Glossary: B.
The glossary is a simple dictionary of terms you will find in Buddhism. You may not find an entry you're looking for. This is because I haven't included it yet. This is so, even if you've clicked a link to it elsewhere. So, if you can't find an entry today, try again at a later date.
Bodhi. This is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning “to awaken”. Bodhi is usually translated into English as “awakening”, “enlightenment” or “liberation”. Realisation of bodhi is the goal of Buddhism. It is the realisation of the ‘Ultimate Reality’ of our own mind and of the world. Those who have realised bodhi are called Arhats or Bodhisattvas according to which tradition they followed. A Buddha is also someone who has realised Bodhi but who has done so on his or her own. See also: Nirvana.
Bodhichitta. See: bodhicitta.
Bodhicitta. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “thought of awakening”. It is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhism, meaning the state of mind of a Bodhisattva. According to the satya-dvaya or “two truths” it has two aspects. The first is the relative aspect of mind directed towards bodhi. The second is the ultimate aspect of mind whose intrinsic nature is bodhi. The relative aspect also has two further aspects. The first is the bodhicitta of aspiration, Praṇidhāna, when the Bodhisattva announces his intention to join the Bodhisattva path. The second is the bodhicitta of application, when the Bodhisattva engages in the path.
Bodhisatta. See: Bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “one who is oriented towards bodhi”. The Pali word is bodhisatta. The Bodhisattva begins his spiritual career by taking the Praṇidhāna, the Bodhisattva Vows. These vary according to the tradition the person follows. The term is often restricted to those who have realised bodhi. The Bodhisattva is the ideal in the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. The Bodhisattva vows not to enter “Nirvana without remainder” after death. Instead, he or she chooses to be born into samsara until all beings are liberated. Compare: Arhat.
Bodhisattva Vows. See: Praṇidhāna.
Buddha. This is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning “one who has awakened”. 1. “The Buddha”. The Buddha was the historical founder of Buddhism. See Gautama, Siddhārtha. 2. “A Buddha”. In Buddhist tradition anyone can become a Buddha. But most traditions see this as a task that takes many lifetimes. A Buddha is someone who has realised bodhi to the same level as the Buddha on his or her own. Others who have realised bodhi are called Arhats or Bodhisattvas, according to which tradition they followed. See also: Nirvana.
Buddha-dharma. See: Buddhism.
Buddha, Gautama. See: Buddha, in sense 2, and Gautama, Siddhārtha.
Buddha, Gotama. See: Buddha, in sense 2, and Gautama, Siddhārtha.
Buddha-śāsana. See Buddhism.
Buddhavacana. See Buddhism.
Buddhism. The English name for a vast tradition or religion founded in India in the fifth century bce. The man known as “The Buddha” by tradition is its founder. Buddhism is broadly divided into two branches; the Theravada and Mahayana. Both share the goal of Bodhi. The nucleus of Buddhism is the triratna, the “Three Jewels.” See also: Buddha, in sense 2, and Gautama, Siddhārtha.