Glossary: K.
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.
Kāma. This is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning “love” or “desire”, especially of a sexual nature. Not to be confused with karma. It is a major hindrance to bodhi. See also: āśrava.
Kamma. See: karma.
Karma. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “action”. The Pali word is kamma. Not to be confused with kāma. This is the natural law of cause and effect that governs the physical universe. It is also the moral law of action and consequence. Those effects and consequences which do not play out in the current lifetime cause rebirth. A person who has realised bodhi and entered Nirvana does not generate karmic consequences. Action here means thoughts, words and deeds which are freely chosen and intended. ‘Bad’ action stems from the akuśala-mūla, the Three Roots of Evil. ‘Good’ action stems from the kuśala-mūla, the Three Virtuous Roots. Individuals, groups, nations and so on all entail these consequences. Nourishment of these roots over time and lifetimes become ingrained dispositions. It is often misunderstood as “fate” or as “the will of God/the gods”. See also: punarbhava, samsara, saṃskāra.
Karuṇā. This is a Sanskrit word for “compassion”. With prajñā, insight or wisdom, it is the most important virtue in Buddhism. Karuṇā is especially important in the Mahayana branch. It is essential for realisation of bodhi, enlightenment. It is out of karuṇā that a Bodhisattva vows to put off final Nirvana until all have been liberated. See also: maitrī.
Khandha. See: Skandha.
Khanti. See: kṣānti.
Kilesa. See: kleśa.
Kindness. See: maitrī.
Kleśa. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “affliction”. The Pali word is kilesa. This is word for the defilements, vices or negative tendencies. They are tṛṣṇā, craving or greed, dveṣa, hatred or anger, and avidyā, illusion or delusion. These are the akuśala-mūla, the Three Roots of Evil. They are countered by the kuśala-mūla, the Three Roots of Virtue.
Kṣānti. This is a Sanskrit word for “patient acceptance”, “endurance” or “tolerance”. The Pali word is khanti. It is an important virtue that counters dveṣa, “anger” or “hatred”.
Kusala-mūla. See: kuśala-mūla.
Kuśala-mūla. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “three roots of virtue”. The Pali word is kusala-mūla. These are the antidotes to the akuśala-mūla, the Three Roots of Evil. They are: dāna, generosity, which counters tṛṣṇā, craving or greed; kṣānti, patience or tolerance, which counters dveṣa, hatred or anger; and prajñā, insight or wisdom, which counters avidyā, ignorance or delusion. See also: śīla.