Suffering
Suffering exists. The Buddha revealed this fact based on his own empirical observation. He noted that every sentient being experiences dissatisfaction…
Wiki Category: Terminology
Buddha
Buddha, meaning “awakened one” is a title of great respect given to those who have completely accomplished the purification of all negativities an…
Six Classes of Beings
Buddhism teaches that sentient beings cycle repeatedly through saṃsāra, taking rebirth in six main classes or realms. Each of these realms features…
Ten Qualities of a Dharma Teacher
Buddhist texts stress the importance of following a good teacher as one proceeds along the path. Traditionally, students are advised to look for ten s…
Lama
Lama is the Tibetan title for a teacher of the Buddhadharma and is the translation of the Sanskrit word guru. Guru means heavy or weighty, as in "hea…
Empowerment
Empowerment is a translation of the Sanskrit abhiṣeka. The term contains several meanings. We can translate it as “pouring” or sprinkling, or cl…
Three Realms of Existence
The three realms, or spheres, of cyclic existence are the various states in which sentient beings take rebirth. According to the Buddha, these three r…
Four Types of Birth
Buddhist texts describe four types of birth that apply to all sentient beings.
Ten Nonvirtues
The Ten Nonvirtues or Unwholesome Activities are actions of body, speech, and mind that are motivated by negative emotions and that cause harm to othe…
Losar
Losar literally means 'New Year' in Tibetan. Tibetans celebrated a New Year harvest festival prior to the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet. Many el…
Three Doors of Liberation
The three doors or gateways of liberation are taught in both foundational Buddhism and in the Mahayana. A practitioner is instructed to meditate on th…
Ten Bhūmis
The ten bhūmis literally mean the “grounds” or levels of bodhisattvas in which the qualities of their training unfold. With the attainment of the…