ldan ‘das (Wyl)

Epithet for a buddha; sometimes translated as Lord, Blessed One and so forth. One who has destroyed (chom) all the defilements, possesses all qualities (den) and has transcended the world (dä).