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According to modern scholarship, an ancient kingdom located in the Swat valley, lying in what is now the northwest frontier province of Pakistan. It was renowned as the cradle of the Secret Mantra teachings and is often referred to in Tibetan literature as the land of dakinis (''mkha' 'gro gling'').
o rgyan;Oddiyana;According to modern scholarship, an ancient kingdom located in the Swat valley, lying in what is now the northwest frontier province of Pakistan. It was renowned as the cradle of the Secret Mantra teachings and is often referred to in Tibetan literature as the land of dakinis (''mkha' 'gro gling'').
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The three objects of refuge as spoken of in the tantra teachings: the guru, the root of blessings; the yidam deity, the root of accomplishment; and the dakini, the root of enlightened activities. The three roots are the tantric parallel to the Three Refuges of the sutra teachings.
rtsa gsum;Three Roots;three roots;The three objects of refuge as spoken of in the tantra teachings: the guru, the root of blessings;the yidam deity, the root of accomplishment;and the dakini, the root of enlightened activities. The three roots are the tantric parallel to the Three Refuges of the sutra teachings.
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Accomplishments gained in the course of the spiritual path. Siddhis are of two kinds: the "ordinary" accomplishments of various preternatural powers and the supreme accomplishment, namely, the attainment of Buddhahood.
dngos grub;Siddhi;Accomplishments gained in the course of the spiritual path. Siddhis are of two kinds: the "ordinary" accomplishments of various preternatural powers and the supreme accomplishment, namely, the attainment of Buddhahood.
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(1820-92). One of the greatest figures in the recent history of the Sakya and Nyingma traditions and one of the principal founders of the Rimé, or nonsectarian, movement in Eastern Tibet. He was a great treasure-revealer, being considered the last of the five "tertön kings."
'jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse dbang po;Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo;jamyang khyentse wangpo;(1820-92). One of the greatest figures in the recent history of the Sakya and Nyingma traditions and one of the principal founders of the Rimé, or nonsectarian, movement in Eastern Tibet. He was a great treasure-revealer, being considered the last of the five "tertön kings."
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The name of a tenet system belonging to the Hinayana, notable for its elaborate system of logic and epistemology.
mdo sde pa;Sautrantika;The name of a tenet system belonging to the Hinayana, notable for its elaborate system of logic and epistemology.
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(c. tenth century). An Indian mahasiddha, or master of high accomplishment. He was the author of three famous cycles of dohas, or songs of realization.
Saraha;(c. tenth century). An Indian mahasiddha, or master of high accomplishment. He was the author of three famous cycles of dohas, or songs of realization.
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lit. center and circumference. A term with numerous meanings. Most basically, it means a simple circular arrangement of offerings. More profoundly, it refers to the configuration of the deities within their sacred environment as visualized in the generation-stage practice. Finally, it may refer to the natural, spontaneously present expanse of primordial wisdom.
dkyil 'khor;Mandala;lit. center and circumference. A term with numerous meanings. Most basically, it means a simple circular arrangement of offerings. More profoundly, it refers to the configuration of the deities within their sacred environment as visualized in the generation-stage practice. Finally, it may refer to the natural, spontaneously present expanse of primordial wisdom.
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A practice of the Great Perfection that focuses on the spontaneously present "clarity aspect" of ultimate reality. By contrast, trekchö focuses on the aspect of primordial purity.
thod rgal;Thögal;thögal;A practice of the Great Perfection that focuses on the spontaneously present "clarity aspect" of ultimate reality. By contrast, trekchö focuses on the aspect of primordial purity.
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(1813-99). The tertön name of Jamgön Kongtrul, recognized as the incarna tion of Vairotsana - one of the first, as well as the greatest, of Tibetan translators. Jamgön Kongtrul was instrumental in the development of the Rimé movement in Eastern Tibet. He was a prolific author of immense erudition, a highly realized master, and a tertön, or treasure-revealer.
pad ma gar gyi dbang phyug chi med gyung drung gling pa;Pema Garwang Chimé Yudrung Lingpa;pema garwang chimé yudrung lingpa;(1813-99). The tertön name of Jamgön Kongtrul, recognized as the incarna tion of Vairotsana - one of the first, as well as the greatest, of Tibetan translators. Jamgön Kongtrul was instrumental in the development of the Rimé movement in Eastern Tibet. He was a prolific author of immense erudition, a highly realized master, and a tertön, or treasure-revealer.
pad ma gar gyi dbang phyug chi med gyung drung gling pa
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lit. wheel or channel-wheel. A configuration of spokes or petal-like channels resembling a wheel, which is supported by the central channel. Depending on the tantra, four or six chakras are mentioned. The dharmachakra is the channel-wheel situated at the level of the heart.
'khor lo;Chakra;lit. wheel or channel-wheel. A configuration of spokes or petal-like channels resembling a wheel, which is supported by the central channel. Depending on the tantra, four or six chakras are mentioned. The dharmachakra is the channel-wheel situated at the level of the heart.
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nang rgyud;Inner Tantra;inner tantra;''See'' anuttara tantra.
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khregs chod;Trekcho;trekcho;''See'' thögal.
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A class of dangerous flesh-devouring demons.
srin po;Rakshasa;A class of dangerous flesh-devouring demons.
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Three dimensions that together constitute a single world-system. These are the desire realm (comprising the six realms of the gods, asuras, humans, animals, pretas, and hell-beings), followed by the heavens of the form realm and the formless realm.
khams gsum;Three Realms;three realms;Three dimensions that together constitute a single world-system. These are the desire realm (comprising the six realms of the gods, asuras, humans, animals, pretas, and hell-beings), followed by the heavens of the form realm and the formless realm.
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(1487-1542). Otherwise known as Ngari Penchen Pema Wangyal (''mnga' ri pan chen pad ma dbang rgyal''), a tertön and a scholar renowned for his treatise on the three vows (''sdom gsum rnam nges''), in which he expounds and defends the position of the Nyingma school.
mnga' ri rig 'dzin;Ngari Rigdzin;ngari rigdzin;(1487-1542). Otherwise known as Ngari Penchen Pema Wangyal (''mnga' ri pan chen pad ma dbang rgyal''), a tertön and a scholar renowned for his treatise on the three vows (''sdom gsum rnam nges''), in which he expounds and defends the position of the Nyingma school.
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The twofold status of every phenomenon: apparent existence on the relative level and emptiness of inherent existence on the ultimate level. The interpretation of the doctrine of the two truths is the criterion distinguishing the various levels of Buddhist tenet systems.
bden gnyis;Two Truths;two truths;The twofold status of every phenomenon: apparent existence on the relative level and emptiness of inherent existence on the ultimate level. The interpretation of the doctrine of the two truths is the criterion distinguishing the various levels of Buddhist tenet systems.
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A representation of wisdom in female form. The dakinis are divided into several classes. There are wisdom dakinis who are fully enlightened and worldly dakinis who possess various spiritual powers. The wisdom dakinis are classified into five groups according to the five enlightened lineages ofTathagata, Vajra, Jewel, Lotus, and Action. ''See also'' five enlightened lineages.
mkha' 'gro ma;Dakini;A representation of wisdom in female form. The dakinis are divided into several classes. There are wisdom dakinis who are fully enlightened and worldly dakinis who possess various spiritual powers. The wisdom dakinis are classified into five groups according to the five enlightened lineages ofTathagata, Vajra, Jewel, Lotus, and Action. ''See also'' five enlightened lineages.
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lit. awareness-holder or knowledgeholder. A being of high attainment in the Vajrayana. According to the Nyingma tradition, there are four kinds of vidyadhara corresponding to the ten (or eleven) levels of realization of the sutra teachings.
rig 'dzin;Vidyadhara;lit. awareness-holder or knowledgeholder. A being of high attainment in the Vajrayana. According to the Nyingma tradition, there are four kinds of vidyadhara corresponding to the ten (or eleven) levels of realization of the sutra teachings.
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The original tradition of Buddhist teaching in Tibet dating from the eighth century, sometimes referred to as the Old Translation School, so-called in contrast with the schools of the New Translation tradition, founded from the twelfth century onward.
rnying ma;Old Tradition;old tradition;The original tradition of Buddhist teaching in Tibet dating from the eighth century, sometimes referred to as the Old Translation School, so-called in contrast with the schools of the New Translation tradition, founded from the twelfth century onward.
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lit. hero. A title used in the tantras to refer to male Bodhisattvas; the male equivalent of a dakini. ''See also'' dakini.
dpa' bo;Daka;lit. hero. A title used in the tantras to refer to male Bodhisattvas;the male equivalent of a dakini. ''See also'' dakini.
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The all-embracing expanse of ultimate reality; the emptiness of phenomena that is inseparable from their appearance.
chos dbyings;Dharmadhatu;The all-embracing expanse of ultimate reality;the emptiness of phenomena that is inseparable from their appearance.
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The foremost disciple and the Tibetan consort of Guru Padmasambhava. She was a great teacher in her own right and played a crucial role in concealing the term as, or treasure teachings. See her autobiography, ''Lady of the Lotus-Born''.
ye shes mtsho rgyal;Yeshe Tsogyal;yeshe tsogyal;The foremost disciple and the Tibetan consort of Guru Padmasambhava. She was a great teacher in her own right and played a crucial role in concealing the term as, or treasure teachings. See her autobiography, ''Lady of the Lotus-Born''.
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lit. unsurpassable tantra. The fourth and highest class of the tantra according to the fourfold classification of the tantras preferred in the New tradition. It corresponds to the three inner tantras (maha, anu, and ati) as contrasted with the three outer tantras (kriya, charya, and yoga) of the sixfold Nyingma classification.
bla na med pa'i rgyud;Anuttara Tantra;lit. unsurpassable tantra. The fourth and highest class of the tantra according to the fourfold classification of the tantras preferred in the New tradition. It corresponds to the three inner tantras (maha, anu, and ati) as contrasted with the three outer tantras (kriya, charya, and yoga) of the sixfold Nyingma classification.
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A mythical demon believed to devour the sun and moon, thereby causing the eclipses.
sgra gcan;Rahu;A mythical demon believed to devour the sun and moon, thereby causing the eclipses.
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lit. one who has gone to, and proceeds in, bliss. A synonym for Buddha.
bde bar gshegs pa;Sugata;lit. one who has gone to, and proceeds in, bliss. A synonym for Buddha.
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The five lineages of Tathagata, Vajra, Jewel, Lotus, and Action. They are represented by five Buddhas (respectively, Vairochana, Akshobhya or Vajrasattva, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi) who constitute the five aspects of Buddhahood. They are regarded as the nature of the five aggregates, and they correspond to the five wisdoms arising when the five emotional defilements are purified and transmuted.
rigs lnga;Five Enlightened Lineages;five enlightened lineages;The five lineages of Tathagata, Vajra, Jewel, Lotus, and Action. They are represented by five Buddhas (respectively, Vairochana, Akshobhya or Vajrasattva, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi) who constitute the five aspects of Buddhahood. They are regarded as the nature of the five aggregates, and they correspond to the five wisdoms arising when the five emotional defilements are purified and transmuted.
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The sacramental bond and commitment in the Vajrayana established between the master and the disciples on whom empowerment is conferred. The samaya bond exists also between the disciples of the same master and between the disciples and their practice.
dam tshig;Samaya;The sacramental bond and commitment in the Vajrayana established between the master and the disciples on whom empowerment is conferred. The samaya bond exists also between the disciples of the same master and between the disciples and their practice.
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Name of the palace of Guru Padmasambhava in his pure land, the glorious Copper-Colored Mountain of Chamara. ''See also'' Chamara; Copper-Colored Mountain.
pad ma 'od;Lotus Light;lotus light;Name of the palace of Guru Padmasambhava in his pure land, the glorious Copper-Colored Mountain of Chamara. ''See also'' Chamara;Copper-Colored Mountain.
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khams gsum;Three Worlds;three worlds;''See'' three realms.
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mkha' spyod;Pure Land;pure land;''See'' buddhafield.
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The great mountain at the center of a universal system according to the cosmology of ancient India.
ri rab;Mount Meru;mount meru;The great mountain at the center of a universal system according to the cosmology of ancient India.
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The name of the present kalpa, so called because a thousand universal Buddhas will appear in the course of it. The Buddha Shakyamuni is the fourth in the series.
bskal pa bzang po;Fortunate Kalpa;fortunate kalpa;The name of the present kalpa, so called because a thousand universal Buddhas will appear in the course of it. The Buddha Shakyamuni is the fourth in the series.
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lit. one who has gone thus. A synonym for Buddha.
de bzhin gshegs pa;Tathagata;lit. one who has gone thus. A synonym for Buddha.
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The name of a subcontinent lying to the south and west of the continent of Jambudvipa (our world) according to Buddhist cosmology. It is here that the glorious Copper-Colored Mountain, the buddhafield of Guru Padmasambhava, is located.
rnga yab;Chamara;The name of a subcontinent lying to the south and west of the continent of Jambudvipa (our world) according to Buddhist cosmology. It is here that the glorious Copper-Colored Mountain, the buddhafield of Guru Padmasambhava, is located.
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Esoteric teachings that elucidate the tantras. In the tantra classification of the Nyingma school, the inner tantras are divided into three groups: mahayoga, anuyoga, and atiyoga. In this same system, these three groups are also referred to as ''rgyud, lung'', and ''man ngag'' (Skt. tantra, agama, and upadesha, respectively), where mahayoga is regarded as tantra (''rgyud''), anuyoga is regarded as elucidation (agama, or ''lung''), and atiyoga is regarded as pith instruction (upadesha, or ''man ngag'').
lung;Agama;Esoteric teachings that elucidate the tantras. In the tantra classification of the Nyingma school, the inner tantras are divided into three groups: mahayoga, anuyoga, and atiyoga. In this same system, these three groups are also referred to as ''rgyud, lung'', and ''man ngag'' (Skt. tantra, agama, and upadesha, respectively), where mahayoga is regarded as tantra (''rgyud''), anuyoga is regarded as elucidation (agama, or ''lung''), and atiyoga is regarded as pith instruction (upadesha, or ''man ngag'').
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(1212-70). One of the five "tertön kings," who were the greatest of the treasure-revealers.
gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug;Guru Chökyi Wangchuk;guru chökyi wangchuk;(1212-70). One of the five "tertön kings," who were the greatest of the treasure-revealers.
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lit. body. According to the Mahayana, the support of the enlightened qualities of Buddhahood, generally subdivided into the dharmakaya, or "dharma body" (the emptiness aspect), and the rupakaya, or "form body" (the appearance aspect). The dharmakaya is the mode of being of Buddhahood itself; it is perceptible to Buddhas alone. The rupakaya is the means whereby a Buddha is perceptible to non-Buddhas. It is subdivided into the sambhogakaya, the "body of enjoyment" (the clarity aspect) perceptible to great Bodhisattvas on the tenth ground of realization, and the nirmanakaya, the "body of manifestation" perceptible to ordinary beings.
sku;Kaya;lit. body. According to the Mahayana, the support of the enlightened qualities of Buddhahood, generally subdivided into the dharmakaya, or "dharma body" (the emptiness aspect), and the rupakaya, or "form body" (the appearance aspect). The dharmakaya is the mode of being of Buddhahood itself;it is perceptible to Buddhas alone. The rupakaya is the means whereby a Buddha is perceptible to non-Buddhas. It is subdivided into the sambhogakaya, the "body of enjoyment" (the clarity aspect) perceptible to great Bodhisattvas on the tenth ground of realization, and the nirmanakaya, the "body of manifestation" perceptible to ordinary beings.
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The threefold structure according to which each Buddhist system expresses its overall view. Generally speaking, the ground is the true status of phenomena (as this is conceived in a given system), the path consists of the meditation performed within the framework of that view, and the fruit is the final result of the practice. In the tantra system, these are understood as forming a single continuum (this is the literal meaning of the word ''tantra''). In other words, the qualities of the path and fruit are already present, implicit in the ground.
gzhi lam 'bras bu;Ground,Path,and Fruit;ground,path,and fruit;The threefold structure according to which each Buddhist system expresses its overall view. Generally speaking, the ground is the true status of phenomena (as this is conceived in a given system), the path consists of the meditation performed within the framework of that view, and the fruit is the final result of the practice. In the tantra system, these are understood as forming a single continuum (this is the literal meaning of the word ''tantra''). In other words, the qualities of the path and fruit are already present, implicit in the ground.
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A tenth-ground Bodhisattva and the personification of the wisdom of all the Buddhas.
'jam dpal;Manjushri;A tenth-ground Bodhisattva and the personification of the wisdom of all the Buddhas.
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lit. the loving one. The tenth-ground Bodhisattva now residing as the Buddha's regent in the heaven of Tushita. When the age of Shakyamuni ends, Maitreya will manifest in the world as the fifth Buddha of this fortunate kalpa. ''See also'' fortunate kalpa.
byams pa;Maitreya;lit. the loving one. The tenth-ground Bodhisattva now residing as the Buddha's regent in the heaven of Tushita. When the age of Shakyamuni ends, Maitreya will manifest in the world as the fifth Buddha of this fortunate kalpa. ''See also'' fortunate kalpa.
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lit. method of practice. A systematized practice of the stage of generation comprising many steps and including the yogas related to the body, speech, and mind of the deity.
sgrub thabs;Sadhana;lit. method of practice. A systematized practice of the stage of generation comprising many steps and including the yogas related to the body, speech, and mind of the deity.
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lit. channel-wheel of reality. ''See'' chakra.
chos kyi 'khor lo;Dharmachakra;lit. channel-wheel of reality. ''See'' chakra.
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A way of referring to the schools of Tibetan Buddhism founded during the later period of translation of Sanskrit texts into Tibetan, which coincided with the period of restoration of the teaching following the persecution by King Langdarma in the eleventh century.
gsar ma;New Tradition;new tradition;A way of referring to the schools of Tibetan Buddhism founded during the later period of translation of Sanskrit texts into Tibetan, which coincided with the period of restoration of the teaching following the persecution by King Langdarma in the eleventh century.
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lit. the ambrosia that overcomes the demon of death. The draft of immortality and a symbol of wisdom.
bdud rtsi;Amrita;lit. the ambrosia that overcomes the demon of death. The draft of immortality and a symbol of wisdom.
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Twelve female spirits associated with mountain ranges in Tibet, who, in the presence of Guru Padmasambhava, vowed to protect the religion and people of Tibet.
brten ma bcu gnyis;Tenma Goddesses;tenma goddesses;Twelve female spirits associated with mountain ranges in Tibet, who, in the presence of Guru Padmasambhava, vowed to protect the religion and people of Tibet.
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Literally the "dharma-body." According to context, this refers simply to the dimension of emptiness of Buddhahood. Alternatively, it may indicate the union of emptiness and luminous primordial wisdom.
chos sku;Dharmakaya;Literally the "dharma-body." According to context, this refers simply to the dimension of emptiness of Buddhahood. Alternatively, it may indicate the union of emptiness and luminous primordial wisdom.
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A symbol of the indestructible enlightened body, speech, mind, and primal wisdom.
rdo rje bzhi;Four Vajras;four vajras;A symbol of the indestructible enlightened body, speech, mind, and primal wisdom.
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The first of the Hinayana tenet systems, in which the indivisible particles of matter and the indivisible instants of consciousness are regarded as ultimate truths.
bye brag smra ba;Vaibhashika;The first of the Hinayana tenet systems, in which the indivisible particles of matter and the indivisible instants of consciousness are regarded as ultimate truths.
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The primordial Buddha who has never fallen into delusion; the symbolic personification of awareness; the ever-present and luminous nature of the mind.
kun tu bzang po;Samantabhadra;The primordial Buddha who has never fallen into delusion;the symbolic personification of awareness;the ever-present and luminous nature of the mind.
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lit. primordial-wisdom being. Invoked, in the context of the practice of the generation stage (''bskyed rim''), from the wisdom expanse of the dharmakaya. It then merges with, and abides in, the heart of the samayasattva (the commitment being), namely, the visualized meditational deity.
ye shes sems dpa';Jnanasattva;lit. primordial-wisdom being. Invoked, in the context of the practice of the generation stage (''bskyed rim''), from the wisdom expanse of the dharmakaya. It then merges with, and abides in, the heart of the samayasattva (the commitment being), namely, the visualized meditational deity.
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rnying ma;Nyingma;nyingma;''See'' Old tradition.
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The enlightened body, speech, and mind. Also referred to as the three vajras.
gsang ba gsum;Three Secrets Of A Buddha;three secrets of a buddha;The enlightened body, speech, and mind. Also referred to as the three vajras.
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A name of the pure land of Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche. ''See also'' Chamara.
zang mdog dpal ri;Copper-Colored Mountain;copper-colored mountain;A name of the pure land of Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche. ''See also'' Chamara.
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A classification of worldly spirits into the categories of ging, dü, tsen, yaksha, rakshasa, mamo, rahula, and naga. On the inner level, they correspond to the eight kinds of consciousness, namely, the five sense consciousnesses, the mental consciousness, the defiled consciousness that conceives of "I," and the consciousness of the ''alaya'', the foundation of the mind that is the repository of karmic seeds and habitual tendencies.
lha 'dre sde brgyad;Eight Classes of Gods And Demons;eight classes of gods and demons;A classification of worldly spirits into the categories of ging, dü, tsen, yaksha, rakshasa, mamo, rahula, and naga. On the inner level, they correspond to the eight kinds of consciousness, namely, the five sense consciousnesses, the mental consciousness, the defiled consciousness that conceives of "I," and the consciousness of the ''alaya'', the foundation of the mind that is the repository of karmic seeds and habitual tendencies.
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Another name for the Vajrayana. ''See'' resultant vehicle.
gsang sngags;Secret Mantra;secret mantra;Another name for the Vajrayana. ''See'' resultant vehicle.
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The names of eight celebrated manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava as described in his mystic biographies. They are Padmasambhava, Loden Chokse, Padma Gyalpo, Nyima Özer, Senge Dradok, Shakya Senge, Dorje Drolö, and Vajradhara of Oddiyana.
gu ru rin po che'i mtshan brgyad;Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche;eight manifestations of guru rinpoche;The names of eight celebrated manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava as described in his mystic biographies. They are Padmasambhava, Loden Chokse, Padma Gyalpo, Nyima Özer, Senge Dradok, Shakya Senge, Dorje Drolö, and Vajradhara of Oddiyana.
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(1646-1714). Another name of Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje. A celebrated tertön and founder of the monastery of Mindroling, a major center of the Nyingma tradition in Central Tibet. Terdag Lingpa compiled the Nyingma kahma, the collection of the long (oral) lineage of the Nyingma school, and made a collection of all the earlier terma, or treasure teachings.
gter bdag gling pa;Terdag Lingpa;terdag lingpa;(1646-1714). Another name of Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje. A celebrated tertön and founder of the monastery of Mindroling, a major center of the Nyingma tradition in Central Tibet. Terdag Lingpa compiled the Nyingma kahma, the collection of the long (oral) lineage of the Nyingma school, and made a collection of all the earlier terma, or treasure teachings.
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Another term for emptiness; the nature of phenomena.
chos nyid;Dharmata;Another term for emptiness;the nature of phenomena.
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lit. holder of the vajra. The name of a sambhogakaya Buddha who is the union of the five enlightened lineages. Vajradhara is sometimes equated with Samantabhadra.
rdo rje 'chang;Vajradhara;lit. holder of the vajra. The name of a sambhogakaya Buddha who is the union of the five enlightened lineages. Vajradhara is sometimes equated with Samantabhadra.
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A general term for a sphere or dimension in which a Buddha dwells. Buddhafields are categorized according to the three kayas, which are perceptible only to beings with corresponding realization. There are, in addition, pure lands or fields, emanated by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of very high attainment, to which beings of appropriate karma and merit have access and where they are able to progress unhindered on the path. These pure lands are similar to the nirmanakaya buddhafields and are categorized according to their location, whether in the sky (''mkha' spyod''), on the earth's surface (''sa spyod''), or even in subterranean regions ('' 'og spyod''). The Glorious Copper-Colored Mountain of Guru Padmasambhava, the mountain of Potala of Avalokiteshvara, the hidden land of Shambhala, and so on are regarded as pure lands of this kind.
zhing khams;Buddhafield;buddhafield;buddhakshetra;A general term for a sphere or dimension in which a Buddha dwells. Buddhafields are categorized according to the three kayas, which are perceptible only to beings with corresponding realization. There are, in addition, pure lands or fields, emanated by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of very high attainment, to which beings of appropriate karma and merit have access and where they are able to progress unhindered on the path. These pure lands are similar to the nirmanakaya buddhafields and are categorized according to their location, whether in the sky (''mkha' spyod''), on the earth's surface (''sa spyod''), or even in subterranean regions ('' 'og spyod''). The Glorious Copper-Colored Mountain of Guru Padmasambhava, the mountain of Potala of Avalokiteshvara, the hidden land of Shambhala, and so on are regarded as pure lands of this kind.
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The Vajrayana, or the Secret Mantra, which takes the pure nature of the mind not as a goal to be attained at some point in the future, but as the actual path of practice.
'bras bu'i theg pa;Resultant Vehicle;resultant vehicle;The Vajrayana, or the Secret Mantra, which takes the pure nature of the mind not as a goal to be attained at some point in the future, but as the actual path of practice.
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A tantric deity, in male or female form, representing different aspects of Buddhahood. Yidams may be peaceful or wrathful and are meditated upon according to the nature and needs of the individual practitioner.
yi dam;Yidam Deity;yidam deity;A tantric deity, in male or female form, representing different aspects of Buddhahood. Yidams may be peaceful or wrathful and are meditated upon according to the nature and needs of the individual practitioner.
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(1403-78). A great tertön and the first compiler of the Nyingma tantras (''rnying ma rgyud 'bum'').
rat na gling pa;Ratna Lingpa;ratna lingpa;(1403-78). A great tertön and the first compiler of the Nyingma tantras (''rnying ma rgyud 'bum'').
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(eighth century). One of the first Tibetan disciples of Guru Rinpoche and of Shantarakshita (by whom he was ordained and from whom he received his name). He was also a disciple of the Chinese master Shri Simha, and in addition received teachings in pure vision directly from Garab Dorje himself, thus becoming one of the conduits through which the Great Perfection teachings were introduced into Tibet. He was one of the earliest and greatest of the Tibetan translators of Buddhist sutras and tantras.
ba'i ro tsa na;Vairotsana;(eighth century). One of the first Tibetan disciples of Guru Rinpoche and of Shantarakshita (by whom he was ordained and from whom he received his name). He was also a disciple of the Chinese master Shri Simha, and in addition received teachings in pure vision directly from Garab Dorje himself, thus becoming one of the conduits through which the Great Perfection teachings were introduced into Tibet. He was one of the earliest and greatest of the Tibetan translators of Buddhist sutras and tantras.
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spyan ras gzigs;Avalokita;''See'' Avalokiteshvara.
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One of the most important monastic universities of medieval India. It was located at the birthplace of Shariputra to the north ofBodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar), not far from Vulture Peak, where the Buddha expounded his teachings on the Perfection of Wisdom. Nalanda grew to an immense size; it was famous all over Asia and was attended and administered by many of the greatest masters of Mahayana Buddhism. Founded in the second century and destroyed by the armies of Muhammad Khalji in 1235, Nalanda existed for a thousand years.
Nalanda;One of the most important monastic universities of medieval India. It was located at the birthplace of Shariputra to the north ofBodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar), not far from Vulture Peak, where the Buddha expounded his teachings on the Perfection of Wisdom. Nalanda grew to an immense size;it was famous all over Asia and was attended and administered by many of the greatest masters of Mahayana Buddhism. Founded in the second century and destroyed by the armies of Muhammad Khalji in 1235, Nalanda existed for a thousand years.
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A time period corresponding to a cycle of formation, duration, and destruction of a universe, followed by a period of voidness, according to the cosmology of ancient India.
bskal pa;Kalpa;A time period corresponding to a cycle of formation, duration, and destruction of a universe, followed by a period of voidness, according to the cosmology of ancient India.
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The name given to our world in the cosmological system of ancient India.
'dzam bu'i gling;Jambudvipa;The name given to our world in the cosmological system of ancient India.
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(seventeenth century). A celebrated master and tertön of the Nyingma tradition. Among his discovered texts figures the autobiography of Yeshe Tsogyal, translated into English as the ''Lady of the Lotus-Born''.
stag gsham bsam gtan gling pa;Taksham Samten Lingpa;taksham samten lingpa;(seventeenth century). A celebrated master and tertön of the Nyingma tradition. Among his discovered texts figures the autobiography of Yeshe Tsogyal, translated into English as the ''Lady of the Lotus-Born''.
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rdo rje theg pa;Vajrayana;''See'' resultant vehicle.
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lit. pith instructions. ''See also'' agama.
man ngag;Upadesha;lit. pith instructions. ''See also'' agama.
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lit. continuum. The texts of Vajrayana Buddhism expounding the natural purity of the mind. ''See also'' agama.
rgyud;Tantra;lit. continuum. The texts of Vajrayana Buddhism expounding the natural purity of the mind. ''See also'' agama.
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Syllables or formulas that, when recited with appropriate visualization, and so on, protect the mind of the practitioner from ordinary perceptions. They are invocations to the yidam deity and manifestations of the deity in the form of sound.
sngags;Mantra;Syllables or formulas that, when recited with appropriate visualization, and so on, protect the mind of the practitioner from ordinary perceptions. They are invocations to the yidam deity and manifestations of the deity in the form of sound.
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lit. treasure. Teachings and blessed substances concealed principally by Guru Padmasambhava, to be revealed later, at a time when they would be more beneficial for the world and its inhabitants.
gter ma;Terma;terma;lit. treasure. Teachings and blessed substances concealed principally by Guru Padmasambhava, to be revealed later, at a time when they would be more beneficial for the world and its inhabitants.
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lit. the essence of the Tathagata. ''See'' sugatagarbha.
de gshegs snying po;Tathagatagarbha;lit. the essence of the Tathagata. ''See'' sugatagarbha.
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A ritual offering, of more or less elaborate design, made usually of dough, but sometimes of clay.
gtor ma;Torma;torma;A ritual offering, of more or less elaborate design, made usually of dough, but sometimes of clay.
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The Bodhisattva considered to be the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas. He is also regarded as the sambhogakaya for the threefold grouping in which Amitabha is the dharmakaya and Guru Padmasambhava is the nirmanakaya.
spyan ras gzigs;Avalokiteshvara;The Bodhisattva considered to be the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas. He is also regarded as the sambhogakaya for the threefold grouping in which Amitabha is the dharmakaya and Guru Padmasambhava is the nirmanakaya.
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lit. treasure-revealer. Reincarnations of the accomplished disciples of Guru Padmasambhava, who discover and reveal the spiritual treasures concealed by him and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal.
gter ston;Terton;terton;lit. treasure-revealer. Reincarnations of the accomplished disciples of Guru Padmasambhava, who discover and reveal the spiritual treasures concealed by him and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal.
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Name of the long oral lineage of transmission of the teachings from the Buddha down to the disciples of the present day.
bka' ma;Kahma;Name of the long oral lineage of transmission of the teachings from the Buddha down to the disciples of the present day.
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longs spyod rdzogs pa'i sku;Sambhogakaya;See kaya.
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lit. immeasurable light. The Buddha of the Lotus lineage, symbolizing the speech of all the Buddhas.
'od dpag med;Amitabha;lit. immeasurable light. The Buddha of the Lotus lineage, symbolizing the speech of all the Buddhas.
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lit. the essence of the Sugata. The luminous and empty nature of the mind. A synonym of the tathagatagarbha, the Buddha-nature present in every sentient being.
bde gshegs snying po;Sugatagarbha;lit. the essence of the Sugata. The luminous and empty nature of the mind. A synonym of the tathagatagarbha, the Buddha-nature present in every sentient being.
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A substance akin to adamant or diamond. Sometimes referred to as a thunderbolt, it is an emblem of indestructibility. In the form of a ritual implement, regularly used in tantric ceremonies, the vajra is the symbol of skillful means, that is, compassion, and is coupled with the bell (Skt. ''ghanta''; Tib. ''dril bu''), symbolizing the wisdom of emptiness.
rdo rje;Vajra;A substance akin to adamant or diamond. Sometimes referred to as a thunderbolt, it is an emblem of indestructibility. In the form of a ritual implement, regularly used in tantric ceremonies, the vajra is the symbol of skillful means, that is, compassion, and is coupled with the bell (Skt. ''ghanta'';Tib. ''dril bu''), symbolizing the wisdom of emptiness.
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The Tibetan form of Oddiyana. ''See'' Oddiyana.
o rgyan;Orgyen;orgyen;The Tibetan form of Oddiyana. ''See'' Oddiyana.
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The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the latter consisting of the spiritual community of those who have attained the grounds of realization.
skyabs gsum;Three Refuges;three refuges;The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the latter consisting of the spiritual community of those who have attained the grounds of realization.
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The five constituents, one physical and four mental, found when, in the search for the self, the human "person" is subjected to analytical investigation. They are the material form or body, feelings, perceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness. The coming together of these aggregates gives rise to the impression of "I."
phung po lnga;Five Aggregates;five aggregates;skandha;The five constituents, one physical and four mental, found when, in the search for the self, the human "person" is subjected to analytical investigation. They are the material form or body, feelings, perceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness. The coming together of these aggregates gives rise to the impression of "I."
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A transcendent perfection or virtue, the practice of which leads to Buddhahood. There are six paramitas: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.
pha rol tu phyin pa;Paramita;A transcendent perfection or virtue, the practice of which leads to Buddhahood. There are six paramitas: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.
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Generally speaking, the three dimensions are above, on, and under the earth. Occasionally this term refers to the three realms of Buddhist cosmology. ''See also'' three realms.
sa gsum;Three Dimensions Of Existence;three dimensions of existence;Generally speaking, the three dimensions are above, on, and under the earth. Occasionally this term refers to the three realms of Buddhist cosmology. ''See also'' three realms.
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A small ritual drum, traditionally made from the tops of two skulls fastened back-to-back.
da ma ru;Damaru;A small ritual drum, traditionally made from the tops of two skulls fastened back-to-back.
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