Glossary: M.
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.
Madhyamā-pratipad. This is a Sanskrit word translated as “the Middle Way”. The Pali word is majjhimā-paṭipadā. This is a concept that resonates throughout Buddhist teachings. It stands for the whole of Buddhism. It emphasises a spiritual path of moderation and steering between conflicting extremes. An important distinction of Buddhism is between that of a self or soul, ātman, that is annihilated at death and one that is reincarnated and continues eternally. The Buddhist teaching of anātman rejects both extremes in favour of punarbhava, rebecoming or rebirth.
Mahayana. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “great vehicle”. It is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being the Theravada. It is also the younger by some centuries, and is also called “Northern Buddhism”. The Mahayana includes many schools such as those of Zen and the Vajrayāna; Tibetan Buddhism. The Mahayana stresses the Bodhisattva ideal, rather than that of the Arhat. Sanskrit is the language used in Mahayana sūtras.
Maitrī. This is a Sanskrit word meaning “loving-kindness”. The Pali word is metta. It is loving-kindness, as in the disposition of a friend. It is a key virtue in Buddhism, to be directed towards all without attachment or thought of personal gain.
Majjhimā-paṭipadā. See: madhyamā-pratipad.
Marks. See: trilakṣaṇa.
Meditation. See: dhyāna.
Metta. See: maitrī.
Middle way. See: madhyamā-pratipad.
Moha. This is a Pali word meaning “delusion”. It is synonymous with avidyā, ignorance.
Morality. See: śīla.
Motivation. See: chanda.
Motive. See: chanda.