Buddhism

Buddha

One who is fully enlightened - Siddhartha Gautama.

Dhamma (Dharma)

The teaching of the Buddha.

Four Noble Truths

The Buddha’s first teaching: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and how to end suffering.

Metta bhavana

The development of the four types of loving kindness, usually through meditation.

Noble Eightfold Path

The ‘medicine’ of the four noble truths; eight steps toward overcoming suffering and desires and achieving Nibbana (nirvana), commonly divided into wisdom, morality, and meditation.

Parinirvana (Parinibbana)

The final stage of enlightenment, attained when an enlightened being passes away, eliminating all suffering and desires.

Samatha

Calm, or breathing meditation, aimed at developing concentration and mental clarity.

Vipassana

Insight meditation, enabling the individual to see the true nature of things.

Wesak

A festival to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Buddha

An enlightened human who understands the true nature of life and is free from suffering, embodying compassion and wisdom in all actions.

The aim of Buddhism

To recognize that everyone has a Buddhist nature, a potential to reach enlightenment.

Arahant

A perfected human in Buddhism, defined as someone whose flaws have been destroyed, having lived the holy life and achieved liberation through final knowledge.

Theravada Buddhists

Buddhists who refer to Siddharta Gautama as 'the Buddha' to signify his ultimate achievement of enlightenment.

Mahayana Buddhists

Buddhists who view the concept of Buddha as more universal and accessible to all beings.

Quote from Alagaddupama Sutta

Arahants have destroyed their flaws, lived the holy life, and are completely liberated through final knowledge.

Quote from Lotus Sutra

A reflection on the desire to help living beings gain entry into the unsurpassed way and acquire the body of a Buddha.