Buddhism Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards to help students understand key terms and concepts related to Buddhism.

Bodhi Tree

The sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical Buddha, originally a prince who renounced his royal life to seek enlightenment.

Four Noble Truths

The core principles of Buddhism: suffering exists, suffering has a cause, suffering can be eradicated, and there is a path to the cessation of suffering (the Eightfold Path).

Mahabodhi Temple

A temple in Bodh Gaya, India, marking the site of the Buddha's enlightenment, built in the 5th or 6th century CE.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

A designation for places of cultural or historical significance; Bodh Gaya was designated in 2002.

Middle Path

Buddha's teaching that advocates for a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of indulgence and self-denial.

Dharma

The teachings of the Buddha; the cosmic law and order.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all beings go through.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from Samsara and the cessation of suffering.

Bodhisattva

An enlightened being who postpones entering Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.

Karma

The principle of cause and effect in Buddhism; actions (good or bad) create corresponding consequences.

Anatta

The doctrine of 'no-self' or 'no soul' in Buddhism, which asserts that there is no permanent self.

Dukkha

Suffering, dissatisfaction, or sorrow; a fundamental concept in Buddhism that emphasizes the realities of human existence.

Mara

The demon representing desire and temptation, who tries to distract Siddhartha Gautama during his meditation.

Engaged Buddhism

A modern movement that applies Buddhist insights to social, political, and environmental issues.

Zen

A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience of enlightenment.

Pure Land Buddhism

A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on the attainment of rebirth in a Pure Land, a blissful realm.

Eightfold Path

The path to liberation from suffering, consisting of Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Mahayana

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of the bodhisattva and the accessibility of enlightenment to all.

Vajrayana

Also known as Tibetan Buddhism, it incorporates Tantric practices and emphasizes the importance of ritual and meditation.