Afflictive Emotions
Also known as ‘conflicting emotions’, ‘dissonant emotions’, ‘defilements’, or ‘negative emotions and cognitive events’. The equivalent translation in Tibetan is defined as a mental event, the arising of which causes psychological afflictions within the mind, thus destroying its peace and composure. The ‘afflictive emotions’ of delusion, attachment and hatred/aversion, are referred to as the three poisons of the mind. Enumerations of three, five and six are referred to, they include pride, mundane ambition/envy, and wrong view. At the root of all these psychological defilements lies a fundamental ignorance, which misapprehends the true nature of reality.
Arya
A being who has attained a direct realisation of the true nature of reality, that is, the lack of self-identity of both oneself and phenomena.
Atisha
An eleventh century Indian Buddhist scholar from ancient
Attachment
Usually perceived as one of the principal afflictive emotions, which afflict the mind of an individual, thus perpetuating a chain of constant rebirth in cyclic existence. Attachment along with hatred and anger, are known as the three poisons of the mind.
Avalokiteshvara
Known as Chenrezig in Tibetan, is an embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, as visualised in the form of a meditational deity with four or a thousand arms. Avalokiteshvara's sacred mantra is the famous six-syllable mantra of
Awareness Programme
A programme designed to lead children through a sequence of developmental activities in key areas of awareness; this is a curriculum document that is shared through our affiliation with the Maitreya Universal Education Project in
Blessing
In a Buddhist context, the word blessing relates to the sense of inspiration, (received from an external source) which transforms the potentials inherent within an individual's mental continuum.
Bodhicitta
Literally 'Buddha Mind'; the spontaneous aspiration to practise compassion and altruism with the aim of relieving the sufferings of all sentient beings, and leading them to enlightenment. This mental state can be generated through a process of intensive meditations based on a simulated universal love and compassion. The realisation of bodhicitta marks the individual becoming a bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva
A spiritual trainee who has generated the altruistic mind of bodhicitta and is on the path to full enlightenment.
Buddha
A fully enlightened being. One who, because of training the mind through the spiritual paths, has finally realised the full potential for complete enlightenment and has eliminated all the obstructions to true knowledge and liberation. The historical Buddha was Buddha Shakyamuni (Prince Siddhartha Gautama), who lived in
Buddha Nature
The seed of enlightenment which is inherent within the mental continuum of all sentient beings.
Buddhadharma
The teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhahood
The attainment of a Buddha.
Buddhist
One who has taken refuge in the three Jewels of Refuge: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and accepts the philosophical world view of the ‘four seals’: that all composite phenomena are impermanent, all contaminated phenomena are in the nature of suffering, all things and events are devoid of self-existence and nirvana is true peace.
Calm abiding
A mental state where distractions by external objects are calmed and where the mind firmly abides on the chosen object of meditation. Attained only through a successful development of the faculty of concentration, which one possesses within the mind
Cause and Effect
In Buddhist philosophy, the term refers to the natural law that exists between a cause and its effect. Often used to translate the word ‘karma’, which literally means action.
Chenrezig
Also known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit language. An embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, as visualised in the form of a meditational deity with four or a thousand arms. Chenrezig's sacred mantra is the famous six-syllable mantra of
Compassion
A prerequisite for the development of bodhicitta. Refers to a completely unbiased mind that has the altruistic wish to free all sentient beings from suffering and lead them to enlightenment. In the Buddhist context, the meaning of compassion is more profound than in general terms and has no connotations of pity or superiority toward the object of compassion. Compassion is symbolised by the meditational deity Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) and the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM.
Consciousness
An awareness that has the nature of mere experience, that is, "clarity and knowing." The agent through which we know and perceive the world. In the Buddhist context, consciousness also includes the subconscious aspects of the mind.
Conventional Truth
One of the two truths (the other being ultimate truth.) The meaning of conventional truth differs according to the various schools of thought in Buddhism. In the Mahayana tradition, it can be defined as the empirical aspect of reality conventionally experienced through our perceptions. Also known as 'relative truth' or 'deceptive truth.'
Cyclic Existence
A state of existence controlled by delusion and karma. The beginningless, recurring cycle of death, rebirth and suffering. Also known as samsara.
Dalai Lama
The temporal and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, in
Dedication of Merit
An important element of Buddhist practice enacted normally in the form of a recitation of certain verses of dedication at the conclusion of a spiritual practice. In all Buddhist practices, the motivation at the beginning and the dedication at the end are regarded as highly significant. The most popular objects of the dedication are the flourishing of the dharma throughout the universe and the attainment of full enlightenment by all sentient beings. Dedicating one's positive potential in this way ensures the stability of the potential, which could otherwise be vulnerable to destruction by anger and other adverse conditions.
Deity
A form used in meditation, visualisation or tantra. The deity represents an aspect of Buddhahood, or enlightened mind.
Delusion
One of the six primary ‘afflictive emotions' and 'three poisons' of the mind, which along with attraction and aversion, arises from fundamental ignorance at the onset of cyclic existence. It is characterised by a misunderstanding of the nature of reality.
Desire
In Buddhist literature, desire is defined as a mental factor that is attracted towards mundane objects, both external and internal, and aspires to possess them. It is one of the dissonant emotions and the term is used mainly with a negative connotation in Buddhist writings. See Attachment.
Dharma
A very broad term with a wide range of usage including reference to the process of spiritual transformation and the transformed result. More commonly refers to the teachings of the Buddha. The second of the Three Jewels of Refuge.
Dharmacakra
A metaphorical word referring to the spiritual realisations on the path to enlightenment and the original teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni, which outline such paths. Dharmacakra literally means the ‘wheel of dharma’. The three great discourses that Buddha Shakyamuni gave at Sarnath, Rajagriha and Shravasti respectively are known as the ‘three turnings of the wheel of dharma’.
Direct Perception
A perceptual state, which is non-conceptual and direct in its cognition of the object. Direct perceptions can be either sensory or mental. ‘Direct mental perceptions’ refer to our intuitive direct perceptions, which arise spontaneously without any reliance on conceptual processes. All Buddhist philosophical schools commonly agree that direct perceptions must be true, as opposed to perceptual illusions.
Dualism
Any level of perception of duality. Buddhist thought describes various forms of dualism, principal amongst these being: 1) a dualistic perception of subject and object; 2) all appearances of inherent existence; 3) all appearances of conventionalities; and 4) all forms of conceptuality. A genuine direct realisation of emptiness is non-dual, in that it is free from all these forms of dualism.
Emptiness
The wisdom of realising the true nature of reality. The absence of the apparent independent, self-existence of phenomena; lack of inherent existence. Sometimes translated as ‘voidness.’
Enlightenment
The fully awakened, realised and omniscient mind, pure and clear of all obscuration. According to Buddhist thought, every being is capable of evolving to such an enlightened state by gradually transforming one’s mind. Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. It is a state characterised by infinite compassion, wisdom and skill.
Equanimity
One of the essential preliminary meditative perspectives cultivated when training one’s mind in the development of the altruistic, mind of bodhicitta. It is a state of mind in which the practitioner cultivates an unbiased attitude towards all sentient beings, regarding them as equal and so overcoming any sense of partiality towards them.
Four Immeasurables
Immeasurable compassion, love, joy and equanimity. The cultivation of the four immeasurable wishes, which is normally accompanied by recitation of the short prayer below, is a common preliminary to daily practice. This contemplation establishes correct motivation and provides a strong impetus to cultivate the altruistic aspiration of bodhicitta. The four immeasurables are the deeply felt sincere wishes: 1) may all sentient beings be free from suffering and its causes; 2) may all sentient beings enjoy happiness and accumulate its causes; 3) may all sentient beings abide forever in bliss; 4) may all sentient beings remain forever in equanimity, free of attachment for some and aversion for others.
Four Noble Truths
The Buddha’s first teaching at Sarnath, the foundation of Buddhist thought and practice; the truths of suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path to the cessation of suffering.
Geshe
“Spiritual Friend” in Tibetan; a spiritual teacher who has completed formal intensive training and attained the Geshe degree. The study primarily concentrates on Madhyamika, the philosophy of the Middle Way; Prajnaparamita, the perfection of wisdom; Pramana, logic and epistemology; Abidharma, metaphysics; and Vinaya, the monastic code of ethics.
Graduated Path to Enlightenment
The stages of the path leading to full enlightenment. Known as lam rim in Tibetan, the texts dealing with this theme outline the entire path to enlightenment within the framework of what are known as the three levels of the path.
Hinayana
The Lesser Vehicle. One of the two general divisions of Buddhism. Hinayana practitioners’ motivation for following the Dharma path is principally their intense wish for personal liberation from samsara. See ‘Mahayana’.
Ignorance
Literally, ‘not seeing’ that which exists, or the way in which things exist. There are basically two kinds, ignorance of karma and ignorance of ultimate truth. The fundamental delusion from which all others spring.
Impermanence
A conceptual understanding that all phenomena and circumstances are subject to constant change and transformation. The moment things and events come into existence, their disintegration has already begun. Clinging to the notion of permanency is a major cause of mental unhappiness. Accepting that all things must change engages us with the awareness that change is always possible.
Inherent Existence
Also referred to as ‘intrinsic existence’. That, which phenomena are empty of; the object of negation, or refutation. To ignorance, phenomena appear to exist independently, in and of themselves; to exist inherently.
Interdependence
An outlook on life that recognises the inherent unity between all that exists.
Jataka Tales
The Jataka Tales describe the past lives of Buddha Shakyamuni and form one of the twelve traditional divisions of the Buddha’s discourses. In particular, they illustrate how the Buddha, in his past lives, dedicated himself to the bodhisattva’s way of life, worked for the benefit of others, and thereby enhanced his motivation of bodhicitta.
Karma
Intentional (but not necessarily conscious) action. The working of cause and effect, whereby positive (virtuous) actions produce happiness and negative (non-virtuous) actions produce suffering. After the performance of an action, a causal chain is maintained within the mental continuum, which continues through successive rebirths. Such a karmic potential is later activated when it interacts with appropriate circumstances and conditions, thus leading to the fruition of its effects.
Lama
Literally ‘unsurpassed or ‘supreme’. Tibetan equivalent of the Sanskrit term ‘guru’ meaning ‘heavy’ or ‘weighty’ – heavy with the knowledge of dharma; someone who can be trusted as a teacher or spiritual friend and guide, and who can show the pure path to enlightenment.
Lama Tsong Khapa
A fourteenth century teacher, writer and one of
Lam Rim
Stages of the path to enlightenment. A presentation of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings in a form suitable for the step-by-step training of a disciple.
Liberation
In the Buddhist context, the term refers to liberation from the bondage of delusion and sufferings in the cycle of existence.
Love/Loving Kindness
In a Buddhist context, love/loving kindness is defined as a mental factor characterised by a sincere wish that others enjoy happiness.
Mahayana
The ‘Great Vehicle’. One of the two general divisions of Buddhism. This system promotes reaching the goal of enlightenment, not just to achieve enlightenment for oneself but in order to rescue all other beings from suffering. See ‘Hinayana’.
Maitreya
After, Shakyamuni Buddha, the next (fifth) of the thousand Buddhas of this fortunate eon to descend to turn to the wheel of Dharma. Presently residing in the Pure Land of Tushita. Recipient of the method lineage of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, which, in a mystical transmission, he passed on to the fourth century Indian Buddhist philosopher Asanga.
Mandala
A three dimensional or circular diagram representing the universe, or the dwelling of a deity.
Manjushri
The bodhisattva (or Buddha) of wisdom. Recipient of the wisdom lineage of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, which he passed on to Nagarjuna.
Meditation
Familiarisation of the mind with a virtuous object. A way to subdue, clear and train the mind. A method that can help children understand and manage their own mental experience and becoming familiar with different states of mind using various techniques, such as breathing, visualisation, single-pointed concentration.
Mental Skills
The ability to think clearly and logically, to utilise the ‘minds eye’ to explore both real and imaginary worlds and to develop single pointed concentration. These are key mental skills that contribute to a child’s capacity to learn and understand.
Merit
Positive imprints left on the mind by virtuous, or Dharma, actions. The principal cause of happiness. Accumulation of merit, when coupled with the accumulation of wisdom, eventually results in the form body of a Buddha.
Mind
Synonymous with consciousness.
Mindfulness
The faculty of the mind which enables the mind to maintain attention on an object, thus allowing for the development of familiarity with the object and the ability to retain its imprint within memory for future recollection. With mental alertness, it is one of the most crucial faculties of the mind.
Omniscience
The all-knowing wisdom of a Buddha, attained once all the obscurations to knowledge are removed from the mind.
Nirvana
Liberation from samsara. The state of freedom from all suffering, delusions and karma.
Prostration
A physical gesture of homage in which one’s palms, knees, and forehead touch the ground in front of the object of homage.
Puja
A ritual involving the making of ceremonial offerings to higher beings such as gurus, meditational deities, Buddhas, etc.
Purification
The eradication from the mind of negative imprints left by past non-virtuous actions, which would otherwise ripen into suffering. The most effective methods of purification employ the four opponent powers of regret, reliance, resolve and virtuous activity.
Realisation
Refers to the spiritual experiences that a practitioner gains through insight into and transformation of the mental continuum whilst on the path to enlightenment.
Rebirth
The continuum of aspects of the mind after death that seek embodiment again according to the karma accumulated in past lives.
Refuge
The door to the Dharma path. A Buddhist takes refuge in the Three Jewels, having faith that they will lead one out of suffering and to enlightenment.
Renunciation
A heartfelt feeling of complete disgust with cyclic existence such that day and night one yearns for liberation and engages in the practices that secure it. The first of the three principal aspects of the path to enlightenment.
Rinpoche
‘Precious one’. An epithet for an incarnate lama, that is one who has intentionally taken rebirth in a human form to benefit sentient beings on the path to enlightenment.
Root Guru
A person whom you have taken as your most important spiritual guide and mentor.
Samadhi
Meditative powers of mind. As a mental faculty, samadhi is the ability to concentrate one-pointedly. In meditation, samadhi becomes the ability to absorb totally the mind in an object of concentration.
Samsara
The six realms of cyclic existence, the wheel of continuous death and rebirth. The three lower realms are hell, hungry ghost and animal while the three higher realms are human, demi-god and god.
Sangha
Conventionally, the monastic community of monks and nuns; however this is sometimes broadened to include the entire community of spiritual aspirants. Ultimately, the Sangha are those with direct experience of ultimate reality, or emptiness. The third of the Three Jewels of Refuge.
Sanskrit
The refined ancient Indian language used by many classical Indian scholars for literary composition. Sanskrit is noted for its complex grammar and rich vocabulary, ideal for philosophical precision and poetic expression.
Selflessness
A synonym for emptiness. Refers to the identity-lessness of things, that is, to the fact that things have no inherently existing self-nature.
Sentient Being
Any living being with consciousness that is not free of gross and subtle ignorance. The term refers to beings in cyclic existence and those who have attained liberation from it but have not attained full Buddhahood.
Shakyamuni Buddha
563 – 483 BC. Fourth of the one thousand founding Buddhas of the present world age. Born a prince of the Shakya clan in north
Six Perfections
The practices of generosity, ethical discipline, patience, perseverance, meditation, and wisdom, based upon the altruistic aspiration to attain Buddhahood as a tool to benefit the world.
Stupa
In Buddhist architecture, a dome like structure symbolising qualities of enlightenment; often used to store texts, relics or the remains of spiritual teachers. A replica of the Gyantse Stupa of
Suffering
In Buddhism, suffering includes all the essentially unsatisfactory mental experiences and physical sensations of life in cyclic existence.
Sutras
The teachings or scriptures of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Tantra
The ‘Diamond Vehicle’. The secret teachings of Mahayana Buddhism used to progress rapidly on the path to enlightenment.
A female meditational deity who is regarded as the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ enlightened activity.
Tathagata
A synonym for ‘Buddha’, used frequently in the sutras
Ten Non-virtuous Actions
Three of body (killing, stealing, sexual misconduct); four of speech (lying, speaking harshly, divisive speech and gossiping); and three of mind ((covetousness, ill will, and wrong views). General actions to be avoided so as not to create negative karma.
Thangka
A scroll painting depicting deities or symbols, such as the Wheel of Life, and is used for visualisation and meditation.
Three Higher Trainings
Ethical discipline, concentration, and wisdom.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path
The three main divisions of the lam-rim. Renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view (of emptiness).
Three Jewels
The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The objects of refuge.
Two Truths
The dual aspect of phenomena: the level of their appearance called conventional truth, and their ultimate reality known as ultimate truth.
Universal Responsibility
An outlook on life that recognises the unity and interdependence of all things. This view is combined with a deep-seated sense of personal responsibility that is motivated by kindness and compassion in how we shape our world.
Vipassana
Insight meditation.
Wisdom
Different levels of insight into the nature of reality. Ultimately, there is the wisdom realising emptiness, which frees beings from cyclic existence and eventually brings them to enlightenment.
