Five Faiths Project
BUDDHISM
Glossary
- bodhisattva
- (Sanskrit) a being who is close to enlightenment. In the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, the bodhisattva is one who postpones entrance to nirvana in order to aid all sentient beings in the quest for true awakening. (see Jizo, a Japanese bodhisattva on the Buddhism poster and refer to Buddhist CD, story #4) Note: the bodhisattva makes a supreme wish or vow, which varies from text to text. One of the better known versions of this vow reads:
Living creatures are countless –
I vow to save them all.
Passions are inextinguishable –
I vow to extinguish them all.
Dharma-truths are measureless –
I vow to master them all.
The Buddha way is unexcelled –
I vow to attain it.
- Buddha
- the term Buddha is taken from a Sanskrit word which means “to awaken.” This word was applied to Siddhartha, a human being who attained the awakened state and offered teachings to others who sought this way of being. (Refer to images of Buddha on the Buddhism Poster, story #3 on CD, and slides) Educator’s Note: The word Buddha is often considered synonymous with the individual human being Siddhartha, but the Buddhist tradition employs the word in many contexts and as a general concept. Students may wish to explore buddha nature, for example, or representations in Buddhist art of Celestial Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Within the scope of this material, the term Buddha is used solely as a reference to Siddhartha after the awakening.
- dharma
- (Sanskrit: lit. meaning: “that which is established, the law”) In Buddhism, there are three general meanings to the word dharma. First, and principally in this material, the Buddha’s teachings are dharma. In addition, dharma refers to duty and proper conduct in general, as well as, reality, “the way things really are.” In the section, “The Awakening” within the introduction to Buddhism, the understanding of the ways things really are is the understanding of reality. Reality, in that application and sense, is dharma.
- Four Noble Truths
- 1. All life is suffering. 2. All suffering is caused by selfish desire. 3. There is a way to put an end to suffering. 4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Middle Path. Educator’s Note: although these truths are generally presented in this order, they are better understood as interconnected, rather than sequential insights which offer a summary of the Buddha’s teaching.
- Four Sights
- the feeble old man, the one suffering with disease, the decaying corpse and the ascetic monk. In the fourth sight, Siddhartha saw a way in which he might approach his own quest for understanding the seemingly inevitable suffering of human beings. (refer to story #3 on Buddhism CD)
- Mahayana
- One of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being Theraveda. Among many other distinctions, Mahayana emphasizes the possibility of awakening and transcendence for all living beings regardless of class or gender.
- mala
- Buddhist rosary. A string of 108 beads which are touched during chants and other Buddhist devotions.
- mandala
- (Sanskrit: lit. meaning: “round, circular”) An art form comprised of circles, carefully placed within larger concentric circles. Mandalas are thought to be based on the circular nature of worship around the stupa. They are also considered to be representations of the cosmos as a series of balanced, symmetrical circles which may include likenesses of deities, the Buddha, other figures and/or symbolic representations of reality. Mandalas function as the objects of worship, as foci for meditation, and as works which help to focus the mind and raise understanding and consciousness in the act of their creation. Mandalas are used in both Hindu and Buddhist practices.
- metaphysical
- supernatural, immaterial, incorporeal
- Middle Path
- also referred to as The Eightfold Path, the comprehensive and practical discipline which constitutes the Fourth Noble Truths. The Middle Path offers a way, a path, for followers of the Buddha to attain awakening and entrance to Nirvana.
- Nirvana
- (Sanskrit: lit. meaning: “blowing out, extinguishing”) Nirvana is the state of enlightened and transformed consciousness in which all passions and desires are extinguished and the cycles of birth and rebirth ended. Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism, but also a term used by Hindus to describe release from the cycle of moksha. This state is not definable per se, but must be attained. It cannot be “known,” but rather realized. Educator’s Note: It is important to remember that as often as not within the sacred texts, Nirvana is described as much by what it is NOT, as what it IS. Therefore, in discussions with students, it is critical for teachers to employ the same technique. Nirvana is not death. Nirvana is not a place, like heaven or hell. Nirvana is not a condition or state one enters after death. Nirvana is not obscure or mysterious in anyway; it is seen, enjoyed, approached; Nirvana is real. Nirvana is not some greater death – that is, it is not the death of the soul.
- Pali Canon
- 31 texts written within the first five hundred years after the life of the Buddha. Considered to be the most complete and generally regarded as the earliest of the collections of Buddhist teachings. Written in Pali, an ancient eastern language, these texts contain the core dharma of the Theraveda stream of Buddhism. The text includes instructions for monastic life, discourses of the Buddha and analysis of the dharma.
- rituals
- prescribed forms and orders for conducting religious or other ceremonies. In the context of this material, ritual is used to describe individual and corporate activities which are designed, controlled and repeated as a part of religious devotion.
- sangha
- (Pali: lit. meaning: “assembly or community”) the community of like-minded individuals following the Buddha’s teaching. Together with the Buddha himself, and the dharma, these three form the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The Buddha established the first sangha. Often sangha refers to monastic communities, but is also applied to any group who offers the company and support of individuals who are following the Buddha.
- Sanskrit
- the ritual and sacred language of Hinduism, also used in Buddhist writings. The Vedas represent the first use of this language. Sanskrit has the unique capacity of holding the wisdom of the sages. (see Hindu glossary)
- stupa
- (Sanskrit: lit, meaning: “a tuft of hair” or “crown of head”) a shrine built on a mound of earth, around or over relics or the ashes of the Buddha or other holy individuals. Stupas differ from temples in that they are not entered for worship. Devotees circle the stupa, touching malas, chanting, saying prayers and performing other acts of respect and devotion. (refer to Centers for Worship: The Buddhist Stupa in text)
- Theravada
- (Pali: lit. meaning: “the way of the elders”) One of the two main streams of Buddhism, considered by many to be the more conservative of the two, with a commitment to approaching modern life with the same responses as the ancestors. Theraveda doctrine maintains that while Nirvana is available to all Buddhists, it is almost impossible for anyone other than monks to achieve it.
- Three Jewels of Buddhism
- the term used to denote the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha.
