Buddhism Study Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on Buddhism, covering essential terms and concepts related to the teachings, figures, and practices.

Siddhārtha Gautama

The historical Buddha, a prince who sought enlightenment.

Buddha

Means "the awakened one," someone who has reached enlightenment.

Śramaṇa

A spiritual seeker who rejects worldly life.

Dharma (Vedic)

Duty, cosmic order, and moral law in Hinduism.

Mahāvīra

The founder of Jainism who taught nonviolence.

Ahiṃsā

Nonviolence toward all living things.

Four sights

Old age, sickness, death, and a holy man that sparked Siddhārtha's spiritual journey.

Pāli Canon (Tipiṭaka)

The earliest Buddhist scriptures.

Sutta Piṭaka

Teachings and sermons of the Buddha.

Vinaya Piṭaka

Rules for monks and nuns.

Abhidhamma Piṭaka

Philosophical teachings in Buddhism.

First Buddhist Council

A meeting after Buddha's death to preserve his teachings.

Bodhisattva

Someone on the path to becoming a Buddha.

Great Renunciation

When Siddhārtha left his royal life.

Nibbāna

Liberation from suffering and rebirth.

Dukkha

Suffering or dissatisfaction.

Anattā

The concept of no permanent self.

Three poisons

Attachment, aversion, and ignorance, rooted in suffering.

Dependent co-arising

The principle that everything exists due to causes or conditions.

Noble Eightfold Path

The path to end suffering, comprising Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Saṅgha

Community of monks and nuns.

Dāna

Generosity, a significant virtue in Buddhism.

Theravāda

The oldest tradition of Buddhism, known as the 'teaching of the elders.'

Bodhicitta

The desire to become enlightened for the benefit of others.

Māra

A tempter figure representing desire and fear.

Kōans

Paradox questions used in Zen practice to spark insight.

Lotus

A symbol of purity that rises from suffering.

Parinibbāna

The final death of a Buddha, marking no rebirth.