Buddhism Flashcards
Buddhism Terms
Mahayana
“Large Vehicle” branch of Buddhism in Northern and Eastern Asia.
Theravada
Usually translated as “tradition of the elders,” but more accurately means “original/abiding teaching”
Buddha
Enlightened person; although Gautama is “the Buddha,” the term applies to all individuals who attain this state.
Sangha
“Community” of Buddhist monks and nuns.
Middle Path
Style of life between extreme self-denial and ordinary, indulgent life, which can lead to enlightenment.
Bodhisattva
Person who comes very close to achieving full Buddha nature (nirvana) but postpones it for the sake of helping others achieve it.
Koan
Zen riddle meant to induce non-rational enlightenment.
Dharma (Dhamma)
“Law, teaching” of Buddhism.
Nirvana
“Blowing out, extinction” of desire, attachment, and suffering.
Karma
Law of the cause and effect of actions done by sentient (with senses) beings.
Samsara
“Wandering” through endless reincarnations, a main cause of human suffering.
Four Noble Truths
Basic teaching of Buddhism that (1) all is suffering, (2) suffering is caused by desire, (3) to end desire is to end suffering, and (4) to end desire one much follow the Noble Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Way
Right understanding, intention, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and contemplation.
Dalai Lama
“Ocean of Wisdom”
The Five Skandhas
(1) form (2) feeling (3) cognition (4) formations (5) consciousness
