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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.

jenang (Tib)

rjes snang (Wyl)

A ceremony that allows the disciple to recite a mantra and practice a sadhana, but is not considered a full initiation.

Jinpa, Geshe Thupten (b. 1958)

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.

jnanakaya (Skt)

wisdom body; ye she ku (Tib); ye shes sku (Wyl)

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).

Jokhang

The main temple in Lhasa, Tibet.

jorchö (Tib)

sbyor chos (Wyl)

The six preparatory practices that prepare the mind for lamrim meditation.

Kadam (Tib)

bka’ gdams (Wyl)

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.