Buddhism Flashcards
A Theravadin monk.
Bhikkhu
A Theravadin nun.
Bhikkhuni
In Theravada, a historical Buddha before Buddhahood was attained; in Mahayana, a compassionate being who vows to become a Buddha for all sentient beings.
Bodhisattva
In Theravada, the historical persons who awaken to truth, such as Gautama; in Mahayana, an enlightened person and a universal principle of all beings.
Buddha
The official list of books with authority in a religion, either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed, or have been so designated.
Canon
In Buddhism, cosmic law, the teachings of the Buddha, and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, sangha); in Hinduism, the universal cosmic law, duty.
Dharma
In Buddhism, the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; karma can be altered by good or bad intentions, is not fatalistic, and can be changed at any time by meditative insight.
Karma
The form of Buddhism from northern Asia that teaches the effort to liberate other beings; it emphasizes the Buddha-nature in all things and the importance of direct experience.
Mahayana
A heavenly realm discovered after death and, in Mahayana teaching, a state of awakening during life: the discovery of the path beyond ego’s desires and passions, the realization of the union of opposites, the transcendence of mind’s limits. It is peace and tranquility on earth, coming from beyond the duality of ordinary life.
Nirvana
New romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979, replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system.
Pinyin
The lack of a permanent, self-existing soul in the skandhas and all reality.
Sunyata
Sacred Buddhist texts.
Sutta (Theravadin), Sutra (Mahayana)
Reincarnated Buddha.
Tathāgata
Form of Buddhism from southern Asia which adheres to early scriptures and monastic renunciation; its texts are the Pali Canon.
Theravada
Form of Buddhism which teaches that emptiness is complimented by compassion and action. The Dalai Lama is its leader in the Tibetan tradition.
Vajrayana
The central focus of meditation in Theravada practice, which stresses mindfulness and tranquility, leading to liberation.
Vipassana
A Chinese and Japanese form of Buddhism emphasizing immediate experience. Of the two main schools, Rinzai, influenced by Hakuin, uses the koan to promote satori (awakening), while Soto, influenced by Dogen, uses more “silent illumination.”
Zen
