Rupa == 色
see Matter or Five Skandhas.
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.
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.
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".
karuna == 悲
mudita == 喜心
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.
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.
akusala == 惡,不善
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.
Kushala == 善業
Sanskrit word. It means good Karma.
upekkha == 舍
Akushala == 惡業
Sanskrit word. It means bad Karma.
Bhiksuni == 比丘尼
A nun, see also Bhiksu.
Hui Neng == 惠能
The Sixth Patriarch of Zen (Ch”an) Sect in China.
Endurance == 忍辱
See Patience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shakyamuni == 釋迦牟尼
the founder of Buddhism. He was born as the Prince of Sakyans, and was called Siddhartha Goutama. At the age of 35, he attained the supreme Enlightenment and became the Buddha and was the called Shakyamuni. The word means "capability and kindness".
Suddhodana == 淨飯王
Pure Rice Prince, the father of Shakyamuni, ruled over the Sakyans at Kapilaratthu on the Nepalese border.
Lotus Sutra == 妙法蓮華經
One of the most important sutra in Buddhism. Lotus flower is used to describe the brightness and pureness of the One Buddha Dharma.
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.
Bhaisajyaguru == 藥師佛
Sanskrit word, the Buddha of Medicine, who quells all diseases and lengthens life. His is the Buddha in the Pure Land of the Paradise of the East.
Five Bhikshus == 五比丘
The first five of Buddha”s converts: Ajnata-Kaundinya, Asvajit, Bhadrika, Dasabala-Kasyapa, and Mahanama-Kulika. They were the first five disciples that Shakyamuni preached when he became Buddha.
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 == 正思維
right thought and intent; avoiding desire and ill-will; the second of the Eightfold Path.
Three Studies == 叁學（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 == 叁德
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
Amitabha Sutra == 阿彌陀經
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.
Six Fulfilment == 六成就（佛經開卷的內容：如是、我聞、說法的時間、說法人、地點、聽衆）
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
Four Great Vows == 四弘誓願
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.
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.
Three Delusions == 叁惑
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
Avatamsaka Sutra == 華嚴經
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
Four Holy Realms == 四聖道
They are Sravaka, Praetyka-Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Buddha.
Three Sufferings == 叁苦（苦苦、樂苦、不苦不樂苦）
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. （五蘊）
Four Fearlessness == 四無所畏（佛四無所畏，菩薩四無所畏）
There are four kinds of fearlessness, of which there are two groups:
A.Buddha”s fearlessness arises from（佛四無所畏）
1. his omniscience正等覺無所畏
2. perfection of character漏永盡無所畏
3. overcoming opposition說障法無所畏
4.ending of suffering說出道無所畏
B.Bodhisattva”s fearlessness arises from（菩薩四無所畏）
1. powers of memory能持無所畏
2. power of moral diagnosis and application of the remedy知根無所畏
3. power of ratiocination決疑無所畏
4.power of solving doubts答報無所畏
Four Noble Truths == 四聖谛
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.
Fourfold Assembly == 四衆
Or the Four Varga (groups) are bhiksu, bhiksuni, upasaka and upasika, i.e. monks, nuns, male and female devotees.
Singalovada Sutra == 善生經
a short sutra about ethics and morality.
Six Consciousness == 六識
They are the perceptions and the discriminative ability of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind.
One Buddha Vehicle == 一佛乘
Also known as Supreme Vehicle. In Buddhism, the Five Vehicles are established to facilitate us to understand the reality of Buddhahood. The teachings of One Buddha Vehicle is the ultimate, perfect and complete truth of Buddha, which is unconceivable and beyond words, as stated in the Lotus Sutra.
Siddhartha Goutama == 喬達摩·悉達多
the Sanskrit word of Siddhartha, the name of Shakyamuni when he was born to the Prince Suddhodana. The name means "wish fulfilled".
World Honoured One == 世尊
One of the titles of the Buddha. In Sutras, this is the respected title of Shakyamuni Buddha. See also Ten Titles of Buddha.
anupadisesa-nibbana == 無余(依)涅槃
Burning Lamp Buddha == 燃燈佛
He was the Buddha that bestowed a prediction of Buddhahood on Shakyamuni Buddha. He was the one who gave Shakyamuni a name, saying "In the future, you will become a Buddha named Shakyamuni."
Four Great Elements == 四大
All matters are formed and are composed by four conditioned causes :
(1) earth, which is characterized by solidity and durability
(2) water, which is characterized by liquid/fluid and moisture
(3) fire, which is characterized by energy and warmth
(4) wind, which is characterized by gas/air movement
Four Unlimited Mind == 四無量心
The mind of Bodhisattva:
1. Kindness
2. Compassion
3. Delight
4. Renunciation
Right Understanding == 正見
see Right View.
Manjusri Bodhisattva == 文殊菩薩
As one of the Four Great Bodhisattva, he is the one with the greatest wisdom. Manjusri is said to have: wonderful head, universal head, glossy head, revered head, wonderful virtue and wonderfully auspicious. Manjusri, the guardian of wisdom, is often placed on the left of Shakyamuni, while Visvabhadra, the guardian of law, is on the right. Manjusri always rides on a lion. He is also described as the ninth predecessor or Buddha-ancestor of Shakyamuni. He is the Chief of the Bodhisattva, and the chief disciple of the Buddha. He is the object for the pilgrimages visiting the Wu Tai Shan of Shansi Province in China.
Nirvana with residue == 有余涅槃
The cause, but not all the effect (Karma) of reincarnation is cut off and removal of the obstacle of affliction, but not that of what is known (Dharma), thus the body which remains is subject to birth and death. Those beings are Arhats.
sa-upadisesa-nibbana == 有余(依)涅槃
Sudden Enlightenment == 頓悟
Enlightened all of a sudden by hearing or studying Dharma, usually for those who practices Ch”an.
Sukhavativyuha Sutra == 無量壽經
It is one of the main Sutras for Pure Land Sect. It stipulates the Forty-eight Vows of Amitabha Buddha, which give rise to the characteristic of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West.
Ten Titles of Buddha == 十佛名號
represent the characteristics of Buddha
1.Tathagata - the Thus Come Ones
2.Arhat - worthy of offerings
3.Samyak-sambuddha - of proper and universal knowledge
4.Vidyacarna-sampauna - perfect in understanding and conduct
5.Sugata - skilful in leaving the world through liberation
6.Lokavid - perfect and complete understanding of all worldly Dharma
7.Anuttara - unsurpassed knights
8.Purusa-damya-sarathi - taming heroes
9.Sasta deramanusyanam - teachers of gods and people
10.Buddha-lokanatha or Bhagaran - Buddha, the World Honored Ones
Unconditioned dharma == 無爲法
Also known as Asamskrta dharma, which is anything not subject to the principle of cause and effect, nor law of dependent origination, i.e. conditions. It is the dharma beyond the worldly ones.
Vast and Long Tongue == 廣長舌相
one of the thirty-two monks of Buddha, big enough to cover his face; it is also one of the "marvels" in the Lotus Sutra.
Dvadashamukha Shastra == 十二門論
One of the Three Shastra of Madhyamika School, composed by Nagarjuna, translated by Kumarajiva A.D. 408. There are several works on it.
Ten Meritorious Deeds == 十善業
The Ten Meritorious Deeds allow people to gain a happy and peaceful life as well as to develop knowledge and understanding. They are:
1.Charity
2.Morality / Taking Precepts
3.Mental cultivation / Meditation
4.Reverence or respect
5.Services in helping others
6.Transference of merits
7.Rejoicing in the merits of others
8.Preaching and teaching Dharma
9.Listening the Dharma
10.Straightening one”s own views
Flower Adornment Sutra == 華嚴經
One of the most important sutra in Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism. There are many volumes in the Sutra. It describes the entire Buddha Realm which is, of course, not easy to visualize.
Four Great Bodhisattva == 四大菩薩
They represent the four major characters of Bodhisattva:
1.Manjusri - Universal Great Wisdom Bodhisattva
2.Samantabhadra - Universal Worthy Great Conduct Bodhisattva
3.Ksitigarbha - Earth Treasury King Great Vow Bodhisattva
4.Avalokitesvara - Guan Shr Yin Great Compassion Bodhisattva
Three Universal Truths == 叁法印（諸行無常，諸法無我，寂靜涅槃）
Also known as the Three Seals. Three Universal Truths are the basic teaching of Buddha, so that they are commonly used to attest Buddhism.
The Three Universal Truths are:
1.All phenomena are impermanent.
2.All dharmas are non-self.
3.The eternity is Nirvani and stillness.
Four Immeasurable Minds == 四無量
see Four Unlimited Minds.
Nirvana without residue == 無余涅槃
Both the cause and effect of reincarnation are extinguished, both afflictions and what is known (Dharma) are extinguished. All kinds of suffering are externally in stillness. There is no further residue. Those beings are Bodhisattva.
Annutara-samyak-sambodhi == 阿耨多羅叁藐叁菩提
Sanskrit word meaning unexcelled complete enlightenment, which is an attribute of every Buddha. It is the highest, correct and complete or universal knowledge or awareness, the perfect wisdom of a Buddha.
Realm of Sensuous Desire == 欲界
see Three Realms.
Vimalakirti-Nivdesa Sutra == 維摩诘經
Vimalakirti, a Sanskrit word, means undefiled and pure reputation. Vimalakirti was said to be a native of Vaisali, and an upasaka (not a monk) to assist Shakyamuni to preach and cross over the human beings. The Sutra is the record of interesting conversation between Vimalakirti and Manjusri Bodhisattva regarding the understanding of One Buddha Vehicle.
Maha-prajna-paramita-sutra == 大般若經
the Sutra was delivered by Shakyamuni in four places at sixteen assemblies. It consists of 600 volumes as translated by Hsuan-tsang. It is the fundamental philosophical work of the Mahayana Buddhism, the formulation of wisdom, which is the sixth paramita.
Threefold Body of a Buddha == 叁身（法身、報身、化身）
They are
1.Dharma body, i.e. Dharmakaya - its own essential nature, common to all Buddhas.
2.Retribution body, i.e. Sambhogakaya - a body of bliss, which he receives for his own use and enjoyment.
3.Response and transformation body, i.e. Nirmanatkaya - he can appear in any form whenever and wherever necessary for the sake of crossing over others.
Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss == 極樂世界/淨土
This is the Buddha Land of Amitabha Buddha. In Amitabha Sutra, there is full description about this Pure Land. This is the world of utmost joy without suffering. With the spiritual power of Amitabha Buddha, all beings in this world will understand Buddhism easily and practise diligently, and attain enlightenment eventually. Therefore by reciting Amitabha Buddha”s name, Buddhist followers hope that they will be born in this Pure Land after their lives on earth. See also Nine Stages of Lotus Flowers.
Nine Stages of Lotus Flowers == 九品蓮花
Or Nine Grades, Classes of Lotus Flowers, i.e. upper superior, middle superior, lower superior, upper medium, middle medium, lower medium, upper inferior, middle inferior and lower inferior, which represent ninefold future life into Pure Land. The nine grades, or rewards, of the Pure Land, corresponding to the nine grades of development in the previous life, upon which depends, in the next life, one”s distance from Amitabha, the consequent aeons that are required to approach Amitabha, and whether one”s lotus will open early or late.
Evil Time of Five Turbidities == 五濁惡世
It refers to the time on Earth. The Five Turbidities are
(1) the Kalpa Turbidity
(2) the View Turbidity
(3) the Affliction Turbidity
(4) the Living Beings Turbidity
(5) the Life Turbidity
Vipasyana Sukhavativyuha Sutra == 觀無量壽經
It is one of the main sutra for Pure Land Sect. The Sutra indicates that the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is one of the Buddha Lands. It also describes how to be born in the Pure Land through the Sixteen Contemplations. Therefore, the Sutra is also called "Sixteen Contemplations Sutra".
Three Universal Characteristics == 叁法印（諸行無常，諸法無我，寂靜涅槃）
The Three Universal Characteristics are connected with the existence. They are:
1.All phenomena are impermanent.
2.All Dharma are not-self.
3.All sensations are suffering.
Four Aspects (of Buddhist Dharma) == 四法
(1) the teaching
(2) the principle
(3) the practice
(4) the fruit/reward/result
Nirvana of pure, clear self-nature == 自性涅槃
It is commonly possessed by all individual sentient beings. It is not subject to birth and death, nor increase and decrease.
Five Categories of Untranslated Terms == 五不翻
Chinese T"ang Dynasty Master of the Tripitaka Hsuan-Tsang established five categories of words which should be left untranslated
1.the esoteric
2.words having multiple meanings
3.words for things not existing in China
4.words not translated in accord with already established precedent
5.words left untranslated in order to give rise to wholesomeness and respect
Four Ways (of learning Buddhist Dharma) == 四法
(1) Belief/faith
(2) Interpretation/discernment
(3) Practice/performance
(4) Verification/assurance
These are the cyclic process in learning a truth.
Ten Great Disciples of Skakyamuni Buddha == 十大弟子
They are:
1.Mahakasyapa摩诃伽葉
first in ascetism.
2.Ananda阿難陀
first in having heard the words of Buddha.
3.Sariputra舍利弗
first in wisdom.
4.Subhuti須菩提
first in expressing emptiness.
5.Purna富樓那
first in explaining good law.
6.Maudgalyayana目犍連
first in supernatural power.
7.Katyayana迦旃延
first in preaching.
8.Aniruddha阿那律
first in the sharpness of his divine eyes.
9.Upali優波離
first in taking precepts.
10.Rahula羅睺羅
first in esoteric practices and in desire for instruction in the law.
Four Reliance (to learning Buddhist Dharma) == 四依
The four standards of Right Dharma which buddhist should rely on or abide by:
1.to abide by the Dharma, not the person
2.to abide by the sutras of ultimate truth, not the sutras of incomplete truth
3.to abide by the meaning, not the word
4.to abide by the wisdom, not the consciousness