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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.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
Maitreya (Skt)
Jampa (Tib); byams pa (Wyl)
After Shakyamuni Buddha, the next (fifth) of the thousand buddhas of this fortunate eon to descend to turn the wheel of Dharma. Presently residing in the pure land of Tushita (Ganden). Recipient of the method lineage of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings, which, in a mystical transmission, he passed on to Asanga.
major marks and minor signs of a buddha
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.
mala (Skt)
threng wa (Tib); phreng ba (Wyl)
A rosary of beads for counting mantras.
mandala (Skt)
khyil khor (Tib); dkyil 'khor (Wyl)
A circular diagram symbolic of the entire universe. The purified environment of a tantric deity; the diagram or painting representing this.
mandala offering
The symbolic offering of the entire purified universe to the spiritual teacher (guru) and the visualized merit field.
mani pills
Medicinal pills made by Tibetan monks and nuns, very effective for healing mental and physical problems. The name comes from the Chenrezig (Skt: Avalokiteshvara) mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM, which is chanted as the pills are made.
Manjugosha
Jampäiyang (Tib); 'jam pa'i dbyangs (Wyl)
See Manjushri.
Manjushri (Skt)
Jampelyang (Tib); 'jam dpal dbyangs (Wyl)
The bodhisattva (or buddha) of wisdom. Recipient of the wisdom lineage of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings, which he passed on to Nagarjuna.