| B |
 Explanation |
|
Bardo |
Literally, "between two". In general, any interval, "a between". Six bardos are
usually spoken of in the  Vajrayana teachings:
- The Death Process. The interval from the moment when the individual begins to die
until the moment when the separation of the mind and body takes place.
- The Cho Nyi Bardo. The interval of the ultimate nature of phenomena (the Dharmadata), when the mind is plunged into its own nature. The first phase of the after-death experience.
- The Bardo of Becoming. The interval in which the mind moves towards rebirth.
- The Bardo between Birth and Death. Ordinary waking consciousness during the present lifetime.
- Dream. The dream state we experience in sleep.
- Meditative Concentration. The state of meditative stability.
In the west "bardo" is usually referred to only the first three of these, that is, the states
between death and rebirth. These states are no more and no less illusory than dreams and ordinary waking consciousness. |
|
Bhumi |
Literally "ground". One of the ten stages of realization and activity through which a
Bodhisattva progresses towards Enlightenment. The ten bhumis are:
- The Supremely joyful
- The Stainless
- The Illuminating
- The Radiant
- Very Difficult to Train For
- The Manifesting
- The Far Going
- The Unwavering
- Excellent Intelligence
- Cloud of Dharma
|
|
Bodhicitta |
The Enlightened Attitude Proclaimed by the Mahayana - the aspiration to rescue all sentient beings from the sufferings of cyclic existence and bring them to Enlightenment, and preserverance in deeds and practice towards that end. The development of Bodhicitta is an indispensable part of all Vajrayana practice as well. |
|
Bodhisattva |
One who has taken the great vow to rescue all beings from suffering and guide them to enlightenment. |
