ahimsa
both the avoidance of violence toward other life-forms and an active sense of compassion toward them; a basic principle of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism
arhat
One who has become enlightened; the ideal type of Theravada Buddhism. Sometimes thought of as the Buddhist equivalent of a saint.
asceticism
the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
Bodhisattva
Future Buddhas. As the ideal types for Mahayana Buddhism, beings who have experienced enlightenment but, motivated by compassion, stop short of entering nirvana so as to help others achieve it.
Four Noble Truths
The central teachings of Buddhism; to live is to suffer; suffering is caused by desire; the cessation of suffering can be achieved; the solution is the Noble Eightfold Path.
karma
action" - the moral law of cause and effect of actions; determines the nature of one's rebirth.
mantra
In Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred word or phrase repeated in prayers or chants
nirvana
blowing out" - the ultimate goal of all Buddhists, the extinction of desire and any sense of individual selfhood, resulting in liberation from samsara and its limiting conditions.
Eightfold Path
The fourth of the four noble truths, defines the basic practices of Buddhism that lead to nirvana
reincarnation
in Hinduism and Buddhism, the process by which a soul is reborn continuously until it achieves perfect understanding
samsara
The wheel of rebirth or reincarnation; the this-worldly realm in which rebirth occurs.
Theravada
the way of the Elders" - Prevalent form of Buddhism in Cambodia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, and Thailand; focuses on the earliest texts and emphasizes monastic lifestyle. (Lesser vehicle)
zen
school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith, prevalent in China & Japan
Dalai Lama
The spiritual leader of Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism, believed to be an incarnation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Siddhartha Gautama
founder of Buddism; born a prince; left his father's wealth to find the cause of human suffering; also know as Buddha. Considered an avatar of Vishnu by some.
bodhi
awakened" or "enlightened one" - can refer to the root word of Buddha or to the bodhi tree where Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment
Buddha
means the Enlightened or awakened One"; typically refers to Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism.
mandala
Complex sand paintings which represent the world or the psyche. Tibetan monks pray during construction, then destroy once completed (practice of impermanence).
meditation
A spritual discipline that involves deep relaxation and an emptying of distracting thoughts from the mind
Mahayana
the Great Vehicle" - The largest of Buddhism's three divisions, prevalent in China, Japan and Korea, encompasses a variety of forms, including those that emphasize devotion and prayer to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas.