| Buddha |
the title earned by the Indian religious philosopher and teacher who founded Buddhism. (See Siddhartha.) [2 definitions] |
| Buddhist |
one who follows the teachings of Buddhism. [2 definitions] |
| Dalai Lama |
traditionally, the high priest of Tibetan Buddhism. (See also Gyatso, Tenzin.) |
| dharma |
in Buddhism and Hinduism, the underlying nature, as of the universe or one's self; essence. [1/2 definitions] |
| guru |
in Hinduism and some forms of Buddhism, a personal religious instructor and spiritual guide. [1/4 definitions] |
| Hinayana |
the earlier and more conservative branch of Buddhism, which emphasizes self-discipline, meditation, and self-purification. (Cf. Mahayana.) |
| Kailash |
a large mountain in the Himalayas that is considered sacred in a number of religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, Kailash is believed to be the home of Shiva. |
| karma |
in Hinduism and Buddhism, the principle that one's actions determine one's future in this life or in other incarnations. [1/3 definitions] |
| koan |
in Zen Buddhism, a nonsense question or paradox used as an aid to meditation in order to encourage a greater awareness of reality. |
| lama |
a priest of the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet and Mongolia. |
| Lamaism |
a form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet and Mongolia that includes elaborate rituals and a complex hierarchy. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes cap.) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| Mahayana |
the later of two major branches of Buddhism, stressing universal salvation and disinterested concern for the welfare of others. (Cf. Hinayana.) |
| mandala |
any of various graphic symbols of the universe that are usu. circular with enclosed complex geometric designs, used esp. as an aid to meditation in Hinduism and Buddhism. |
| Manichaeism |
a dualistic religious system originating in the third century A.D., which attempts to unite elements from Gnostic Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and other sources, and which is considered by the Roman Catholic Church to be heretical. |
| nirvana |
(often cap.) in Buddhism or Hinduism, a state of blissful peace and harmony beyond the sufferings and passions of individual existence; state of oneness with eternal spirit. [1/2 definitions] |
| Pali |
the ancient Indic dialect that is the scriptural language of Buddhism. |
| sangha |
(Sanskrit) in Buddhism, a community of monks. |
| satori |
in Zen Buddhism, spiritual enlightenment. |
| Siddhartha |
an Indian prince who became a religious philosopher and teacher known as Buddha; founder of Buddhism; Siddhartha Gautama (563?-483? B.C.). (See Buddha.) |
| sutra |
in Buddhism, a sermon or dialogue of Buddha. [1/2 definitions] |