title
 
 
Glossary of terms used in Buddhism  
 
 

Adi-Buddha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhist cosmology, the universal or primordial Buddha (more)

Ajatasatru
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The evil prince in the Contemplation Sutra and Nirvana Sutra. He is an example of the power of the Buddha to save. (more)

akunin shoki
    (Language:   Japanese)
evil person as the object of Amida Buddha’s salvation (more)

Amida Buddha
    (Language:   Japanese)
The Buddha of Eternal Life and Infinite Light (more)

Amrta
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The nectar of immortality, associated with Amida Buddha. (more)

anjin
    (Language:   Japanese)
In Buddhism, the settled mind, tranquil mind, a parallel term to shinjin, true entrusting. (more)

Avalokitesvara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The Bodhisattva of Compassion, companion of Amida Buddha, as personification of his compassion. (more)

bhiksu, bhiksuni
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, terms for monk, mendicant, male and female. (more)

birth in the Pure Land
    (Language:   English)
Symbolic expression for the transcendence of delusion. (more)

Bodhidharma
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A legendary figure, the 28th patriarch of Buddhism and the 1st patriarch of Zen (more)

Bodhisattva
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Literally, "enlightenment-being." (more)

bombu
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese term for foolish being, common mortal, passion-ridden being (more)

bosatsu
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese for bodhisattva, one destined to become a Buddha. (more)

butsu-dan
    (Language:   Japanese)
a small shrine dedicated to the Buddha (more)

Chao-chou
    (Language:   Chinese)
(778 - 897 C.E.), one of the earliest and greatest of the Chinese Zen masters (more)

Contemplation Sutra
    (Language:   English)
Short title of the Sutra on the Contemplation of Immeasurable Life. (more)

Devadatta
    (Language:   )
In Buddhism, the evil accomplice of Ajātaśatru (more)

Dhammapada
    (Language:   Pali)
a collection of verses composed in Pali giving the foundation of Buddhist moral philosophy (more)

Dharmakara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Sanskrit name for the Bodhisattva who established a place where all beings can attain Enlightenment. (more)

Dharmakaya
    (alternate spellings:  Dhamma-kaya)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Literally, “dharma body”; in Mahāyāna Buddhism, the supreme and non-manifest form of the Buddhas, personified as the Ādi-Buddha. (more)

dhyana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
meditation (more)

Dhyani Buddha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Buddha “of meditation” (more)

dokusan
    (Language:   Japanese)
go alone (more)

Eighty-four Thousand Dharma
    (Language:   )
Symbolic term for the infinity of Buddha’s teachings. (more)

Eiheiji
    (Language:   Japanese)
one of the two head temples of the Soto Zen sect (more)

eko
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese term for transfer of merit traditionally meaning thought was directed from the devotee to the Buddha so as to apply one’s merit toward attaining Enlight­enment. (more)

Genshin
    (Language:   Japanese)
Genshin (942-1017) was a major figure in the Japanese development of Pure Land Buddhist teaching. (more)

gonja
    (Language:   Japanese)
A manifestation or incarnation of a Buddha or bodhisattva. (more)

haiku
    (Language:   Japanese)
a 17 syllable Japanese style of poetry (more)

Hakuin
    (Language:   Japanese)
(1685 - 1768 C.E.), renowned Japanese master of Rinzai Zen (more)

Hanamatsuri
    (Language:   Japanese)
The festival of flowers in Japan, commemorating the birth of the Buddha. (more)

hijiri
    (Language:   Japanese)
In Buddhism, term for a wise and holy person, a wandering monk. (more)

Hinayana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Sanskrit term used by the Mahayanists to criticize early Buddhists for their limited or narrow perspective on the meaning of Buddha’s teaching. (more)

hiso-hizoku
    (Language:   Japanese)
Neither a monk nor a layperson, and that his [Shinran] faith transcended these institutional and social definitions. (more)

hoben
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese for Upāya. (more)

Honen
    (Language:   Japanese)
Honen (1133-1212) was the founder of the independent school of Pure Land (Jodo) Bud­dhism in Japan (more)

hongan
    (Language:   Japanese)
Primal or Original Vow, particularly the Eighteenth Vow of Amida Buddha. (more)

honzon
    (Language:   Japanese)
The object of worship in a Buddhist altar. Also gohonzon, with honorific prefix. (more)

Hozo
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese reading for the name "Dharmakara." (more)

Hua-yen Sutra
    (Language:   Japanese)
A major Mahayana Sutra which expresses the philosophy of “the one is all and the all is one.” (more)

icchantika
    (Language:   Japanese)
A person is said to lack the seed for Buddhahood and who has no potential or wish to become Buddha. (more)

ikebana
    (Language:   Japanese)
flower arrangement. (more)

ji yu
    (Language:   Japanese)
freedom. (more)

jikijitsu
    (Language:   Japanese)
the head monk in charge of the meditation hall in a Zen monastery. (more)

jiriki
    (Language:   Japanese)
literally, "power of the self"; (more)
Related Terms: tariki

jishin kyonin shin
    (Language:   Japanese)
Shan-tao’s motto for the way to repay the Buddha’s benevolence. It means “to teach the faith which one has received oneself.” (more)

Jodo
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese term for "Pure Land." (more)

Jodo shinshu
    (Language:   Japanese)
"true pure land school"; a sect of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism founded by Shinran (more)

Jodo shu
    (Language:   Japanese)
The tradition maintained by the successors of Honen. (more)

Joshu
    (Language:   Japanese)
Joshu (in Chinese, "Chao-chou") lived from approximately 778 - 897 C.E. and was one of the earliest and greatest of the Chinese Zen masters. (more)
Related Terms: Chao-chou

kancho
    (Language:   Japanese)
head abbot. (more)

Kannon
    (alternate spellings:  Kuan-yin)
    (Language:   Japanese)
See Avalokiteśvara (more)

karuna
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
compassion (more)

keishaku
    (Language:   Japanese)
(more)

kensho
    (Language:   Japanese)
to attain satori. (more)
Related Terms: satori

kesa
    (Language:   Japanese)
In Buddhism, the stole or scarf worn by clergy, indicating their ordained status. (more)

ki-ho-ittai
    (Language:   Japanese)
Signifying the oneness of the Buddha or dharma and all beings, or foolish beings. (more)

kimyo
    (Language:   Japanese)
“I take refuge,” equivalent to namu/namo as the expression dedication to the Buddha. (more)

koan
    (Language:   Japanese)
used to describe a phrase or a statement that cannot be solved by the intellect (more)

Kobo Daishi
    (alternate spellings:  Kukai)
    (Language:   Japanese)
Daishi (774-835) was the founder of the Japanese Shingon sect of Buddhism (more)

Larger Sutra of Eternal Life
    (Language:   English)
An account of Dharmakara (Jap. Hozo) Bodhisattva’s Vows and his eventual fulfillment of them. (more)

Lin-chi
    (Language:   Chinese)
renowned Chinese Zen master and founder of the Rinzai sect (more)

Lokesvararaja
    (alternate spellings:  Seijizaio Nyorai)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The name of the Buddha under whom Dharmākara Bodhisattva made his 48 Vows to establish the Pure Land, becoming Amida Buddha. (more)

Mahakasyapa
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
a famous disciple of the Sakyamuni Buddha (more)

Mahasthamaprapta
    (alternate spellings:  Seishi)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
(in Japanese: Seishi) The counterpart to Avalokiteśvara, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva symbolizes wisdom and strength. Associated with Amida Buddha. (more)

Mahayana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The Larger Vehicle in contrast to the Hinayana, or Smaller Vehicle. It claimed to be more universal in opening Enlightenment to all beings, and inspired the emergence of the Pure Land teaching directed to ordinary beings—denoted as all beings in the (more)

Maitreya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
the Buddha of the future who will inaugurate a reign of peace and harmony in the midst of suffering (more)

mappo
    (Language:   Japanese)
A theory of the progressive degeneration of Buddhism after the passing of the Buddha. (more)

Mara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
death (more)

Maudgalyayana
    (alternate spellings:  Moggallana)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A major disciple of Buddha. (more)

Meditation Sutra
    (Language:   English)
A sutra that has been very influential in traditional Pure Land thought. (more)

mondo
    (Language:   Japanese)
questions and answers (more)

Mt. Koya
    (Language:   Japanese)
center of Shingon (Japanese esoteric) Buddhism (more)

mu
    (Language:   Japanese)
non-ego self (more)

mushin
    (Language:   Japanese)
Zen state of no-mind (more)

Myogo
    (Language:   Japanese)
In Japanese, literally the "Name," referring to the six characters of the nembutsu, thus the Name of Amida Buddha (more)

myokonin
    (Language:   Japanese)
Devout, sincere followers of Shin Buddhism who came from the lower classes in pre-modern times. (more)

Nagarjuna
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A Buddhist philosopher and saint usually placed in the beginning of the second century C.E. (more)

Namu Fukashigi Ko
    (Language:   Japanese)
An alternative form of the Nembutsu used by Shinran. It means “I take refuge in the Inconceivable Light.” (more)

Namu MugekoNyorai
    (Language:   Japanese)
An alternative form of the Nembutsu used by Shinran. It means “I take refuge in the Unobstructed Light.” (more)

Namu-Amida-Bu
    (alternate spellings:  Namu-Amida-Butsu)
    (Language:   Japanese)
literally, "praise to Amida Buddha" (more)

Nanzenji
    (Language:   Japanese)
it is a training monastery and the head temple of the Nanzenji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism (more)

nembutsu
    (Language:   Japanese)
"remembrance or mindfulness of the Buddha" (more)
Related Terms: nien-fo buddhanusmriti Namu-Amida-Bu

nien-fo
    (Language:   Chinese)
See buddhanusmriti (Sanskrit) and nembutsu (Japanese). (more)
Related Terms: buddhanusmriti nembutsu

nirgrantha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, refers to one of the naked mendicants who were opponents of the Śākyamuni Buddha. (more)

nyoi
    (Language:   Japanese)
a small stick carried by a Zen master (more)

Nyorai
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese for Tathāgata (the term by which the Buddha referred to himself). (more)

nyudo
    (Language:   Japanese)
In Japan, a layman who continues to live at home, while taking tonsure as a monk devoted to Buddhism. (more)

Obon
    (Language:   Japanese)
Festival of the dead, traditionally held in Japan on the lunar 8th month, 15th day. (more)

Original Vow
    (Language:   English)
A term referring to the Vows of Amida, which indicate that he worked for aeons and aeons in the past. (more)

parinirvana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Complete, final Nirvana, contrasts with Nirvana with residue when Buddha decided to remain in the world to share the teaching. (more)

Paticcasamuppada
    (Language:   Pali)
dependent co-origination (more)

pindala
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, one of the "hells" without pain. (more)

Pratyekabuddha
    (alternate spellings:  Paccekabuddha )
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, a Hinayana follower who pursues enlightenment without a teacher, focusing on the principle of interdependence. (more)

Pure Land
    (Language:   English)
‘Land of Immeasurable Light,’ referring not to a place that emanates light, but a realization whenever one is illumined by the light of compassion." (Unno) (more)

rajas
    (alternate spellings:  rajasic)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Hinduism, the second of the three gunas, or cosmic forces that result from creation. Rajas literally refers to "colored" or "dim" spaces, and is the guna whose energy is characterized by passion, emotion, variability, urgency, (more)
Related Terms: guna

Rinzai
    (Language:   Japanese)
renowned Chinese Zen master and founder of the Rinzai sect (more)

rohatsu
    (Language:   Japanese)
A specific weeklong Zen retreat (more)

Ryokan
    (Language:   Japanese)
(1758-1831 C.E.), Zen master of the Soto sect. (more)

Sage Path
    (Language:   )
In Buddhism, the path of meditation and practices to gain Enlightenment; based on self-power, self-effort. (more)

Samantabhadra
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, an important bodhisattva and a symbol of the practice of meditation and discipline. (more)

samvara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, one of the "hells" without pain. (more)

sanzen
    (Language:   Japanese)
koan study (more)

Sariputra
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A leading disciple of Śākyamuni Buddha (more)

satori
    (Language:   Japanese)
enlightenment experience central to Zen (more)

Senju Nembutsu
    (Language:   Japanese)
The sole practice of nembutsuand a basis for the Pure Land movement. (more)

sensei
    (Language:   Japanese)
teacher (more)

sesshin
    (Language:   Japanese)
a weeklong intensive Zen meditation session (more)

Sesshu
    (Language:   Japanese)
(1421-1506 C.E.), one of the great Zen teachers and painters known within the Zen tradition in Japan. (more)

Shan-tao
    (Language:   Chinese)
Shan-tao (613-681) was an important scholar of Chinese Pure Land Buddhism. (more)

Shan-tao (613-681)
    (Language:   Chinese)
An important scholar of Chinese Pure Land Buddhism whose teaching greatly affected Honen and Shinran. (more)

shingyo
    (Language:   Japanese)
Joyous trusting (more)

shinjin
    (Language:   Japanese)
The term for "true entrusting," which according to Shinran is the primary cause for birth in the Pure Land. (more)

Shinran
    (Language:   Japanese)
Shinran (1173-1262): attributed founder of the Jodo Shin school of Buddhism. (more)

shinzoku-nitai
    (Language:   Japanese)
Term for the double theory of truth, mundane and supermundane. (more)

Shoichi
    (Language:   Japanese)
(1202- 1280 C.E.), first Patriarch of Tofukuji. (more)

shojoju
    (Language:   Japanese)
"Ranks of the Truly Settled." A stage in the process of the Bodhisattva becoming Buddha whereby he cannot backslide; the stage of non-retrogression where Enlightenment is guaranteed. (more)

shunya
    (alternate spellings:  sunya)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
“Void”, “emptiness,” in Sanskrit (more)

sodo
    (Language:   Japanese)
describe the monks’ quarters within a Zen monastery (more)

Sravaka
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A follower of the Hinayana, a disciple of the Buddha, a hearer. (more)

Srimala
    (alternate spellings:  Shrimala)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
An ancient Indian Queen who expressed her faith in Buddhism in the Queen Śrīmāla Sutra. (more)

Sukhavati
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
“Blissful (place)” in Pure Land or Amidist Buddhism (more)

sumiye
    (Language:   Japanese)
ink painting. (more)

Sutra on the Contemplation of Immeasurable Life
    (Language:   English)
see Meditation Sutra. (more)

T'an-luan
    (Language:   Chinese)
A major Chinese teacher (476-542) of Pure Land Buddhism whose thought greatly influenced Shinran. (more)

tamas
    (alternate spellings:  tamasic)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lowest of the three cosmic qualities (gunas) that are a result of creation; tamas literally means "darkness" and this cosmic quality or energy is characterized by error, ignorance, heaviness, inertia, etc. (more)
Related Terms: guna

Tao-ch'o
    (Language:   Chinese)
In Shin Buddhism, Tao-ch'o (562-645) was the fourth in Shinran’s lineage of great teachers. (more)

tariki
    (Language:   Japanese)
literally, "power of the other" (more)

tathagata
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The one who comes and the one who goes—the thus come, thus gone one. (more)

teisho
    (Language:   Japanese)
describe the dharma talk that the Zen master gives to his disciples, monks, and to lay people. (more)

Tendai
    (Language:   Japanese)
A major sect of Buddhism initated by Chih-I (538-597) in China on Mt. T’ien-t’ai and introduced to Japan by Saichō (767-822). (more)

Theravada
    (Language:   Pali)
"The Teachings (or "way" ) of the Elders." (more)

tilaka
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Ornament; a mark applied to the forehead with sandalwood paste, kumkuma or any unguent. (more)
Related Terms: pundra

tirtha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A ford; a place of pilgrimage especially one situated on a river, lake or the shores of the sea. (more)

tirthankara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
"Ford-maker." (more)

Tofukuji
    (Language:   Japanese)
it is a training monastery and the head temple of the Tofukuji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. (more)

tretagnin
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
One who worships the three śrauta fires. (more)

Tripitaka
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Means “Three Baskets” referring to the three sections of the Buddhist scriptures: Sutras-teaching, Vinaya-discipline and Abhidharma- commentaries or discussions. (more)

tulasi
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Ocium basilicum. (more)

turiya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Literally, "the fourth;" the state of consciousness which transcends the waking (jāgrat) , dream (svapna), and dreamless sleep (suṣupti) states; the state of pure Consciousness (cit). (more)
Related Terms: jagrat svapna sushupti cit

turiyatita
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Beyond "the fourth" (turiya); the supreme state of the Self (Ātman). (more)
Related Terms: turiya

udatta
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Raised tone in Vedic chanting. (more)
Related Terms: anudatta

udumbara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A wild fig tree which flowers only every 3000 years. In Buddhism, it was said to flower before the birth of the Buddha. (more)

Ummon
    (Language:   Japanese)
(864-949 C.E.), Chinese Zen (Ch’an) master. (In Chinese: Yün-men Wen-yen) (more)

upadesa
    (alternate spellings:  upadesha)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Instruction, teaching. (more)

upadhi
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Limiting attribute; in Advaita Vedānta, a reference to all names. (more)

upakarma
    (alternate spellings:  upakarman)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Commencing the term for Vedic studies. (more)

upanayana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Taking a child near his guru. (more)
Related Terms: samskara

upanga (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "anga (aṃga)." (more)
Related Terms: anga

upanishad (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Discuss the existence of one absolute Reality known as Brahman. (more)

upaveda (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A) The last portion of the Vedas; the philosophical and metaphysical essence of the Vedas. (B) Secondary texts that correspond to the four Vedas. (more)
Related Terms: Vedanta

upaya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Means, expedient, method. (more)

upeksha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Disregard of the faults of others. (more)

urdhva-sikha
    (alternate spellings:  urdhvasikha)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "sikha (śikhā)." (more)
Related Terms: sikha

utsarjana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "upakarma (upākarma)." (more)
Related Terms: upakarma

uttarayana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "dakshinayana (dakṣiṇāyana)." (more)
Related Terms: dakshinayana

Vaidehi
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Wife of King Bimbisara. Refer to the entry on Ajatasatru for the story. She is the model of true entrusting in Pure Land tradition and Shin Buddhism. (more)

vairagya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Dispassion; non-attachment; one of the four prerequisites for qualification as a spiritual aspirant of Vedānta. (more)
Related Terms: sadhana-catushtaya

vaisvadeva
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "bali." (more)
Related Terms: bali

vajapeya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A somayajña, biggest of the sacrifices performed by Brahmins. (more)

vakya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
An utterance or pronouncement; a group sentence conveying a message. (more)

vanaprastha
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
a forest-dweller; the third stage in life (āśrama) wherein the householder retreats to the forest and undertakes philosophical study and meditational practice. (more)
Related Terms: brahmacari grihastha sannyasin

vapa
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Fat or marrow of the animal sacrificed. (more)

varna
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Caste; class; the four major social divisions in Hindu society. (more)
Related Terms: brahmana kshatriya vaishya shudra chandala mleccha

vartika
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
An explanatory text often regarded as subsidiary to a bhāṣya (commentary). (more)

vasana (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Latent tendency; hidden desire; habit of mind. (more)
Related Terms: lokavasana dehavasana bhogavasana

Vasubandhu
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
In Buddhism, a major Mahayana teacher who laid the foundation of the Consciousness-Only school. (more)

Veda (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The sacred scriptures of Hinduism; regarded by the orthodox (āstika) as divine revelation. (more)
Related Terms: karma-kanda jnana-kanda

vedanga (s)
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Literally, "limb of the Veda;" auxiliary sciences of the Veda. (more)

Vedanta
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
"End or culmination of the Vedas;" one of the major schools of traditional Hindu philosophy. (more)
Related Terms: Advaita

vibhuti
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Might, power, prosperity and splendour; ashes of Cow dung. (more)

vicharana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The enquiry into Truth; the second of the seven stages of enlightenment. (more)

videha-mukta
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
One who is liberated after the death of the body. (more)

videha-mukti
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
The state of liberation after the death of the body. (more)

vidya
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Knowledge; learning; wisdom. (more)
Related Terms: avidya

Vidyaranyaswami
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
An influential fourteenth century (C.E.) exponent. (more)

vihara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Garden; removing; walking for pleasure; Buddhist temple. (more)

Vimalakirti
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A legendary lay disciple of the Buddha, the center of the Vimalakīrti Sutra, renownedfor his wisdom. (more)

visistadvaita
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Literally, "qualified non-dualism;" One of the principal schools of Vedānta. (more)
Related Terms: Ramanuja

viveka
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
Discrimination, distinction. (more)
Related Terms: sadhana-catushtaya

vrata
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
A vow; religious act of devotion. (more)

Vrndavana
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "Brndavana (Bṛndāvana)." (more)
Related Terms: Brndavana

vyavahara
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
See under "acara (ācāra)." (more)
Related Terms: acara

yagasala
    (Language:   Sanskrit)
One who performs a sacrifice and pays the expenses or one on whose behalf a sacrifice is conducted. (more)

yamabushi
    (Language:   Japanese)
Japanese Buddhist mountain ascetics. (more)

Yun-men
    (Language:   Chinese)
(864-949 C.E.), Chinese Zen (Ch’an) master. (more)

zazen
    (Language:   Japanese)
sitting meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism. (more)

zenchishiki
    (Language:   Japanese)
The “good friend” or “good teacher” who assists and guides a person on his path in Buddhism. (more)

zendo
    (Language:   Japanese)
Zen meditation hall, also used as the living quarters for Zen monks. (more)

©2003 Dictionary of Spiritual Terms