KKBN: Glossary of Buddhist Terms

Glossary of Buddhist Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

T Explanation

Tantra The root scriptures of Link-Ref Vajrayana Buddhism. The texts are ascribed to the Buddha Shakyamuni in various of his manifestations, and each usually describes the mandala and practice associated with a particular enlightened being. The word "tantra" literally means "thread" or "continuity."

Tara A female Bodhisattva of Compassion, specially associated with the ability to protect her devotees and rescue them from suffering, fears and dangers.

Tathagata The "Thus-gone" one, an epithet for a Buddha.

Tathagatagarbha The seed of Enlightenment, the potential for Buddhahood in every sentient being.

Terton A discoverer of hidden texts understood to have been concealed by great teachers of the past in various ways, until the time when they could be understood and applied.

Tulku Emanation, appearance and manifestation body. "Tul" or "Trul" means: similar to something else, but not the same. "Ku" means: body .

In general, a Tulku is a teacher, who chose to be born again (reincarnate) as a human being in order to benefit all beings. Great examples of Tulkus are the various Karmapas.
One distinguishes between different types of Tulkus:

Choki Tulku, for example the Buddha Shakyamuni
Kyewa Tulku: different teachers and other people, who act in the best interest of all, for example the various Karmapas.
Sowo Tulku: things that were created, for example texts or statues.
Ngagtsog Tulku: things that manifest themselves due to the wishes of Buddhas, for example a bridge appearing over a river.

T	Explanation
Tantra	The root scriptures of Vajrayana Buddhism. The texts are ascribed to the Buddha Shakyamuni in various of his manifestations, and each usually describes the mandala and practice associated with a particular enlightened being. The word "tantra" literally means "thread" or "continuity."
Tara	A female Bodhisattva of Compassion, specially associated with the ability to protect her devotees and rescue them from suffering, fears and dangers.
Tathagata	The "Thus-gone" one, an epithet for a Buddha.
Tathagatagarbha	The seed of Enlightenment, the potential for Buddhahood in every sentient being.
Terton	A discoverer of hidden texts understood to have been concealed by great teachers of the past in various ways, until the time when they could be understood and applied.
Tulku	Emanation, appearance and manifestation body. "Tul" or "Trul" means: similar to something else, but not the same. "Ku" means: body . In general, a Tulku is a teacher, who chose to be born again (reincarnate) as a human being in order to benefit all beings. Great examples of Tulkus are the various Karmapas. One distinguishes between different types of Tulkus: Choki Tulku, for example the Buddha Shakyamuni Kyewa Tulku: different teachers and other people, who act in the best interest of all, for example the various Karmapas. Sowo Tulku: things that were created, for example texts or statues. Ngagtsog Tulku: things that manifest themselves due to the wishes of Buddhas, for example a bridge appearing over a river.