Glossary from The Great Gate

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Abhidana of the Samvara Tantra. A tantric text. [RY]
Accomplishments (dngos grub, siddhi). See 'supreme and common siddhis.' [RY]
Accumulation of merit (bsod nams kyi tshogs). Virtuous actions with concepts. [RY]
Accumulation of wisdom (ye shes kyi tshogs). Virtuous actions embraced by discriminating knowledge (shes rab) of insight into emptiness. [RY]
Acharya Lilavajra. One of the Indian mahasiddhas. [RY]
Action dagger (las phur). skt. Kilaya. The dagger for fulfilling the activities in the practice of Vajra Kilaya. [RY]
Activity practices (las tshogs). They refer chiefly to the four activities of pacifying, increasing, magnetizing and subjugating. [RY]
Adi Buddha Samantabhadra (mdod ma'i sangs rgyas kun tu bzang po). The primordially enlightened buddha. [RY]
Aggregate (phung po). See 'five aggregates.' [RY]
Akanishtha ('og min). The 'highest;' the realm of Vajradhara, the dharmakaya buddha. For a discussion of the various types of Akanishtha, see Gyurme Dorje's translation of Longchen Rabjam's phyogs bcu mun sel. [RY]
Akanishtha realm of all-encompassing purity (dag pa rab 'byams 'og min zhing). [RY]
Akanishtha realm of Padmajala ('og min pad ma drva ba'i zhing). The pure realm of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
All that appears and exists (snang srid thams cad). The world and the beings. [RY]
All-accomplishing wisdom (bya ba grub pa'i ye shes). One of the five wisdoms; the transmutation of envy. [RY]
All-encompassing purity (dag pa rab 'byams). In their pure aspects, the skandhas, elements and so forth of the world and beings. The five male and female buddhas. [RY]
All-ground (kun gzhi, alaya). The basis of mind and both pure and impure phenomena. This word has different meanings in different contexts and should be understood accordingly. Literally it means the 'foundation of all things.' [RY]
All-illuminating samadhi (kun tu snang ba'i ting nge 'dzin). The second of the three samadhis. Compassion arising out of emptiness. [RY]
All-knowing King of Dharma (kun mkhyen chos kyi rgyal po). See Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
All-pervasive suffering of being conditioned (khyab pa 'du byed kyi sdug bsngal). The third of the three sufferings. It is perpetuated by the continuation of the five aggregates. [RY]
Amitabha (snang ba mtha' yas). The chief buddha of the lotus family. The manifestation of discriminating wisdom. [RY]
Anu (rjes su rnal 'byor). The second of the three inner tantras: Maha, Anu and Ati. It emphasizes the completion stage and the mandala as being contained within the vajra body. Same as 'Lung Anu Yoga.' [RY]
Aperture of Brahma (tshangs bug), brahmarandra. The opening at the top of one's head eight fingers above the hair line. [RY]
Appearance and existence (snang srid). The world and it's beings. Whatever can be experienced (the five elements). and has a possibility of existence (the five aggregates). [RY]
Approach, accomplishment and activities (bsnyen sgrub las gsum). The aspects of the recitation part of sadhana practice connected to the development stage. [RY]
Arya Tara ('phags ma sgrol ma). A female buddha. [RY]
Asanga (thogs med). A great Indian master of philosophy who was a direct disciple of Maitreya. [RY]
Aspiration for Purifying the Realm of the Three Kayas (sku gsum zhing sbyong smon lam). Written by Jigmey Lingpa. [RY]
Assembly sadhana (tshogs sgrub). A group sadhana practice usually involving a great number of people and lasts for several days. [RY]
Ati (shin tu nal 'byor). The third of the three inner tantras. Same as 'Dzogchen.' [RY]
Ati Kopa (a ti bkod pa). A Dzogchen tantra. [RY]
Avalokiteshvara (spyan ras gzigs). 1). The buddha of compassion. 2). One of the eight main bodhisattvas. [RY]
Awakening at dawn from the sleep of ignorance (tho rangs ma rig gnyid skrog). A practice to be done immediately upon waking up. [RY]
Barchey Lamsel (bar chad lam sel). A supplication to Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Bardo (bar do), antarabhava. 'Intermediate state.' Usually refers to the period between death and the next rebirth. For details of the four bardos, see 'Mirror of Mindfulness,' Shambhala Publications. [RY]
Bende Drimey Dashar (ban de dri med brda shar). One of the close disciples of Guru Rinpoche. Same of Jnanakumara of Nyag. [RY]
Bhagavan Shakyamuni (bcom ldan 'das sha kya thub pa). Same as Buddha Shakyamuni. [RY]
Bhagavan Vajrasattva (bcom ldan 'das rdo rje sems dpa'). The buddha Vajrasattva who is the embodiment of the hundred families of victorious ones. [RY]
Bindu (thig le). 1). Essences. 2). Circles or spheres. [RY]
Blazing Blue Light (mthing 'od 'bar ma). An emanation of Yeshe Tsogyal who is the consort of Raksha Totreng. [RY]
Bliss-sustainer (bde skyong). Same as kapala. [RY]
Blissful Realm (bde ba can, sukhavati). The pure land of Buddha Amitabha. [RY]
Bodhicitta (byang sems, byang chub kyi sems). The aspiration to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. [RY]
Bodhicitta of application ('jug pa'i byang chub kyi sems). It is chiefly comprised of the six paramitas. [RY]
Bodhicitta of aspiration (smon pa'i byang chub kyi sems). It is chiefly comprised of the four immeasurables. [RY]
Bodhisattva (byang chub sems dpa'). Someone who has developed bodhicitta, the aspiration to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient beings. A practitioner of the Mahayana path; especially one who has attained the first bhumi. [RY]
Bodhisattva Shantarakshita (mkhan po bodhi satva zhi ba 'tsho). The first abbot to ordain monks in Tibet. [RY]
Bodhisattva trainings (byang chub sems dpa'i bslab pa). The precepts and practices of a bodhisattva. [RY]
Bow of Indra (dbang po'i gzhu). Poetical name for a rainbow. [RY]
Brahma (tshangs pa). The chief god in the realm of form. [RY]
Brahma-like voice (tshangs pa'i dbyangs). The voice endowed with the sixteen perfect qualities of Brahma. [RY]
Buddha of the three times Guru Rinpoche (dus gsum sangs rgyas gu ru rin po che). The name of the six-lined prayer to Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Buddha Shakyamuni (sangs rgyas sha kya thub pa). The historical Buddha. [RY]
Buddhaguhya (sangs rgyas gsang ba). An Indian pandita who was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]

C

Chamara (rnga g.yab). One of the eight subcontinents as well as the support for the terrestrial pure land of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Changing suffering ('gyur ba'i sdug bsngal). The fact that pleasure is impermanent and not under one's individual control. One of the 'three sufferings.' [RY]
Charnel ground ornaments (dur khrod kyi chas). The attire worn by a wrathful buddha. [RY]
Chemchok Heruka (che mchog he ru ka). One of the 58 wrathful buddhas. [RY]
Chimey Dorje of Tsangsar ('chi med rdo rje). A great master and the father of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Chogyal Phakpa (chos rgyal 'phags pa). A great master of the Sakya lineage. [RY]
Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (mchog gyur bde chen gling pa). The name of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Chokgyur Lingpa (mchog gyur gling pa). The great terton who revealed numerous terma teachings especially the cycle of Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Chokling Tersar (mchog gling gter gsar). The collection of termas revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa together with its connected teachings. [RY]
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (chos kyi nyi ma rin po che). The abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and the oldest son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Author of 'Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen' and of 'Jewel of the Heart,' Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 1987. [RY]
Clearing the Obstacles of the Path (bar chad lam sel). A supplication to Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Common and supreme siddhis (thun mong dang mchog gi dngos grub). Usually they refer to the eight common siddhis and the supreme siddhi of Mahamudra, complete enlightenment. [RY]
Concise Manual For Daily Practice (rnal 'byor rgyun gyi bkol byang). The condensed version of the guru sadhana of Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Condensed Prajnaparamita (sher phyin bsdus pa). A Mahayana scripture. [RY]
Confident faith (yi ches kyi dad pa). The third of the three kinds of faith which is unshakable confidence. [RY]
Copper Colored Mountain (zangs mdog dpal ri). The name of the pure land of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Cow nectar (ba byung sna lnga). Five essences from a special cow. [RY]
Culminated Awareness (rig pa tshad phebs). The third of the four visions in Dzogchen. [RY]
Cyclic existence ('khor ba). Commonly known as samsara. [RY]
Daily Practice Manual (rgyun gyi bkol byang). The condensed version of the guru sadhana of Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Daily Practice Manual of Tukdrub (thugs sgrub rgyun gyi bkol byang). The condensed version of the guru sadhana of Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Daka (dpa' bo). 1). Emanation of the chief figure in the mandala to fulfill the four activities. 2). Male enlightened practitioner of Vajrayana. [RY]
Dakini and dharmapala, the roots of activity (mkha' 'gro chos skyong phrin las kyi rtsa ba). [RY]
Damaru (da ma ru). A hand drum for Vajrayana rituals. [RY]
Damdsin (dam 'dzin). A name for the second son of Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Damsi (dam sri). Samaya perverter; a certain type of malevolent spirit. [RY]
Danyi Khala Rongo (zla nyi kha la rong sgo). A sacred place in the east-Tibetan province of Kham. [RY]
Dechen Gyalpo (bde chen rgyal po). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Definite goodness (nges par legs pa). True and complete enlightenment. [RY]
[[Deha One of the eight sub-continents. [RY]
Development and completion (bskyed rdzogs). The two main aspects of Vajrayana practice. Development stage is fabricated by mind. Completion stage means resting in the unfabricated nature of mind. See individually. [RY]
Development Mahayoga (bskyed pa ma ha yo ga). The first of the three inner tantras which emphasizes the development stage. [RY]
Development stage (bskyed rim), utpattikrama. One of the two aspects of Vajrayana practice which is to create pure images mentally in order to purify habitual tendencies. See 'development and completion.' [RY]
Dharma (chos). 'Dharma' is the Buddha's teachings; 'dharma' means phenomena or mental objects. [RY]
Dharma demon (chos dred). A jaded, stubborn and insensitive practitioner. [RY]
Dharma King of Uddiyana (o rgyan chos kyi rgyal po). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dharma King Trisong Deutsen (chos rgyal khri srong de'u btsan). The king of Tibet who invited Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dharma Practice of Padma Garwang (pad ma gar dbang chos spyod). A collection of daily practices included in the Chokling Tersar. [RY]
Dharma protectors (chos skyong). The guardians of the Buddhist teachings. [RY]
Dharma Ratna (chos mchog rin po che). Lineage guru in Chokling Tersar and teacher of Chimey Dorje. [RY]
Dharmachakra of Glorious Samye (dpal bsam yas kyi chos 'khor). The temple complex built by King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Dharmadhatu (chos kyi dbyings). The 'realm of phenomena;' the suchness in which emptiness and dependent origination are inseparable. In this context 'Dharma' means the truth and 'dhatu' means space free from center or periphery. Another explanation is 'the nature of phenomena' beyond arising, dwelling and ceasing. [RY]
Dharmadhatu wisdom (chos kyi dbyings kyi ye shes). One of the five wisdoms. The transformation of ignorance. [RY]
Dharmakaya (chos sku). The first of the three kayas, which is devoid of constructs, like space. The nature of all phenomena designated as 'body.' Should be understood individually according to ground, path and fruition. [RY]
Dharmakaya Amitabha (chos sku snang ba mtha' yas). The chief buddha of the lotus family. [RY]
Dharmapala (chos skyong). The protectors of the Buddhist teachings. [RY]
Dharmata (chos nyid). The nature of phenomena and mind. [RY]
Dharmata Exhaustion Beyond Concepts (chos zad blo 'das). The fourth of the four visions in Dzogchen. [RY]
Discriminating wisdom (so sor rtog pa'i ye shes). One of the five wisdoms. The transmutation of attachment. [RY]
Dispeller of All Obstacles (bar chad kun sel). See 'Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel.' [RY]
Disturbing emotion (nyon mongs pa). The five poisons of desire, anger, delusion, pride and envy which tire, disturb and torment one's mind. [RY]
Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (mdo mkhyen brtse ye shes rdo rje). A great master and terton who was the mind emanation of Jigmey Lingpa. [RY]
Dorje Drakpo Tsal (rdo rje drag po rtsal). 'Wrathful Vajra Power.' A wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche and one of the twelve manifestations. [RY]
Dorje Dudjom (rdo rje bdud 'joms). Same as Dorje Dudjom Tsal. [RY]
Dorje Dudjom Tsal (rdo rje bdud 'joms rtsal). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dorje Totreng Tsal (rdo rje thod phreng rtsal). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Drekpa (dregs pa). A certain type of malevolent spirit. [RY]
Drigung Kyobpa (bri gung skyob pa). A great master of the Drigung Kagyu lineage. [RY]
Drimey Dashar (dri med brda shar). Also Bende Drimey Dashar, one of the chief disciples of Guru Rinpoche. Same as Jnanakumara of Nyag. [RY]
Drodul Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa ('gro 'dul mchog gyur bde chen gling pa). Same as Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Dsutrul Tuchen (rdzu 'phrul mthu chen). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dukyi Shechen (bdud kyi gshed chen). One of Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dusum Sangye (dus gsum sangs rgyas). See 'Buddhas of the Three Times.' [RY]
Dzamling Gyenchok ('dzam gling rgyan mchog). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Dzogchen (rdzogs pa chen po; rdzogs chen). The teachings beyond the vehicles of causation, first taught in the human world by the great vidyadhara Garab Dorje. [RY]

E

Early Translations (sngar 'gyur). The teachings translated before the great translator Rinchen Sangpo, during the reigns of the Tibetan kings Trisong Deutsen and Ralpachen. [RY]
Eight freedoms (dal ba brgyad). Not being in the three lower realms, not a long-living god, not having wrong views, not a savage, a mute, or born in an age without buddhas. [RY]
Eight goddesses (lha mo brgyad). Lasya, Mala, Gita, Nirti, Pushpa, Dhupa, Aloka and Gandha. [RY]
Eight heruka sadhanas (sgrub pa bka' brgyad). Eight yidams and their corresponding sadhanas received by Padmakara from the Eight Indian Vidyadharas. [RY]
Eight Indian Vidyadharas (rgya gar gyi rig 'dzin brgyad). Manjushrimitra, Nagarjuna, Hungchenkara, Vimalamitra, Prabhahasti, Danasanskrit, Shintamgarbha and Guhyachandra. [RY]
Eight jewel ornaments (rin po che'i rgyan brgyad). The crown, earrings, choker, short necklace, long necklace, arm rings, bracelets and anklets, belt. [RY]
Eight main bodhisattvas (nye ba'i sras brgyad). Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, Maitreya, Sarvanirvarana Vishkambin, Samantabhadra and Manjushri. [RY]
Eight manifestations (gu ru mtshan brgyad). Eight forms of Guru Rinpoche: Shakya Senge, Padmasambhava, Nyima Oser, Senge Dradrok, Dorje Drollo, Tsokye Dorje, Padma Gyalpo and Loden Choksey. [RY]
Eight Sadhana Teachings (grub pa bka' brgyad). Eight teachings and sadhanas transmitted to Guru Rinpoche by the Eight Indian Vidyadharas: Manjushri Body, Mighty Padma Speech, Vishuddha Mind, Amrita Medicine Qualities, Kilaya Activity, Mamo Botong, Mopa Fierce Mantra and Loka Worship. [RY]
Eight siddhis (dngos grub brgyad). The eight types of mundane or common accomplishments. [RY]
Eight Tibetan Vidyadharas (bod kyi rig 'dzin brgyad). The eight accomplished disciples of Guru Rinpoche who received the transmission of Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Eight Vidyadhara Masters (rig 'dzin gyi slob dpon brgyad). Same as the Eight Indian Vidyadharas. [RY]
Eight worldly concerns ('jig rten chos brgyad). Attachment to gain, pleasure, praise and fame, and aversion to loss, pain, blame and bad reputation. [RY]
Eightfold charnel ground attire (dur khrod kyi chas brgyad). Eight ornaments worn by a wrathful buddha. [RY]
Emancipation and omniscience (thar pa dang thams cad mkhyen pa). Liberation from samsara and perfect buddhahood. [RY]
Eminent Vidyadhara (khyad 'phags rig 'dzin). One of the twelve manifestations. [RY]
Empowered Aspiration (smon lam dbang bskur). One of the six lineages of the Nyingma School or nine lineages of the Nyingma School. [RY]
Empowerment (dbang). The conferring of power or authorization to practice the Vajrayana teachings, the indispensable entrance door to tantric practice. [RY]
Emptiness (stong pa nyid). The fact that phenomena and ego are empty of or lack independent, true existence. [RY]
Enlightenment (byang chub). Usually the same as the state of buddhahood but sometimes also the lower stages of enlightenment of an arhant or pratyekabuddha. [RY]
Enthusiastic faith (dang ba'i dad pa). One the three kinds of faith. A sense of strong admiration. [RY]
Essence Practice (phrin las snying po). A longer version of guru sadhana according to Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Essence, nature and function (ngo bo rang bzhin thugs rje). The three aspects of the sugatagarbha according to the Dzogchen system. Essence (ngo bo). is the primordially pure wisdom of emptiness. The nature (rang bzhin). is the spontaneously present wisdom of cognizance (gsal ba). The function (thugs rje). is the all-pervasive wisdom of indivisibility. This is, ultimately, the identity of the Three Roots, the Three Jewels and the three kayas. [RY]
Eternalism (rtag lta). The belief that there is a permanent and causeless creator of everything; in particular, that one's identity or consciousness has a concrete essence which is independent, everlasting and singular. [RY]
Ever Excellent Vidyadhara (kun bzang rig 'dzin). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Exhaling the stale breath (rlung ro bsal). A yogic exercise which should be learned through oral instruction from one's teacher. [RY]
Existence and peace (srid zhi). Synonymous with samsara and nirvana. [RY]
Existence and quiescence (srid pa dang zhi ba). See existence and peace. [RY]
Extensive, medium or condensed root empowerments (rtsa dbang rgyas 'bring bsdus gsum). These empowerments can be received from any master who holds the lineage. [RY]
Family lord (rigs kyi bdag po). The chief figure of that particular buddha family. [RY]
Feast offering (tshogs kyi 'khor lo), (tshogs kyi mchod pa), Skt. ganachakra. [RY]
Female classes (mo rgyud). One of the three classes of Dharma protectors. [RY]
Field of Accumulation (tshogs zhing). The Three Jewels, three roots and the three kayas. [RY]
Five Excellent Beings (rigs can drva ma lnga). Five recipients of the Anu Yoga teachings. [RY]
Five paths (lam lnga). The path of accumulation, path of joining, path of seeing, path of cultivation and path beyond learning. The five paths cover the entire process from beginning Dharma practice to complete enlightenment. [RY]
Five poisons (dug lnga). Desire, anger, delusion, arrogance and envy. [RY]
Five silken Dharma garments (dar gyi chos gos lnga). The five silk garments of a peaceful sambhogakaya buddha. [RY]
Five treasuries (mdzod lnga). Five collections of teachings by Jamgon Kongtrul I: Dam-ngak Dzo, Rinchen Terdzo, Kagyu Ngakdzo, Sheja Kunkhyab and Gyacher Kadzo. [RY]
Five wisdoms (ye shes lnga). The dharmadhatu wisdom, mirror-like wisdom, wisdom of equality, discriminating wisdom and all-accomplishing wisdom. [RY]
Four activities (las bzhi). Pacifying, increasing, magnetizing and subjugating. [RY]
Four circular empowerments (zlum po bzhi dbang). Synonym for the four empowerments. [RY]
Four common karmas (thun mong gi las bzhi). See Four activities. [RY]
Four continents (gling bzhi). The four continents surrounding Mount Sumeru: Superior Body, Jambudvipa, Cow Enjoyment and Unpleasant Sound. [RY]
Four empowerments (dbang bzhi). The empowerments of the vase empowerment, secret empowerment, wisdom-knowledge empowerment and precious word empowerment. [RY]
Four karmas (las bzhi). See Four activities. [RY]
Four kayas (sku bzhi). The three kayas in addition to svabhavikakaya. [RY]
Four kinds of activities (phrin las rnam pa bzhi). See Four activities. [RY]
Four major sets of teaching (skor tsho chen po rnam pa bzhi). Four divisions of Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel: The root tantra Sheldam Nyingjang including branch sadhanas, the three versions of Guru Sadhana, the three Concise Manuals and the sadhanas for the Four Divinities who Dispel Obstacles - Tara, Achala, Dorje Bechon and Mewa Tsekpa. [RY]
Four Maras (bdud bzhi). Lord of Death Mara, Godly Son Mara, Klesha Mara and Skandha Mara. [RY]
Four means of magnetizing (bsdu ba'i dngos po bzhi). Generosity, pleasing speech, appropriate teachings and consistency in behavior. [RY]
Four mind-changings (blo ldog rnam bzhi). The difficult-to-obtain freedoms and riches, impermanence and death, cause and effect of karma, the defects of samsara Reflecting on these four topics regarding the facts of life, causes one's mind to change and be directed towards Dharma practice. [RY]
Four rivers of Secret Mantra (gsang sngags chu bo bzhi'i bka' babs). Yidam, tantra scripture, spiritual friend and awareness display. [RY]
Four sessions (thun bzhi). Dawn, morning, afternoon and evening. [RY]
Four vidyadhara levels (rig 'dzin rnam pa bzhi'i go 'phang). See Four vidyadharas. [RY]
Four vidyadharas (rig 'dzin bzhi). The four knowledge-holders or masters on the four stages of the tantric path of mahayoga. The four vidyadhara levels are: fully matured vidyadhara, life-mastery vidyadhara, great seal vidyadhara and spontaneously accomplished vidyadhara. (rnam smin rig 'dzin i), (rig tshe dbang rig 'dzin i), (rig phyag chen rig 'dzin i), (rig lhun grub rig 'dzin). [RY]
Four visions (snang ba bzhi). Four stages in Dzogchen practice: manifest dharmata, increased experience, awareness reaching fullness and exhaustion of concepts and phenomena. [RY]
Fourth empowerment (dbang bzhi pa). Also known as the precious word empowerment (tshig dbang rin po che). [RY]
Free and well-favored human form (dal 'byor gyi mi lus). A human existence endowed with the eight freedoms and ten riches. [RY]
Fruition of unity (zung 'jug gi 'bras bu). Complete enlightenment, the unified level of a vajra holder. [RY]

G

Gar Drubchen An accomplished Tibetan master who was an emanation of Nagarjuna. [RY]
Garab Dorje (dga' rab rdo rje), Prahevajra/ Pramoda Vajra. The forefather of the Dzogchen lineage who received the transmission from Vajrasattva. [RY]
General preliminaries (thun mong gi sngon 'gro). Same as the Four Mind-changings. [RY]
General samayas (spyi'i dam tshig). The general precepts for Hinayana, Mahayana and the three outer tantras. [RY]
General, particular and supreme samayas (spyi khyad par dang lhag pa'i dam tshig). [RY]
Giving and taking (gtong len). A bodhicitta practice of giving one's virtue and happiness to others and taking their suffering and misdeeds upon oneself. [RY]
Glorious Guru (dpal ldan bla ma). Same as root guru, here in the form of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Glorious Knower of the Three Times (dpal dus gsum mkhyen pa). Another name for Padmakara, Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Glorious Mountain of Chamara (rnga g.yab dpal ri). The terrestrial pure land of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Glorious Samye (dpal bsam yas). The wondrous temple erected during the time of Guru Rinpoche in Tibet by the Dharma King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Glorious Subjugator of Appearance and Existence (snang srid zil gnon). Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Glorious Wrathful One, the nine-faced (dpal chen khro bo dbu dgu). The miraculously appeared image of Chemchok Heruka in the form of a mountain in Kham. [RY]
Glowing Turquoise Room (g.yu zhal 'bar ba). The shrine room on the second story in Samye. [RY]
Godaniya. One of the four continents. [RY]
Good Aeon (bskal pa bzang po), bhadrakalpa. This present aeon in which one thousand buddhas will appear. [RY]
Grasping and fixation (gzung 'dzin). They refer to the duality of an object perceived and the mind that perceives it. [RY]
Great Chetsun (lce btsun chen po). The great master Chetsun Senge Wangchuk. [RY]
Great Compassionate One, (thugs rje chen po). Also known as Avalokiteshvara. [RY]
Great Khenpo (mkhan chen). See Karmey Khenpo Rinchen Dargye. [RY]
Great Master, (slob dpon chen po, mahaguru). Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Great master and treasure revealer (gter chen bla ma). Same as Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. [RY]
Great Master of Uddiyana (o rgyan chen po). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Great Orgyen (o rgyan chen po). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Great Perfection (rdzogs pa chen po), mahasandhi/ maha ati. The third of the three inner tantras. See 'Dzogchen.' [RY]
Great treasure revealer (gter chen), (gter ston chen po). Same as Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Greater and lesser vehicles (theg pa che chung). Mahayana and Hinayana. [RY]
Guhyamantra (gsang sngags). Synonymous with Vajrayana or tantric teachings. Guhya means secret, both concealed and self-secret. Mantra in this context means supreme, excellent or praiseworthy. [RY]
Guna (yon tan). Skt., Same as Jamgon Kongtrul the First,Lodro Thaye. [RY]
Guru (bla ma). Spiritual teacher. [RY]
Guru Padma (gu ru pad ma). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Guru Practices (bla sgrub, guru sadhana). A development stage practice focusing on the guru aspect of the three roots. [RY]
Guru Rinpoche (gu ru rin po che). The Precious Master, refers to Padmakara, Padmasambhava. See 'The Life and Liberation of Padmasambhava,' Dharma Publishing. [RY]
Guru Vajrasattva (bla ma rdo rje sems dpa'). The root guru in the form of Vajrasattva. [RY]
Guru yoga (bla ma'i rnal 'byor). The practice of supplicating for the blessings and mingling the mind of an enlightened master with one's own mind. One of the special inner preliminaries. [RY]
Guru's Heart Practice, Dispeller of All Obstacles (bla ma'i thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel). The main cycle of teachings revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Guru, the root of blessings (byin rlabs kyi rtsa ba bla ma). The first of the three roots. [RY]
Gyaltsab Rinpoche Padma Namgyal (rgyal tshab rin po che pad ma rnam rgyal). The root guru of H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. [RY]
Gyalwa Choyang (rgyal ba mchog dbyangs). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche who realized Hayagriva and later was incarnated as the Karmapas. [RY]
Gyalwey Dungdzin (rgyal ba'i gdung 'dzin). One of the twelve manifestations. [RY]
Gyungyi Koljang (rgyun gyi bkol byang). Same as the Daily Practice Manual of Tukdrub. [RY]
Gyurmey Ngedon Wangpo ('gyur med nges don dbang po). One of the teachers of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. [RY]
Gyurmey Thekchok Tenpey Gyaltsen ('gyur med theg mchog bstan pa'i rgyal mtshan). A name of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. [RY]
Gyutrul Tsekar (sgyu 'phrul tshe dkar). One of the termas revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa which focuses on White Amitayus. [RY]
Habitual tendencies (bag chags). Subtle inclinations imprinted in the all-ground consciousness. [RY]
Hayagriva siddha (rta mgrin grub thob). Same as Gyalwa Choyang. [RY]
Hearing Lineage of Great Individuals (gang zag nyan brgyud). The third of the three lineages of the Nyingma school. [RY]
Hevajra Tantra (kye rdo rje'i rgyud). A tantra of Anuttara Yoga. [RY]
Higher realms (mtho ris). The three higher realms of humans, demi-gods, and gods. [RY]
His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (skyabs rje mdil sgo mkhyen brtse rin po che). One of the greatest living Buddhist masters. He resides in Bhutan and Boudhanath, Nepal. [RY]
Hinayana (theg pa dman pa). The vehicles focused on contemplation of the four noble truths and the twelve links of dependent origination for the sake of individual liberation. [RY]
Horse Neigher (rta skad 'tsher). Same as Hayagriva (rta mgrin). [RY]
Hrih. Skt. The seed syllable of the lotus family. [RY]
Hundred syllables (yig brgya). The long mantra of Vajrasattva. [RY]
Hundred tertons (gter ston brgya rtsa). The hundred treasure revealers predicted by Guru Rinpoche to spread his teachings in the future. [RY]

I

Immaculate Confession Tantra (dri med bshags rgyud). [RY]
Immortal Totreng Tsal ('chi med thod phreng rtsal). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Immortal vajra samadhi ('chi med rdo rje'i ting nge 'dzin). The indestructible composure of the Buddha of Limitless Life, Amitayus. [RY]
Immortal Vidyadhara ('chi med rig 'dzin). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Increased experience (nyams snang gong 'phel). The second of the four visions in Dzogchen practice. [RY]
Indestructible great bindu (mi gshigs pa'i thig le chen po). Same as dharmakaya. [RY]
Indra (brgya byin). The chief god in the realm of desire. He resides on the summit of Mt. Sumeru in the palace of Complete Victory and is also known as Shakra, the Ruler of the Devas. [RY]
Inexhaustible adornment wheel of body, speech, mind, qualities and activities (sku gsung thugs yon tan phrin las mi zad pa rgyan gyi 'khor lo). The endless activity of buddhahood. [RY]
Innate deity (gnyug ma'i lha). One's own particular yidam. [RY]
Inner obstacles (nag gi bar chad). Sickness etc. [RY]
Instruction Section (man ngag gi sde). The third of the three sections of Dzogchen as arranged by Jampal Shenyen. [RY]
Interdependent Origination (rten cing 'brel bar 'byung ba). The fact that all phenomena do not appear without a cause and are not made by an uncaused creator but exclusively due to the coincidence of causes and conditions. [RY]
Iron Mountains (lcags ri). The ring of mountains surrounding Mount Sumeru and the four continents. [RY]
Jambudvipa ('dzam bu gling). The southern of the four continents which is so called because it is adorned with the Jambubriksha tree (rose apple). [RY]
Jamgon Lama ('jam mgon bla ma). In this case the name refers to Mipham Rinpoche. [RY]
Jampal Shenyen ('jam dpal bshes gnyen). A great Indian pandita who became the chief disciple of Garab Dorje. His sanskrit name is Manjushrimitra. [RY]
Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo ('jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse'i dbang po). (1820-1892). A great master of the last century and close friend, guru and disciple of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje ('jigs bral ye shes rdo rje). His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. [RY]
Jina (rgyal ba). Victorious One. Same as a buddha; one who has conquered over the four maras. [RY]
Jnana (ye shes). 'Wisdom,' original and unmistaken knowing, basic wakefulness. [RY]
Jnanasattva (ye shes sems dpa'). See 'wisdom being.' [RY]
Jnanasutra (ye shes mdo). An Indian master in the Dzogchen lineage who was a disciple of Shri Singha. A close Dharma friend and later teacher of Vimalamitra. [RY]
Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery (bka' snying bshad sgrub gling). Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal. The name means 'sanctuary for Kagyu and Nyingma teaching and practice.' [RY]
Kalden Drendsey (skal ldan 'dren mdzad). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Kama (bka' ma). The Oral Lineage of the Nyingma School, transmitted from master to student, of the body of teachings translated chiefly during the period of Guru Rinpoche's stay in Tibet. [RY]
Kama and Terma (bka' ma, gter ma). See Kama and Terma individually. [RY]
Kapala (thod pa). A skull cup. [RY]
Karma Ngawang Samten Yeshe Gyamtso (karma ngag dbang bsam gtan ye shes rgya mtsho). He is also known as Ngaktrin Rinpoche or Samten Gyatso, the root guru of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Karma and disturbing emotions (las dang nyon mongs pa). These two comprise the truth of origin. [RY]
Kaurava. Skt. One of the four subcontinents. [RY]
Kaya (sku). 'Body' in the sense of a body or embodiment of numerous qualities. [RY]
Kayas and wisdoms (sku dang ye shes). The four kayas and five wisdoms. [RY]
Khakyab Dorje (mkha' khyab rdo rje). The fifteenth Karmapa, one of the predicted lineage holders of Chokgyur Lingpa's termas. See 'The History of the Karmapas, Prajna Press.' [RY]
Khakyab Rangjung Dorje (mkha' khyab rang byung rdo rje). Same as Khakyab Dorje. [RY]
Khatvanga. Skt. A tantric staff. [RY]
Khenchen Bodhisattva (mkhan chen bo dhi sa tva). See Shantarakshita. [RY]
Khenpo (mkhan po). A title for having completed the major course of studies of about ten years of the traditional branches of Buddhist philosophy, logic, vinaya and so forth. Can also mean abbot of a monastery or the preceptor from whom one receives ordination. [RY]
Khenpo Karma Ratna Wangchuk (mkhan po ka rma rat na dbang phyug). See Karmey Khenpo Rinchen Dargye. [RY]
Khyentse (Wangpo I). Same as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
Khyentse Oser (mkhyen brtse'i 'od zer). Here the name refers to H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. [RY]
Khyentse Wangpo (mkhyen brtse'i dbang po). Same as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
King and Demoness (rgyal srin). Names of two kinds of malevolent spirits. [RY]
King and twenty-five subjects (rje 'bangs nyer lnga). King Trisong Deutsen and 24 or Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
King Dza (rgyal po dzah). The recipient of the Mahayoga teachings. [RY]
King Jah (rgyal po dzah). See King Dza. [RY]
King of Mountains (ri yi rgyal po). Same as Mount Sumeru. [RY]
Klesha (nyon mongs pa). 'Disturbing emotion.' Usually the five poisons known as attachment, anger, stupidity, pride and envy. [RY]
Kleshas of the five poisons (dug lnga'i nyon mongs pa). See Five Poisons. [RY]
Konchok Jungney (dkon mchog 'byung gnas). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Kriya (bya ba). The first of the three outer tantras which place emphasis on cleanliness, pure conduct etc. [RY]
Kriya, Charya and Yoga tantras (bya rgyud spyod rgyud rnal 'byor rgyud). The three outer tantras among the nine vehicles. [RY]
Kundu (kun 'dus). A tantric scripture. [RY]
Kunkhyen Lama Dorje Siji Tsal (kun mkhyen bla ma rdo rje gzi brjid rtsal). Same as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
Kurava. Skt. One of the four subcontinents. [RY]
Kyechok Tsulsang (skyes mchog tshul bzang). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Kyepar Phakpey Rigdzin (khyad par 'phags pa'i rig 'dzin). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]

L

Lake-born Guru (mtsho skyes bla ma). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lake-born Vajra Holder (mtsho skyes rdo rje 'chang). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lake-born Vajra (mtsho skyes rdo rje). One of the names of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lamenting Confession of Rudra (ru dra sme bshags). Extracted from the Immaculate Confession Tantra. [RY]
Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel (bla ma'i thugs grub bar chad kun sel). The main cycle of terma teachings revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa. See 'Barchey Kunsel.' [RY]
Land of Snow (gangs can gyi yul). Same as Tibet. [RY]
Langdro Lotsawa (glang 'gro lo tsa ba). One of the twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Later Translation Schools (phyi 'gyur). Same as Sarma, the New Schools. [RY]
Letter of Dispelling Sorrow (mya ngan bsal ba'i spring yig). A text of advices composed by Nagarjuna. [RY]
Level of omniscience (thams cad mkhyen pa). Same as complete buddhahood. [RY]
Liberation (thar pa). Emancipation from samsara. [RY]
Liberation and omniscience (thar pa dang thams cad mkhyen pa). Refers to liberation from samsaric existence and the state of complete enlightenment. [RY]
Life-power vidyadhara (tshe dbang rig 'dzin). The second of the four vidyadhara levels. [RY]
Lineage Supplication (brgyud pa'i gsol 'debs). [RY]
Lingpa (gling pa). A title usually appended to the name of a terton, revealer of concealed treasures. Literally, it means 'sanctuary' of peace and happiness for beings. [RY]
Lodro Thaye (blo gros mtha' yas). Another name of Jamgon Kongtrul. [RY]
Long lineage of Kama (ring brgyud bka' ma). See 'Kama.' [RY]
Longchenpa (klong chen pa). Great Nyingma master and writer. [RY]
Longing faith ('dod pa'i dad pa). One of the three kinds of faith. The strong wish to attain enlightened qualities. [RY]
Longsel (klong gsal). A Dzogchen tantra. [RY]
Lord Nagarjuna (dgon po klu grub). See Nagarjuna. [RY]
Lord of Death (gshin rje). A personification of impermanence and the unfailing law of cause and effect. [RY]
Lord of the family (rigs bdag). The chief figure of the buddha family. [RY]
Lotus Arrayed Realm of Akanishtha ('og min pad ma bkod pa). See Akanishtha. [RY]
Lotus crown (pad zhva). The crown worn by Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lotus crown which liberates by sight (pad ma mthong grol). The crown worn by Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lotus Holder (phyag na pad mo). Same as Avalokiteshvara. [RY]
Lotus King (pad ma rgyal po). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lotus Light (pad ma 'od). The name of the palace in Guru Rinpoche's pure land. [RY]
Lotus Net (pad ma drva ba). Same as Padmajala, the pure land of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Lotus-Born (pad ma 'byung gnas). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Luminosity ('od gsal). Literally 'free from the darkness of unknowing and endowed with the ability to cognize.' The two aspects are 'empty luminosity,' like a clear open sky; and 'manifest luminosity,' such as five-colored lights, images, and so forth. Luminosity is the uncompounded nature present throughout all of samsara and nirvana. [RY]
Luminous dharmakaya ('od gsal chos kyi sku). [RY]
Luminous Heart Essence ('od gsal rdo rje snying po). Same as the Instruction Section of Dzogchen. [RY]
Lung Anu Yoga (lung anu yoga). The second of the three inner tantras emphasizing the completion stage. [RY]
Lungten Dorje (lung bstan rdo rje). Same as King Dza. [RY]

M

Magical net (sgyu 'phrul drva ba), mayajala. A collective term for the manifestations of enlightenment to tame whoever needs in whichever way is necessary. In particular, it refers to the various divinities and vidyadharas who are manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Magical net of emanations (sprul pa'i sgyu 'phrul drva ba). See Magical Net. [RY]
Maha (rnal 'byor chen po). The first of the three inner tantras. See 'Mahayoga.' [RY]
Maha Ati (rdzogs chen). The third of the three inner tantras. Same as 'Dzogchen.' [RY]
Mahaguru Orgyen Totreng Tsal (ma ha gu ru o rgyan thod phreng rtsal). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Mahaguru Padma Totreng Tsal (ma ha gu ru pad ma thod phreng rtsal). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Mahaguru Padmakara (ma ha gu ru pad ma 'byung gnas). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Mahamudra Bindu. Skt. A tantric text. [RY]
Mahayana (theg pa chen po). The vehicle of bodhisattvas striving for perfect enlightenment for the sake of all beings. For a detailed explanation, see Maitreya's Abhi-samayalamkara. [RY]
Mahayoga (rnal 'byor chen po). The first of the 'three inner tantras.' It empasizes the development stage. [RY]
Main part of practice (nyams len gyi dngos gzhi). Refers to the practice that follows the preliminaries: either yidam practice or, here, the actual practice of Mahamudra or Dzogchen. According to Jigmey Lingpa, 'main part' literally means 'actual basis' in the sense that 'basis' means to have full intellectual comprehension of the practice and 'actual' means to have direct experience of its meaning. [RY]
Male classes (pho rgyud). One of the three classes of dharma protectors. [RY]
Mandala (dkyil 'khor). Literally means 'center and surrounding,' but should be understood according to context. Usually a deity along with its surrounding environment. [RY]
Mandala circle (dkyil 'khor gyi 'khor lo). A gathering of deities as one mandala. [RY]
Mandarava. Skt. Princess of Sahor and close disciple of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Manifest dharmata (chos nyid mngon sum). The first of the four visions in Dzogchen practice. [RY]
Manjugosha (Khyentse I). Same as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
Manjushri ('jam dpal dbyangs). One of the eight main bodhisattvas. He is the personification of the perfection of transcendent knowledge. [RY]
Manjushri Heruka ('jam dpal khrag 'thung). Same as Yamantaka. One of the eight heruka sadhanas. [RY]
Manjushri Kumara ('jam dpal gzhon nu). The peaceful aspect of Manjushri. [RY]
Manjushri Yamantaka ('jam dpal gshin rje bshed). The wrathful aspect of Manjushri. One of the eight heruka sadhanas. [RY]
Manjushrimitra ('jam dpal bshes gnyen). An Indian master of the Dzogchen lineage and disciple of Garab Dorje. Same as Jampal Shenyen. [RY]
Mantrayana (sngags kyi theg pa). Synonym for Secret Mantra or Vajrayana. [RY]
Mantrika (sngags pa). A practitioner of Vajrayana. [RY]
Maratika. The sacred place in eastern Nepal where Guru Rinpoche was blessed with immortal life by Buddha Amitayus. [RY]
Marks and signs (mtshan dpe). The 32 major and 80 minor marks of excellence of a buddha. [RY]
Mawey Senge (smra ba'i seng ge). Lion of Speech. One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. He is Guru Rinpoche inseparable from Manjushri. [RY]
Means and knowledge (thabs dang shes rab), prajna and upaya. Generally, Buddhahood is attained by uniting the two aspects of means and knowledge, in Mahayana compassion and emptiness and in Vajrayana the stages of development and completion. *Melong Dorje (me long rdo rje). (1243-1303). A great Tibetan master in the Oral Lineage of the Nyingma School. [RY]
Meru (ri rab). The mountain in the center of the world surrounded by four continents of which the southern in our known world, Jambudvipa. [RY]
Mind and Space Sections (sems sde), (klong sde). The two first of the three sections of Dzogchen. [RY]
Mind Lineage of the Victorious Ones (rgyal ba dgongs brgyud). The first of the three lineages of the Nyingma School. Usually, it refers to the transmission from Buddha Samantabhadra to Garab Dorje of teachings beyond words and symbols. [RY]
Mind, Sign and Hearing Lineages (dgongs brda snyan brgyud). See 'three lineages.' [RY]
Mipham Rinpoche (mi pham rin po che). (1846-1912). Great Nyingma master and writer of the last century. [RY]
Mirror-like wisdom (me long lta bu'i ye shes). One of the five wisdoms. The transmutation of anger. [RY]
Mount Sumeru (ri yi mchog rab). See Mt. Sumeru. [RY]
Mt. Sumeru (ri rab). The mountain in the center of the world surrounded by the four continents. [RY]
Mudra of equanimity (mnyam bzhag gi phyag rgya). The hands placed in the gesture of meditation. [RY]
Mudra of expounding the Dharma (chos 'chad pa'i phyag rgya). [RY]
Muney Tsenpo. Son of King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Murub Tsenpo. Son of King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Mutri Tsenpo. Son of King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Mysteries of body, speech and mind (sku gsung thugs kyi gsang ba). The vajra body, speech and mind. [RY]

N

Nadi and prana (rtsa rlung). The channels and energies; as one term, they refer to the exercises of Anu Yoga. [RY]
Nagarjuna (klu grub). An Indian master of philosophy. [RY]
Nagi Gompa (na gi dgon pa). Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's hermitage near Kathmandu. [RY]
Namkhai Nyingpo (nam mkha'i snying po). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Namo Guru (bla ma la phyag 'tshal lo). Homage to the master! [RY]
Namo Guru Padmakaraya. Skt. Homage to Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Nampar Nangdze Vairotsana (rnam par snang mdzad bai ro tsa na). The great translator and disciple of both Shri Singha and Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Namshelma (gnam zhal ma). The Sky-faced One. The consort of Kalden Drendsey. [RY]
Nangsi Silnon, (snang srid zil gnon). The name of Guru Rinpoche which means glorious subjugator of appearance and existence. [RY]
Nangsi Silnon Tsal (snang srid zil gnon rtsal). Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Natural face (rang zhal). Same as the nature of mind. [RY]
Natural nirmanakaya (rang bzhin sprul sku). The pure nirmanakaya realms manifested by the buddhas of the five families, such as the realm of Sukhavati. [RY]
New and Old Schools (gsar rnying). The New Schools are Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. The Old School refers to Nyingma. Although there were no new or old schools in India, these names are given to the early and later spread of the teachings in Tibet. Translations up to and including King Triral are called the Old School of Early Translations (snga 'gyur snying ma), and later ones are known as the New Schools of Later Translations (phyi 'gyur gsar ma). Lochen Rinchen Sangpo (lo chen rin chen bzang po). is regarded as the first translator of the New Mantra School. [RY]
Ngamlok (rngam log). A tantra of Mahayoga. [RY]
Ngayab Lingpa (rnga yab gling pa). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Ngondsok Gyalpo (mngon rdzogs rgyal po). A wrathful manifestation of Samantabhadra. [RY]
Nihilism (chad lta). Literally, 'the view of discontinuance.' The extreme view of nothingness: no rebirth or karmic effects, and the nonexistence of a mind after death. [RY]
Nine Lineages (brgyud pa dgu). See 'three lineages' and the 'six lineages.' [RY]
Nine peaceful expressions (zhi ba'i nyams dgu). The nine qualities of the body, speech and mind of a peaceful deity. [RY]
Nirmanakaya (sprul pa'i sku). The third of the three kayas. The aspect of enlightenment that tames and can be perceived by ordinary beings. [RY]
Nirmanakaya of Uddiyana (o rgyan sprul pa'i sku). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Nirmanakaya Padmakara (sprul sku pad ma 'byung gnas). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Nirvana (mya ngan las 'das pa). The lesser nirvana refers to the liberation from cyclic existence attained by a Hinayana practitioner. When referring to a buddha, 'nirvana' is the great nondwelling state of enlightenment which falls neither into the extreme of samsaric existence nor into the passive state of cessation attained by an arhat. [RY]
Noble and ordinary beings ('phags pa dang so so skye bo). The noble or 'exalted' beings are those who have attained the path of seeing, the third of the five paths. [RY]
Noble and supreme tamer of beings ('phags mchog 'gro 'dul). Same as Avalokiteshvara. [RY]
Noble beings (skyes mchog). Refers to great masters, bodhisattvas or arhats, who have attained the path of seeing. [RY]
Noble Land ('phags yul). The land of India. [RY]
Noble ones ('phags pa). See noble beings. [RY]
Norbu Trako (nor bu phra bkod). A Dzogchen tantra. [RY]
Nupchen Sangye (bsnubs chen sangs rgyas). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Nyingma School (rnying ma). The teachings brought to Tibet and translated chiefly during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen and in the following period up to Rinchen Sangpo. [RY]

O

Objects of accumulation (tshogs yul). Same as Field of Accumulation. [RY]
Objects of refuge (skyabs yul). The Three Jewels, three roots and three kayas. [RY]
Obscuration (sgrib pa). The two veils: of veil disturbing emotions and veil of dualistic perception that cover one's buddha nature. [RY]
Offering cloud of Samantabhadra (kun bzang mchod sprin). An infinite amount of imagined offerings as performed by the bodhisattva Samantabhadra. [RY]
Offering mandala (mchod pa'i man dal). The mandala plate held in one's hand during the offerings. [RY]
Old and New Schools (rnying ma, gsar ma). See New and Old Schools. [RY]
Old School of the Early Translations (snga 'gyur rnying ma). The Nyingma School. [RY]
Om svasti. Skt. An expression of auspiciousness. [RY]
Omniscience (rnam mkhyen),]] (thams cad mkhyen pa). Same as complete enlightenment or buddhahood. [RY]
Oral Instruction Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo (zhal gdams lam rim ye shes snying po). The Wisdom Essence, a most precious, concise and profound teaching by Guru Rinpoche which condenses the entire path. Praised by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo as being more valuable than thirty yak loads of scriptures. Together with a commentary by Jamgon Kongtrul, it comprises the last volume in both the Rinchen Terdzo and the Chokling Tersar. [RY]
Orgyen (o rgyan). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Orgyen Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (o rgyan mchog gyur bde chen gling pa). See Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Orgyen Chokgyur Lingpa (o rgyan mchog gyur gling pa). See Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Orgyen Drodul Chokgyur Dechen Shikpo Lingpa (o rgyan 'gro 'dul mchog gyur bde chen zhig po gling pa). The full name of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Orgyen Padmakara (o rgyan pad ma ka ra). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Orgyen Rinpoche (o rgyan rin po che). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Orgyen Totreng Tsal (o rgyan thod phreng rtsal). The secret name of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Orgyen Tsewang Chokdrup (o rgyan tshe dbang mchog grub). The name of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Ornament of Jambudvipa ('dzam gling gi rgyan). Same as 'Dzamling Gyenchok.' [RY]
Outer and inner tantra sections (phyi nang gi rgyud sde). The three outer tantras are Kriya, Upa and Yoga. The three inner tantras are Maha, Anu and Ati. [RY]
Outer obstacles (phyi'i bar chad). Sickness etc. [RY]
Outer, inner and secret mandalas (phyi nang gsang gsum gyi man dal). [RY]
Outer, inner and secret obstacles. See explanation of Barchey Kunsel above. [RY]

P

Padma (pad ma). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padma Do-ngak Lingpa (padma mdo sngags gling pa). The terton name of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
Padma Osel Do-ngak Lingpa (padma 'od gsal mdo sngags gling pa). The terton name of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. [RY]
Padma Gargyi Wangpo (padma gar gyi dbang po). The name of Jamgon Kongtrul the first. [RY]
Padma Garwang Lodro Thaye (padma gar dbang blo gros mtha' yas). The name of Jamgon Kongtrul the first. [RY]
Padma Tennyi Yungdrung Lingpa (padma bstan gnyis g.yung drung gling pa). The terton name ofJamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. [RY]
Padma Thongdrol (padma mthong grol). The crown that liberates when seen worn by Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padma Totreng Tsal (padma thod phreng rtsal). The secret name of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padma Vajra (padma badzra). See Dechen Gyalpo. [RY]
Padmajala (padma drva ba). The name of the pure land of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padmakara (padma 'byung gnas). 'Lotus-born.' Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padmakara Totreng tsal (padma ka ra thod phreng rtsal). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Padmasambhava (padma 'byung gnas). 'Originated from a Lotus.' Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Pandita (mkhas pa). A learned master. Scholar, professor in Buddhist philosophy. [RY]
Pandita of Yanglesho (yang le shod kyi pan di ta). One of the Twelve manifestations. [RY]
Particular samayas (khyad par gyi dam tshig). [RY]
Path of the two stages (rim gnyis kyi lam). The two stages of development and completion which are the means and knowledge (prajna and upaya) of Vajrayana practice. [RY]
Paths (lam). The five paths of accumulation, of joining, of seeing, of cultivation and of no more learning. [RY]
Paths and bhumis (sa lam). The five paths and the ten bodhisattva levels. [RY]
Peaceful and wrathful ones (zhi khro). The 42 peaceful and 58 wrathful divinities. [RY]
Pearl Garland Tantra (mu tig phreng ba'i rgyud). One of the Dzogchen tantras. [RY]
Pema Jungney (pad ma 'byung gnas). One of the Twelve manifestations. [RY]
Perfect buddhahood (rdzogs pa'i sangs rgyas). The extinction of all faults and obscurations and the perfection of all enlightened qualities. [RY]
Phadampa (pha dam pa). An Indian mahasiddha who brought the Shijey (zhi byed) teachings to Tibet. [RY]
Phenomena (chos), (snang ba). Anything that can be experienced, thought of or known. [RY]
Power of remorse (sun 'byin pa'i stobs). [RY]
Power of resolution (dam bca' ba'i stobs). [RY]
Power of support (rten gyi stobs). [RY]
Power of the applied antidote (gnyen po kun tu spyod pa'i stobs). [RY]
Practice lineage (sgrub brgyud). The lineage of masters where the emphasis is on personal experience of the teachings as opposed to the scholastic lineage of expounding the scriptures]] (bshad brgyud). [RY]
Practice mandala (sgrub pa'i man dal). The mandala plate placed on the shrine during offerings. [RY]
Practice manuals for development and completion (bskyed rdzogs kyi las byang). Sadhana texts and liturgies of tantric practices. [RY]
Prahevajra (dga' rab rdo rje). The human recipient of the Dzogchen teachings. See Garab Dorje. [RY]
Prajna (shes rab). Knowledge or intelligence. In particular, the 'knowledge of realizing egolessness.' [RY]
Prajnaparamita (shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa). 'Transcendent knowledge.' The Mahayana teachings on insight into emptiness, transcending the fixation of subject, object and action. [RY]
Prana (rlung). The 'winds' or energy-currents of the vajra body. [RY]
Pratimoksha (so so thar pa). Individual Liberation, the seven sets of precepts for lay and ordained persons according to the vinaya. [RY]
Pratyekabuddha (rang sangs rgyas). A person who has reached perfection in the second Hinayana vehicle chiefly through contemplation on the twelve links of dependent origination in reverse order. [RY]
Precious Buddha (sangs rgyas dkon mchog). The state of buddhahood endowed with the perfect benefit for self and others. [RY]
Precious Dharma (chos dkon mchog). The truth consisting of statements and realization. [RY]
Precious Master of Uddiyana (o rgyan gyi slob dpon rin po che). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Precious Ones (dkon mchog). Same as the Three Jewels. For further details of their qualities, see Buddha Nature by Thrangu Rinpoche, Rangjung Yeshe Publications. [RY]
Precious Sangha (dge 'dun dkon mchog). Noble and accomplished practitioners endowed with the virtues of knowledge and liberation. [RY]
Preta (yi dvags). 'Hungry ghost.' One of the six classes of sentient beings. [RY]
Primordial Protector (mdod ma'i mgon po). The originally enlightened one, the adi-buddha. Same as the dharmakaya buddha, Samantabhadra. [RY]
Primordial purity (ka dag). The basic nature of sentient beings which is originally untainted by defilement; beyond confusion and liberation. [RY]
Prince brothers (rgyal mched). The three sons of King Trisong Deutsen: Muney Tsenpo, Murub Tsenpo and Mutri Tsenpo. [RY]
Prince Chokyi Lodro (rgyal sras chos kyi blo gros). The second son of King Trisong Deutsen who later incarnated as Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Prince Lhasey (lha sras). Same as Prince Chokyi Lodro. [RY]
Prince Murub (lha sras mu rub). The second son of King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Prince Yeshe Rolpa Tsal (lha sras rol pa rtsal). Same as Prince Chokyi Lodro. [RY]
Profound lineage of pure visions (zab mo dag snang gi brgyud pa). See Pure Vision. [RY]
Profound Path (zab lam). Here the name of a text. [RY]
Prophesied Transmission (bka' bab lung bstan). One of the six or nine lineages of the Nyingma School. [RY]
Protector Amitayus Boundless Life (mgon po tshe dpag med). [RY]
Pure vision (dag snang). The transmission within the pure experience of a master from another enlightened being. One of the six or nine lineages of the Nyingma School. [RY]
Purifying the obscurations (sgrib sbyong). The spiritual practices of clearing away what obscures the sugatagarbha, for example, the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva according to the 'special preliminaries.' [RY]

R

Raksha rosary (rak sha phreng ba). A mala made of a certain dried fruit. [RY]
Raksha Totreng (rak sha thod phreng). One of the Twelve manifestations. [RY]
Rangshar Tantra (rang shar gyi rgyud). One of the Dzogchen tantras. [RY]
Rasa Trulnang (ra sa 'phrul snang). A famous temple in Lhasa built by King Songtsen Gampo. [RY]
Ratna Shri (dkon mchog dpal sgron). The daughter of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Recitation dagger (bsnyen phur). [RY]
Recitation stage (bzlas pa'i rim pa). The part of sadhana practice which covers mantra recitation. [RY]
Red Rock Dense Tamarisk Forest (brag dmar 'om bus gtibs pa'i tshal). The location of the temple complex of Samye. [RY]
Refuge (skyabs 'gro). Placing one's confidence in the Precious Ones, the Three Jewels. [RY]
Representations of body, speech and mind (sku gsung thugs rten). For example: statues, scriptures and stupas. [RY]
Rikdu Root Tantra (rigs 'dus rtsa rgyud). [RY]
Ripening and liberation (smin grol). Ripening through empowerment and liberation through oral instructions. [RY]
Ripening empowerments (smin byed kyi dbang). The Vajrayana empowerments which ripens one's being with the capacity to realize the four kayas. [RY]
Root and branch samayas (rtsa ba dang yan lag gi dam tshig). [RY]
Root and subsidiary guidance texts (gzhung khrid dang yan lag). [RY]
Root of siddhis (dngos grub kyi rtsa ba). The yidam among the three roots. [RY]
Rudra (ru dra). The demon of ego-clinging. [RY]
Rudra Confession (ru dra sme bshags). A confession included in the Immaculate Confession Tantra (dri med bshags rgyud). [RY]
Rupakaya (gzugs kyi sku). 'Form body.' A collective term for both sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya. [RY]

S

Sadhana (sgrub thabs). 'Means of accomplishment.' Tantric liturgy and procedure for practice usually emphasizing the development stage. [RY]
Saha World (mi mjed kyi 'jig rten). Our known world system; the 'World of Endurance.' Saha can also means 'Undivided' because the karmas and kleshas, causes and effects, are not separately divided or differentiated. [RY]
Samadhi (ting nge 'dzin). 'Adhering to the continuity or evenness.' Usually translated as concentration or meditative absorption. [RY]
Samantabhadra (kun tu bzang po). The 'Ever-excellent One.' 1). The primordial dharmakaya buddha. 2. The bodhisattva Samantabhadra used as the example for the perfection of increasing an offering infinitely. [RY]
Samantabhadra offering cloud (kun bzang mchod sprin). An immense cloud of offering as emanated by the bodhisattva Samantabhadra. [RY]
Samaya (dam tshig). The sacred pledge, precepts or commitment of Vajrayana practice. Many details exists, but the samayas essentially consist of outwardly, maintaining harmonious relationship with the vajra master and one's Dharma friends and, inwardly, not straying from the continuity of the practice. [RY]
Samaya being (dam tshig sems dpa'), (dam tshig pa). The deity visualized by oneself. [RY]
Samaya beings and wisdom beings (dam ye), (dam tshig pa dang ye shes pa). The deity visualized by oneself and the intrinsic deity abiding in dharmadhatu. [RY]
Samaya perverters (dam sri). A certain malevolent spirit. [RY]
Samayasattva (dam tshig sems dpa'). See 'samaya being.' [RY]
Sambhogakaya (longs spyod rdzogs pa'i sku). The 'body of perfect enjoyment.' Of the five kayas of fruition, this is the semi-manifest form of the buddhas endowed with the 'five perfections' of perfect teacher, retinue, place, teaching and time which is perceptible only to bodhisattvas on the ten bhumis. [RY]
Sambhogakaya attire (longs spyod rdzogs pa'i chas). The five silken garments and the eight jewel ornaments. [RY]
Sambhogakaya Great Compassionate One (longs sku thugs rje chen po). Same as Avalokiteshvara. [RY]
Sampa Lhundrup (bsam pa lhun grub). A supplication to Guru Rinpoche as well as a terma of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Samsara ('khor ba). 'Cyclic existence,' 'vicious circle' or 'round' of births and deaths. The state of ordinary sentient beings fettered by ignorance and dualistic perception, karma and disturbing emotions. [RY]
Samsara and nirvana ('khor 'das). Pure and impure phenomena. [RY]
Samten Gyamtso (bsam gtan rgya mtsho). The root guru of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Samten Gyamtso Namkha Drimey (bsam gtan rgya mtsho nam mkha' dri med). See Samten Gyatso. [RY]
Samye (bsam yas). The temple built by King Trisong Deutsen and consecrated by Guru Rinpoche It is situated in Central Tibet close to Lhasa. [RY]
Samye Chimphu (bsam yas chims phu). A mountain retreat situated above the temple of Samye. [RY]
Sang-ngak Rinpoche (gsang sngags rin po che). The brother of Samten Gyatso. [RY]
Sangdog Palri (zangs mdog dpal ri). The Glorious Copper-colored Mountain, the pure land of Guru Rinpoche situated on the south-western continent of Chamara (rnga g.yab). [RY]
Sangha (dge 'dun). The community of practitioners. When taking refuge in the Noble Sangha, it means those who have achieved the path of seeing among the five paths and therefore are liberated from samsara. [RY]
Sangye Yeshe (sangs rgyas ye shes). See Nubchen Sangye Yeshe. [RY]
Sanskrit (legs sbyar gyi skad). The language of ancient India. [RY]
Sarma (gsar ma). See the New Schools. [RY]
Secret empowerment (gsang ba'i dbang). The second of the four empowerments. [RY]
Secret Mantra of the greater vehicle (theg pa chen po'i gsang sngags). Vajrayana when regarded as a part of Mahayana. Mantra in this context means supreme, excellent or praiseworthy. [RY]
Secret or innermost obstacles (gsang ba'i bar chad). The habitual tendency for grasping and fixation. [RY]
Seed-samadhi (rgyu'i ting nge 'dzin). The third of the three samadhis. [RY]
Self-entity (rang bzhin). An inherently existent and independent entity of the individual self or of phenomena. [RY]
Self-existing wisdom (rang byung ye shes). Basic wakefulness that is independent of intellectual constructs. [RY]
Sense bases (skye mched), ayatana. The five senses and their five objects as well as the mental faculty and mental objects. [RY]
Seven kinds of vows of the pratimoksha (so so thar pa'i ris bdun). Seven sets of vows for ordained monks and nuns as well as for lay people. [RY]
Seven noble riches ('phags pa'i nor bdun). The richness of faith, discipline, diligence, modesty, learning, generosity and intelligence. [RY]
Seven qualities of a high rebirth (mtho ris yon tan bdun). Noble family, beautiful bodily form, long life-span, no illness, good fortune, abundant wealth and great intelligence. [RY]
Seven royal possessions (rgyal srid sna bdun). The precious wheel, jewel, minister, horse, elephant, queen and general. [RY]
Seven transmissions (bka' babs bdun). Canonical lineage, reveled treasure, rediscovered treasure, mind treasure, recollection, pure vision and hearing lineage. [RY]
Shakyamuni (sha kya thub pa). Buddha Shakyamuni, our historical buddha. [RY]
Shantarakshita (zhi ba 'tsho). The Indian pandita and abbot of Samye who ordained the first Tibetan monks. [RY]
Shantideva (zhi ba lha). A great learned and realized Indian master. [RY]
Sheldam Nyingjang Yishin Norbu (zhal gdams snying byang yid bzhin nor bu). The Wishfulfilling Jewel Essence Manual of Oral Instruction, the major text among the collection of treasures belonging to Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel. It is the first volume in the New Delhi edition of the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa (mchog gling gter gsar). [RY]
Short lineage of Terma (nye brgyud gter ma). The Dharma treasures concealed chiefly by Guru Rinpoche to be discovered in the future by a terton, a treasure revealer. [RY]
Shravaka (nyan thos). 'Hearer' or 'listener.' The practitioners of the the First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma on the four noble truths. [RY]
Shri Dipam (dpal sgron). The daughter of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Shri Guhyagarbha (dpal gsang ba snying po). An important [[]]Nyingma tantra. [RY]
Shri Heruka (dpal chen he ru ka). The wrathful form of Buddha Vairochana. [RY]
Shri Singha. Skt. One of the masters in the lineage of Mahasandhi or Dzogchen who was a disciple of Manjushrimitra and also the root guru of Padmasambhava. [RY]
Shri Vajrasattva (dpal ldan rdo rje sems dpa'). [RY]
Shrine mandala (rten gyi man dal). The mandala plate placed on the shrine during offerings. [RY]
Siddha (grub thob). 'Accomplished one.' Someone who has attained siddhi; an accomplished master. [RY]
Siddhi rastu. "May it be accomplished!" [RY]
Siddhis (dngos grub). The supreme and common accomplishments]]. The supreme siddhi is the accomplishment of complete enlightenment. The common siddhis are usually eight types of miraculous powers. [RY]
Sign Lineage of the Vidyadharas (rig 'dzin brda brgyud). The second of the three lineages. [RY]
Six classes of beings ('gro ba rigs drug). Gods, demi-gods, human beings, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings. [RY]
Six great qualities (che ba drug). The sixfold greatness of the Early Translations: The sponsor who invited, the place of translation, the translators, the panditas, the offering gifts and the translated teachings. [RY]
Six Lineage Traditions (brgyud pa'i bka' srol drug). The buddha's mind lineage, the vidyadhara's sign lineage, the oral lineage of great masters, the dakini's entrustment lineage, the empowered aspiration lineage, the yellow parchment lineage. There are other alternative lists. See Tulku Thondrup's Hidden Teachings of Tibet, Wisdom Publications. [RY]
Six lineages (brgyud pa drug). See Six Lineage Traditions. [RY]
Six Ornaments and the Two Supreme Ones (rgyan drug mchog gnyis). The six ornaments are Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, Dignaga, Vasubhandu and Dharmakirti. The two supreme ones are Shakyaprabha and Gunaprabha. [RY]
Six sense perceptions (tshogs drug gi snang ba). The experiences of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures and mental objects. [RY]
Six Syllables (yi ge drug pa). The mantra of Avalokiteshvara: Om Mani Padma Hung. [RY]
Six tantra sections (rgyud sde drug). The three outer tantras of Kriya, Upa and Yoga and the three inner tantras of Maha, Anu and Ati. [RY]
Six Vajra Lines (rdo rje tshig rkang drug). The supplication to Guru Rinpoche called Dusum Sangye. [RY]
Six worlds ('jig rten drug). The realms of the six classes of beings. [RY]
Sixteen arhants (gnas brtan bcu drug). Also known as the Sixteen Sthaviras. [RY]
Sky-faced One (gnam zhal ma). The consort of Kalden Drendsey. [RY]
Slayer of Demons (bdud kyi bshed chen). One of the Twelve manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. Same as Dukyi Shechen. [RY]
So Zur Nub Nyang (so zur bsnubs nyag). Great masters in the Nyingma lineage. [RY]
Special preliminaries (thun min gyi sngon 'gro). The refuge, bodhichitta, Vajrasattva mantra, mandala offering and guru yoga. For further details see 'Torch of Certainty,' Shambhala Publications. [RY]
Spiritual life-force (thugs srog). The seed syllable usually in the heart center of the deity. [RY]
Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes (bsam pa lhun grub). A supplication to Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Stages of development and completion (bskyed rdzogs kyi rim pa). The two main aspects of Vajrayana practice. [RY]
Stainless Sutra (dri ma med pa'i mdo). [RY]
Statements and realization (lung rtogs). The authoritative scriptures and the realization of the Dharma in the minds of noble beings. [RY]
Style of the Trikaya Jewel (sku gsum nor bu'i lugs). The manner of visualization in which the root guru is regarded as the embodiment of the three kayas. [RY]
Subsidiary empowerments (yan lag gi dbang). [RY]
Suchness (de bzhin nyid). Synonym for emptiness or the 'nature of things,' dharmata, it can also be used to describe the unity of dependent origination and emptiness. [RY]
Suchness samadhi (de bzhin nyid kyi ting nge 'dzin). The first of the three samadhis. [RY]
Suffering of change ('gyur ba'i sdug bsngal). 'That which is pleasant when arising and remaining but painful when ceasing.' Mainly the suffering of the three higher realms. [RY]
Suffering upon suffering (sdug bsngal gyi sdug bsngal). 'That which is painful when arising and remaining but pleasant when ceasing.' Mainly the suffering of the three lower realms. [RY]
Sugata (bde bar gshegs pa). 'Blissfully gone.' Same as a buddha. [RY]
Sugatagarbha (bde gshegs snying po). Another word for buddha nature, the enlightened essence inherent in sentient beings. [RY]
Sukha Dharma (bde chen chos sgron). The consort of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Sumeru (ri rab). The mountain in the center of the four continents. [RY]
Summit of existence (srid pa'i rtse mo). The highest of the four formless realms. [RY]
Support for the Accumulations (tshogs rten). Same as the objects of refuge. [RY]
Supreme and common siddhis (mchog dang thun mong gi dngos grub). Enlightenment and mundane accomplishments. [RY]
Supreme Mountain (ri mchog). Same as Sumeru. [RY]
Supreme siddhi (mchog gi dngos grub). The state of complete enlightenment. [RY]
Supreme siddhi of Mahamudra (phyag rgya chen po mchog gi dngos grub). See supreme siddhi. [RY]
Supreme vidyadhara (rig 'dzin mchog). See vidyadhara. [RY]
Sutra (mdo). Discourse or teaching by the Buddha. Also refers to all the causal teachings that take the cause as whole the path. [RY]
Sutra and Mantra (mdo dang sngags). Sutra refers to the teachings of both Hinayana and Mahayana. Mantra refers to Vajrayana. [RY]
Sutra of One Hundred Karmas (mdo sde las brgya pa). [RY]
Sutra on Blossoming in the Direction of the Great Liberation (thar pa chen po'i phyogs tu rgyas pa'i mdo). [RY]
Sutra on the Recollection of the Three Jewels (dkon mchog rjes dran gyi mdo). [RY]
Sutra Requested by Wisdom Ocean (ye shes rgya mtsho zhus pa'i mdo). [RY]
Sutralamkara (mdo sde rgyan). One of the five works of Maitreya. [RY]
Svabhavikakaya (ngo bo nyid kyi sku). The 'essence body.' Sometimes counted as the fourth kaya, the unity of the first three. [RY]

T

Tantra (rgyud). The Vajrayana teachings given by the Buddha in his sambhogakaya form. Literally 'continuity,' tantra means the buddha nature, the 'tantra of the expressed meaning.' Generally the extraordinary tantric scriptures that are exalted above the sutras, the 'tantra of the expressing words.' Can also refer to all the resultant teachings that take the result as the path as a whole. [RY]
Tantra and Sadhana Section (rgyud sde dang sgrub sde). The two aspects of Mahayoga. [RY]
Tantras, statements and instructions (rgyud lung man ngag). Refer to the teachings of Mahayoga, Anuyoga and Ati Yoga respectively. [RY]
Tantric samayas of the vidyadharas (rig 'dzin sngags kyi dam tshig). The commitments of a Vajrayana practitioner. [RY]
Tantric sections (rgyud sde). The four or six sections of tantras. [RY]
Tantrika Dorje Dudjom (sngags pa rdo rje bdud 'joms). See Dorje Dudjom. [RY]
Tathagata (de bzhin gshegs pa). 'Thus-gone.' Same as a fully enlightened buddha. [RY]
Ten bhumis (sa bcu). The ten bodhisattva levels: The Joyous, the Stainless, the Radiant, the Brilliant, the Hard to Conquer, the Realized, the Reaching Far, the Unshakable, the Good Intelligence, and the Cloud of Dharma. [RY]
Ten glorious ornaments (dpal gyi chas bcu). Ornaments worn by a wrathful buddha. [RY]
Ten riches ('byor ba bcu). The five riches from others are: a buddha appears, teaches the Dharma, the teachings remain, there are followers, and there are teachers with the kindness to teach. The five riches from oneself are: To be a human being, born in a central country, having the physical and mental faculties intact, not having a perverted livelihood, and having trust in the Three Jewels. [RY]
Tennyi Yungdrung Lingpa (bstan gnyis g.yung drung gling pa). The terton name of Jamgon Kongtrul the first. [RY]
Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa (gter chen mchog gyur gling pa). The great treasure revealer Chokgyur Lingpa. See Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche's book: The Life and Teaching of Chokgyur Lingpa, Rangjung Yeshe Publications. [RY]
Terma (gter ma). The transmission through concealed treasures hidden, mainly by Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal for the benefit of future disciples. [RY]
Terma root text Sheldam Nyingjang Yishin Norbu (gter gzhung zhal gdams snying byang yid bzhin nor bu). See Sheldam Nyingjang Yishin Norbu. [RY]
Tersey Choktrul Rinpoche (gter sras mchog sprul rin po che). A great lama and brother of Samten Gyatso. [RY]
Talgyur (thal 'gyur). An important Dzogchen tantra. [RY]
Thirty-two major marks (mtshan gsum bcu so gnyis). The perfect marks of a buddha. [RY]
Totreng Tsal (thod phreng rtsal). The secret name of Guru Rinpoche and also the long Guru Rinpoche mantra in the context of Tukdrub Trinley Nyingpo. [RY]
Three Dharma robes (chos gos gsum). [RY]
Three excellencies (dam pa gsum). The excellent beginning of bodhichitta, the excellent main part of nonconceptualization and the excellent conclusion of dedicating the merit. [RY]
Three Family Lords (rigs gsum mgon po). Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani. [RY]
Three Great Tertons (gter chen gsum). Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul and Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Three inner tantras (nang rgyud sde gsum). Maha, Anu, and Ati Yoga. [RY]
Three Jewels (dkon mchog gsum). The Precious Buddha, the Precious Dharma and the Precious Sangha. [RY]
Three kayas (sku gsum). Dharmakaya, sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya. The three kayas as ground are 'essence, nature, and capacity,' as path they are 'bliss, clarity and nonthought,' and as fruition they are the 'three kayas of buddhahood.' [RY]
Three mysteries (gsang ba gsum). The vajra body, speech and mind. [RY]
Three poisons (dug gsum). Attachment, anger and stupidity. [RY]
Three Precious Ones (dkon mchog gsum). The Precious Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. [RY]
Three realms (khams gsum). The realms of desire, form and formlessness. [RY]
Three Roots (rtsa ba gsum). Guru, Yidam and Dakini. The Guru is the root of blessings, the Yidam of accomplishment, and the Dakini of activity. [RY]
Three samadhis (ting nge 'dzin gsum). The samadhi of suchness, of illumination and of the seed-syllable. [RY]
Three secrets (gsang ba gsum). Same as the three mysteries. [RY]
Three sections (sde gsum). The three divisions of Dzogchen: Mind Section, Space Section and Instruction Section. Also the name of an important terma of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Three sufferings (sdug bsngal gsum). The suffering upon suffering, the suffering of change, and the all-pervasive suffering of formations. [RY]
Three trainings (bslab pa gsum). The training of discipline, training of samadhi and training of discriminating knowledge. [RY]
Three transmissions of the teachings (bka'i brgyud pa gsum). Buddhas' mind transmission, vidyadharas' sign transmission and great masters' oral transmission. [RY]
Three vehicles (theg pa gsum). Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. [RY]
Three vows (sdom pa gsum). The Hinayana vows of individual liberation, the Mahayana trainings of the bodhisattva and the Vajrayana samayas of the vidyadhara. [RY]
Three worlds ('jig rten gsum). The three spheres of gods, humans and nagas. [RY]
Three Yogas of Continual Practice (khyer so gsum gyi rnal 'byor). Perceiving appearances as deities and pure lands, sounds as mantra and thoughts as wisdom. [RY]
Threefold Excellence (dam pa gsum). The excellent beginning of bodhicitta, the excellent main part of nonconceptualization and the excellent conclusion of dedication. Also called the three excellencies. [RY]
Threefold faith (dad pa gsum). Admiring, yearning and trusting faith. [RY]
Tilopa. Skt. Indian mahasiddha, the guru of Naropa, father of the Kagyu lineage. [RY]
Ting O Barma (mthing 'od 'bar ma). The consort of Raksha Totreng. [RY]
Traktung Pawo (khrag 'thung dpa' bo). The name of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje. [RY]
Translator from Langdro (lang gro lo tsa ba). One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Transmission of the four rivers of Secret Mantra (gsang sngags chu bo bzhi'i bka' babs). Tantra, vajra master, life and awareness. [RY]
Treasure lords (gter bdag). The guardians of the terma teachings. [RY]
Treasure revealer (gter ston). The master who reveals a terma teaching. [RY]
Trikaya Guru (sku gsum bla ma). Literally, the master of the three bodies; the master who is the embodiment of dharmakaya, sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya. In the context Lamey Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel, it can also refer to the gurus of the three kayas, i.e. Amitabha as the dharmakaya, Avalokiteshvara as the sambhogakaya and Padmakara as the nirmanakaya. [RY]
Trinley Drodul Tsal (phrin las 'gro 'dul rtsal). Another name of Chokgyur Lingpa [RY]
Trinley Nyingpo (phrin las snying po). The Essence Practice. The short version of the guru sadhana of Barchey Kunsel. [RY]
Tripitaka (sde snod gsum). The three collections of teachings; vinaya, sutra and abhidharma. [RY]
Trisong Deutsen (khri srong de'u btsan). (790-844). The king of Tibet who invited Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
True meaning (nges don). The definitive meaning as opposed to the expedient meaning or relative meaning. [RY]
Truly high (mngon mtho). The three higher realms of humans, demigods and gods. [RY]
Tsa-lung (rtsa rlung). Nadi and prana, the channels and energies. [RY]
Tsangsar Ngaktrin Lama (gtsang gsar ngag phrin bla ma). Son of Chokgyur Lingpa's daughter and root guru of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, also known as Samten Gyamtso. [RY]
Tsewang Chokdrub Palbar (tshe dbang mchog grub dpal 'bar). The name of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Tsewang Drakpa (tshe dbang grags pa). Son of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Tsewang Norbu (tshe dbang nor bu). Son of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Tsogyal (mtsho rgyal). Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, the close disciple of Guru Rinpoche who compiled the major part of his teachings. [RY]
Tulku (sprul sku). Literally, 'apparitional body.' Can refer to an incarnated bodhisattva who works for the welfare of sentient beings, or to the nirmanakaya manifested by a buddha. [RY]
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (sprul sku u rgyan rin po che). A contemporary master of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, who lives at Nagi Gompa in Nepal. [RY]
Tulku Urgyen Tsewang Chokdrup Rinpoche (sprul sku u rgyan tshe dbang mchog grub rin po che). The long name of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Twelve main aspects (gtso bo bcu gnyis). They are also called 'the twelve manifestations']] (rnam 'phrul bcu gnyis). They are twelve different forms of Guru Rinpoche as a 'magical net of emanations to tame beings according to their needs. Inner cycle: 1. rgyal ba'i gdung 'dzin: east. 2. smra ba'i seng ge south: 3. skyes mchog tshul bzang: west. 4. bdud kyi gshed chen: north. Outer cycle: 5. 'dzam gling rgyan mchog: east. 6. padma 'byung gnas: south. 7. khyad par 'phags pa'i rig 'dzin: west. 8. rdzu 'phrul mthu chen: north. Intermediate directions: 9. rig 'dzin rdo rje drag rtsal: south east. 10. skal ldan 'dren mdzad: south west. 11. raksha thod phreng: north west. Twelve. bde chen rgyal po: north east [RY]
Twelve manifestations (rnam 'phrul bcu gnyis). See Twelve main aspects. [RY]
Twelve qualities (yan lag bcu gnyis). The Twelve aspects of the Excellent Speech of the Buddha. [RY]
Twenty-one Adepts (mkhas pa nyer gcig). Masters of the Mind Section and Space Section of Dzogchen [RY]
Two accumulations (tshogs gnyis). The accumulations of merit and of wisdom. [RY]
Two kayas (sku gnyis). Dharmakaya realized for the benefit of self and rupakaya manifested for the welfare of others. [RY]
Two profound stages (zab mo'i rim pa gnyis). The development stage and completion stage. [RY]
Two stages (rim gnyis). The development stage and completion stage. [RY]
Two supreme shravakas (nyan thos mchog gnyis). Shariputra and Maudgalaputra Two close disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. [RY]

U

Uddiyana (u rgyan), (o rgyan). The country to the north-west of ancient India where Guru Rinpoche was born on a lotus flower. [RY]
Udumvara. Skt. 'Especially eminent' or 'supremely exalted.' This flower is said to appear and bloom only accompanying the appearance of a fully enlightened buddha. [RY]
Unexcelled enlightenment (bla na med pa'i byang chub). Complete and perfect buddhahood. [RY]
Unified level of Vajradhara (zung 'jug rdo rje 'chang gi go 'phang). Synonymous to the state of complete enlightenment. The unity of kaya and wisdom in which kaya (sku) is emptiness endowed with all the supreme aspects and wisdom (ye shes) is the mind of unchanging great bliss. [RY]
Universal ruler ('khor lo sgyur ba'i rgyal po). [RY]
Upa (gnyis ka). The second of the three outer tantras. [RY]
Upachamara. Skt. One of the eight subcontinents. [RY]
Urgyen Tsewang Chokdrub (u rgyan tshe dbang mchog grub). The name of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. [RY]
Uttara-Kuru. Skt. One of the four continents. [RY]
Uttara-mantrina. Skt. One of the eight subcontinents. [RY]
Vairotsana (rnam par snang mdzad). The great translator at the time of King Trisong Deutsen. [RY]
Vajra (rdo rje). Literally, 'diamond,' 'king of stones.' As an adjective it means indestructible, invincible, firm etc. There is the ultimate vajra of emptiness, the conventional vajra of material substance with attributes, and the apparent symbolic or labelled vajra of the name. [RY]
Vajra Arrayed Palace of Guhyamantra (gsang sngags rdo rje bkod pa'i pho brang). The residence of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Vajra consort (rdo rje'i gzungs ma). A spiritual attendant in Vajrayana practice. [RY]
Vajra Guru mantra (badzra gu ru sngags). Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hung. [RY]
Vajra Kumara (rdo rje gzhon nu). Same as Vajra Kilaya/ Dorje Phurba. [RY]
Vajra master (rdo rje slob dpon). A tantric master who is adept in the rituals and meaning of vajrayana. The master from whom one receives tantric teachings. [RY]
Vajra Verse Supplication (rdo rje tshig gi gsol 'debs). Same as Dusum Sangye. [RY]
Vajra-holder of Uddiyana (o rgyan rdo rje 'chang). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Vajradhara (rdo rje 'chang). The dharmakaya buddha of the Sarma Schools. Can also refer to one's personal teacher of Vajrayana. [RY]
Vajradhara of Uddiyana (o rgyan rdo rje 'chang). One of the names of Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Vajradhatu mandala (rdo rje dbyings kyi dkyil 'khor). An important sadhana of Mahayoga. [RY]
Vajrapani (phyag na rdo rje). One of the eight great bodhisattvas. [RY]
Vajrasattva (rdo rje sems dpa'). A sambhogakaya buddha who embodies all the five families. He is also a major source of purification practices. [RY]
Vajrasattva of Great Bliss (rdor sems bde ba chen po). Another name for Vajrasattva. [RY]
Vajratopa (rdo rje snyems ma). The consort of Vajrasattva. [RY]
Vajrayana (rdo rje theg pa). The 'vajra vehicle.' The practices of taking the result as the path. Same as 'Secret Mantra.' [RY]
Varahi (phag mo). Vajra Varahi/ Dorje Phagmo. An important female yidam/ dakini. [RY]
Vase empowerment (bum pa'i dbang). The first of the four empowerments. [RY]
Vehicle (theg pa). The practice of a set of teachings which 'carries' one to the level of fruition. [RY]
Victorious One (rgyal ba). Same as Buddha Shakyamuni. [RY]
Victorious ones and their sons (rgyal ba sras bcas). Same as buddhas and bodhisattvas. [RY]
Videha. Skt. One of the eight subcontinents. [RY]
Vidyadhara (rig 'dzin). 'Knowledge-holder,' holder]] (dhara) or bearer of knowledge vidya mantra. A master on one of the four stages on the tantric path of Mahayoga, the four vidyadhara levels: 'fully matured,' 'life-mastery,' 'great seal,' and 'spontaneously accomplished'; (rnam smin), (tshe dbang), (phyag chen), (lhun grub). [RY]
Vidyadhara Padmakara (rig 'dzin pad ma 'byung gnas). Same as Guru Rinpoche. [RY]
Vima. Skt. Short for Vimalamitra. [RY]
Vimalamitra (dri med bshes gnyen). A Dzogchen master who was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Deutsen. One of the three main forefathers of the Dzogchen teachings, especially Nyingtig, in Tibet. [RY]
Vinaya ('dul ba). 'Discipline.' One of the three parts of the Tripitaka. [RY]
Vowels and consonants (dbyangs gsal,]] ali kali. The Sanskrit alphabet of 16 vowels and 30 consonants. [RY]
Wangchok Dorje (dbang mchog rdo rje). A son of Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Wealth gods (nor lha). [RY]
White princess (lha lcam dkar mo). Same as Mandarava. [RY]
Wisdom being (ye shes sems dpa', ye shes pa). The real deity abiding in dharmadhatu. [RY]
Wisdom of equality (mnyam nyid ye shes). One of the five wisdoms. The transmutation of pride. [RY]
Wisdom-knowledge empowerment (shes rab ye shes kyi dbang). The third of the four empowerments. [RY]
Wishgranting cow ('dod 'jo'i ba). [RY]
Wishfulfilling gem (yid bzhin nor bu). [RY]
Wishfulfilling tree (dpag bsam gyi shing). [RY]
Written Lineage of Yellow Parchment (shog ser tshig brgyud). One of the six or nine lineages of the Nyingma School. The teachings written down on yellow parchment and concealed as terma for later discovery and propagation. [RY]
Yama (gshin rje). The Lord of Death. [RY]
Yana (theg pa). The 'carrying,' 'vehicle.' A set of teachings which enable one to journey towards rebirth in the higher realms, liberation from samsara or complete buddhahood. [RY]
Yangdag Heruka (yang dag he ru ka). / Vishuddha Heruka. One of the Eight Sadhana Teachings. The wrathful deity of vajra mind. [RY]
Yeshe Rolpa Tsal (ye shes rol pa rtsal). The second son of King Trisong Deutsen who later incarnated as Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa. [RY]
Yeshe Tsogyal (ye shes mtsho rgyal). The close female disciple of Guru Rinpoche and compiler of his teachings. [RY]
Yidam (yi dam). A personal deity and the root of accomplishment among the three roots. [RY]
Yoga (rnal 'byor). The third of the three outer tantras: Kriya, Upa and Yoga. [RY]
Yogin (rnal 'byor pa). Tantric practitioner. [RY]
Yudra Nyingpo One of the Twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. He was also one of the main lineage holders of the translator Vairotsana. [RY]

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