Law == 理
Ruling principle, universal basis, essential element, i.e. fundamental law.
Zen == 禅
also called Chan; see Contemplation and Meditation.
bala == 五力
Mark == 相
Lakana in Sanskrit word. It is a notion of form. In Diamond Sutra, it says "All with marks is empty and false. If you can see all marks as no marks then you see the Tathagata."
Rupa == 色
see Matter or Five Skandhas.
Zeal == 精進
see Vigor.
Alaya == 阿賴耶
An abbreviation of Alaya-vijanana. Alaya is a sort of eternal substance or matter, creative and containing all forms; when considered as a whole, it is non-existent, or contains nothing; when considered phenomenal, it fills the universe. It seems to be of the nature of materialism. It is the store or totality of consciousness both absolute and relative. It is described as the fundamental mind-consciousness of conscious beings, which lays hold of all the experience of the individual life, and which stores and holds the germs of all affairs. It is the last of Eighth Consciousness from which them Wisdom of Great Round Mirror is derived.
Arana == 阿蘭那
It means a place of stillness, which is to practice pure conduct and to cultivate without the attachment of self and the Four Marks.
Arhan == 阿羅漢
see Arhat and Four Fruition.
Arhat == 阿羅漢
There are two kinds of arhats, namely, the Sound-hearing arhat (Sravaka) and the Enlightened-to-condition arhat (Praetyka-Buddha). The former attains the wisdom to understand the Four Noble Truth, while the latter attains the wisdom to understand the Law of Dependent Origination or the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. They represent two vehicles, who "comprehend for their own sake". As they pay attention to themselves and not to others, they are incapable of genuine and equal enlightenment.
There are four noble stages of fruition in the Arhat Path.
Asura == 阿修羅
It is a peculiar path in the Six Paths. In terms of material enjoyment and psychic power, it is similar to Deva. However, in some aspects, it is even worse than Human Path. The male Asura is extremely ugly and furious, and always fight with each other. The female Asura is as beautiful as an angel. They are proud of themselves, thus reluctant to learn and practice Buddhism.
Karma == 業
Sanskrit word meaning action, deed, moral duty, effect. Karma is moral action which causes future retribution, and either good or evil transmigration. It is also moral kernal in each being which survive death for further rebirth.
magga == 八正道
metta == 慈
Raksa == 羅刹
living in the Ghost Path. Like Yaksa, they are evil and violent, but inferior to Yaksa.
Stupa == 塔
It refers to a place where the Buddha”s true body resides.
Sudra == 首陀羅
the lowest of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They were peasants, slaves and serfs.
Sutra == 經
It is a "path" necessarily passed through in the cultivation of the Way.
Vigor == 精進
the fourth Paramita, pure and unadulterated progress, i.e. zealous and courageous progressing in the good, and eliminating the evil.
Yaksa == 夜叉
The demons in the lower realm, like the Ghost Realm. They are evil, malignant and violent. They live on earth or in air.
anatta == 無我
anicca == 無常
Bhiksu == 比丘
A monk, who has left home, been fully ordained, and depends on alms for a living.
Buddha == 佛
Means "the Enlightened One" or "the Awakened One".
Dharma == 法
Sanskrit word, means law, truth, anything Buddhist. It is used in the sense of all things, visible or invisible.
Effort == 精進
See Vigor.
Energy == 精進
See Vigor.
Giving == 布施
see charity.
Jataka == 本生經
the sutra to narrate the birth stories of Shakyamuni in present life, past lives, and effects related to the past lives and the present lives.
karuna == 悲
Mantra == 咒
The Sanskrit word is Dharani, i.e. esoteric incantation. It is a treatise with mystical meaning, and is regarded as every word and deed of a Bodhisattva. It is one of the most popular method of cultivation in Buddhism, especially in Shingon or "True Word" sect.
Matter == 色
Or Form or Thing. The Sanskrit word is Rupa. It is defined as that which has resistence, or which changes and disappear, i.e., the phenomenal. There are inner and outer forms representing the organs and objects of sense respectively.
Rupa is one of the Six Bahya-ayatanna or Six Gunas and also one of the Five Skandhas.
mudita == 喜心
Prajna == 般若
There are three kinds of Prajna:
(1) Prajna of languages
(2) Prajna of contemplative illumination
(3) prajna of the characteristics of actuality
The last one is the ultimate wisdom, which is the wisdom of Buddha. Also see wisdom.
Rahula == 羅候羅
He was one of the Ten Great Disciples of Shakyamuni. He was the first in esoteric practices and in desire for instruction in the Law. He was also the son of Shakyamuni.
Sanjna == 想
see Recognition or Five Skandhas.
Sumeru == 須彌山
Sanskrit words. It means wonderful high mountain. It is composed of gold. silver, lapis lazuli and crystal, therefore it is so wonderful. It is eighty four thousand Yugamdhara high and eighty found thousand Yugamdhara wide, which is the greatest mountain amongst all.
Vaisya == 吠舍
the third of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They were merchant, entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, manufacturers, etc., but not well-educated.
Vedana == 受
see Sensation or Five Skandhas.
Wisdom == 智慧
the highest of Paramita; the virtue of wisdom as the principal means of attaining Nirvana. It connotes a knowledge of the illusory character of everything earthly, and destroys error, ignorance, prejudice and heresy.
akalika == 即時的, 不遲滯的, 不受時間限製的, 不待時節
akaliko == 即時的, 不遲滯的, 不受時間限製的, 不待時節
akusala == 惡,不善
anagami == 不來, 阿那含
Brahmin == 婆羅門
The highest of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They served Brahma, his offering, the keepers of the Vedas, i.e. priestly.
Charity == 布施
Or almsgiving, the first Paramita. There are three kinds of charity in terms of goods, doctrines (Dharma) and courage (fearlessness). Out of the three, the merits and virtues of doctrines charity is the most surpassing. Charity done for no reward here and hereafter is called pure or unsullied, while the sullied charity is done for the purpose of personal benefits. In Buddhism, the merits and virtues of pure charity is the best.
Hsu Yun == 虛雲
a great Ch”an master in China. He died in 1959 at the age of 120.
Hua Tou == 話頭
Intense concentration on a question-word which defies any answer and allows no answer at all. Literally, it refers to the source of word before it is uttered. It is a method used in Ch”an Sect to arouse the doubt. The practitioner meditates on questions as who is reciting the Buddha”s name?. He does not rely on experience or reasoning. Sometimes, it is also known as Kung-an.
indriya == 五根
Kushala == 善業
Sanskrit word. It means good Karma.
Nirvana == 涅槃
Nirvana is a Sanskrit word which is originally translated as "perfect stillness". It has many other meanings, such as liberation, eternal bliss, tranquil extinction, extinction of individual existence, unconditioned, no rebirth, calm joy, etc. It is usually described as transmigration to "extinction", but the meaning given to "extinction" varies.
There are four kinds of Nirvana:
1.Nirvana of pure, clear self-nature
2.Nirvana with residue
3.Nirvana without residue
4.Nirvana of no dwelling
Samadhi == 叁摩地
Sanskrit word for meditation. See Meditation and Contemplation.
Samsara == 輪回轉世
Sanskrit word meaning turning of the wheel or revolving. It refers to the transmigration in the Six Directions of Reincarnation.
Sravaka == 聲聞
the first or initial stage in Hinayana, the second being that of Praetyka-Buddha. Sravaka, a Sanskrit word, means a hearer. It generally relates to Hinayana disciple who understands the Four Noble Truth in entering Nirvana.
upekkha == 舍
Akushala == 惡業
Sanskrit word. It means bad Karma.
Amitabha == 阿彌陀佛
Sanskrit word, literally means boundless light and boundless life. He is the Buddha in the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Pure Land), in which all beings enjoy unbounded happiness. Amitabha has forty-eight great vows to establish and adorn his Pure Land. People also recite or call upon his name by the time of dying will be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss with the reception by Amitabha. Amitabha is one of the most popular and well-known Buddha in China.
Anagamin == 阿那含
see Four Fruition.
Bhiksuni == 比丘尼
A nun, see also Bhiksu.
Devotion == 精進
See Vigor.
Hinayana == 小乘
also called Small Vehicle or Liberated Vehicle, which refers to Sravaka and Praetyka-Buddha. It is a school of Buddhism, popular in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, hence also known as Southern Buddhism, in contrast with Northern Buddhism or Mahayana, the form mainly prevalent from Nepal to Japan.
Hinayana is sometimes described as self-benefiting, and Mahayana as self-benefiting for the benefit of others. Another difference is that Pali is the general literary language in Hinayana while Sanskrit of Mahayana.
Hinayana is nearer to the original teaching of the Buddha. For further details, please refer to Section 3-A A Glimpse in the Scope of Buddhism in Vol. 1 No. 4 of Buddhist Door.
Hui Neng == 惠能
The Sixth Patriarch of Zen (Ch”an) Sect in China.
Ksatriya == 刹帝利
the second of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni, they were the royal caste, the noble landlord, the warriors and the ruling castes.
Mahamaya == 摩诃摩耶夫人
the mother of Shakyamuni. She was the Koliyan Princess and married to Suddhodana.
Mahayana == 大乘
also called Great Vehicle or Bodhisattva Vehicle. It is a school of Buddhism prevalent in China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Tibet and other places in the Far East. It is also called Northern Buddhism.
Mahayana is described as seeking Buddhahood and transforming beings, thus self-benefiting for the benefits of the others.
Maitreya == 彌勒菩薩
Sanskrit word, literally means friendly and benevolent. He will be the next Buddha in our world. He is now preaching in Tusita Heaven. He is usually represented as the fat laughing Buddha.
Morality == 持戒
the second Paramita, to take precepts and to keep the moral laws.
Paramita == 波羅蜜多
It means to cross over from this shore of births and deaths to the other shore which is the Nirvana.
The Six Paramita or means of so doings are
(1) dana - charity/giving
(2) sila - moral/conduct/taking precepts
(3) ksanti - patience
(4) virya - vigor/devotion/energy
(5) dhyana - contemplation/meditation
(6) prajna - wisdom.
The Ten Paramita are the above plus
(7) upaya - use of expedient or proper means
(8) pranidhana - vow of bodhi and helpfulness
(9) bala - strength
(10) intelligence
Childers gives the list of ten as the perfect exercise of
charity/almsgiving, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy/effort, patience, truth, resolution/determination, kindness/universal love and resignation/equanimity.
Each of the ten is divided into ordinary, superior and unlimited perfection, making up to thirty in total.
Patience == 忍辱
endurance, the third Paramita. There are groups of two, three, four, five, six, ten and fourteen, indicating various forms of patience, equanimity, repression, forbearance, both in mundane and spiritual things. Patience refers to bearing insult and distress without resentment.
Samskara == 行
see Volition or Five Skandhas.
Volition == 行
or mental formation, or action, or conduct, or deed, usually done through the body, mouth or mind. The Sanskrit word is Samskara.
bojjhanga == 七覺支
Condition == 緣
There is no existing phenomena that is not the effect of dependent origination. All phenomena arise dependent upon a number of casual factors called conditions.
Emptiness == 空
The Sanskrit word is Sunya. One of the key concepts in Buddhism. Emptiness is an abstract idea representing impermanence, unreality, instability, transience and relativity in the nature of all existence. The doctrine states that all phenomena and the ego have no reality, but are composed of a certain number of Skandhas or elements, which disintegrate. The doctrine also states that everything is unstable, possessing no self-essence or self-nature, i.e., its own existence dependent or caused by the conditions of others” existence.
Emptiness is not nothing, but it is the condition of existence of everything. It permeates all phenomena making possible their evolution.
Endurance == 忍辱
See Patience.
Five Eyes == 五眼(肉眼、天眼、法眼、慧眼、佛眼)
There are five classes of eyes:
1. human eye
2. devine eye
3. dharma eye
4. wisdom eye
5. Buddha eye
Ignorance == 無明
Sanskrit word is Avidya. Literally, it means darkness without illumination. Actually it refers to illusion without englightenment, i.e., the illusory phenomena for realities. Avidya is the first or the last of the Twelve Nidanas. Ignorance, karma and desire are the three forces that cause reincarnation.
Nagarjuna == 龍樹菩薩
a Bodhisattva in South India, born about 800 years after the Nirvana of Shakyamuni. He was the founder of Madhyamika (Middle Way) and Sunya (emptiness). He had plenty of writings in Buddhism.
Pure Land == 淨土
generally refers to the Paradise of the West, presided over by Amitabha. Also known as the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Other Buddhas have their own Pure Lands. The Pure-Land Sect whose chief tenet is salvation by faith in Amitabha; it is the popular cult in China and Japan.
Saha Land == 娑婆世界
It refers to the land on Earth. Saha interprets as bearing and enduring. Saha Land is contrary to Pure Land.
Sariputra == 舍利弗
One of the Ten Great Disciples of Shakyamuni, noted for his wisdom and learning. He was also the right-hand attendant on Shakyamuni. He figures prominently in certain sutras. He is represented as standing with Maudgalyayana by the Buddha when entering Nirvana. He is to reappear as Padmaprabha Buddha.
Sensation == 受
or Feeling. The Sanskrit word is Vedana. One of the Five Skandhas. See Five Skandhas.
Six Dusts == 六塵
see Six Gunas.
Six Gunas == 六塵
or Six External Bases, or Six Dusts. They are sight, sound, scent/smell, taste, tangibles/touch and dharma/idea. They are the qualities produced by the objects and organs of sense.
Six Paths == 六道
see Six Directions of Reincarnation.
Six Roots == 六根
or Six Sense-organs, see Six Indriyas.
Trailokya == 叁界
see Three Realms.
Tripitaka == 叁藏(經、律、論)
It is a Sanskrit word meaning Three Treasures:
1.Sutra Pitika - the sermons attributed to the Shakyamuni Buddha.
2.Vinaya Pitika - the discipline in practice to act according to the rules and regulations.
3.Abhidharma Pitika - the philosophical work, such as discourses, discussions, or treatises on the dogma, doctrines, etc. of Buddhism.
Yasodhara == 耶蘇陀羅
the wife of Siddhartha Goutama.
adhitthana == 決定,決意,受持,依處,攝持
Almsgiving == 布施
see charity.
bodhisatta == 菩薩
Dhammapada == 法句經
It is a compilation of 423 short verses of the Buddha, teachings given at various times and places. It is regarded as the "original" teaching of the Buddha, which can be used for reference, moral instruction and inspiration.
Divine Eye == 天眼
One of the Six Psychic Power and one of the Five Eyes. Unlimited vision, large and small, distant and near, the destiny of all beings in future rebirth. It may be obtained by human eyes through the practice of meditation/Samadhi.
Extinction == 滅度
It means having put the Two Obstacles, i.e. the obstacle of afflictions and the obstacle of what is known, to an end. It also means that the beings have transcended the Two Deaths, i.e. glare-sectioned birth and death and changed birth and death.
Four Phala == 四果
see Four Fruition.
Four Seals == 四法印
They are:
1.All phenomena are impermanent.
2.All Dharma are not-self.
3.The eternity is Nirvana.
4.All sensations are suffering.
Mahasattva == 摩诃薩
These are great Bodhisattvas, who attain higher stages of fruition and enlightenment. See also Ten Stages of Bodhisattva.
Meditation == 靜慮
the fifth Paramita. There are numerous methods and subjects of meditation. See also Contemplation.
Middle Way == 中道
It denotes the mean between two extremes, particularly between realism and nihilism, eternal substantial existence and annihilation. This doctrine opposes the rigid categories of existence and non-existence in the interest of a middle way. This is the utlimate truth of Buddhism, and the reality character of all Buddha. See also Eight Negations.