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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
An influential and charismatic lama of the Gelug order, Pabongka Rinpoche was the root guru of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Senior and Junior Tutors. He also gave the teachings compiled in Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand.
A great Indian yogi who brought Buddhist teachings to China and Tibet. He taught in the Tingri region of Tibet and was the author of The Hundred Verses of Advice.
The eighth-century Indian tantric master who played a key role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet; he is revered by all Tibetans but especially by followers of the Nyingma tradition, which he founded. Often known in Tibetan as Guru Rinpoche.
Water (for washing); one of the offering substances.
A protector, said to be the special protector of Tibet.
Also known as Lobsang Palden Yeshe; the Sixth Panchen Lama.
A Gelug lineage of incarnations of Amitabha Buddha originally based in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Shigatse; the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama are the two highest spiritual leaders of Tibet.
The fourth Panchen Lama, who composed Guru Puja (Lama Chöpa) and Path to Bliss Leading to Omniscience, a famous lamrim text; a tutor of the Fifth Dalai Lama.
Scholar; learned person. Often referred to as pandit, (without the final a), which is the Hindi pronunciation of the Sanskrit.
