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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
Tibet's great yogi, who achieved enlightenment in his lifetime under the tutelage of his guru, Marpa, who was a contemporary of Atisha. One of the founding fathers of the Kagyü school.
Synonymous with consciousness (Skt: vijnana; Tib: nam shä) and sentience (Skt: manas; Tib: yi). Defined as that which is “clear and knowing”; a formless entity that has the ability to perceive objects. Mind is divided into six principal consciousnesses and fifty-one mental factors.
The seventh main consciousness posited by the Cittamatra school, the consciousness they say is needed to carry karmic imprints. The other schools only posit six main consciousnesses , but the Cittamatra school posits two additional types—mind basis of all and afflictive mental consciousness.
(Also spelt Mitrugpa.) See Akshobhya.
A system of divination often used by Tibetan lamas, and usually performed by throwing a couple of dice or counting beads on a mala.
A fried or steamed dumpling, usually filled with meat; a favorite food of Tibetans.
The Great Prayer Festival, initiated by Lama Tsongkhapa and conducted over the fourteen days between Tibetan New Year and the Day of Miracles (Tib: Chotrul Düchen).
The motivation set before an action is initiated. Cf. motivation of time.
The motivation that happens while an action is occurring. Cf. motivation of cause.
The sacred mountain in Tibet, also called Precious Snow Mountain (Tib: Kang Rinpoche). In Hinduism, said to be the home of Shiva.
The mythical center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
Literally, seal or token. A symbolic hand gesture, endowed with power not unlike a mantra. A tantric consort.
See channel.
The great second-century Indian philosopher and tantric adept who propounded the Madhyamaka philosophy of emptiness. He is one of six great Indian scholars, known as the Six Ornaments.
A snake-like being of the animal realm that lives in or near bodies of water; commonly associated with fertility of the land, but can also function as a protector of religion.
Food; one of the offering substances.
A Mahayana Buddhist monastic university founded in the fifth century in north India, not far from Bodhgaya, which served as a major source of the Buddhist teachings that spread to Tibet.
Geshe Wangchen was educated at Drepung Monastery in Tibet. He served as the resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, for many years, and is now a respected teacher at the re-established Drepung Monastery in south India.
One of three long-life deities, with Amitayus and White Tara.
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.
One of the Four Great Kings, the protectors of the Buddha’s Vinaya teachings
The half-brother of Shakyamuni Buddha, whose attachment was overcome by the Buddha's skillful means.
See inner offering.
Hell, either an overall term for the hell realm, or a specific term, as in the hot hells or cold hells.
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.
The official State Oracle of Tibet, currently residing in Dharamsala, India.
See nonvirtue.
A lay tantric practitioner.
Western Tibet, where Atisha first arrived. He wrote Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment at the monastery of Thöling in Zhang-Zhung, or Gugé.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche's first alphabet teacher.
The doctrine that nothing exists; that, for example, there's no cause and effect of actions, or no past and future lives; as opposed to eternalism.
In the context of Buddhist teachings, someone who, upon hearing about emptiness, comes to the mistaken conclusion that nothing exists; for example, that there's no cause and effect of actions or no past and future lives.