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 Please see our Content Disclaimer regarding English terms in LYWA publications that may be outdated and should be considered in context.

stupa (Skt)

chö ten (Tib); mchod rten (Wyl)

Buddhist reliquary objects ranging in size from huge to a few inches in height and representing the enlightened mind. Also known as chorten.

Sudhana

The main character in the Gandavyuha Sutra, the last chapter of the Avatamsaka (Flower Ornament) Sutra. Sudhana is a youth whose search for enlightenment takes him on a journey to 53 spiritual teachers; he is used as an example of perfect guru devotion.

suffering of change

viparinama-duhkhata (Skt); gyurwäi dug ngäl (Tib); 'gyur ba'i sdug bsngal (Wyl)

What is normally regarded as pleasure, which because of its transitory nature sooner or later turns into suffering. See the three types of suffering.

suffering of suffering

duhkha-duhkhata (Skt); dug ngäl gyi dug ngäl (Tib); sdug bsngal gyi sdug bsngal (Wyl)

Aka the suffering of pain; the commonly recognized suffering experiences of pain, discomfort and unhappiness. See the three types of suffering.

sugata (Skt)

Tib: de war sheg pa; Wyl: bde bar gshegs pa

An epithet for a buddha, literally “excellent (su) gone one (gata).”