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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.

grounds and paths

sa lam (Tib); sa lam (Wyl)

Various advanced mental states that are achieved through meditation and practice. The mark of entry onto the five paths of both the Hinayana and Mahayana is effortless renunciation, whereas the specific mark of entry onto the five Mahayana paths is effortless bodhicitta. Of these five paths, the third and fourth are further subdivided into the ten bodhisattva grounds or stages, achieved through a more profound meditative insight into emptiness. The fifth Mahayana path is the omniscient mind of a buddha. 

Guhyasamaja (Skt)

Sangwa Dupa (Tib); gsang ba ‘dus pa (Wyl)

Male meditational deity from the father class of Highest Yoga Tantra; a manifestation of the Buddha Akshobhya.

Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, A

Bodhicaryavatara (Skt); jangchub sempäi chöpa la jugpa OR chöjug (Tib); byang chub sems dpa'i spyod pa la 'jug pa OR spyod 'jug (Wyl)

The inspirational text written by the eighth-century Indian master, Shantideva.

Gunaprabha

A seventh century Indian scholar and disciple of Vasubandhu, Gunaprabha is best known for the root text Vinayasutra. He is usually thought to be one of the Two Supreme Ones.

Gungtang Rinpoche (1762–1823)

Könchog Tenpai Drönme. A disciple of the first incarnation of the great Jamyang Shepa; known for his eloquent spiritual poetry and philosophical works.

guru (Skt)

lama (Tib); bla ma (Wyl)

A spiritual guide or teacher. One who shows a disciple the path to liberation and enlightenment. Literally, heavy—heavy with knowledge of Dharma. In tantra, one's teacher is seen as inseparable from the meditational deity and the Three Rare Sublime Ones (the Three Jewels of refuge). See also root guru.

guru devotion

After finding a fully qualified spiritual teacher and establishing a connection, the disciple trains in devotion using logical reasoning. The correct way to rely on the guru is through thought—seeing the guru as a buddha and remembering their kindness; and through action—carrying out the guru's advice, offering respect and service, and making material offerings.