Glossary of Terms and Names - Vajra Publications
Glossary of Terms and Names - Vajra Publications
Glossary of Terms and Names - Vajra Publications
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Arhat: Literally, a “foe destroyer”. The culmination of the Hinayana path, it refers to
one who has overcome the outward manifestation of the afflicting emotions, but
who has not completely uprooted their psychic imprint. Although free of samsara,
an arhat is not fully enlightened.
Asanga: (4th Century C.E.) An Indian master who is most remembered for having
received five celebrated texts from Arya Maitreya (Abhisamayalankara,
Uttaratantra, Mahayanasutralankara, Madhyantavibhaga, and Dharma-
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Dharmatavibhaga) and for founding the Vast Action lineage. One of the Six
Ornaments of this world.
Ashvaghosa: (3rd Century C.E.) A great Indian master renowned for his scholarship
and poetry. His writings include the Activities of Buddha (Skt. Buddhacarita). He is
also known by the name Aryasura.
Completion stage (of tantric meditation): A meditation performed once one has
identified oneself as a yidam deity. There are two types of completion stage
practice: with signs and without. Practice with signs consists of reciting mantras, as
well as channel and chakra practices. Practice without signs is the practice of
Mahamudra.
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Dharma: The holy teachings of Lord Buddha, categorized in two parts: the Dharma
that is studied and the Dharma that has been realized.
Dharmakaya: One of the three bodies of a Buddha. It denotes the ultimate nature
of Buddha’s wisdom form, which is nonconceptual and indefinable.
Drigung Kagyu: The branch of the Kagyu tradition founded by Lord Jigten Sumgön.
Heinous acts: Actions that prevent one from attaining enlightenment in the
lifetime in which they were committed. As a result of their commission, one is
thrown into the hell realms at death without passing through the intermediate
state.
Hinayana: Of the two major branches of Buddhist philosophy and practice, the
Buddhist school which emphasizes individual liberation and practice of the Four
Noble Truths.
Jigten Sumgön: (1143-1217) Founder of the Drigung Kagyu tradition. He was the
heart-son of Phagmo Drupa, and widely recognized as an incarnation of
Nagarjuna. His most famous writings include One Thought (Tib.: Gong Chig) and
Heart Essence of Mahayana Teachings (Tib.: Ten Nying).
Kagyu: Literally, “oral transmission” lineage. One of the four principal traditions
within Tibetan Buddhism, it originated with Buddha Vajradhara and was primarily
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transmitted by Tilopa and Naropa in India, and Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa in
Tibet. It holds Mahamudra and the Six Dharmas of Naropa as its central teachings.
Karma: Literally, “action”. Physical, verbal or mental acts which imprint habitual
tendencies in the mind. Upon meeting with suitable conditions, these habits ripen
and become manifest in future events.
Kaya: Literally, body, form, heap or collection. The various forms in which a Buddha
manifests. Generally classified as three – Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and
Dharmakaya – but occasionally a fourth classification is added, namely the
Svabhavikakaya or nature body, to express the inseparable nature of these three.
The term Rupakaya (form body) is also used to refer to the second and third
classifications together.
Mahamudra: Literally, the “Great Seal”. The highest, most conclusive view that
unites bliss and emptiness into one, the primordial effulgent nature of mind, and is
the ultimate realization of all phenomena of samsara and nirvana as they actually
are. Its practice reveals the practitioner’s basic, pure nature and leads to the
experience of highest enlightenment.
Mahayana: Literally, the “Great Vehicle.” The Buddhist school that holds the
bodhisattva ideal as the highest practice and teaches the aspiration to attainment
of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
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Marpa: (1012 – 1097 C.E.) A Tibetan layman who is especially renowned for
bringing many teachings to Tibet from India and translating them. These include
Mahamudra texts and the Six Dharmas of Naropa. As Naropa’s disciple and
Milarepa’s primary teacher, he is a major figure in the Kagyu lineage.
Merit: Any virtuous thought or activity which has the result of imprinting positive
habitual tendencies in one’s mindstream.
Milarepa: (1052 – 1135 C.E.) One of the great masters of the Kagyu lineage, he is
often referred to as an example of someone who attained enlightenment in a
single lifetime. His vajra songs contain great healing qualities. He was Dharma
Lord Gampopa’s primary teacher.
Nagarjuna: (2nd Century C.E.) An Indian master of such critical importance to the
propagation of the Mahayana and Vajrayana that he is often called the “second
Buddha.” He founded the Madhyamaka philosophical school which systematized
the Prajña Paramita (Perfection of Wisdom) teachings, and authored many texts
which remain authoritative to the present day. One of the Six Ornaments of this
world.
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Samsara: The beginningless and endless cycle of rebirths throughout the six
realms; the confused state of suffering from which Buddhists seek liberation.
Sentient beings: All conscious creatures who are reborn within the six realms.
Shravaka: A Hinayana disciple who hears the words of the Buddha’s teachings,
shares them with others, and aspires to become an arhat for his/her own benefit.
Sutra: literally, a rope or thread that holds things together. Figuratively, it refers to
the canonical scriptures that are records of the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Vajra: When used alone, the term implies the attribute of indestructibility or an
adamantine quality. When used in conjunction with a bell that symbolizes wisdom,
a vajra is a ritual object symbolizing compassion or skillful means.
Vinaya: The code of discipline for Buddhist practitioners, especially for monks and
nuns.
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