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.

See Cittamatra.

See thought transformation.

(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.