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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.

namtar

rnam thar (Wyl)

A traditional Tibetan hagiography (sacred biography) of a spiritual teacher. The purpose of the namtar is to inspire and instruct readers on the path to enlightenment.

Namtöse (Tib)

Vaishravana (Skt); rnam thos sras (Wyl)

One of the Four Great Kings, the protectors of the Buddha’s Vinaya teachings

Nanda

The half-brother of Shakyamuni Buddha, whose attachment was overcome by the Buddha's skillful means.

narak (Skt)

nyel wa (Tib); dmyal ba (Wyl)

Hell, either an overall term for the hell realm, or a specific term, as in the hot hells or cold hells.

Naropa (1016–1100)

The Indian mahasiddha, a disciple of Tilopa and guru of Marpa and Maitripa. Naropa transmitted many tantric lineages, including that of the renowned Six Yogas of Naropa.