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

Language (The Power of)
In Buddhism, language is a powerful tool that can either obscure or illuminate understanding. Awareness of speech, its intention and impact—is part of ethical conduct.
Life Story of the Buddha
The narrative of Siddhartha Gautama's journey—from renunciation to enlightenment to teaching, which serves as an inspiration and framework for the path to awakening.
Lila
A Sanskrit term meaning "divine play"; refers to the spontaneous, creative, and joyful expression of awakened activity.
Lineage
The transmission of Buddhist teachings and practices through an unbroken line of teachers and students, ideally reaching back to the historical Buddha.
Lineage Traditions
Distinct streams of transmission in Buddhism, each with their own masters, practices, and interpretations, preserving different aspects of the teachings across time and cultures.
Listening (Buddhist Frameworks)
The practice of deep, attentive listening as a form of mindfulness and respect. In Buddhist education, it includes being present, suspending judgment, and receiving teachings with openness.
Lojong (Mind Training)
Lojong is a mind-training practice originating from the great Bengali master Atisha Dipankara and part of the Mahayana tradition. Later, Geshe Chekawa organized these teachings into a series of 59 slogans, divided into seven "points" or categories. There is also the eight-point version by Geshe Langri Thangpa. Atisha's slogans provide an earthy, practical way to work with our ego-clinging and cultivate tenderness and compassion, both through meditation and through the events of everyday life.
Loss (Gain and Loss)
One of the Eight Worldly Dharmas, representing fluctuating conditions. Buddhist practice encourages equanimity and freedom from attachment in the face of both gain and loss.
Lotsawa (Translator)
A Tibetan term for a skilled translator of Buddhist texts, especially during the early transmission of Buddhism from India to Tibet.
Loving-kindness (Metta)
A quality of unconditional friendliness and goodwill toward oneself and others. It is one of the Four Immeasurables and a central practice in Buddhist cultivation of the heart.