Glossary
Short definitions for terms you may hear at a stop or in a teaching.
B
- blessing(byin rlabs)
- Consecrated influence of positive aspiration.
- bodhicitta(byang chub kyi sems)
- The awakened heart wishing all beings to be free from suffering.
C
- chant master
- Monk who leads ritual music and chanting.
- compassion(snying rje)
- The wish to relieve suffering.
D
- debate(rtsod pa)
- Monastic dialectic practice to sharpen understanding.
- dharma(chos)
- The teachings of the Buddha; truth that frees from suffering.
- dissolution ceremony
- Ritual sweeping away of the sand mandala, teaching impermanence.
G
- geshe
- A monastic degree indicating advanced philosophical training.
I
- impermanence(mi rtag pa)
- The truth that all compounded things change and pass.
K
L
M
- mandala(dkyil-khor)
- A sacred diagram, here made from colored sand.
- monastery(dgon pa)
- Community of monks dedicated to study and practice.
- multiphonic chanting
- Overtone chanting practiced by Tibetan monks.
O
- offering(mchod pa)
- Generosity expressed through material support or ritual.
P
- puja(mchod pa)
- Ceremonial worship with prayers and offerings.
R
- refuge(skyabs)
- Taking safe direction in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
S
- sand mandala master
- Monk trained in mandala iconography and construction.
- sangha(dge dun)
- The community of practitioners.
- Sera Jey
- One of the great Gelug monasteries re-established in India.
- shrine(mchod rten)
- A place for offerings, images, and ritual.
T
- tonglen(gtong len)
- Practice of taking suffering and giving happiness.
- translator
- Monk who interprets teachings for the public.
V
- viewing hours
- Times the public may observe mandala creation.
- vinaya(dul wa)
- Monastic discipline code.
W
- wisdom(shes rab)
- Insight into how things exist.
- world peace tour
- Mobile residency bringing programs to civic institutions.
Z
- zokkay
- Deep overtone vocal technique in chant.