zen buddhism

anatta

The concept of non-self in Buddhism, which teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul in living beings.

bodhisattvas

Future Buddhas. As the ideal types for Mahayana Buddhism, beings who have experienced enlightenment but, motivated by compassion, stop

Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama and all others who have by their own insight attained perfect enlightenment. 

dukkha

The first of the Four Noble Truths, the basic Buddhist insight that suffering is part of the human condition.

Five Precepts

The basic moral requirements that are binding for all Buddhists. 

Four Noble Truths

The central teachings of Buddhism: to live is to suffer; suffering is caused by desire; the cessation of suffering can be achieved; the solution is the Noble Eightfold Path. 

karma

The moral law of cause and effect of actions; determines the nature of one's rebirth.

Mahayana

The largest of Buddhism's three divisions, prevalent in China, Japan, and Korea; encompass- es a variety of forms, including those that emphasize devotion and prayer to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas.