Buddhism Key Terms Flashcards
Bodhisattva
A compassionate being who enlightens themselves and helps others to be enlightened.
Dana
A ceremony that takes place in a temple or private home which involves the donation of food, robes, medicines and other necessities to the sangha. Those who participate in this ritual gain merit.
Koan
An unsolvable riddle presented to a novice by their master for the purpose of mental discipline.
Middle Way
Path in life prescribed by the Buddha; path between extremes
Sangha
The community of Buddhist monks and nuns.
Buddha
The enlightened or awakened one, the founder of Buddhism, formerly Siddhartha Gautama
Dalai Lama
Religious and spiritual leader of Tibet
Dharma *
The teachings of the Buddha and his idea of the truth concerning the laws of the universe
Enlightenment
Understanding the truth of life by attaining freedom from ignorance
Lama
A Tibetan religious leader: translation of guru or teacher
Mandala
Maps or geometrical diagrams of the spiritual journey. Looking at them help to awaken spiritual potential.
Nirvana
An everlasting state of great joy and peace resulting from the end of desire and suffering
Thangka
Wall hangings found in Tibetan Buddhist temples
Sutras
Scriptures establishing teachings of Buddhism. They are represented as discourses or sermons of the Buddha.
Parinirvana
Sometimes called the ‘final nirvana’; the state attained upon the death of someone who achieved nirvana
