A
Complete and Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma
By Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by Janny Chow
GLOSSARY
Achala (Sanskrit, "Immovable") This Fierce Dharma
Protector is the wrathful manifestation of the Great Sun Buddha
(Mahavairocana). He remains firm and immovable in the face of
temptation. He is usually depicted holding a sword in his right hand to
smite the guilty, and vajra rope in his left hand to bind the wicked.
Acharya (Sanskrit, lit. "teacher") is a Dharma
Master.
Adi-Buddha (Sanskrit, "First Awakened One") is the
primordial Buddha and the source of all phenomena. Although formless,
the Adi-Buddha is represented by Vajradhara. The Five Dhyani Buddha
originated from the Adi-Buddha.
Akshobya (Sanskrit, "Immovable") One of the Five
Dhyani Buddhas. He is usually depicted with his right hand forming the
Earth Witness Mudra (the hand is pointed towards the earth and is turned
inward). He embodies the Mirror-Like Great Wisdom which takes sense
impressions and the idea of individual forms and recognizes the inherent
emptiness of them all.
Alaya consciousness (Sanskrit, "storehouse
consciousness") The primordial awareness. The alaya consciousness
is the storehouse of all previous impressions. These impressions are the
seeds (bija) from which all phenomena arise when conditions and mental
associations call the forth.
Amala consciouness The ninth level of consciousness, also
known as the clear consciousness. This is the true mind, The Ultimate
Truth. It is only surpassed by the tenth consciousness, "all
encompassing, single pointed consciousness".
Amitabha (Sanskrit, lit. "Boundless Light") One of
the Five Dhyani Buddhas. The embodiment of compassion and wisdom, he is
typically depicted as red in color, with his hands held together in the
Meditation Mudra (the right hand rests on the left hand with the tips of
the thumbs touching). Embodying the Wisdom of Discriminating Vision, he
transmutes perception into inner vision.
Amoghasiddhi (Sanskrit, "One Who Accomplishes His
Goal") One of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. He is usually depicted with
his right hand forming the Fearless Mudra (right palm raised and facing
outward). He embodies the All-Accomplishing Wisdom which transforms the
will into the egoless activity of the Buddha.
Arhat (Sanskrit, "Worthy One") Goal of Hinayana
Buddhism. An arhat is one who has freed himself from the cycle of
rebirth by extinguishing all passions and desires. According to Mahayana
Buddhism, the arhat still has yet to achieve the ultimate goal. By
emphasizing his own salvation, the arhat has yet to attain Buddhahood,
as he has not fully awakened his compassion by working for the salvation
of all beings.
Armor Protection A Tantric Buddhist Practice to protect one
from negative energies and psychic attack.
Ashvaghosa A famous Buddhist philosopher and poet that lived
in the first and second centuries A.D. An exponent and writer of the
Mahayana system that was coming into prominence at the time, he is
considered one of the most important Buddhist authors.
Attached Spirits These are spirits or ghosts who, due to some
karmic nond, attach themselves to people. By disrupting that person's
energy field, they can cause accidents, illnesses, etc. in the
individual.
Bliss Body See Trikaya
Bodhidharma (470-543 a.d.) After being confirmed as the
twenty-eight patriarch of Buddhism, Boddhidharma left India and traveled
China. There he became the First Patriarch of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism.
Boddhisattva (Sanskrit, lit. "Wisdom Being") One who
has developed the altruistic motive of attaining Enlightenment to help
all sentient beings. These are ten stages in the Boddhisattva process.
Those who have reached the tenth stage and delay entering complete
Enlightenment so they can help others are sometimes referred to as
Mahasattvas.
Bodhicitta (Sankrit, "awakened mind") The key to
Mahayana Buddhism, it refers both to an enlightened mind and to the
resolution arising from the profound compassion to attain and
Enlightened mind for the purpose of assisting all beings.
Body Offering Practice Here one visualizes one's blood
becoming rivers, one's bone becoming rocks, etc. so one may offer one's
body for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Chakra (Sankrit, lit. wheel) The seven chakras in the human
body act as subtle energy centers. The root chakra lies in the area if
the sacrum and is said to hold one's sleeping or dormant spiritual
energy. Once awakened, this spiritual energy travels up through the
other five chakras until it reaches the crown chakra at the top of the
head.
Channels (or Nadis) Subtle energy paths through which the chi
flows. The three main channels are the central channel (sushumna), the
left (ida), and the right (pingala) channels which run parallel to and
in front the spinal column.
Chi (Chinese, "breath or energy") Subtle energy or
vital force. In Taoism, chi is the cosmic energy that permeates all
things. Within the human body, the chi is seen as the vital force of the
body and is closely associated with the breath. During the act of
breathing, in addition to oxegenating the blood with the outer breath (wai
chi), one breathes in with the inner breath (nei chi) the surrounding
cosmic energy to resupply the inner chi or life force of the body.
Ching, Chi , and Shen In Taoism, these are the three life
energies that make up the human being. The ching refers to the
reproductive energy, the chi refers to the vital energy of the body, and
the shen is the spirirt of the person. Taoist practices seek to
transform the ching to chi, and the chi into shen. (See also chi).
Clear Light ("prabhasvara" in Sanskrit) This light
illuminates the Universe as its deepest level. Perceiving the Clear
Light is the most fundamental level of consciousness. Arriving at this
level, one can view all phenomena as a manifestation of this level of
consciousness.
Daka Male counterpart of the Dakini.
Dakini (Sanskrit, lit. Sky-Dancer) These are accomplished
female spirits that have attained the Clear Light and assist
practitioners in removing physical hindrances and spiritual obstacles.
As they are female beings that travel in space, they are linked with
giving birth to the full range of expansive potentialities.
Dalai Lama (Tibetan, lit. "Ocean of Wisdom") The
political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, he is also
considered and emanation of Avalokistesvara (Kuan Yin) Bodhisattva. The
present Dalai Lama is the fourteenth incarnation.
Damaru Drum A two sided drum that represents the heart beat of
the Buddhas.
Deliverance Ceremony This is a ceremony to assist spirits who
are between rebirth (Bardo State). Through the ceremony, the spirits are
able to attain a higher level of rebirth. One may perform the
Deliverance (Bardo) Ceremony for one's ancestor, for attached spirits,
and/or for local earth spirits. Deva (Sanskrit, lit. "shining
one") These are the gods or heavenly beings. Because of their good
merit, they are able to enjoy the pleasure of heaven. At some point,
when their merits are used up, they are reborn into one of the lower
realms.
Deva Kings These are the Four Celestial Kings who dwell on
Mount Meru and guard the four gates at the four compass points if
Indra's (Ruler of the Devas) paradise. They are considered guardians of
Buddhism. The four deva kings are: Dhrtarstra, who guards the East and
is King of the Gandharvas (celestial musicians), He is white in color
and holds a stringed instrument. Virudhuka, whi guards the South and is
King of the Khumbanda (giant demons). He is blue and holds a sword.
Vaisravana, who guards the North and is King of the Yakshas (wild
demonic being). He is yellow and holds a banner in his right hand and a
mongoose in his left hand. Because he oversees the Treasures in the
North, he is sometimes called the Treasure Deva King. Virupaksa, who
guards the West and is King of the Serpent Gods, He is red in color and
holds serpent and a jewel.
Dharma The cosmic law which governs the Universe. It may also
refer to the teachings (of a Buddha) which are manifestations of this
law.
Dharma Body See Trikaya.
Diamond Sutra An important teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha which
he shows that all things are ultimately empty and devoid of any inherent
reality, including the ideas of oneself, other sentient beings, and the
Dharma. The name comes from the sutra being "hard and sharp like a
diamond that will cut away all arbitrary conceptions and bring one to
the other shore of Enlightenment".
Dream Mahamudra (milam in Tiebetan) This is one of the Six
Yogas of Naropa, wherein one exerts conscious control of one's dreams.
Dzogchen (Tibetan, li. "Great Perfection") This is
the highest teaching of the Tibetan sect known as the Nyingmapa. Through
this accomplishment, one recognizes the purity of mind that is always
present and realizes the union of emptiness and wisdom. Dzogchen is not
merely another practice or technique; it is the mind's original and
fundamental state.
Earth Gods Spirits who rule over the energy of a particular
location.
Easy Posture A posture for sitting on the ground in which
one's legs are crossed near the ankles. It is an easy posture to attain
in but it is difficult to keep one's spine erect in this position.
Eight Principal Deities of the True Buddha School These are:
Amitabha, Kuan Yin, Ksitigarbha, Maha Cundi Bodhisattva, Jambhala,
Padmasambhava, Padmakumara, and Medicine Buddha. After one completes the
Four Preliminary Practices and the Guru Yoga, the practitioner chooses
one of these Deities as his/her Personal Deity.
Emanation Body See Trikaya.
Empowerment of Three Lights The three lights are: the white
lights which enter the brow (purifying the body); the red light entering
the throat (purifying the speech); and the blue light entering the heart
(purifying the mind).
Empowerment A ritual wherein the guru transmits to a student
the energy of a particular deity or practice so that the student's
practice may quickly bear fruit.
Fierce Deity Yoga By merging one's mind consciousness with the
Fierce Deity, one receives protection against outside negative forces,
and quickly cuts through the negative internal state of mind which
prevents Enlightenment.
Five Colored Thread Practice of Lakshmi (Mahakali) In this
practice, one invokes Mahakali to obtain answers for one's problem via
one's dreams.
Five Great Wisdoms of the Buddha The Five Great Wisdoms are:
1. The Wisdom of the Absolute Truth, embodied by Magavairocana,
transforms the limited ego consciousness into cosmic consciousness. 2.
The Mirror-like Wisdom, embodied by Akshobya, reveals the true nature if
all forms by showing them as reflections of the Great Void. 3. The
Wisdom of Equality, embodied by Ratnasambhava, transforms feelings into
transcendent love and compassion for all beings. 4. The Discriminating
Wisdom, embodied by Amitabha, transforms perception into spiritual
discernment. 5. The All Accomplishing Wisdom, embodied by Amoghasiddhi,
transform the will into egoless action.
Formless Realm (Arupaloka) See Heavenly Realms.
Four karma yogas Practices to aacomplish the four yogic
intention. See four yogic intent.
Four Noble Truths These truths were taught by Shakyamuni
Buddha at his first sermon after Enlightenment. They form the basis of
Buddhism. These four truths are: 1. The truth of suffering. Suffering is
inherent in life, including both physical and mental suffering such as
death, sickness, old age, unpleasant situations, difficult people, not
obtaining one's desires, etc. 2. The truth of the arising or origin of
suffering. Suffering comes about through the desire for sensory
pleasures, the thirst for existence, and the thirst for non-existence.
3. The truth of ending suffering. Suffering can be ended by
extinguishing all desires (the states of Nirvana). 4. The truth of the
way to end suffering. The Noble Eightfold Path consist of: right
understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right
livelihood, right effort, right speech, right mindfulness, and right
concentration.
Four Preliminary Practices These practices remove coarse
hindrances and build merit so that one my have greater success with
Trantric Practices. These consist of: bowing (Great Homage); making
offerings (Mandala Offering); reaffirming one's refuge in one's teacher,
the Buddhas, the teachings; and the sages (Fourfold Refuge Mantra) and
repentance practice (Vajrasattva Yoga).
Four Yogic Intents (1) Purification of sickness and
negativity, (2) enrichment and generosity so one may have abundance, (3)
magnetization to draw people together and harmonize human relationships,
and (4) subjugation of negative forces and demons.
Four Immaterial Heaven The highest of all twenty eight
heavens. It is the last of the Realms without Form (Arupaloka), where
one is beyond awareness and non-awareness.
Full Lotus Position The meditative sitting position in which
feet are crossed and are resting on opposite thighs. This position
brings greater stability to the meditation and allow one to keep one's
spine erect.
Garbadhatu One of the two major mandalas in the Shingon School
(Japanese Tantric Buddhism). The Garbadhatu or "Womb Mandala"
represents the Material World, the static part of the cosmos. It
contains all things, protecting and nourishing them.
Gelugpa The sect founded by Tsongkhapa, it is the last of the
Four Tibetan Buddhism Schools. It places an emphasis on ethical behavior
and scholarship.
Golden Mother of the Primordial Pond The Chief goddess of the
Immortals in the Taoist Western paradise. Associated with the peach of
immortality, she bestows longevity to beings.
Golden Compassion Dharani Water Water that has been empowered
with the dharani (a long mantra) to Kuan Yin (known as the Great
Compassion Dharani).
Great Golden Roc Garuda, a mythlogical bird with a human torsi
and arms. He said to travel across the Universe with one flap of his
wings. In Hinduism, Garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu. In Buddhism, he is
the vehicle of Amoghasiddha Buddha.
Guru Yoga A special meditation wherein one merges one's
consciousness with the Guru or Teacher, thereby receiving the blessings
of the teacher and of his lineage.
Half-Lotus Position The meditative sitting position where the
heel of one foot is placed against the perineum and the other foot is
placed on the opposites thigh.
Heavenly Nectar Taoist term fir the fluid of immortality
(amrita). When the ching travels up the spine to the brain, a special
fluid descends from the crown chakra, filling the whole body with bliss.
Heavenly Realms In Buddhism there are 28 divine realms which
are divided into three categories. The lower six heavenly realms are
part of the Realm of Desire (Kamaloka). These are inhabited heavenly
beings that still desire food and sex. The Four Deva Kings, Indra, the
peaceful and contented gods, Mara are included in the Kamaloka. The next
eighteen heavens are in the Realm of Form (Rupadhatu). Beings in this
realm no longer desire sex but still have a form. The last four realms
are the Formless Realm (Arupaloka), where the beings exist as pure
spirit without any form. Beings in any of these realms are still subject
to rebirth.
Highest Tantra Yoga ("Anuttura Yoga" in Sanskrit)
This is the highest teaching of the Gelugpa sect of the Tibetan Buddhist
sect. The practitioner utilize subtle levels of bodily energies and of
consciousness, which are not accessible to the untrained practitioner to
achieve complete Buddhahood.
Hinayana (Sanskrit, "lesser vehicle") A term used by
the later Mahayana School to describe original, major school of Biddhism.
Since the HInayana School foucused on liberation for oneself, the
Mahayana School deemed it the "Lesser Vehicle", as it did not
work for the liberation of all beings. Presently, the Hinayana School
refers to itself as Theravada (School of the Elders) which is the only
surviving sect of Hinayana and is based mainly in Southeast Asia. The
Hinayana School emphasizes that the way to attain liberation is through
one's own meditation and through living a monastic life-style.
Hui K'o (487-593) the Second Patriarch of Zen Buddhism. When
he went to visit the First Patriarch, Bodhidharma, for instruction, he
was forced to wait in the snow for several days. Finally, to demonstrate
his strong desire to become Bodhidharma's student, Hui K'o cut off his
left arm and presented to Bodhidharma.
Hundred Syllable Mantra Mantra of Vajrasattva to remove karmic
hindrances. Recitation of this mantra one hundred thousand times is one
of the Four Preliminary Practices.
Jambhala God of Wealth representing abundance. There are five
Jambhalas: white, red, yellow, green, and black. The yellow Jambhala is
a Principal Deity in the True Buddha School and is seen as and eight
level Bodhisattva. When the term Jambhala is used without specification
of color it typically refers to the Yellow Jambhala. The Jambhalas grant
abundance to those practicing his Dharma, allowing the individual to
practice the Buddhadharma and to help other.
Jataka (Pali, "birth stories") These are stories
that tell about the past lives of Shakyamuni Buddha, his followers, and
his enemies.
Kagyu (Tibtan, "oral transmission lineage") One of
the Four Great School of Tibetan Buddhism. This school emphasizes
practice (with the Mahamudra being its highest practice). The teachings
came to Tibet around 1050 and were in the following century organized
into Kagyu Sect. It descended from Vajradhara Buddha through the Indian
Masters Tilopa and Naropa, who passed it on to Marpa, Milarepa, and
Gampopa.
Kalachakra (Sanskirt, lit. "wheel of time) This is one of
the four Highest Tantra Yoga practices. This is considered the most
complex practice of the BuddhIst Tantra.
Kalpa Refers to the length of time between the beginning of
each universe. A kalpa can be subdivided into 20 smaller kalpas.
Kalu Rinpoche An eminent spiritual leader of the Tibetan Kagyu
Sect. He is an incarnation of the famous Tibetan scholar, Jamgon
Kongtrul. For detail of Kalu Rinpoche's comments on Grand Master Lu,
please see the pamphlet, "Tibetan Tulkus and Living Buddha
Lian-sheng", available from Purple Lotus Society.
Karmapa (Sanskirt, "Buddha-Activity Man") The
spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The first
incarnation of the Karmapa was in 1110, making this the longest lived
line of Tibetan Tulkus. Presently, he is in his seventeenth incarnation.
Klesa (Sanskrit, "disturbing emotion") These are
conditions of mind that impede clarity of mind and lead to unwholesome
acts thus creating negative karma. These including conditions the five
poisons (pride, desire, anger, delusion, and jealousy).
Ksitigarbha (Sanskrit, lit. "womb of the earth")
Ksitigarbha assists beings in the six realms and is an emanation of the
Dhyani-Buddha Ratnasambhava. He is particularly well known and venerated
for assisting beings in the realms of the hell. Holding a jewel, the
symbol of the Ratna family, a jewel, he is sometimes called the Jewel
Bearer.
Kuan Yin (Chinese, "She Who Observes the Sounds of the
World") The assistant of Amithaba BUdda, known as the Bodhisattva
of Compassion. Kuan Yin is one of the most important Bodhisattvas in
Buddhism and is a Principal Deity in the True Buddha School. Kuan Yin is
usually depicted as female in China and Japan, and as male in other part
of Asia. Kuan Yin's Sanskrit name is Avalokistesvara and, in Tibet, is
known as Chenrezi. Kuan Yin takes many forms to help others such as
Thousand-Eyed, Thousand-Armed form, the Four-Armed form, White Gown
form, etc.
Kundalini Fire (Sanskrit, "serpent power") Spiritual
energy that usually remains dormant at the base of the spine. When
awakened it moves up the spine and acts like a fire, burning away
obcurations.
Lama A guru or spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism. A lama
is seen as the embodiment of the Buddha.
Lama Ngokpa A disciple of Marpa. Milarepa, while going through
difficult ordeals from Marpa to remove negative karma, went to Lama
Ngokpa without Marpa's permission. Because he did not have Marpa's
permission, Milarepa was not able to receive any response from the
teaching of Lama Ngokpa.
Light Drops ("bindu" in Sanskrit) Essential fluids
that focus awareness in the subtle body. The movement of these essential
fluids determine the level one's consciousness.
Light Sound Heaven ("Abasvara" in Sanskrit) The
heaven of utmost light and purity, the sixth heaven of the eighteen
heavens in the middle realms (Realm of Form, or Rupaloka) where beings
converse by light instead of words.
Lion Posture This is the posture that Shakyamuni Buddha
assumed for sleeping. One lies on the right side of the body with the
right hand under the head, the knees slightly bent, and the left hand on
the thigh.
Machig Labdronme (1055-1145) Founder of the former Xiji Sect
of Tibetan Buddhism. She is the best known for disseminating the
teaching of Chod, the practice of cutting away the ego by offering one's
body to the demons.
Mahakali Originally she, along with other demons, tried to
disrupt Shakyamuni Buddha's Meditation. After being subjugated by him,
she vowed to protect the Dharma. She is depicted as black, biting a
corpse, wearing a crown of five skulls, and riding a yellow horse that
has a third eye on its rump.
Mahamudra (Sanskrit, lit. "Great Seal" The highest
teaching in the Tibetan sect known as Kagyu. The Mahamudra Sutra
emphasizes dwelling in tranquility and insight, and progressing along
the Five Paths (which starts with the beginning of Dharma practice and
ends with complete Enlightenment). The Ganges or Essence Mahamudra is an
instantaneous method where every experience is transformed into
emptiness, luminosity, and the unity of these two (unimpeded
Enlightenment).
Mahasthamaprata (Sanskrit, lit. "He who is great
power") Along with Kuan Yin, Mahasthamaprata is the companion of
Amitabha Buddha in both Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. Mahasthamaprata
symbolizes the wisdom of Amitabha.
Mahayana (Sanskrits, "greater vehicle") This is
latter of the two major schools of Buddhism. Mahayana emphasizes
liberating all sentient beings from suffering and includes Pure Land,
Zen, and Tantric Buddhism.
Maha Twin Lotus Ponds This is the Pure Land of the Padmakumara
(the Bliss Body of Grand Master Lu). The Maha Twin Lotus Ponds are in
the Western Paradise of the Amitabha. By practicing the True
Buddhadharma, one may travel to the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds.
Mahavairocana One of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Mahavairocana,
the Great Sun Buddha, is typically depicted as white in color and holds
either the Dharmacakra Mudra (the thumb and index finger of each hand
from a circle and are brought together) or the Supreme Wisdom Mudra (the
five fingers of the left hand wrap around the index finger or the right
hand). Embodying Transcendent Wisdom, Mahavairocana transform the ego
bound consciousness into the universal consciousness.
Mahaesvara Heaven The highest heaven in the middle heavenly
realm or Realm of Form (Rupaloka).
Mahaesvara (Sanskrit, "General Lord of the
Universe") This is another name of Shiva, one of the three main
deities of Hinduism. The Lord of the Yogis, he is typically pictured as
blue in color with snakes decorating his body sitting in deep meditation
with his trident in the background.
Mala A rosary usually with 108 beads.
Manas (Sanskrit, "mind") The observing mind, which
is the seventh level of consciousness in the Yogachara system. The first
levels of consciousness are: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
The sixth level, mental consciousness (manovijnana), is the
discriminating mind which knows, judges, conceives, etc. and differs
from manas which is the intuitive mind.
Mandala (Sanskrits, lit. "circle") A mandala is a
representation or symbol for various energies or particular enlightened
states of mind. A mandala may be in two dimensions, as in as painting,
or in three dimensions, such as in the placement of scared objects. The
body or even the world at large may be interpreted as a mandala, as they
symbolize various aspects of universal energies. A mandala may also be
the throne of a particular deity.
Manjusri, (Sanskrits, lit. "He who is noble and
gentle") The Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom, he is typically
depicted with the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the book of transcendent Wisdom,
and a swhord which cuts through the clouds of ignorance.
Marpa (1012-97) known as the "Great Translator".
Marpa travelled from Tibet to India three times to bring back various
Tantric Buddhist Teachings, especially those of his main teacher, Naropa.
As a farmer, he lived an ordinary householder's life, yet was a very
accomplished yogi.
Master P'u Fang Master of the Zong Chi sect, a Tantric
Buddhist sect in China.
Milarepa (1025-1135) The most beloved yogi saint of Tibet.
After killing his relatives through black magic, Milarepa performed hard
labor for his teacher, Marpa, to remove the negative karma of the black
magic. After receiving instruction from Marpa, Milarepa diligently
performed meditation in the icy caves of the Himalayas. His disciple,
Gampopa, founded the Kagyu School.
Mr. Three-Peaks-Nine-States Grand Master Lu's first teacher.
Manifesting out of the spiritual realm, he taught Grand Master Lu many
spiritual practices, especially those of Taoism.
Mount Kunlun The abode of Golden Mother of the Primordial Pond
and the Taoist Immortals, Mount Kunlun contains a palace made of jade,
and is surrounded by a wall a thousand miles long which is made of gold.
Here the Golden Mother grows the peach of immortality.
Mudra Outward physical expression of inner states of
consciousness. Placing the body in a particular physical position assist
one in developing the related inner state. Mudras are typically
associated with various hand gestures, but can include other parts of
the body.
Nagarjuna Considered the founder of the Great Vehicle
(Mahayana) of Buddhism. According to Buddhist literature, Nagarjuna
traveled to the undersea palace of the Dragon Kings (Nagas) where he
read important documents left there by Shakyamuni Buddha.
Naropa (1016-1100) A scholar at the famous Nalanda University
who left to follow the noted yogi, Tilopa. After undergoing severe
hardship under Tilopa, Naropa received teachings and became a renowned
yogi. Later some of these teachings became known as Six Yogas of Naropa
and formed a major part of the practices of the Tibetan Kagyu School.
Nirvana, (Sanskrit, lit. "cessation"), Cessation of
suffering. One is freed from the cycle of rebirth and from the suffering
this entails. It is a state where one realizes one's connection with the
absolute.
Nyingma, (Sanskrit, lit. "School of the Ancients")
This school, founded by Padmasambhava, is the oldest of the four Tibetan
Buddhist Schools. It maintains a sophisticated system of study and
practice, and its special training is Dzogchen.
Padmakumara (Sanskrit, lit. "Lotus Youth") This is a
great fortune-bestowing and hindrances removing Bodhisattva. Grand
Master Lu is an emanation of this Bodhisattva. For more details about
Padmakumara and his abode, the Great Double Lotus Ponds in the Western
Paradise, see the True Buddha Sutra.
Padmasambhava (Sanskrit, lit. "Lotus Born") commonly
referred to as the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava was
supremely accomplished in the esoteric arts a used his powers to defeat
many demons and black magic practitioners in Tiber in the eight century.
He is considered the principal founder of the Tibetan Buddhist sect
known as Nyingma. Padmasambhava is one of the Principal Deities of the
True Buddha School.
Personal Deity Yoga ("yidam" in Tibetan) In this
meditation, one merges one's consciousness with a Personal Deity. The
Personal Deity represents an enlightened state of consciousness and is
chosen to correspond to the basic personality of the practitioners.
Psychic heat ("tumo" in Tibetan) Through special
spiritual techniques of breath control, visualization, and focusing on
the abdominal area, one can ignite the inner fire for attaining
Enlightenment as well as remaining warm in cold weather. This is one of
the special techniques to attain Enlightenment of the Six Yoga of Naropa,
Tibetan Kagyu Sect.
Principal Deity See Personal Deity
Pure Land A realm of consciousness founded by a Buddha. By
being reborn in a Pure Land, the aspirant can continue spiritual
development without fear of retrogression.
Rainbow Villa This is the retreat center that Grand Master Lu
built in the Cascade Mountain in Western Washington State.
Rinpoche (Tibetan, lit. "Precious One") A title
reserved for incarnate lamas and accomplished teachers.
Ratnasambhava (Sanskrit, "Jewel-born One") One of
the Five Dhayani Buddhas. He holds his right hand in the Wish-Bestowing
Mudra (the right hand is pointed toward the earth, with the palm facing
out). He embodies the Wisdom of Equality, by which feelings are
transformed into love and compassion.
Realm of Form (Rupadhatu) see Heavenly Realms
Rebirth Mantra (Amitabha) The full name of this mantra for
rebirth in Amitabha's Pure Land is "the Dharani for pulling out
karmic obstructions and obtaining rebirth in the Pure Lands." By
chanting this mantra 300,000 times, one removes all spiritual enemies.
Sakya (Tibetan, lit. "Scholl of the Gray Earth") One
of the four school of Tibetan Buddhism. Stressing the study of
philosophy, this school has contributed some of the most important
philosophy commentaries. Founded by the Khon family, the principal
leaders of the Sakya Sect are still Khon family members.
Samantabhadra (Sanskrit, "Universal Kindness") 1.A
major Boddhisattva in Buddhism. He is seen as the Dhayani Nodhisattva or
the emanation of Dhayani Buddha, Mahavairocana. He is typically depicted
holding the widh fulfilling jewel in his left hand and holding his right
hand in the teaching or argument mudra (the index and thumb touch whole
the other three fingers extend upward). 2. In Vajrayana Buddhism,
Samantabhadra Buddha is Primodial Buddha.
Samsara (Sanskrit, "running around") Comprised of
the six realms where in dwell Devas (Gods), Asuras (Jealous Nature
Spirits), Humans, Animals, Hungry Ghosts, and beings in Hell. These
beings continue to revolve in the six realms until they attain
Enlightenment and realize that the realms are merely states of
consciousness, thus freeing them of the need to be reborn in one of
these realms.
Samadhi (Sanskrit, lit. "make firm") The state of
consciousness where the meditator becomes one with the object of
meditation. As there is no separation between the meditator and the
object of meditation, it is called a non-dualistic state.
Samaya To be bound by an oath, vow or promise
Sangha (Sanskrit, "crowd") Buddhist community. This
can have the narrow meaning of a community of monks, nuns, and novices
or it can have the wider meaning of Buddhist lay persons as well as the
monks, nuns and novices.
Seed syllable ("bija" in Sanskrit) The sound
vibration or energy from which phenomena are derived. By focusing on a
particular seed syllable, the practitioner can experience that aspect of
the reality inherent in that particular seed syllable. For example, from
the seed syllable, lam, is derived the earth element.
Shakyamuni Buddha (Sanskrit, "Sage of the Shakya
clan") Born as Prince Siddharta Gautama in northern India in 563
BC, Shakyamuni Nuddha at the age of twenty-nine left his kingdom to seek
Enlightenment. After six years he became enlightened and became the
founder of Buddhism.
Siddhi (Sanskrit, "accomplishment or ability") This
refers to the accomplishment that come with spiritual practice. It can
be the transcendental siddhi of attaining complete Enlightenment
(nirvana) and attaining the Pure Land, or it can be the more mundane
abilities that come with spiritual practice (such as flying,
clairvoyance, clairaudience, invisibility, etc).
Six Perfections of the Bodhisattva Way (Six Paramitas) These
are charity, discipline, patience, effort, meditation, wisdom.
Six Realms See Samsara
Sukhavati (Sanskrit, "Western Paradise") Sukhavati
is the Buddha Pure Land founded by the Amitabha Buddha. A realm of
consciousness rather than an actual locality, in this blissful realm
beings may continue striving towards complete Enlightenment without the
pain and suffering that occurs in the other realms of existence.
Sutrayana An exoteric school of Mahayana Buddhism based on the
scriptures (sutras) of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Pure Land and Zen school
are part of Sutrayana.
Tang Dynasty (618-907) This was a glorious period in Chinese
history. Buddhism flourished in the beginning of this dynasty but waned
due to persecution at the end of the dynasty.
Tantra That spiritual truth which seeks through various
mystical means to unite the individual consciousness with the universal
consciousness.
Tantrayana The vehicle or teachings of Tantra.
Tangka Paintings on linen, surrounded by colorful brocade,
which depict aspects of Buddhism i.e. Buddhas, mandalas, sacred
syllables, etc.
Taoism The Chinese philosophy in which practitioners seek to
realize and be one with the Tao, the primordial source for all things.
The yin-yang school symbol, [ ,is a popular symbols in Taoism showing
that within the ever changing nature of things, the Tao is always
present.
Te Shan (781-867) A Buddhist scholar well-versed in the
Diamond Sutra and wrote the Qing Long Commentary on the Diamond Sutra.
After an old woman selling pastries embarrassed him regarding the nature
mind, Te Shen studied Zen and became a Master of great renown.
Ten Vows of Samantabhadra The vow are: 1. To worship and
respect all Buddhas. 2. To praise the Tathagatas. 3. To engage in making
offerings. 4. To repent and remove all karmic faults. 5. To rejoice in
merit and virtue. 6. To request the turning of the Dharma Wheel. 7. To
request that all Buddha abide in the world. 8. To always learn from the
Buddha the path to Enlightenment. 9. To always live in accord with other
beings. 10. To dedicate all merit and virtue to all beings.
Togal Dzogchen practice of insight.
Trailokya-vijaya-raja (Sanskrit, "Subduer of the three
worlds") A wrathful deity with four fierce faces and wight arms. In
Japanese Vajrayana, he is seen as a fierce manifestation of Vajrasattva.
Treasure Vase Breathing A special breathing technique to fill
the body with chi. Part of the practice involves visualizing oneself
transforming into a vase and holding one's breath.
Trekcho Dzogchen practice of profound stabilization.
Trikaya (Sanskrit, "Three bodies") Nirmanakaya,
Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya are the three bodies (Trikaya) or
manifestations of the Buddha. The Dharmakaya (Dharma Body) manifestation
of the Buddha is the one that is timeless, formless and is one with the
Universe. The Sambhogakaya (Bliss Body) is the form of the Buddha in the
subtle realms, and which usually appears to humans in meditations,
visions and dreams. The Nirmanakaya (Emanation Body) is the physical
form of the Buddha when He reincarnates as human being.
Triple Jewels The Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the
Sangha (Buddhist community).
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) The founder of the Gelugpa Sect of
Tibetan Buddhism. He is known as the Reformer, as he set up strict rules
for the Gelugpa Sect which constrasted with the much looser rules of the
other three sect of Tibetan Buddhism at that time. A great scholar,
Tsongkhapa is looked upon as a manifestation of Manjusri.
Tulku In Tibet, a reincarnated sage of saint who is confirmed
after certain tests. Although these sages do not need to reborn again,
they do so out compassion for sentient beings. Some tulkus have
reincarnated many times.
Ucchusma A fierce Dharma Protector who purifies the unclean.
He is usually depicted with eight arms and four faces and wears a tiger
skin around his waist.
Vajra (Sanskrit, lit. "Diamond Scepter") 1. Vajra
means indestructible or unshakable and is thus equated with the diamond
or thunderbolt. 2. This is a common religious implement in Tantric
Buddhist Practice. It symbolizes the male aspect of Enlightenment (skillfull
means), whereas the bell represents the feminine aspect of Enlightenment
(wisdom).
Vajradhara (Sanskrit, lit. "Thunderbolt-bearer")
Symbolizes the Primordial Buddha. He is typically represented as sitting
in the lotus position with his arms crossed on his breast and his hands
holding the bell and vajra.
Vajradhatu One of the two major mandalas in the Shihnon School
(Japanese Tantric Buddhism). The Vajradhatu or "Diamomd Mandala"
represents the Spiritual World, the active part of the cosmos. The
Vajradhatu cannot exist without the other mandala, the Garbadhatu.
Vajrasattva (Sanskrit, lit. "Diamond Being") Viewed
as the chief or the union of the five Dhyani Buddhas, Vajrasattva's
practice is the most important of the Four Preliminary Practices. This
is because Vajrasattva eradicates negative hindrances accumulated since
time immemorial. He is typically depicted holding a vajra in his right
hand, next to his chest, and a bell in his left hand, next to his left
thigh.
Vajrasattva Yoga This is repentance yoga to remove karmic
hindrances created by past negative actions and by breaking one's vows.
Vajrasattva, who represents the purification, is invoked with his One
Hundred Syllable Mantra.
Vajra Protector These are fierce deities who are Bodhisattva
or wrathful manifestations of the Buddhas who protect the Dharna.
Wealth Deities of the Five Directions Earth gods. As the level
of these gods is closest to that of human, one may easily supplicate
them to help in one's life.
Wooden Fish A wooden percussion instrument in the shape of a
fish which is used in the chanting of mantras and sutras.
Yama King Ruler over Hell Realm.
Yamantaka (Sanskrit, "Conquer of Death") A fierce
manifestation of Manjusri Bodhisattva, commonly depicted with either a
bull's or buffalo's head for his central head.
Yogachara (Sanskrit, " application of yoga") A
school of Mahyana Buddhism started in the fourth century by Asanga. This
emphasized that everything experienced is of the mind. The school had
four stages to perfection: 1. Stage of teaching. 2. Stage of realizing
the teachings and entering the first stage of Bodhisattvahood. 3. Stage
of meditation, of moving through the ten stages of Bodhisattvahood. 4.
Stage of accomplishment.
Zen The Mahayana Buddhist School that originated in China
(called "Ch'an" in Chinese) that later took root in Japan. Zen
emphasize the practice of sitting in meditative absorption (zazen) as
the shortest path in Enlightenment. It depemphasizes rituals and
intellectual studies.
Zha Hum Ban Huo These are four syllables chanted during the
brief Repentance Yoga.
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