Glossary of Basic Buddhist Vocabulary

Sep 28, 2026

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Glossary of Basic Buddhist Vocabulary compiles concise definitions and explanations for foundational Buddhist terms, names, and concepts. Entries cover doctrinal ideas such as higher Dharma and ignorance, core notions including impermanence and not-self, and practice-related terms like loving-kindness and the Bodhisattva vow. It also includes references to figures and traditions across Theravada, Mahayana, Pure Land, and related historical backgrounds, with brief clarifications of meanings and roles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Glossary Entries

Core Doctrinal Terms

Key Figures and Traditions

Practice and Mental States

Glossary of Basic Buddhist Vocabulary Resources used to compile this glossary include the following: Glossary of Basic Buddhist Vocabulary, [https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhavocab.html](https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhavocab.html) Glossary of Buddhist Terms, by Buddha Dharma Education Association and Buddha Net, [www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_gloss2.htm](www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_gloss2.htm) Glossary of Buddhist Terms, Modern Kadampa Buddhism, [https://kadampa.org/reference/glossary-of-buddhist-terms](https://kadampa.org/reference/glossary-of-buddhist-terms) Glossary of Buddhist Words, Gaia House, [https://gaiahouse.co.uk/glossary/](https://gaiahouse.co.uk/glossary/) [A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms](A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms), Access to Insight: Readings in Theravada Buddhism, [www.accesstoinsight.org/glossary.html](www.accesstoinsight.org/glossary.html) Abhidharma Pitaka: (1) One of the three baskets of Buddhist sacred texts. The term simply means “higher Dharma,” or “higher teachings”, which is a systematic attempt to define The Buddha’s teachings and understand their interrelationships. (2) A collection of interpretative and analytical writings based on lists of categories drawn from the Buddha’s teachings in the discourses, which were added to the Buddhist Canon several centuries after The Buddha’s life. Ajaan (Ajahn, Achaan): Thai term for teacher or mentor. Amida (Amitabha): The Buddha of the “Pure Land” or of “Infinite Light.”This Buddha is the main focus of devotion in the Pure Land School of Chinese Buddhism, and the Jodo and Shin Schools of Japan. He resides in the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Pure Land), in which all beings enjoy unbounded happiness. Pure Land Buddhists believe that people who are fully devoted, and recite or call upon his name by the time of dying, will be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss and received by Amitabha. Anagami (Non-returner): A being who has overcome the five hindrances that bind the mind to samsara, the cycle of rebirth, and who, after death, will appear in one of the Brahma worlds called the Pure Abodes. In the pure abodes, they will attain nirvana/nibanna, and will never return to this world. Ananda: One of the Shakyamuni Buddha’s Ten Great Disciples. Buddha’s friend, cousin, and favourite disciple, and the monk who remembered the Sutras. Anatman (Anatta): Not-self, self or ego not ultimately real. Annitya (Anicca): Change, impermanence of all things, including us. Arahant: A “worthy one” or “pure one.” A person whose mind is free of defilement and thus freed from samsara. A title for The Buddha and the highest level of his noble disciples. Buddhism: A Supplemental Resource for Grade 12 World of Religions: A Canadian Perspective 3 Arhat: A monk who has abandoned all delusions and will never be reborn in samsara. One who has completed the discipline required to attain liberation. Asuras: Titans or demigods. Attachment: A deluded mental state that sees an object, regards it as a cause of happiness, and wishes for it. Avalokiteshvara (Avalokitesvara, Kwan Yin, and Kwannon): Bodhisattva of Compassion. One of the principal Bodhisattvas in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Avidya (Avijja): Ignorance, delusion. Bardo: Tibetan term for the period between death and rebirth. Bhante: Venerable sir, a Sri Lankan term often used when addressing a Theravada Buddhist monk. Bhagava: The blessed one, another name for the Buddha. Bhikkhu/Bhikshu: A Buddhist monk. Bhikkhuni/Bhikshuni: A Buddhist nun. Bodigaya: A town in Bihar where Buddha was enlightened at age 35. Bodhi: Enlightenment, awakening. The spiritual condition of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Bodhi Tree: A fig tree. Buddha gained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Bodhicitta (Bodhisatta): ‘Mind of enlightenment’ or a being (striving) for“Awakening”. The term used to describe The Buddha before he actually becomes Buddha, from his first aspirat

FAQs

What does the glossary cover?

It provides definitions and explanations for basic Buddhist vocabulary, including doctrinal concepts, mental states, and commonly referenced figures and traditions.

Are terms limited to one Buddhist tradition?

No. Entries reference concepts and roles across Theravada, Mahayana, Pure Land, and related traditions.

What kinds of concepts are included in the vocabulary list?

The glossary includes core ideas such as impermanence (anicca), not-self (anatman), ignorance (avidya), and practice-related qualities like loving-kindness and compassion.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Marglet