Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for key Buddhist terms, concepts, and practices referenced throughout the Middle Way Education Curricular Framework. Terms are drawn from multiple Buddhist traditions and include both original language words (Sanskrit, Pali, Japanese, Tibetan) and English translations. Each definition aims to be accessible while maintaining accuracy to traditional meanings.

The glossary serves as a reference tool for educators and students engaging with Buddhist concepts across the framework’s five domains. Definitions emphasize practical understanding and application rather than purely academic interpretation, supporting the framework’s inquiry-based approach to learning.

Terms marked with asterisks (*) indicate transliterated words from original Buddhist languages. Cross-references appear in parentheses where relevant concepts connect to other glossary entries.

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

Effort
One of the elements of the Noble Eightfold Path (Right Effort); refers to the energy applied to prevent unwholesome states, to abandon those that have arisen, to cultivate wholesome states, and to maintain them. Effort is essential for progress on the path.
Ego
The sense of self or "I"; in Buddhism, often seen as the source of suffering due to its illusory nature. Clinging to ego reinforces separation and prevents recognition of interdependence and impermanence. Letting go of ego leads to greater openness, compassion, and freedom.
Ehipassiko
Pali term meaning "come and see for yourself"; emphasizes the experiential nature of the Buddha's teachings. Encourages personal investigation and direct experience rather than belief based on tradition or authority.
Eightfold Path
The path to the end of suffering, taught by the Buddha as the Fourth Noble Truth. It includes Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Emptiness
The insight that all phenomena lack independent, permanent existence. Emptiness does not mean nothingness, but that everything arises through conditions and is empty of fixed essence. This understanding leads to wisdom and compassion.
Engaged Buddhism
A contemporary movement that brings Buddhist principles into social, political, and environmental action. It emphasizes compassion, interdependence, and mindfulness in daily life and in working to relieve suffering in the world.
Epistemology
The study of knowledge, how we know what we know. In Buddhism, it explores how perception, reasoning, and awareness function, and how they can become distorted by mental afflictions. Buddhist epistemology also identifies valid ways of knowing (pramana) that support insight and liberation.
Equanimity
Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations; one of the four Brahmaviharas. Equanimity involves staying balanced in the face of gain and loss, friends and enemies, praise and blame, pleasure and pain, recognizing the impermanent nature of all experiences.
Eternalism
The belief that the self or soul exists eternally; one of the extremes rejected by the Buddha. This view assumes an unchanging identity across lifetimes and obscures the understanding of dependent origination and impermanence.
Ethics
The foundation of Buddhist practice, rooted in non-harming and compassion. Ethical conduct involves actions of body, speech, and mind that reduce suffering for oneself and others. It is expressed through precepts and guidelines for living wisely.