Arhat == 阿罗汉
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.
metta == 慈
Stupa == 塔
It refers to a place where the Buddha”s true body resides.
Sutra == 经
It is a "path" necessarily passed through in the cultivation of the Way.
anatta == 无我
Effort == 精进
See Vigor.
Jataka == 本生经
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.
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
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.
Hua Tou == 话头
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.
Amitabha == 阿弥陀佛
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.
Devotion == 精进
See Vigor.
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.
Maitreya == 弥勒菩萨
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 == 波罗蜜多
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.
Volition == 行
or mental formation, or action, or conduct, or deed, usually done through the body, mouth or mind. The Sanskrit word is Samskara.
Condition == 缘
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.
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 == 六尘
see Six Gunas.
Six Paths == 六道
see Six Directions of Reincarnation.
Six Roots == 六根
or Six Sense-organs, see Six Indriyas.
Trailokya == 三界
see Three Realms.
Tripitaka == 三藏(经、律、论)
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.
adhitthana == 决定,决意,受持,依处,摄持
bodhisatta == 菩萨
Extinction == 灭度
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.
Mahasattva == 摩诃萨
These are great Bodhisattvas, who attain higher stages of fruition and enlightenment. See also Ten Stages of Bodhisattva.
Meditation == 静虑
the fifth Paramita. There are numerous methods and subjects of meditation. See also Contemplation.
Right View == 正见
understanding the Four Noble Truths; the first of the Eightfold Path.
Ten Powers == 十力
The Ten Powers of Buddha or Bodhisattva are the complete knowledge of
1.what is right or wrong in every condition
2.what is the karma of every being, past, present and future
3.all stages of dhyana liberation and samadhi
4.the powers and faculties of all beings
5.the desires or moral directions of every being
6.the actual condition of every individual
7.the direction and consequence of all laws
8.all causes of mortality and of good and evil in their reality
9.the end of all beings and Nirvana
10.the destruction of all illusion of every kind
Two Deaths == 二死
Two Deaths refer to
1.share-sectioned birth and death
2.changed birth and death
anapanasati == 安那般那念, 安般念, 入出息念
Bodhisattva == 菩萨
A Future Buddha who is a being destined to Buddhahood. Bodhi means Enlightenment and Sattva means Sentient and Conscious. Therefore Bodhisattva refers to the sentient being of or for the great wisdom and enlightenment. Bodhisattva”s vow/aim is the pursuit of Buddhahood and the salvation of others and of all. He seeks enlightenment to enlighten others. He will sacrifice himself to save the others. He is devoid of egoism and devoted to help the others. The way and discipline of Bodhisattva is to benefit the self and the others, leading to Buddhahood.
Eight Winds == 八风
Or the Winds of Eight Directions. Most people are usually moved by the winds of the eight directions:
(1) Praise
(2) Ridicule
(3) Suffering
(4) Happiness
(5) Benefit
(6) Destruction
(7) Gain
(8) Loss
Lotus Sutra == 妙法莲华经
One of the most important sutra in Buddhism. Lotus flower is used to describe the brightness and pureness of the One Buddha Dharma.
Middle Path == 中道
See Middle Way.
Recognition == 想
or Conception or Thinking. The Sanskirt word is Sanjna. It is the function of mind. It may lead to desire. One of the Five Skandhas.
Three Roots == 三根
The three (evil) roots, i.e. desire, hate and stupidity. Another group is the three grades of good "roots" or abilities, i.e. superior, medium and inferior.
Three Seals == 三法印(诸行无常,诸法无我,寂静涅槃)
Also known as Three Universal Truths.
1.All phenomena are impermanent.
2.All Dharma are not-self.
3.The eternity is Nirvana.
It is called the seal because it is to certify whether it is the Buddha”s teaching or not. Also see Four Seals.
Four Virtues == 四德
The four Nirvana virtues:
(1) Eternity or permanence
(2) Joy
(3) Personality
(4) Purity
These four important virtues are affirmed by the sutra in the transcendental or nirvana-realm.
Renunciation == 舍
One of the Four Unlimited Mind. As one of the chief Buddhist virtues, renunciation leads to a state of "undifferent without pleasure or pain". It is also an equality in mind with no distinction of self and others.
Right Action == 正行
the fourth of the Eightfold Path; respect for life (do not kill), property (do not steal) and personal relationship (no sexual misconduct) so as to purify one”s mind and body.
Right Effort == 正精进
right zeal or progress, unintermitting perseverance, suppressing the rising of evil states and stimulating good states, and to perfect those which have come to beings.
Right Speech == 正语
the third of Eightfold Path, abstaining from lying, slander/back biting, abuse/harsh words and idle talk.
Six Paramita == 六波罗蜜多,六度
see Paramita.
Srota-apanna == 须陀洹
see Four Fruition.
Ten Paramita == 十波罗蜜
see Paramita.
Three Dogmas == 三谛
They are the Dogma of Void, Unreal and Mean. See also Three Meditations of One Mind.
Three Jewels == 三宝
Or the Three Precious Ones, i.e. the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Three Realms == 三界
Sanskrit word is Trailokya. It is Buddhist metaphysical equivalence for the triple world of earth, atmosphere and heaven.
1.Realm of Sensusous Desire (Sanskrit word is Kamadhatu) of sex and food. It includes the Six Hevens of Desire, the Human World and the Hells.
2.Realm of Form (Sanskrit word is Rupaadhatu) of matter which is substantial and resistant. It includes the Heavens of Four Zen (Sanskrit word is Brahmalokas).
3.Realm of Formlessness (Sanskrit word is Arupadhatu) of pure spirit, where there are no bodies and matters to which human terms would apply, but where the mind dwells in mystic contemplation; its extent is indefinable, but it is conceived of in Four Stages/Places of Emptiness in the immaterial world.
Three Wisdom == 三智(一切智、道种智、一切种智)
There are three kinds of wisdom:
1.Sravaka and Praetyka-Buddha knowledge that all the Dharmas or laws are void and unreal
2.Bodhisattva knowledge of all things in proper discrimination
3.Buddha knowledge or perfect knowledge of all things in their every aspect and relationship past, present and future.
In Tien Tai Sect, the Three Wisdom is associated with the Three Dogmas of Void, Unreal and Mean.
Twelve Bases == 十二处
The Six Internal Bases and the Six External Bases are together called the Twelve Bases. Base implies the meaning of germinating and nourishing. All mental activities are germinated and nourished from these Twelve Bases.
Contemplation == 观想
Abstract contemplation. There are four levels through which the mind frees itself from all subjects and objective hindrances and reaches a state of absolute indifference and annihilation of thought, perception, and will. See also Meditation.
Enlightenment == 觉悟
"Enlightenment" sometimes refers to the attainment of Buddhahood, as the "Enlightened One" means Buddha. If one is enlightened, one has a complete and perfect understanding of the reality character of everything.
Five Precepts == 五戒(不杀、不盗、不邪淫、不妄语、不饮酒)
or Five Commandments for layman
(1) No killing
(2) No stealing
(3) No sexual misconduct/adultery
(4) No lying
(5) No intoxicant
It is essential for the rebirth in human realms.
Four Fruition == 四果
also known as Four Phala. These are four grades of arhatship, namely
1.Srota-apanna: has entered the stream of holy living; the first stage of the arhat, that of a Sravaka
2.Sakradagamin: comes to be born once more; the second grade of arhatship involving only one birth
3.Anagamin: will not be reborn in this world (i.e. Six Paths), but in the Form Realm or Formless Realm, where he will attain to Nirvana
4.Arhan: enters Nirvana. All Karma of reincarnation is destroyed. He also reaches a state of no longer learning. He is the highest Saint in Hinayana in contrast with the Bodhisattva as the Saint in Mahayana
Right Thought == 正思维
right thought and intent; avoiding desire and ill-will; the second of the Eightfold Path.
Six Entrances == 六入
see Six Places and Six Indriyas.
Three Poisons == 三毒(贪、嗔、痴)
or Three Roots
1.Greed or wrong desire
2.Hatred or anger
3.Illusion or stupidity or ignorance
These are the source of all the passions and delusions.
Three Shastra == 三论
They are
1.Madhyamaka Shastra中论
2.Dvadashamukha Shastra十二门论
3.Shatika Shastra百论
All three were translated by Kumarajiva(鸠摩罗什), on which the Three Shastra Sect(三论宗) bases its doctrines.
Three Studies == 三学(戒、定、慧)
or Three Vehicles of Learning
1.Sila, i.e. taking Precepts
2.Dhyana, i.e. concentration and meditation
3.Prajna, i.e. wisdom
It is practiced by the Arhats.
Three Virtues == 三德
The three virtues of power,
1.the virtue, or potency of the Buddha”s eternal, spiritual body, i.e., the Dharmakaya
2.the virtue of his Prajna, knowing all things in their reality
3.the virtue of his freedom from all attachments and his sovereign liberty
Tien Tai Sect == 天台宗
One of the Ten Great Sect in Chinese Buddhism. It was initiated by Hui Man in the dynasty of Bei-Chai, and was promoted by Chi-Hai in Tsui Dynasty. Mainly based on Lotus Sutra, Tien Tai Sect explains all universal phenomena with Three Dogmas. For the practices, it emphasizes cutting off Three Delusions, thus establishes the method of Three Meditations of One Mind.
Twelve Places == 十二处
see the Twelve Bases.
Two Obstacles == 二障(烦恼障、所知障)
Two Obstacles refer to
1.the obstacle of afflictions
2.the obstacle of what is known
Amitabha Sutra == 阿弥陀经
One of the main sutra in Pure Land Sect. It is said to be the only sutra that Shakyamuni preached without being asked. For the sake of facilitating the living beings to practice and cultivate the Buddha way. Shakyamuni revealed and taught us of he simplest ways for liberation and enlightenment -- reciting Amitabha Buddha”s name. By reciting the name, one can opt to be born in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is one of the most popular sutra recited by the Buddhists in China.
Avalokitesvara == 观世音菩萨
Sanskrit word for the Bodhisattva who Hears the Sounds of the World. He rescues all beings by hearing their voices of suffering and cries for help. In Chinese, he is called Guan Shr Yin or Guan Yin Bodhisattva. As one of the Four Great Bodhisattva, he is the one with the greatest compassion and mercy.
Guan Yin is one of the triad of Amitabha Buddha, represented on his left, and being the future Buddha in the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Pure Land) after Amitabha Buddha.
Guan Yin can transform into many different forms in order to cross over to the beings. Guan Yin is one of the most popular Bodhisattva in China.
Eightfold Path == 八正道
The eight right ways for the Arhat leading to Nirvana. The eight are:
(1) Right View
(2) Right Thought
(3) Right Speech
(4) Right Action
(5) Right Livelihood
(6) Right Effort
(7) Right Remembrance
(8) Right Concentration
Six Fulfilment == 六成就(佛经开卷的内容:如是、我闻、说法的时间、说法人、地点、听众)
the six requirements indicating that the Sutra is a true record of teachings given directly by the Buddha. They are the fulfilment of meeting the requirement
1.on belief 2.on hearing 3.on time 4.on of the host 5.on place 6.on audiences
Ten Directions == 十方
the ten directions of space, i.e. the eight points of the compass and the nadir and zenith. There is a Buddha in each direction.
Ten Good Deeds == 十善
The Ten Forms of Good Actions for layman, or Ten Wholesomeness.
1.No killing
2.No stealing
3.No adultery
4.No lying
5.No slandering
6.No harsh speech
7.No idle talks
8.No greed
9.No hatred
10.No illusion
It is essential for the rebirth in Deva realm.
Twelve Nidanas == 十二因缘
see the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.
Eight Negations == 八不
The eight negations of Nagarjuna, founder of Madhyamika, are actually four pairs of neither birth nor death, neither end nor permanence, neither identity nor difference, neither coming nor going. This is one of the important concepts of the Middle Way, the ultimate truth of Buddhism and the reality character of all Dharma.
Eighteen Fields == 十八界
The Six Consciousness and the Twelve Bases are together called the Eighteen Fields.
Four Great Vows == 四弘誓愿
1.Vow to take across the numberless living beings.
2.Vow to cut off the endless afflictions.
3.Vow to study the countless Dharma doors.
4.Vow to realize the supreme Buddha Way.
Pratyeka-Buddha == 辟支佛
the second stage in Hinayana, the first or initial being that of Sravaka. He is enlightened to the conditions, i.e. the Law of Dependent Origination. He seeks enlightenment for himself and understands deeply Nidanas. He attains his enlightenment alone, independently, or a teacher, and with the object of attaining Nirvana and his own salvation rather than that of others.
Shatika Shastra == 百论
one of the Three Shastra of Madhyamika School, so called because of its 100 verses, each of 32 words. It was written in Sanskrit by Vasubandhu and translated by Kumarajiva, but the versions differ.
Spiritual Ghost == 鬼神
living in the Ghost Path. They are kind dwelling in the nature, e.g. trees, mountain and sea protecting the creatures.
Taking Precepts == 持戒
see Morality.
Three Delusions == 三惑
In Tien Tai, three doubts in the mind of Bodhisattva, producing three delusions, i.e.,
1.through things seen and thought 2.through the immense variety of duties in saving humans 3.through ignorance
Three Obstacles == 三障
1.the karmic obstacle
2.the affliction obstacle
3.the retribution obstacle
When the Three Obstacles are cleared and dissolved, the Three Virtues will be perfected.
Avatamsaka Sutra == 华严经
One of the great sutras in Buddhism. It was sermoned in heaven by Buddha Shakyamuni soon after his attainment of Buddhahood. The sutra reveals different causes and ways of cultivation of many great Bodhisattvas, such as Ten Grades of Faith, Ten Stages of Wisdom, Ten Activities, Ten Transference of Merits, Ten Stages of Bodhisattva, Absolute Universal Enlightenment, Wonderful Enlightenment, etc. It also reveals how to enter Avatamsaka World (Buddha”s world) from Saha World (our world).
Eight Sufferings == 八苦
(1) Suffering of Birth
(2) Suffering of Old Age
(3) Suffering of Sickness
(4) Suffering of Death
(5) Suffering of being apart from the loved ones
(6) Suffering being together with the despised ones
(7) Suffering of not getting what one wants
(8) Suffering of the flourishing of the Five Skandhas
Right Livelihood == 正命
the fifth of the Eightfold Path; right life, abstaining from any of the forbidden modes of living. Five kinds of livelihood are discouraged : trading in animals for slaughter, dealing in weapons, dealing in slaves, dealing in poison and dealing in intoxicants.
Thirty-two Forms == 三十二相
These are the physical marks of a Buddha
1.Level feet
2.thousand-spoke wheel-sign on feet
3.long slender fingers
4.pliant hands and feet
5.toes and fingers finely webbed
6.full-sized heels
7.arched insteps
8.thigh like a royal stag
9.hands reaching below the knees
10.well-retracted male organ
11.height and stretch of arms equal
12.every hair-root dark coloured
13.body hair graceful and curly
14.golden-hued body
15.a ten-foot halo around him
16.soft smooth skin
17.two soles, two palms, two shoulders and crown well rounded
18.below the armpits well-filled
19.lion-shaped body
20.erect
21.full shoulders
22.forty teeth
23.teeth white even and close
24.the four canine teeth pure white
25.lion-jawed
26.salvia improving the taste of all food
27.tongue long and broad
28.voice deep and resonant
29.eye deep blue
30.eye lashes like a royal bull
31.a white urna or curl between the eyebrows emitting light
32.an usnisa or fleshy protuberance on the crown.
Three Evil Paths == 三恶道
They are the three lowest realms of the Nine Realms: hell, hungry ghost and animal.(地狱,饿鬼,畜牲)
Three Good Paths == 三善道
They are Man, Asura and Deva Paths.(人,阿修罗,天道)
Three Sufferings == 三苦(苦苦、乐苦、不苦不乐苦)
1.Feeling of suffering
2.Feeling of happiness - suffering of decay
3.Feeling of neither suffering nor happiness - suffering of the activity of the Five Skandhas. (五蕴)
Five Commandments == 五戒
see Five Precepts.
Foremost Paramita == 第一波罗蜜
It refers to the perfect principle of Middle Way. It is neither birth nor death, without dwelling in Nirvana. It is the substance of everything beyond words and conceptual thinking.
Four Noble Truths == 四圣谛
It is the primary and fundamental doctrines of Shakyamuni
1.Doctrine of Suffering - suffering is a necessary attribute of sentient existence (Effect of Suffering)
2.Doctrine of Accumulation - accumulation of suffering is caused by passions (Cause of Suffering)
3.Doctrine of Extinction - extinction of passion (Effect of Happiness)
4.Doctrine of Path - Path leading to the extinction of passion (Cause of Happiness); i.e. Eightfold Path.
The first two are considered to be related to this life, and the last two to the life outside and beyond this world.
The Four Noble Truths were first preached to Shakyamuni”s five former ascetic companions.
No Strife Samadhi == 无诤三昧
Strife means debating and fighting. It is a kind of Samadhi, i.e. right concentration/meditation. To cultivate and attain this Samadhi, one will not argue or angry with others as one has no differentiation between self and others.
Right Remembrance == 正念
right memory, right mindfulness; the seventh of the Eightfold Path, avoiding distracted and clouded state of mind, awareness and self-possessed.
Singalovada Sutra == 善生经
a short sutra about ethics and morality.