Buddhist Terminology

noun A title given to the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

• The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
• I heard the Dalai Lama is visiting our city next week.
• I can't believe I got a selfie with the Dalai Lama!
• His wisdom and compassion are often compared to that of the Dalai Lama.

noun a noun refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'impermanence' is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being impermanent or temporary.

• The concept of impermanence is a central theme in many philosophical and religious traditions.
• Life is full of impermanence, so we should cherish every moment we have.
• Things change all the time, it's just the impermanence of life.
• Like a flower that blooms and withers, impermanence reminds us of the fleeting nature of existence.

noun a person or thing that is impermanent

adjective not lasting or enduring; temporary

• The impermanent nature of life is a common theme in many philosophical discussions.
• I can't believe how impermanent this weather is, one minute it's sunny and the next it's pouring rain.
• Dude, this relationship is so impermanent, I don't think it's gonna last much longer.
• The impermanent nature of fame can be seen in how quickly celebrities can rise and fall from the public eye.

noun a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

• The concept of nirvana plays a central role in many Eastern religions.
• I heard that achieving nirvana brings ultimate peace and happiness.
• Dude, reaching nirvana is like finding the ultimate chill zone.
• For her, a clean house is nirvana, a place of perfect peace and order.

adjective relating to or characteristic of nirvana, the state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism

• The monk described his state of meditation as a nirvanic experience.
• After a long day of hiking, reaching the mountain peak felt truly nirvanic.
• That yoga class was so nirvanic, I feel like I'm floating!
• The artist found a sense of nirvanic peace while lost in creating their masterpiece.

noun a tiered tower with multiple eaves, built in traditions originating as stupa in historic South Asia and further developed in East Asia

• The pagoda is a traditional tower-like structure found in many Asian countries.
• Let's visit the pagoda in the park, it's so beautiful!
• That pagoda is lit, we should take some cool pics there.
• Her mind was like a pagoda, full of ancient wisdom and knowledge.

noun a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics or used for meditation

• The ancient stupa was a symbol of enlightenment and peace in the Buddhist tradition.
• We should visit that stupa over there, it looks really cool.
• Check out that big stupa, it's awesome!
• Her mind was like a stupa, filled with ancient wisdom and tranquility.

noun a concept in Hindu philosophy referring to actions that are considered immoral, unethical, or contrary to the natural order

• The concept of adharma is often discussed in philosophical and religious texts.
• It is believed that acting against dharma leads to adharma.
• People who engage in adharma are often seen as troublemakers.
• In a society where adharma prevails, chaos and disorder are inevitable.