Glossary of Buddhism

Akushala (Vn. Haønh Baát Thieän)

Sanskrit word. It means bad Karma.

Almsgiving (Vn. Boá thí )

see charity.

Amitabha (Vn. A Di Ñaø Phaät)

Sanskrit word, literally means boundless light and boundless life. He is the Buddha in the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Pure Land), in which all beings enjoy unbounded happiness. Amitabha has forty-eight great vows to establish and adorn his Pure Land. People also recite or call upon his name by the time of dying will be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss with the reception by Amitabha. Amitabha is one of the most popular and well-known Buddha in China, Japan & Viet Nam.

Amitabha Sutra (Vn. A Di Ñaø Kinh)

One of the main sutra in Pure Land Sect. It is said to be the only sutra that Shakyamuni preached without being asked. For the sake of facillitating the living beings to practise and cultivate the Buddha way. Shakyamuni revealed and taught us of the simplest ways for liberation and enlightenment -- reciting Amitabha Buddha's name. By reciting the name, one can hope to be born in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is one of the most popular sutra recited by the Buddhists in China, Japan & Viet Nam.

Annutara-samyak-sambodhi ( Vn. A-Naäu-ña-la Tam Mieäu Tam Boà Ñeà)

Sanskrit word meaning unexcelled complete enlightenment, which is an attribute of every Buddha. It is the highest, correct and complete or universal knowledge or awareness, the perfect wisdom of a Buddha.

Arhat (Vn. A La Haùn)

There are two kinds of arhats, namely, the Sound-hearing arhat (Sravaka) (Vn. Thanh Vaên ) and the Enlightened-to-condition arhat (Praetyka-Buddha) (Vn. Bích Chi) . The former attains the wisdom to understand the Four Noble Truth (Vn. Töù Dieäu Ñeá) , while the latter attains the wisdom to understand the Law of Dependent Origination or the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Nhaân Duyeân) . They represent two vehicles, who "comprehend for their own sake". As they pay attention to themselves and not to others, they are incapable of genuine and equal enlightenment.
There are four noble stages of fruition in the Arhat Path.

Avalokitesvara (Vn Quaùn Theá AÂm Boà Taùt)

Sanskrit word for the Bodhisattva who Hears the Sounds of the World. He rescues all beings by hearing their voices of suffering and cries for help. In Chinese, he is called Guan Shr Yin or Guan Yin Bodhisattva. As one of the Four Great Bodhisattva, he is the one with the greatest compassion and mercy.
Guan Yin is one of the triad of Amitabha Buddha, represented on his left, and being the future Buddha in the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Pure Land) after Amitabha Buddha.
Guan Yin can transform into many different forms in order to cross over to the beings. Guan Yin is one of the most popular Bodhisattva in China.

Bhaisajyaguru (Vn. Döôïc Sö Phaät)

Sanskrit word, the Buddha of Medicine, who quells all diseases and lengthens life. His is the Buddha in the Pure Land of the Paradise of the East.

Bodhisattva (Vn. Boà Taùt)

a Future Buddha who is a being destined to Buddhahood. Bodhi means Enlightenment and Sattva means Sentient and Conscious. Therefore Bodhisattva refers to the sentient being of or for the great wisdom and enlightenment. Bodhisattva's vow/aim is the pursuit of Buddhahood and the salvation of others and of all. He seeks enlightenment to enlighten others. He will sacrifice himself to save the others. He is devoid of egoism and devoted to help the others. The way and discipline of Bodhisattva is to benefit the self and the others, leading to Buddhahood.

Brahmin (Vn. Baø La Moân)

the highest of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They served Brahma, his offering, the keepers of the Vedas, i.e. priestly.

Buddha (Vn. Phaät)

means "the Enlightened One" or "the Awakened One".

Chan (Vn. Thieàn)

also called Zen; see Contemplation and Meditation.

Charity (Vn. Boá Thí)

or almsgiving, the first Paramita. There are three kinds of charity in terms of goods, doctrines (Dharma) and courage (fearlessness). Out of the three, the merits and virtues of doctrines charity is the most surpassing. Charity done for no reward here and hereafter is called pure or unsullied, while the sullied charity is done for the purpose of personal benefits. In Buddhism, the merits and virtues of pure charity is the best.

Contemplation (Vn. Quaùn Töôûng)

abstract contemplation. There are four levels through which the mind frees itself from all subjects and objective hindrances and reaches a state of absolute indifference and annihilation of thought, perception, and will. See also Meditation.

Devine Eye (Vn. Thieân nhaõn)

One of the Six Psychic Power and one of the Five Eyes. Unlimited vision, large and small, distant and near, the destiny of all beings in future rebirth. It may be obtained by human eyes through the practice of meditation/Samadhi.

Dhammapada (Vn. Phaùp Cuù Kinh)

It is one of the most ancient sutra in Buddhism. It is a record of the quotations of Shakyamuni, which is comparatively easy to understand. It is so common that it is said to be the "Bible" of Buddhism. There are 26 chapters consisting of 423 quotations/statements.

Dharma (Vn. Phaùp)

Sanskrit word, means law, truth, anything Buddhist. It is used in the sense of all things, visible or invisible.

Devotion (Vn. Tinh Tieán)

see Vigor.

Effort (Vn. Tinh Tieán)

see Vigor.

Eight Divisions of Gods and Dragons (Vn. Thieân Long Baùt Boä)

Devas (gods), Nagas (Dragons) and others of eight divisions (classes): deva (Vn. Thieân) , nagas (Vn. Long) , yakas (Vn. Daï Xoa) , ganharvas (Vn. Caøn Thaùt Baø) , asuras (Vn. A Tu La) , gaudas (Vn. Ca Laâu La) , kinaras (Vn. Khaån Na La) , mahoragas (Vn. Ma Haàu La Giaø) .

Eight Negations (Vn. Baùt baát)

The eight negations of Nagarjuna (Vn. Long Thoï Boà Taùt) , founder of Madhyamika (Vn. Trung Luaän) , are actually four pairs of neither birth nor death, neither end nor permanence, neither identity nor difference, neither coming nor going. This is one of the important concepts of the Middle Way (Vn. Trung Ñaïo) , the ultimate truth of Buddhism and the reality character of all Dharma.

Eight Sufferings (Vn. Baùt khoå)

(1) Suffering of Birth (Vn. Sanh khoå)
(2) Suffering of Old Age (Vn. Laõo khoå)
(3) Suffering of Sickness (Vn. Beänh khoå)
(4) Suffering of Death (Vn. Töû khoå)
(5) Suffering of being apart from the loved ones (Vn. AÙi bieät ly khoå)
(6) Suffering being together with the despised ones (Vn. Oaùn taêng hoäi khoå)
(7) Suffering of not getting what one wants (Vn. Caàu baát ñaéc khoå)
(8) Suffering of the flouishing of the Five Skandhas (Vn. Nguõ thaïnh aâm khoå)

Eight Winds (Vn. Baùt Phong)

or the Winds of Eight Directions. Most people are usually moved by the winds of the eight directions:
(1) Praise (Vn. Xöng)
(2) Ridicule (Vn. Cô, cheâ)
(3) Suffering (Vn. khoå)
(4) Happiness (Vn. Laïc)
(5) Benefit (Vn. Lôïi)
(6) Destruction (Vn. Huûy)
(7) Gain (Vn. Dö)
(8) Loss (Vn. Ai)

Eighteen Different Characters (Vn. Thaäp Baùt Baát Coäng Phaùp)

There are eighteen different characters of a Buddha as compared with all other beings in the Nine Realms.

1. His perfection of body (or person) (Vn. Thaân voâ thaát, thaân khoâng loãi)
2. His perfection of mouth (or speech) (Vn. Khaåu voâ thaát, mieäng khoâng loãi)
3. His perfection of memory (Vn. Nieäm voâ thaát, yù töôûng khoâng loãi)
4. His perfection of impartiality to all (Vn. Voâ dò töôûng, khoâng coù töôûng khaùc)
5. Serenity (Vn. Voâ baát ñònh taâm, Caùi taâm khoâng phaûi khoâng ñònh)
6. Self-sacrifice (Vn. Voâ baát tri dó xaû, Chaúng phaûi khoâng bieát chuyeän ñaõ boû)
7. Unceasing desire to save (Vn. Duïc voâ dieät, Söï duïc khoâng dieät)
8. Unflagging zeal therein to save (Vn. Tinh taán voâ dieät, Söï tinh taán khoâng dieät)
9. Unfailing thought thereto to save (Vn. Nieäm voâ dieät, YÙ töôûng khoâng dieät)
10. Unceasing wisdom to save (Vn. Hueä voâ dieät, trí hueä khoâng dieät)
11. Powers of deliverance (Vn. Giaûi thoaùt voâ dieät, giaûi thoaùt khoâng dieät)
12. The principle of the powers of deliverance (Vn. Giaûi thoaùt tri kieán voâ dieät, giaûi thoaùt tri kieán khoâng dieät)
13. Revealing perfect wisdom in deed (Vn. Nhaát thieát thaân nghieäp tuøy trí hueä haønh , heát thaûy nghieäp cuûa thaân tuøy theo trí hueä maø thi haønh)
14. Revealing perfect wisdom in word (Vn. Nhaát thieát khaåu nghieäp tuøy trí hueä haønh, heát thaûy nghieäp cuûa mieäng tuøy theo trí hueä maø thi haønh)
15. Revealing perfect wisdom in thought(Vn. Nhaát thieát yù nghieäp tuøy trí hueä haønh, heát thaûy nghieäp cuûa yù tuøy theo trí hueä maø thi haønh)
16. Perfect knowledge of the past (Vn. Trí hueä tri quaù khöù theá voâ ngaïi, trí hueä bieát ñôøi quaù khöù khoâng ngaïi)
17. Perfect knowledge of the future (Vn. Trí hueä tri vò lai theá voâ ngaïi, trí hueä bieát ñôøi vò lai khoâng ngaïi)
18. Perfect knowledge of the present (Vn. Trí hueä tri hieän taïi theá voâ ngaïi, trí hueä bieát ñôøi hieän taïi khoâng ngaïi)

Eighteen Fields (Vn. Thaäp Baùt Giôùi)

The Six Consciousness and the Twelve Bases are together called the Eighteen Fields.

Eightfold Path (Vn. Baùt Chaùnh Ñaïo)

the eight right ways for the Arhat leading to Nirvana. The eight are:
(1) Right View (Vn. Chaùnh Kieán)
(2) Right Thought (Vn. Chaùnh Tö Duy)
(3) Right Speech (Vn. Chaùnh Ngöõ)
(4) Right Action (Vn. Chaùnh Nghieäp)
(5) Right Livelihood (Vn. Chaùnh Maïng)
(6) Right Effort (Vn. Chaùnh Tinh Taán)
(7) Right Remembrance (Vn. Chaùnh Nieäm)
(8) Right Concentration (Vn. Chaùnh Ñònh)

Emptiness (Vn. Khoâng)

The Sanskrit word is Sunya. One of the key concepts in Buddhism. Emptiness is an abstract idea representing impermanence, unreality, instability, transcience and relativity in the nature of all existence. The doctrine states that all phenomena and the ego have no reality, but are composed of a certain number of skandhas or elements, which disintegrate. The doctrine also states that everything is unstable, possessing no self-essence or self-nature, i.e., its own existence depdent or caused by the conditions of others' existence.
Emptiness is not nothing, but it is the condition of existence of everything. It permeates all phenomena making possible their evolution.

Endurance (Vn. Nhaãn Nhuïc)

see Patience.

Energy (Vn. Tinh Tieán)

see Vigor.

Enlightenment (Vn. Giaùc Ngoä)

"Enlightenment" sometimes refers to the attainment of Buddhahood, as the "Enlightened One" means Buddha. If one is enlightened, one has a complete and perfect understanding of the reality character of everything.

Evil Time of Five Turbidities (Vn. Nguõ Tröôïc Aùc Theá)

It refers to the time on Earth. The Five Turbidities are
(1) the Kalpa Turbidity (Vn. Kieáp tröôïc)
(2) the View Turbidity(Vn. Kieán tröôïc)
(3) the Affliction Turbidity(Vn. Phieàn naõo tröôïc)
(4) the Living Beings Turbidity(Vn. Chuùng sinh tröôïc)
(5) the Life Turbidity(Vn. Maïng tröôïc)

Five Basic Afflictions (Vn. Nguõ caên baûn phieàn naõo)

The five fundamental conditions of the passions and delusions:

1. wrong view, which are common to the Trailokya
2. clinging or attachment in the Desire Realm
3. clinging or attachment in the Form Realm
4. clinging or attachment in the Formless Realm
5. the state of unenlightenment or ignorance in Trailokya, which is the root-cause of all distressful delusion.

Five Bhikkhus, (Vn. Nguõ Tyø Kheo hoaëc Naêm Ñaïi Ñeä Töû)

The first five of Buddha's converts: Ajnata-Kaundinya (Vn. A Nhaõ Kieàu Traàn Nhö) , Asvajit (Vn. AÙt Beä) , Bhadrika (Vn. Baït Ñeà) , Dasabala-Kasyapa (Vn. Thaäp Löïc Ca Dieáp) , and Mahanama-Kulika (Vn. Ma Nam Caâu Ly) . They were the first five disciples that Shakyamuni preached when he became Buddha.

Five Categories of Untranslated Terms (Vn. Nguõ baát phieân)

Chinese T"ang Dynasty Master of the Tripitaka Hsuan-Tsang established five categories of words which should be left untranslated

1. the esoteric
2. words having multiple meanings
3. words for things not existing in China
4. words not translated in accord with already established precedent
5. words left untranslated in order to give rise to wholesomeness and respect

Five Commandments (Vn. Nguõ Giôùi)

see Five Precepts.

Five Eyes (Vn. Nguõ Nhaõn)

There are five classes of eyes:
1. human eye (Vn. Nhuïc Nhaõn)
2. devine eye (Vn. Thieân Nhaõn)
3. dharma eye (Vn. Phaùp Nhaõn)
4. wisdom eye (Vn. Hueä Nhaõn)
5. Buddha eye (Vn. Phaät Nhaõn)

Five Forms of Decaying (Vn. Nguõ Suy Töôùng)

When the devas are dying, there are five symptoms:
1. the flowers around the crown
2. the clothes being dirty
3. having unpleasant smell in the body
4. sweating in armpit
5. Being unhappy in seat

Five Offences (Vn. Nguõ Nghòch Toäi)

The five rebellious acts or deadly sins:
(1) parricide (Vn. Saùt Phuï)
(2) matricide (Vn. Saùt Maãu)
(3) killing an arhat (Vn. haïi A La Haùn)
(4) shedding the blood of a Buddha (Vn. Khôûi aùc yù ñoái vôùi sôû haønh cuûa Ñöùc Nhö Lai)
(5) destroying the harmony of the sangha, or fraternity. (Vn. Ñaáu loaïn chuùng Taêng)

Five Precepts (Vn. Nguõ Giôùi)

or Five Commandments for layman
(1) No killing
(2) No stealing
(3) No sexual misconduct/adultery
(4) No lying
(5) No intoxicant

It is essential for the rebirth in human realms.

Five Skandhas (Vn. Nguõ Uaån)

or Five Aggregates, that is, the five components of an intelligent beings, or psychological analysis of the mind:

1. Matter or Form (Rupa) (Vn. Saéc) - the physical form responded to the five organs of senses, i.e., eye, ear, nose, tongue and body
2. Sensation or Feeling (vedana) (Vn. Thuï) - the feeling in reception of physical things by the senses through the mind
3. Recognition or Conception (sanjna) (Vn. Töôûng) - the functioning of mind in distinguishing and formulating the concept
4. Volition or Mental Formation (samskara) (Vn. Haønh) - habitual action, i.e., a conditioned response to the object of experience, whether it is good or evil, you like or dislike
5. Consciousness (vijnana) (Vn. Thöùc) - the mental faculty in regard to perception, cognition and experience

Five Vehicles (Vn. Nguõ Thöøa)

The Five Vehicles converying to the karma-reward which differs according to the vehicle:

1. Human Vehicle - (Vn. Nhaân Thöøa) rebirth among human conveyed by observing the Five Commandments (Five Precepts)
2. Deva Vehicle - (Vn. Thieân Thöøa) among the devas by the Ten Forms of Good Actions (Ten Wholesomeness)
3. "Sound-Hearing" Arhat (Vn. Thinh Vaên Thöøa) - among the sravakas by the Four Noble Truths
4. "Enlightened by Conditions" Arhat - (Vn. Duyeân Giaùc Thöøa) among the pratyeka-buddhas by the Twelve Nidanas
5. Bodhisattva - (Vn. Boà Taùt Thöøa) among the Bodhisattvas by the Six Paramita

Flower Adornment Sutra (Vn. Lieân Hoa Kinh)

One of the most important sutra in Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism. There are many volumes in the Sutra. It describes the entire Buddha Realm which is, of course, not easy to visualize.

Four Aspects (of Buddhist Dharma) (Vn. Töù Phaùp)

(1) the teaching (Vn. Giaùo Phaùp)
(2) the principle (Vn. Lyù Phaùp)
(3) the practice (Vn. Haønh Phaùp)
(4) the fruit/reward/result (Vn. Quaû Phaùp)

Four Fearlessness (Vn. Töù Voâ UÙy)

There are four kinds of fearlessness, of which there are two groups:

1. Buddha's fearlessness arises from (Vn. Töù Voâ UÙy cuûa Phaät)
   1. his omniscience (Vn. Nhaát thieát trí voâ sôû uùy, coù Tri bieát taát caû neân chaúng sôï gì heát)
   2. perfection of character (Vn. Laäu taän voâ sôû uùy, döùt heát phieàn naõo neân chaúng sôï gì heát)
   3. overcoming opposition (Vn. Thuyeát chöôùng ñaïo voâ sôû uùy, giaûi thuyeát chæ choã ngaên haïi ñaïo, neân chaúng sôï gì heát)
   4. ending of suffering (Vn. Thuyeát taän khoå ñaïo voâ sôû uùy, giaûng thuyeát daïy döùt heát caùc söï khoå, neân chaúng sôï gì heát)
2. Bodhisattva's fearlessness arises from (Vn. Töù Voâ UÙy cuûa Boà Taùt)
   1. powers of memory (Vn. Toång trì baát vong, thuyeát phaùp voâ uùy , giöõ troïn chaúng queân, thuyeát phaùp chaúng sôï)
   2. power of moral diagnosis and application of the remedy (Vn.Taän tri Phaùp döôïc caäp tri chuùng sanh caên duïc taùnh taâm, thuyeát phaùp voâ uùy , bieát moân thuoác veà Phaùp lyù, vaø bieát caên duïc taùnh taâm cuûa chuùng sanh, neân thuyeát phaùp chaúng sôï)
   3. power of ratiocination (Vn. Thieän naêng vaán ñaùp, thuyeát phaùp voâ uùy , coù taøi vaán ñaùp, neân thuyeát phaùp chaúng sôï)
   4. power of solving doubts (Vn. Naêng ñoaïn vaät nghi, thuyeát phaùp voâ uùy; coù theá tröø caùc sôû nghi cuûa chuùng sanh, neân thuyeát phaùp chaúng sôï)

Four Fruition (Vn. Töù Quaû) )

also known as Four Phala. These are four grades of arhatship, namely

1. Srota-aparnn (Vn. Tu Ñaø Hoaøn)
2. Sakradagamin (Vn. Tö Ñaø Haøm)
3. Angamin (Vn. A Nan Haøm)
4. Arhat (Vn. A La Haùn quaû)

Four Great Bodhisattva (Vn. Töù Ñaïi Boà Taùt)

They represent the four major characters of Bodhisattva:

1. Manjusri - (Vn. Vaên Thuø Boà Taùt) Universal Great Wisdom Bodhisattva
2. Samantabhadra - (Vn. Phoå Hieàn Boà Taùt) Universal Worthy Great Conduct Bodhisattva
3. Ksitigarbha - (Vn. Ñòa Taïng Boà Taùt) Earth TReasury King Great Vow Bodhisattva
4. Avalokitesvara - (Vn. Quaùn Theá AÂm Boà Taùt) Guan Shr Yin Great Compassion Bodhisattva

Four Great Elements (Vn. Töù Ñaïi)

All matters are formed and are composed by four conditioned causes :
(1) earth, which is characterized by solidity and durability
(2) water, which is characterized by liquid/fluid and moisture
(3) fire, which is characterized by energy and warmth
(4) wind, which is characterized by gas/air movement

Four Holy Realms (Vn. Töù Thaùnh Ñaïo)

They are Sravaka(Vn. Thinh Vaên) , Praetyka-Buddha(Vn. Duyeân Giaùc hay Bích Chi Phaät) , Bodhisattva(Vn. Boà Taùt) , and Buddha(Vn. Phaät) .

Four Immeasurable Minds(Vn. Töù Voâ Löôïng Taâm)

see Four Unlimited Minds.

Four Noble Truths (Vn. Töù Thaùnh Ñeá hoaëc Töù Dieäu Ñeá)

It is the primary and fundamental doctrines of Shakyamuni

1. Doctrine of Suffering - (Vn. Khoå Ñeá) suffering is a necessary attribute of sentient existence (Effect of Suffering)
2. Doctrine of Accumulation - (Vn. Taäp Ñeá) accumulation of suffering is caused by passions (Cause of Suffering)
3. Doctrine of Extinction - (Vn. Dieät Ñeá) extinction of passion (Effect of Happiness)
4. Doctrine of Path - (Vn. Ñaïo Ñeá) Path leading to the extinction of passion (Cause of Happiness); i.e. Eightfold Path.

The first two are considered to be related to this life, and the last two to the life outside and beyond this world.
The Four Noble Truths were first preached to Shakyamuni's five former ascetic companions.

Four Reliance (to learning Buddhist Dharma) (Vn. Töù Y)

The four standards of Right Dharma which buddhist should rely on or abide by:
(1) to abide by the Dharma, not the person (Vn. Y Phaùp baát y nhaân)
(2) to abide by the sutras of ultimate truth, not the sutras of incomplete truth (Vn. Y lieãu nghóa kinh, baát y baát höõu nghóa kinh)
(3) to abide by the meaning, not the word (Vn. Y nghóa baát y ngöõ)
(4) to abide by the wisdom, not the consciousness (Vn. Y tri baát y thöùc)

Four Unlimited Mind (Vn. Töù Voâ Löôïng Taâm

The mind of Bodhisattva:
1. Kindness (Vn. Töø)
2. Compassion (Vn. Bi)
3. Delight (Vn. Hyû)
4. Renunciation (Vn. Xaû)

Four Virtues (Vn. Töù Ñöùc Ba La Maät)

The four Nirvana virtues:
(1) Eternity or permanence (Vn. Thöôøng)
(2) Joy (Vn. Laïc)
(3) Personality (Vn. Ngaõ)
(4) Purity (Vn. Tònh)

These four important virtues are affirmed by the sutra in the transcendental or nirvana-realm.

Four Ways (of learning Buddhist Dharma) (Vn. Töù Phaùp)

(1) Belief/faith (Vn. Tín)
(2) Interpretation/discernment (Vn. Giaûi)
(3) Practice/performance (Vn. Haønh)
(4) Verification/assurance (Vn. Chöùng)

These are the cyclic process in learning a truth.

Fourfold Assembly(Vn. Töù Chuùng)

Or the Four Varga (groups) are bhiksu (Vn. Tyø Kheo), bhiksuni(Vn. Tyø Kheo Ni), upasaka (Vn. Öu Baø Taéc) and upasika(Vn. Öu Baø Di), i.e. monks, nuns, male and female devotees.

Giving(Vn. Boá Thí)

see charity.

Heavenly Eye (Vn. Thieân Nhaõn)

see Devine Eye.

Hinayana (Vn. Tieåu Thöøa)

also called Small Vehicle or Liberated Vehicle, which refers to Sravaka and Praetyka-Buddha. It is a school of Buddhism, popular in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, hence also known as Southern Buddhism, in contrast with Northern Buddhism or Mahayana, the form mainly prevalent from Nepal to Japan.

Hinayana is sometimes described as self-benefiting, and Mahayana as self-benefiting for the benefit of others. Another difference is that Pali is the general literary language in Hinayana while Sanskrit of Mahayana.

Hinayana is nearer to the original teaching of the Buddha. For further details, please refer to Section 3-A A Glimpse in the Scope of Buddhism in Vol. 1 No. 4 of Buddhist Door.

Ignorance (Vn. Voâ Minh)

Sanskrit word is Avidya. Literally, it means darkness without illumination. Actually it refers to illusion without englightenment, i.e., the illusory phenomena for realities. Avidya is the first or the last of the Twelve Nidanas(Vn. Thaäp Nhò Nhaân Duyeân) . Ignorance, karma and desire are the three forces that cause reincarnation.

Karma (Vn. Nghieäp)

Sanskrit word meaning action, deed, moral duty, effect. Karma is moral action which causes future retribution, and either good or evil transmigration. It is also moral kernal in each being which survive death for further rebirth.

Ksatriya (Vn. Saùt ñeá lî)

the second of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni, they were the royal caste, the noble landlord, the warriors and the ruling castes.

Kushala (Vn. Thieän)

Sanskrit word. It means good Karma.

Law of Dependent Organization(Vn. Duyeân Khôûi Phaùp hoaëc Thaäp Nhò Nhaân Duyeân)

it states that all phenomenon arise depending upon a number of casual factors. In other word, it exists in condition that the other exist; it has in condition that others have; it extinguishes in condition that others extinguish; it has not in condition that others have not. For existence, there are twelve links in the chain:

• Ignorance is the condition for karmic activity (Vn. Voâ minh);
• Karmic activity is the condition for consciousness (Vn. Haønh);
• Consciousness is the condition for the name and form (Vn. Thöùc);
• Name and form is the condition for the six sense organs (Vn. Danh Saéc);
• Six sense organs are the condition for contact (Vn. Luïc Nhaäp);
• Contact is the condition for feeling (Vn. Xuùc);
• Feeling is the condition for emotional love/craving (Vn. Thoï);
• Emotional love/craving is the condition for grasping (Vn. AÙi);
• Grasping is the condition for existing (Vn. Thuû);
• Existing is the condition for birth (Vn. Höõu);
• Birth is the condition for old age and death (Vn. Sanh);
• Old age and death is the condition for ignorance (Vn. Töû); and so on.

Lotus Sutra (Vn. Dieäu Phaùp Lieân Hoa Kinh)

one of the most important sutra in Buddhism. Lotus flower is used to describe the brightness and pureness of the One Buddha Dharma.

Mahamaya (Vn. Ma Gia Phu Nhaân)

the mother of Shakyamuni. She was the Koliyan Princess and married to Suddhodana.

Mahayana (Vn. Ñaïi Thöøa)

also called Great Vehicle or Bodhisattva Vehicle. It is a school of Buddhism prevalent in China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Tibet and other places in the Far East. It is also called Northern Buddhism.

Mahayana is described as seeking Buddhahood and transforming beings, thus self-benefiting for the benefits of the others.

For further details, please refer to Section 3 A Glimpse in the Scope of Buddhism in Vol. 1 No. 4 of Budddhist Door.

Maitreya (Vn. Di Laëc)

Sanskrit word, literally means friendly and benevolent. He will be the next Buddha in our world. He is now preaching in Tusita Heaven. He is usually represented as the fat laughing Buddha.

Manjuri Bodhisattva (Vn. Vaên Thuø Boà Taùt)

As one of the Four Great Bodhisattva, he is the one with the greatest wisdom. Manjuri is said to have: wonderful head, universal head, glossy head, revered head, wonderful virtue and wonderfully auspicious. Manjuri, the guardian of wisdom, is often placed on the left of Shakyamuni, while Visvabhadra, the guardian of law, is on the right. Manjuri always rides on a lion. He is also described as the ninth predecessor or Buddha-ancestor of Shakyamuni. He is the Chief of the Bodhisattva, and the chief disciple of the Buddha. He is the object for the pilgrimages visiting the Wu Tai Shan of Shansi Province in China.

Mantra (Vn. Chuù)

The Sanskrit word is Dharani (Vn. Ñaø La Ni, chuù) , i.e. esoteric incantation. It is a treatise with mystical meaning, and is regarded as every word and deed of a Bodhisattva. It is one of the most popular method of cultivation in Buddhism, especially in Shingon or "True Word" sect.

Matter (Vn. Saéc)

Or Form or Thing. The Sanskrit word is Rupa. It is defined as that which has resistence, or which changes and disappear, i.e., the phenomenal. There are inner and outer forms representing the organs and objects of sense respectively.
Rupa is one of the Six Bahya-ayatanna or Six Gunas and also one of the Five Skandhas.

Meditation (Vn. Tónh Löï)

the fifth Paramita. There are numerous methods and subjects of meditation. See also Contemplation.

Middle Path (Vn. Trung Ñaïo)

See Middle Way.

Middle Way (Vn. Trung Ñaïo)

It denotes the mean between two extremes, particularly between realism and nihilism, eternal substantial existence and annihilation. This doctrine opposes the rigid categories of existence and non-existence in the interest of a middle way. This is the utlimate truth of Buddhism, and the reality character of all Buddha. See also Eight Negations.

Morality (Vn. Trì giôùi)

the second Paramita, to take precepts and to keep the moral laws.

Nine Realms (Vn. Cöûu Giôùi)

The nine realms of error, or subjection to passions, i.e. all the realms of the living except the tenth and highest, the Buddha-realm. The nine realms are

• the hell,
• the hungry ghost,
• the animal,
• the man,
• the Asura,
• the gods,
• the Arhat (sound hearer),
• the Arhat (enlightened to condition), and
• the Bodhisattra.

Nine Stages of Lotus Flowers (Vn. Cöûu Phaåm Lieân Hoa)

Or Nine Grades, Classes of Lotus Flowers, i.e. upper superior, middle superior, lower superior, upper medium, middle medium, lower medium, upper inferior, middle inferior and lower inferior, which represent ninefold future life into Pure Land. The nine grades, or rewards, of the Pure Land, corresponding to the nine grades of development in the previous life, upon which depends, in the next life, one's distance from Amitabha, the consequent aeons that are required to approach Amitabha, and whether one's lotus will open early or late.

Nirvana (Vn. Nieát Baøn)

completely liberated from existence, absolute extinction or annihilation, complete extinction of individual existence. Nirvana is not death, but is rebirth.

Paramita (Vn. Ba La Maät Ña)

It means to cross over from this shore of births and deaths to the other shore which is the Nirvana.

The Six Paramita or means of so doings are
(1) dana - charity/giving (Vn. Boá Thí)
(2) sila - moral/conduct/taking precepts (Vn. Trì Giôùi)
(3) ksanti - patience (Vn. Nhaãn Nhuïc)
(4) virya - vigor/devotion/energy (Vn. Tinh Taán)
(5) dhyana - contemplation/meditation (Vn. Thieàn Ñònh)
(6) prajna - wisdom. (Vn. Baùt Nhaõ)

The Ten Paramita are the above plus
(7) upaya - use of expedient or proper means (Vn. Phöông tieän)
(8) pranidhana - vow of bodhi and helpfulness (Vn. Nguyeän)
(9) bala - strength (Vn. Löïc)
(10) intelligence (Vn. Trí)

Childers gives the list of ten as the perfect exercise of

• charity/almsgiving,
• morality,
• renunciation,
• wisdom,
• energy/effort,
• patience,
• truth,
• resolution/determination,
• kindness/universal love and
• resignation/equanimity.

Each of the ten is divided into ordinary, superior and unlimited perfection, making up to thirty in total.

Patience (Vn. Nhaãn Nhuïc)

endurance, the third Paramita. There are groups of two, three, four, five, six, ten and fourteen, indicating various forms of patience, equanimity, repression, forbearance, both in mundane and spiritual things. Patience refers to bearing insult and distress without resentment.

Praetyka-Buddha (Vn. Bích Chi Phaät)

the second stage in Hinayana, the first or initial being that of Sravaka (Vn. Thinh Vaên) . He is enlightened to the conditions, i.e. the Law of Dependent Origination. He seeks enlightenment for himself and understands deeply Nidanas. He attains his enlightenment alone, independently, or a teacher, and with the object of attaining Nirvana and his own salvation rather than that of others.

Prajna (Vn. Baùt Nhaõ)

There are three kinds of Prajna:
(1) Prajna of languages (Vn. Phaät Töôùng Baùt Nhaõ)
(2) Prajna of contemplative illumination (Vn. Quaùn Chieáu Baùt Nhaõ)
(3) prajna of the characteristics of actuality (Vn. Vaên Töï Baùt Nhaõ)

The last one is the ultimate wisdom, which is the wisdom of Buddha. Also see wisdom.

Pure Land (Vn. Tònh Ñoä)

generally refers to the Paradise of the West, presided over by Amitabha. Also known as the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Other Buddhas have their own Pure Lands. The Pure-Land Sect whose chief tenet is salvation by faith in Amitabha; it is the popular cult in China and Japan.

Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss(Vn. Cöïc Laïc Theá Giôùi hoaëc Tònh Ñoä)

This is the Buddha Land of Amitabha Buddha. In Amitabha Sutra, there is full description about this Pure Land. This is the world of utmost joy without suffering. With the spiritual power of Amitabha Buddha, all beings in this world will understand Buddhism easily and practise diligently, and attain enlightenment eventually. Therefore by reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, Buddhist followers hope that they will be born in this Pure Land after their lives on earth. See also Nine Stages of Lotus Flowers.

Rahula (Vn. La Haàu La)

He was one of the Ten Great Disciples of Shakyamuni. He was the first in esoteric practices and in desire for instruction in the Law. He was also the son of Shakyamuni.

Raksa (Vn. La Saùt)

living in the Ghost Path. Like Yaksa, they are evil and violent, but inferior to Yaksa.

Realm of Form (Vn. Saéc Giôùi)

see Three Realms.

Realm of Formlessness (Vn. Voâ Saéc Giôùi)

see Three Realms.

Realm of Sensuous Desire(Vn. Duïc Giôùi)

see Three Realms.

Recognition(Vn. Töôûng)

or Conception or Thinking. The Sanskirt word is Sanjna. It is the function of mind. It may lead to desire. One of the Five Skandhas.

Renunciation(Vn. Xaû)

One of the Four Unlimited Mind. As one of the chief Buddhist virtues, renunciation leads to a state of "undifferent without pleasure or pain". It is also an equality in mind with no distinction of self and others.

Right Action (Vn. Chaùnh Haïnh hoaëc Chính Nhgieäp)

the fourth of the Eightfold Path; respect for life (do not kill), property (do not steal) and personal relationship (no sexual misconduct) so as to purify one's mind and body.

Right Concentration (Vn. Chaùnh Ñònh)

right abstraction, the eighth of the Eightfold Path; meditation, focusing the mind without distraction, preparing the mind to attain wisdom.

Right Effort (Vn. Chaùnh Tinh Tieán )

right zeal or progress, unintermitting perseverance, suppressing the rising of evil states and stimulating good states, and to perfect those which have come to beings.

Right Livelihood (Vn. Chaùnh Maïng )

the fifth of the Eightfold Path; right life, abstaining from any of the forbidden modes of living. Five kinds of livelihood are discouraged : trading in animals for slaughter, dealing in weapons, dealing in slaves, dealing in poison and dealing in intoxicants.

Right Remembrance (Vn. Chaùnh Nieäm )

right memory, right mindfulness; the seventh of the Eightfold Path, avoiding distracted and clouded state of mind, awareness and self-possessed.

Right Speech (Vn. Chaùnh Ngöõ)

the third of Eightfold Path, abstaining from lying, slander/back biting, abuse/harsh words and idle talk.

Right Thought (Vn. Chaùnh Tö Duy)

right thought and intent; avoiding desire and ill-will; the second of the Eightfold Path.

Right Understanding (Vn. Chaùnh Kieán)

see Right View.

Right View (Vn. Chaùnh Kieán)

understanding the Four Noble Truths; the first of the Eightfold Path.

Rupa(Vn. Saéc)

see Matter or Five Skandhas.

Saha Land (Vn. Sa Baø Theá Giôùi)

It refers to the land on Earth. Saha interprets as bearing and enduring. Saha Land is contrary to Pure Land.

Samadhi (Vn. Tam Ma Ñòa)

Sanskrit word for meditation. See Meditation and Contemplation.

Samsara (Vn. Luaân Hoài Chuyeån Theá)

Sanskrit word meaning turning of the wheel or revolving. It refers to the transmigration in the Six Directions of Reincarnation.

Samskara (Vn. Haønh)

see Volition or Five Skandhas.

Sanjna (Vn. Töôûng)

see Recognition or Five Skandhas.

Sariputra (Vn. Xaù Lôïi Phaát)

One of the principal disciples of Shakyamuni, noted for his wisdom and learning. He was also the right-hand attendant on Shakyamuni. He figures prominently in certain sutras. He is represented as standing with Maudgalyayana (Vn. Muïc Kieàn Lieân) by the Buddha when entering Nirvana. He is to reappear as Padmaprabha Buddha (Vn. Hoa Quang Nhö Lai Phaät).

Sensation (Vn. Thuï)

or Feeling. The Sanskrit word is Vedana. One of the Five Skandhas. See Five Skandhas.

Shakyamuni (Vn. Thích Ca Maâu Ni)

the founder of Buddhism. He was born as the Prince of Sakyans, and was called Siddhartha Goutama. At the age of 35, he attained the supreme Enlightenment and became the Buddha and was the called Shakyamuni. The word means "capability and kindness".

Siddhartha Goutama (Vn. Taát Ñaït Ña)

the Sanskrit word of Siddhartha, the name of Shakyamuni when he was born to the Prince Suddhodana. The name means "wish fulfilled".

Six Consciousness (Vn. Luïc Thöùc)

They are the perceptions and the discriminative ability of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind.

Six Directions of Reincarnation (Vn. Luïc Ñaïo Luaân Hoài)

(1) Naraka, i.e. Hell (Vn. Ñòa Nguïc)
(2) Presta, i.e. Hungry Ghost (Vn. Ngaï Quyû)
(3) Tiryagyoni, i.e. Animal (Vn. Suùc Sanh)
(4) Asura, i.e. Malevolent nature spirits (Vn. A Tu La)
(5) Manusya, i.e. Human Existence (Vn. Nhaân gian)
(6) Deva, i.e. Heavenly Existence (Vn. Thieân thöôïng)

Six Dusts (Vn. Luïc Traàn)

see Six Gunas.

Six Entrances (Vn. Luïc Nhaäp)

see Six Places and Six Indriyas.

Six External Bases(Vn. Luïc ngoaïi xöù)

see Six Gunas.

Six Fields of Senses(Vn. Luïc Traàn)

see Six Gunas.

Six Gunas (Vn. Luïc Traàn)

or Six External Bases, or Six Dusts. They are sight (Vn. Saéc), sound (Vn. Thinh), scent/smell (Vn. Höông), taste (Vn. Vò), tangibles/touch (Vn. Xuùc) and dharma/idea (Vn. Phaùp). They are the qualities produced by the objects and organs of sense.

Six Heavens of Desire(Vn. Luïc Duïc Thieân)

see Three Realms.

Six Indriyas (Vn. Luïc Caên)

or Six Internal Bases, or Six Sense-organs, or Six Places. They are eye (Vn. Nhaõn), ear (Vn. Nhó), nose (Vn. Tyû), tongue (Vn. Thieät), body (Vn. Thaân) and mind (Vn. YÙ).

Six Internal Bases(Vn. Luïc Noäi xöù)

see Six Indriyas.

Six Paramita (Vn. Luïc Ba La Maät hoaëc Luïc Ñoä)

see Paramita.

Six Paths (Vn. Luïc Ñaïo)

see Six Directions of Reincarnation.

Six Periods of Day and Night (Vn. Luïc Thôøi)

Six periods in a day, three for day and three for night, i.e. morning, noon, evening, night, midnight, dawn.

Six Places(Vn. Luïc Caên)

Sanskrit word is Sadayatana. See Six Indriyas.

Six Psychic Power (Vn. Luïc Thaàn Thoâng)

(1) the phychic power of the heavenly eye (Vn. Thieân Nhaõn Thoâng)
(2) the psychic power of the heavenly ear (Vn. Thieân Nhó Thoâng)
(3) phychic power with regard to post lives (Vn. Tuùc Maïng Thoâng)
(4) phychic power with regard to the minds (Vn. Tha Taâm Thoâng)
(5) the spiritually based psychic powers (Vn. Thaàn Tuùc Thoâng)
(6) the psychic power of the extinction of outflows (Vn. Laäu Taän Thoâng)

Six Roots (Vn. Luïc Caên)

see Six Sense-organs.

Six Sense-organs (Vn. Luïc Caên)

see Six Indriyas.

Six States of Existence(Vn. Luïc Ñaïo)

see Six Directions of Reincarnation.

Sixteen Contemplations(Vn. Thaäp Luïc Quaùn Kinh hoaëc Quaùn Voâ Löôïng Thoï Kinh)

see Vipasyana Sukhavativyha Sutra.

Sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception(Vn. Phi Töôûng Phi Phi Töôûng Thieân)

the highest heaven of the four "sphere of no-thing".

Sphere of no-thing(Vn. Voâ Saéc Thieân)

the heavens without form, immaterial, consisting only of the mind in contemplation, being four in number of which the "sphere of neither-perception-nor-nonperception" is the highest.

Spiritual Ghost(Vn. Quyû Thaàn)

living in the Ghost Path. They are kind dwelling in the nature, e.g. trees, mountain and sea protecting the creatures.

Sravaka (Vn. Thanh Vaên)

the first or initial stage in Hinayana, the second being that of Praetyka-Buddha (Vn. Bích Chi Phaät) . Sravaka, a Sanskrit word, means a hearer. It generally relates to Hinayana disciple who understands the Four Noble Truth in entering Nirvana.

Suddhodana (Vn. Tònh Phaïn Vöông)

Pure Rice Prince, the father of Shakyamuni, ruled over the Sakyans at Kapilaratthu on the Nepalese border.

Sudra (Vn. Thuû Ñaø La)

the lowest of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They were peasants, slaves and serfs.

Sukhavativyuha Sutra (Vn. Voâ Löôïng Thoï Kinh hoaëc Ñaïi A Di Ñaø Kinh)

It is one of the main Sutras for Pure Land Sect. It stipulates the Forty-eight Vows of Amitabha Buddha, which ive rise to the characteristic of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West.

Sutra (Vn. Kinh)

It is a "path" necessarily passed through in the cultivation of the Way.

Taking Precepts(Vn. Trì Giôùi)

see Morality.

Ten Directions (Vn. Thaäp Phöông)

the ten directions of space, i.e. the eight points of the compass and the nadir and zenith. There is a Buddha in each direction.

Ten Good Deeds (Vn. Thaäp Thieän)

The Ten Forms of Good Actions for layman, or Ten Wholesomeness.

1. No killing
2. No stealing
3. No adultery
4. No lying
5. No slandering
6. No harsh speech
7. No idle talks
8. No greed
9. No hatred
10. No illusion

It is essential for the rebirth in Deva realm.

Ten Great King Vows (Vn. Thaäp Ñaïi Nguyeän Vöông)

The vows of Visvabhadra Bodhisattva: (Vn. Phoå Hieàn Boà Taùt)

1. To worship and respect all Buddhas. (Vn. Nhaát giaû leã kích chö Phaät)
2. To praise the Thus Come One. (Vn. Nhò giaû xöng taùn Nhö Lai)
3. To practise offerings. (Vn. Tam giaû quaûng tu cuùng döôøng)
4. To repent all karmic hindrance. (Vn. Töù giaû saùm hoái nghieäp chöôùng)
5. To rejoice and follow merits and virtue. (Vn. Nguõ giaû tuøy hyû coâng ñöùc)
6. To request that the Dharma wheel be turned. (Vn. Luïc giaû thænh chuyeån Phaùp Luaân)
7. To request that the Buddha remain in the world. (Vn. Thaát giaû thænh Phaät truï theá)
8. To follow the Buddha's teachings. (Vn. Baùt giaû thöôøng tuøy Phaät hoïc)
9. To live in accord with all living beings. (Vn. Cöûu giaû haèng thuaän chuùng sinh)
10. To spread all merits and virtue. (Vn. Thaäp giaû phoå giai hoài höôùng)

Ten Meritorious Deeds

The Ten Meritorious Deeds allow people to gain a happy and peaceful life as well as to develop knowledge and understanding. They are:

1. Charity
2. Morality / Taking Precepts
3. Mental cultivation / Meditation
4. Reverence or respect
5. Services in helping others
6. Transference of merits
7. Rejoicing in the merits of others
8. Preaching and teaching Dharma
9. Listening the Dharma
10. Straightening one's own views

Ten Paramita (Vn. Thaäp Ba La Maät Ña)

see Paramita.

Ten Powers

The Ten Powers of Buddha or Bodhisattva are the complete knowledge of

1. what is right or wrong in every condition
2. what is the karma of every being, past, present and future
3. all stages of dhyana liberation and samadhi
4. the powers and faculties of all beings
5. the desires or moral directions of every being
6. the actual condition of every individual
7. the direction and consequence of all laws
8. all causes of mortality and of good and evil in their reality
9. the end of all beings and Nirvana
10. the destruction of all illusion of every kind

Ten Stages of Bodhisattva(Vn. Thaäp Ñòa Boà Taùt)

These are the ten stages of development of Bodhisattva depending on their merits and virtues:

1. Pramudita (joy) - job at having overcome the difficulties and sufferings, now entering on the path to Buddhahood
2. Vimala (purity) - freedom from all possible defilement
3. Prabhakari (enlightenment) - stage of further enlightenment
4. Arcismati (widsom) - stage of glowing wisdom
5. Sudurjaya (no difficulty) - stage of mastering the utmost difficulties
6. Abhimukhi (open way) - the open way of wisdom above definitions of impurity and purity
7. Duramgama (proceeding afar) - getting above ideas of self in order to save others
8. Acala (unperturbed) - attainment of being unperturbed
9. Sadhumati (discriminatory wisdom) - the finest discriminatory wisdom, knowing where and how to save, and possessing the Ten Powers
10. Dharma megha (law cloud) - attainment of the fertilizing powers of law cloud

Ten Titles of Buddha> (Vn. Thaäp Hieäu)

represent the characteristics of Buddha

1. Tathagata - the Thus Come Ones> (Vn. Nhö Lai)
2. Arhat - worthy of offerings (Vn. ÖÙng Cuùng)
3. Samyak-sambuddha - of proper and universal knowledge (Vn. Chaùnh Bieán Tri)
4. Vidyacarna-sampauna - perfect in understanding and conduct (Vn. Minh Haïnh Tuùc)
5. Sugata - skilful in leaving the world through liberation (Vn. Thieän Theä)
6. Lokavid - perfect and complete understanding of all worldly Dharma (Vn. Theá Gian Giaûi)
7. Anuttara Purusa-damya-sarathi - unsurpassed knights (Vn. Voâ Thöôïng Só Ñieàu Ngöï Tröôïng Phu)
8. Sasta deramanusyanam - teachers of gods and people (Vn. Thieân Nhôn Sö)
9. Buddha- - Buddha, (Vn. Phaät)
10. Lokanatha or Bhagaran, the World Honored Ones (Vn. Theá Toân)

Ten Wholesomeness(Vn. Thaäp Thieän)

see Ten Good Deeds.

Three Classifications (Vn. Tam Giaùc)

Buddha shows that a person is nothing more than a combination of various elements which come together under suitable conditions. They are

1. the Five Skandhas
2. the Twelve Bases
3. the Eighteen Fields

Three Enlightenments(Vn. Tam Giaùc)

the three kinds of Enlightenment

1. Enlightenment for self (Vn. Töï Giaùc)
2. Enlightenment for others (Vn. Giaùc Tha)
3. Perfect enlightenment and accomplishment (Vn. Giaùc Haïnh Vieân Maõn)

The first is Arhat. The second is Bodhisattva. When all the three have been attained, the being becomes a Buddha.

Three Evil Paths (Vn. Tam Aùc Ñaïo)

They are the three lowest realms of the Nine Realms: hell, hungry ghost and animal.

Three Good Paths (Vn. Tam Thieän Ñaïo)

They are Man (Vn. Nhaân Ñaïo) , Asura (Vn. A Tu La Ñaïo) and Deva Paths (Vn. Thieân Ñaïo) .

Three Jewels (Vn. Tam Baûo)

Or the Three Precious Ones, i.e. the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

Three Obstacles (Vn. Tam Chöôùng)

1. the karmic obstacle
2. the affliction obstacle
3. the retribution obstacle

When the Three Obstacles are cleared and dissolved, the Three Virtues will be perfected.

Three Poisons (Vn. Tam Ñoäc)

or Three Roots

1. Greed or wrong desire (Vn. Tham)
2. Hatred or anger (Vn. Saân)
3. Illusion or stupidity or ignorance (Vn. Si)

These are the source of all the passions and delusions.

Three Realms (Vn. Tam Giôùi)

Sanskrit word is Trailokya. It is Buddhist metaphysical equivalence for the triple world of earth, atmosphere and heaven.

1. Realm of Sensusous Desire (Sanskrit word is Kamadhatu) (Vn. Duïc Giôùi) of sex and food. It includes the Six Hevens of Desire, the Human World and the Hells.
2. Realm of Form (Sanskrit word is Rupaadhatu) (Vn. Saéc Giôùi) of matter which is substantial and resistant. It includes the Heavens of Four Zen (Sanskrit word is Brahmalokas).
3. Realm of Formlessness (Sanskrit word is Arupadhatu) (Vn. Voâ Saéc Giôùi) of pure spirit, where there are no bodies and matters to which human terms would apply, but where the mind dwells in mystic contemplation; its extent is indefinable, but it is conceived of in Four Stages/Places of Emptiness in the immaterial world.

Three Roots (Vn. Tam Caên)

The three (evil) roots, i.e. desire, hate and stupidity. Another group is the three grades of good "roots" or abilities, i.e. superior, medium and inferior.

Three Studies (Vn. Tam Hoïc)

or Three Vehicles of Learning

1. Sila, i.e. taking Precepts
2. Dhyana, i.e. concentration and medition
3. Prajna, i.e. wisdom

It is practiced by the Arhats.

Three Sufferings (Vn. Tam Khoå)

1. Feeling of suffering
2. Feeling of happiness - suffering of decay
3. Feeling of neither suffering nor happiness - suffering of the activity of the Five Skandhas.

Three Virtues (Vn. Tam Ñöùc)

1. the virtue of liberation (Vn. Giaûi Thoaùt Ñöùc)
2. the virtue of prajna (Vn. Baùt Nhaõ ñöùc)
3. the virtue of Dharma-body (Vn. Phaùp Thaân ñöùc)

Trailokya (Vn. Tam Giôùi)

see Three Realms.

Tripitaka (Vn. Tam Taïng)

It is a Sanskrit word meaning Three Treasures:

1. Sutra Pitika - the sermons attributed to the Shakyamuni Buddha.
2. Vinaya Pitika - the discipline in practice to act according to the rules and regulations.
3. Abhidharma Pitika - the philosophical work, such as discourses, discussions, or treatises on the dogma, doctrines, etc. of Buddhism.

Twelve Bases (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Xöù hoaëc Thaäp Nhò Nhôn Duyeân)

The Six Internal Bases and the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Nhôn Duyeân)

see the Law of Dependent Origination> (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Nhôn Duyeân) .

Twelve Nidanas> (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Nhôn Duyeân)

see the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.

Twelve Places (Vn. Thaäp Nhò Xöù)

see the Twelve Bases.

Two Forms of Death (Vn. Nhò Töû)

1. Natural death of the life
2. Death form external cause and conditions

Vaisya (Vn. Veä Xaù)

the third of the four Indian Castes at the time of Shakyamuni. They were merchant, entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, manufacturers, etc., but not well-educated.

Vast and Long Tongue (Vn. Quaûng Tröôøng Thieät Töôùng - Thieät coù nghóa laø löôõi)

one of the thirty-two monks of Buddha, big enough to cover his face; it is also one of the "marvels" in the Lotus Sutra.

Vedana (Vn. Thuï)

see Sensation or Five Skandhas.

Vigor (Vn. Tinh Tieán)

the fourth Paramita, pure and unadulterated progress, i.e. zealous and courageous progressing in the good, and eliminating the evil.

Vimalakirti-Nivdesa Sutra (Vn. Duy Ma Kinh)

Vimalakirti> (Vn. Duy Ma Caät) , a Sanskrit word, means undefiled and pure reputation. Vimalakirti was said to be a native of Vaisali, and an upasaka (not a monk) to assist Shakyamuni to preach and cross over the human beings. The Sutra is the record of interesting conversation between Vimalakirti and Manjuri Bodhisattva regarding the understanding of One Buddha Vehicle.

Vipasyana Sukhavativyuha Sutra> (Vn. Quaùn Voâ Löôïng hoaëc A Di Ñaø Kinh)

It is one of the main sutra for Pure Land Sect. The Sutra indicates that the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is one of the Buddha Lands. It also describes how to be born in the Pure Land through the Sixteen Contemplations. Therefore, the Sutra is also called "Sixteen Contemplations Sutra".

Visvabhadra Bodhisattva> (Vn. Phoå Hieàn Boà Taùt)

As one of the Four Great Bodhisattva, he is the one with the highest conduct. Visvabhadra, also known as Samantabhadra, means universal worthy. He is the lord of the fundamental law, the dhyana (taking precepts) and the practice of all Buddhas. Visvabhadra, the guardian of law, is often placed on the right of Shakyamuni, while Manjuri, the guardian of wisdom, is the left, He always rides on a white elephant, is the patron of the Lotus Sutra, and its devotees, and has close connection with Hua-yen Sutra. He has Ten Great King Vows, which give an excellent guideline to all Buddhists to practise and cultivate the Buddha Way.

Volition> (Vn. Haønh)

or mental formation, or action, or conduct, or deed, usually done through the body, mouth or mind. The Sanskrit word is Samskara.

Dharma-wheel (Vn. Phaùp Luaân

See Wheel of Law.

Wheel of Law (Vn. Phaùp Luaân)

The Buddha-truth which is able to crush all evil, and which rolls on from man to man, place to place and age to age. To turn the wheel means to preach Buddha-truth.

Wisdom (Vn. Trí Tueä)

the highest of Paramita; the virtue of wisdom as the principal means of attaining Nirvana. It connotes a knowledge of the illusory character of everything earthly, and destroys error, ignorance, prejudice and heresy.

Yaksa (Vn. Daï Xoa)

The demons in the lower realm, like the Ghost Realm. They are evil, malignant and violent. They live on earth or in air.

Yasodhara (Vn. Da Du Ñaø La)

the wife of Siddhartha Goutama.

Zeal (Vn. Tinh Tieán)

see Vigor.

Zen (Vn. Thieàn)

also called Chan; see Contemplation and Meditation.