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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
A foremost scholar and tantric practitioner from Sera Je Monastery and former abbot of Gyüme Tantric College. Since then Rinpoche has taught extensively in India and the West. In 2017 he was appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 104th Gaden Tripa, the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The volumes of stories, mostly in the Pali Canon, but also within the Sanskrit and Tibetan texts, that relate to the lives of Shakyamuni Buddha before he became enlightened. The tales generally hold a strong moral lesson.
A ceremony that allows the disciple to recite a mantra and practice a sadhana, but is not considered a full initiation.
The principal English translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a learned scholar, translator and editor of many books including the Library of Tibetan Classics titles The Book of Kadam and Mind Training.
Also known as the wisdom dharma body (Skt: jnanadharmakaya, Tib: yeshe chö ku, Wyl: ye shes chos sku). The omniscient mind of a buddha, which is the wisdom aspect of the truth body, or dharmakaya. The emptiness of the truth body is the svabhavikakaya (nature body).
The main temple in Lhasa, Tibet.
The six preparatory practices that prepare the mind for lamrim meditation.
Tsechokling Rinpoche. A recent lineage lama of Mahamudra; tutor of the Eighth Dalai Lama; founded Tsechok Ling Monastery in Lhasa.
The order of Tibetan Buddhism founded in the eleventh century by Atisha, Dromtönpa and their followers, the "Kadampa geshes"; the forerunner of the Gelug School.
A practitioner of the Kadam lineage. Kadampa geshes are renowned for their practice of thought transformation.
Slang for feces.
