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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.
Lama Yeshe
See Yeshe, Lama.
Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment
The text that formed the basis for the lamrim, written by Atisha in the 11th century.
lamrim (Tib)
The graduated path. A presentation of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings in a form suitable for the step-by-step training of a disciple. See also Atisha and three principal aspects of the path.
Lamrim Chenmo (Tib)
The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. Lama Tsongkhapa's most important work, a commentary on Atisha's Lamp for the Path, the fundamental lamrim text.
Lamrimpa, Geshe (1922–97?)
Ngawang Phuntsog, a highly learned lama from Drepung Monastery who remained in Tibet after 1959 and did not go into exile.
Langri Tangpa (1054–1123)
Dorje Senge. Author of the famous Eight Verses of Thought Transformation.
Lati Rinpoche (1922–2010)
A recognized reincarnate lama and former abbot of the Shartse College of Ganden Monastery in south India. Rinpoche also taught Buddhism in the West and was the author of important Buddhist texts.
Lawudo
A small area in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal about three hours' walk west from Namche Bazaar just above Mende. Site of the cave where the Lawudo Lama meditated for more than twenty years and now the Lawudo Retreat Centre. Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama.
laxity
See sinking thought.
Lesser Vehicle
See Hinayana.
lethargy
A foggy mind which causes sleepiness, apathy and the inability to focus on the object of meditation. Lethargy, which is a grosser mind than sinking thought, is an afflictive mental state which occurs in ordinary people as well as meditators. See also scattering.