Basic Buddhism - Welcome

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Spirituality Books on Buddhism. Basic Buddhism Glossary: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on Buddhism. Links to other Sites on Buddhism. Welcome. There are many and varied traditions of Buddhism, just as there are many and varied traditions of Christianity, paganism, etc. What is here is offered for your consideration. Maybe it applies. Maybe not.

Books on Buddhism

Being Zen: Bringing Meditation to Life by Ezra Bayda (Foreword by Charlotte Joko Beck). A practical and accessible book on how to live the awakened life; how to cope with fear, anger, and confusion.

Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen by Shunryu Suzuki (Editor Edward Espe Brown). Edward Espe Brown (a pupil of Shunryu Suzuki, who established the San Francisco Zen center in the 1960s) collects and edits Suzuki's pithy last teachings from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Classic and accessible books on Buddhism:

	Going to Pieces without Falling Apart by Mark Epstein. This book helped me work through a devastating family illness and death. Its guidance on relinquishing control sustained me daily so that I could be more peaceful and supportive amid chaos and sorrow.
	When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön. Unpretentious, with gentle humor, the grounded Pema Chödrön teaches how to cope with fear, despair, rage and other aspects of modern life. Her teachings help both with daily life and with the tougher times. If we accept that "life is groundless", we can face our fears and obstacles. Pema Chödrön is the Director of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia (Canada); this is the first Tibetan monastery established in North America for Westerners. She is a student of Chögyam Trunpa Rinpoche.
	Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. A practical introduction to the Soto Zen tradition of meditation, Mahayana Buddhism, and "big mind."
	Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Beck's approach, to help us find out footing among our weaknesses and struggles, is that the life that one has, as it is now, is everything that it can be. It is, therefore, perfect.

Academic and somewhat challenging -- but worthwhile -- books on Buddhism:

Book log of The Story of Buddhism by Donald S. Lopez.

The Story of Buddhism: a Concise Guide to its History and Teachings by Donald S. Lopez. Treats "Buddhism as a religion to which ordinary people have turned over the centuries for the means to confront, control, or even escape the exigencies of life." Six sections: The Universe The Buddha The Dharma Monastic Life Lay Practice Enlightenment Some of the Basic Buddhism Glossary is enriched by this book.

Zen soul food:

Notes on The Tassajara recipe book by Edward Espe Brown. My favorite recipes include: Brian's Mango Ice Cream; Fig Bread; Scrambled Tofu.

These are useful for readers who want a grip on the context and background in which Buddhism has developed:

• Buddha, Karen Armstrong.
• Buddha for Beginners, Stephen T. Asma.
• Teach Yourself Buddhism, Clive Erricker.

Check out this selection of classic books on different traditions of Buddhism (as seen from English-speaking countries):

• A Handbook of Tibetan Culture, compiled & edited by Graham Coleman; preface by H.H. The Dalai Lama.
• Awakening Loving-Kindness, Pema Chodron.
• Buddha's Little Instruction Book, Jack Kornfield.
• Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living, Pema Chodron.
• The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh.
• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche.
• The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding In the Between, Padma Sambhava, Robert A.F. Thurman.
• Zen and the Art of Motor Cycle Maintenance, Robert M. Pirsig.
• Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, Paul Reps.

• Shoes Outside the Door: Desire, Devotion, and Excess at San Francisco Zen Center by Michael Downing concerning the San Francisco Zen Center, and how its teachers and students struggled toward understanding the nature of American Zen in the last third of the twentieth century.

  A fascinating book that clarifies events in the two decades around the 1983 rejection by the S.F. Zen Center of their Abbot, Richard Baker, who:

  "was able to shrug off . . . even Zen Center itself. That is the fundamental story of Buddhism - almost. In the traditional telling of the tale, the Buddha shrugged off his own palace, not someone else's." (p.246)

  Supporters of Richard Baker find such a statement irritating, but to an outsider like me, it seems to have a clear sight that any practitioner would do well to develop.

• The Tassajara Bread Book, by Edward Espe Brown. 113 recipes for delicious breads, pastries, and desserts nestle within this great book on "how to bake bread."
• Tassajara Recipe Book, by Edward Espe Brown.

Then there is always Music for Zen Meditation, Tony Scott.

Words, words, words - a Basic Buddhism Glossary

Index to Glossary: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.

Many Buddhist terms derive from Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Japanese.

A

Akshobhya. [Amida (Japanese).]

"Unshakable". The transcendent Buddha of the east (one of the Five Transcendent Buddhas). He represents the conversion of delusion (or hate) into reality (or mirror) wisdom and he is associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Mayahana school. His abode is Abhirati.

Amitabha

"Infinite Light". The transcendent Buddha of the west (one of the Five Transcendent Buddhas). He represents the conversion of lust into discriminating wisdom and he is associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and with Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life. Also known as the Buddha of Sukhavati), the Blissful Pure Land in the west.

Anja

(Soto Zen) Assistant of the Doshi.

Amoghasiddhi

"Unfailingly Accomplished". The transcendent Buddha of the north (one of the Five Transcendent Buddhas). He represents the conversion of envy into all-accomplishing wisdom, and he is associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

archetype deity

"Infinite Light". The transcendent Buddha of the west (one of the Five Transcendent Buddhas). He represents the conversion of lust into dicriminating wisdom and he is associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and with Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life. Also known as the Buddha of Sukhavati), the Blissful Pure Land in the west.

arhat.

"Worthy one". Attained the highest level in Theravada [Individual Vehicle] school; will attain nirvana at death; comparable to a "saint".

Avalokiteshvara. [Kannon (Japanese). Chenresi (Tibetan).]

The embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas (fully enlightened minds). A Bodhisattva. Patron of Tibet. Each Tibetan Dalai Lama is considered a human embodiment of Avalokiteshvara. Appears in different forms, sometimes mild and sometimes fierce, with varying numbers of limbs.

B

Bardo

An intermediate period in one's experience between death and Rebirth. A dreamlike realm where the "soul" has various experiences after death and before rebirth.

"Bardo is a Tibetan word that simply means a 'transition' or a gap between the completion of one situation and the onset of another. Bar means 'in between,' and do means 'suspended' or 'thrown.'" [From p. 102 of The Tibetan Handbook of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche.]

Benares

At Sarnath, on the outskirts of Benares (in north-central India), the Buddha Shakyamuni gave his first public teaching (on the Four Noble Truths).

Bodh Gaya.

The place of Buddha's Enlightenment beneath a bodhi or fig tree.

Bodhi. [Sanskrit]

Enlightenment, total understanding of the nature of reality ("perfect wisdom") and complete sensitivity to the conditions of others ("universal compassion").

Bodhidharma (about 470-543).

First patriarch of Zen Buddhism. Brought Zen from India to China (end of fifth century CE), where it was influenced by Taoism to form the Ch'an school of Buddhism. At the end of the twelfth century CE, Ch'an Buddhism spread to Japan and became Zen Buddhism there.

Bodhisattva. [Bosatsu (Japanese).]

A spiritual trainee who has aspires to attain full Enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, and to postpone one's Enlightenment until all others are enlightened. One is Avalokiteshvara.

Bon

An ancient spiritual tradition, widespread in Tibet prior to the official introduction and establishment of Buddhism there.

Buddha

"Awakened one"; developed, and enlightened. An enlightened or awakened person, released from samsara.

Buddha Shakyamuni (or Sakyamuni)

The historical man, Sidhatta Gotama, prince of the Shakya tribe, who lived over 2500 years ago. Shakyamuni is a title given to the Buddha. Saga of the Shakya (or Sakya) Clan. It is reported by Karen Armstrong as meaning "The Sage of the Republic of Sakka".

C

Chan

The Chinese Buddhist precursor of (Japanese) Zen.

Chiden

(Zen) A person who cares for and maintenance the altars and ceremonial items.

D

Dalai Lama

The leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The reincarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Dharma [Sanskrit]. Also dhamma [Pali].

The cosmic law that underlies existence. Includes the transmission of authoritative texts and their lineages of oral commentaries, expounding the path to buddhahood. Right behavior.

Dogen (1200-1253).

Brought Soto school of Zen to Japan. Taught shikan taza ('just sitting') as the means to enlightenment.

Dokusan

A private conversation between teacher and student.

Dorje [Tibetan]

The diamond, or "sovereign among stones". The indestructible reality of buddhahood, which is imperishable and indivisible.

Doshi

(Soto Zen) The leader and teacher in a Soto Zen ceremony. Assisted by the Anja. The Shuso takes the place of the Doshi if needed. Carries the Kotsu (wooden scepter).

Dukkha

Suffering. Pain. What is flawed or unsatisfactory. The indestructible reality of buddhahood, which is imperishable and indivisible.
The first noble truth.

E

Enlightenment

"Awakened one"; an individual's awakening to the mind's true nature. Mahayana term, similar to Theravada's 'nirvana'.

F

Five Transcendent Buddhas

The Tathagata (transcendent) Buddhas. They are the primary lords of the Buddha clans: the Vajra, Buddha, Jewel, Lotus, and Action clans. The personifications of the five wisdoms, mild archetype deities heading the five Buddha clans. See Akshobhya, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasambhava, and Vairocana.

Fukudo

(Soto Zen) The player of the mokugyo.

Fusu

(Soto Zen) Handles the finances.

G

Gassho.

Hand position. Place palms together in front of the chest, finger tips upward, arms parallel to floor.

Gelugpa.

One of four (major) schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Spiritual Head is the Dalai Lama.

H

Han.

(Soto Zen) A wooden block that is hit with a mallet in various patterns, primarily in the time leading up to the start of a zazen session and also at its end.

Hinayana

The monastic tradition of early Buddhism. Centered on the Four Noble Truths and the individual's freedom and enlightenment. Can be called the 'Individual Vehicle'. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports it as: "those who do not accept the Mahayana sutras as authentic words of the Buddha."

Hondo.

(Soto Zen) A hall for formal rituals and ceremonies; altar is in the center of the hall. Compare with sodo and zendo.

I

Ino.

(Zen) The head and the heart of formal practice in the meditation hall; director of the meditation hall; supervises, attends, and assigns staffing for all sesshines and ceremonies.

J

Jikko.

(Soto Zen) A person that carries incense during a ceremony.

Jisha.

(Zen) Servant to the abbot/abbess.

K

Karma [Sanskrit for 'action'] or Kamma [Pali].

"Action"; Universal law of cause and effect, governing rebirth and samsara. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) describes this as: "The law of the cause and effect of actions according to which virtuous deeds result in happiness in the future and nonvirtuous deeds result in suffereing. Karma is accumulated over many lifetimes and fructifies to create present experience."

Keisu.

A bowl-shaped gong. Struck during chanting services.

Kinhin.

A slow walking meditation, usually for ten minutes between two periods of Shikantaza.

Koan.

(Soto Zen) A "riddle" that seems paradoxical and can make the mind give up logical and dualistic thought. A teaching technique in Buddhism. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) describes this as: "often rendered as 'public case,' the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese legal term kung-an, referring to a standard of judgment. A koan is commonly a short statement or exchange drawn from accounts of Chinese Chan masters. These statements served both as the basis for commentaries by Chan and Zen teachers and as objects of contemplation."

Kotsu.

(Soto Zen) Wooden scepter. Carried by the Doshi.

L

Losar.

The Tibetan New Year.

Lumbini.

The place of Buddha's birth.

M

Magga.

The path to the cessation of suffering. This is "the Middle Way", which lies between the extremes of sensual pleasures and self-mortification.

Mahayana.

"The Way of the Elders" or

"The Great Way" or

"The Great Vehicle" One of two very significant branches of Buddhism. Developed in India during the first century C.E. See also Theravada.

Manjushri

The Bodhisattva of Wisdom. His most characteristic form is as a teenage youth, symbolizing that Buddhist wisdom is critical, penetrating, clear knowledge of reality. His attributes are the sword of wisdom (with which he cuts through bonds or webs of ignorance) and the Prajna Paramita Sutra.

Maya

Illusion.

Meditate (v.)

To apply the Samatha techniques that calm the mind or the Vipassana techniques that bring insight. To meditate can be 'to just sit' or it can be to focus all thought on a koan or a candle flame. Some people meditate while walking, while listening to or playing music, or even while gardening or cooking.

Maitreya [Sanskrit for 'kindness']

Maitreya is believed to reside in Heaven, waiting for the appropriate time to incarnate on earth as a Buddha. The next Buddha after Sakyamuni. Meanwhile he exercises his compassion to benefit beings.

Mokugyo

(Soto Zen) A wooden drum ('wooden fish'). The Fukudo strikes it with a padded stick to provide a rhythm for chanting.

N

Nirodha

The cessation of suffering.

Nirvana [Sanskrit for 'a blowing out'] or Nibbana [Pali].

The extinction of self, which brings enlightenment and liberation from Dukkha. A state of cessation from suffering; perfect and eternal happiness. In some forms of Buddhism, it's a transcendent place beyond the world. Mahayana Buddhism advocates a nirvana wihtout location, a transcendence of suffering through wisdom, not requiring any change of place, achievable in the midst of life. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that: "The nature of nirvana is widely interpreted in Buddhist literature, with distinctions made between the vision of nirvana, which destroys the seeds of future rebirth, and the final nirvana entered upon death. Mahayana texts also distinguish between the nirvana of an arhat and the enlightenment of a buddha."

Nirvana [Sanskrit] or Nibbana [Pali].

The extinction of self, which brings enlightenment and liberation from Dukkha.

Noble Truths (Four)

The Buddha Shakyamuni gave his first public teaching (on the Four Noble Truths) at Sarnath on the outskirts of Benares. The Four Noble Truths are:

1. Dukkha. Life is suffering.
2. Samudaya. The origin of suffering.
3. Nirodha. The cessation of suffering.
4. Magga. The path to the cessation of suffering.

O

Oryoki

(Soto Zen) The bowls and accessories used for formal meals such as during a Sesshin.

P

Pali

The language of the branch of Theravada Buddhism. This is thought to have been the language used by Buddha.

Q

R

Ratnasambhava

"Precious Birth". The transcendent Buddha of the south (one of the Five Transcendent Buddhas). He represents the conversion of pride and stinginess into equality wisdom.

Rebirth

The migration of an individual into a subsequent life after death.

Rinzai

A Japanese sect of Zen Buddhism.

S

Samadhi [Sanskrit]

Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that it is: "a state of deep concentration developed through meditation practice. One of the three trainings (along with ethics and wisdom), samadhi, especially on a specific level knows as serenity (samatha) is regarded as a prerequisite for liberating wisdom."

Samsara [Sanskrit for "passing through" or "wandering"]

The cycle of death and rebirth. The endless cycle of existence. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that it is: "the beginningless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, composed of the realms of gods, demigods, humans, animals, ghosts, and hell beings. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is liberation from samsara."

Samudaya

The origin of suffering. The second Noble Truth).

Sangha [Sanskrit]

The spiritual communities of ordained practitioners, both nuns and and monks.

Sanskrit [Sanskrit]

An ancient and classical language of the Hindus. In the Indo-Iranian sub-family of Indo-European languages.

Sarnath

The place on the outskirts of Benares where the Buddha Shakyamuni gave his first public teaching (on the Four Noble Truths).

Seiza.

A traditional Japanese posture of sitting Zazen. The back is straight. The legs are bent so that the meditator is in a supported kneeling position with buttocks resting on heels.

Sesshin.

A meditation retreat of two days to two weeks.
'To gather, touch, and convey the mind' (after Abbess Jiko Linda Cutts).

Shashu.

Hand position. Wrap left hand around left thumb; place fist at center of chest; cover it with right hand. Elbows have a gap from the body. Forearms parallel to ground.

Shikantaza.

"Just sitting" or "Mindful Sitting" the main meditation practice of Zazen

Siddhartha Gautama [Sanskrit] and Siddhatta Gotama [Pali].

The historical name of the Buddha.

Siddha

One who possesses siddhi.

Siddhi [Sanskrit for "achievement"]

A power gained through Yogic practice. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that it is: "The term is especially important in Buddhist tantras, where there are two types of siddhi: (1) the mundane or worldly, such as the power to fly, walk through walls, and transmute base metals into gold; and (2) the supramundane or transcendent siddhi of buddhahood. One who possesses siddhi, is called a siddha, hence the mahasidddhas, or great adepts, of Indian Tantric literature."

Skanda

Heaps, bundles, lumps. The constituents of the human personality in Buddhist theory. The five "heaps" of body, feeling, perception, will, and consciousness. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that it: "describes the physical and mental constituents of the person, among which there is no self. The five constituents are form, feeling, discrimination, conditioning factors, and consciousness."

Sodo

(Soto Zen) A hall for formal zen meditation, meals, and sleeping. Compare with hondo and zendo.

Soto

A Japanese sect of Zen Buddhism.

Sukhavati.

Amitabha Buddhas's Pure Land of bliss. and the heavenly home of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. It lies in the west.

Shuso

(Soto Zen) Takes the place of the Doshi if needed.

Sutra [Sanskrit for "a thread"]

A religious teaching or discourse, often a narrative.

T

Tathagata [Sanskrit for "one who has thus come" or "one who has thus gone"]

A title given to the Buddha after enlightenment;

"one who has gone into the ultimate reality that transcends normal concepts and understandings"; "the perfect one" or "the transcendent one". The Five Transcendent Buddhas

Tanto

(Zen) Head of practice.

Tantra [Sanskrit for "continuum"]

Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports that: "Tantra in its most general sense means a manual or handbook. In Buddhism it refers to a text that contains esoteric teachings, often ascribed to the Buddha. These texts provide techniques for gaining siddhis, both mundane and supramundane."

Teisho

A public talk by the teacher.

Tenzo

(Soto Zen) Head cook.

Theravada

"The Way [or School] of the Elders." One of two very significant branches of Buddhism. Donald Lopez (The Story of Buddhism) reports it as: "a branch of the Indian Sthaviravada that was established in Sri Lanka in the third century BCE. In the eleventh century CE the Theravada became the dominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. As the last remaining school of the many Indian non-Mahayana schools, 'Theravada' is often mistakenly regarded as a synonym of Hinayana."

Tonglen

"The Tonglen practice of giving and receiving is to take on the suffering and pain of others, and give them your happiness, well-being, and peace of mind. ... As Geshe Chekhawa wrote: 'Giving and receiving should be practiced alternately. This alternation should be placed on the medium of the breath." [From p. 202 of The Tibetan Handbook of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche.]

U

V

Vairocana

"Shining One". One of the Five Transcendent Buddhas. He represents the conversion of hate (or delusion) into perfect reality.

W

X

Y

yidam (Tibetan)

An archetype deity.

Z

Zabuton; also Zaniku.

(Soto Zen) A large square or rectangular cushion placed beneath the zafu for Zazen.

Zafu.

(Soto Zen) A small round cushion that serves as a seat during Zazen.

Zen

A contemplative tradition that includes meditation and theories of sudden enlightenment.

Zendo

(Soto Zen) A hall for informal zazen practice. May have the function and layout of the hondo or the sodo.

End of Glossary.

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