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

Madhyamaka (Middle Way)
A Sanskrit term meaning "Middle Way school," Madhyamaka refers to a central philosophical tradition within Mahayana Buddhism founded by the Indian master Nagarjuna in the 2nd century. It teaches that all phenomena lack inherent and independent existence, emphasizing the middle path between the extremes of eternalism and nihilism. Madhyamaka uses logic and reasoning to help free the mind from fixed concepts and guide practitioners toward wisdom and compassion.
Magga/Marga (Path)
The path; particularly refers to the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to the cessation of suffering, forming the practical guideline of the Fourth Noble Truth.
Maitri/Metta
Loving-kindness; a boundless wish for the happiness of all beings. It is one of the Four Immeasurables and a foundational attitude in meditation and ethical conduct.
Mandala
A sacred, often circular, symbolic representation of the universe used in visualization practices, rituals, and meditative reflection, especially in Vajrayana traditions.
Mattanuta (Moderation)
Knowing the right amount; the quality of moderation or contentment with simplicity, relevant both in daily life and in the monastic code.
Meditation
Mental training practices used to cultivate attention, calm, insight, and other wholesome qualities. Buddhist meditation includes shamatha (calm abiding), vipassana (insight).
Merit
The positive causes and conditions, often referred to as potential, generated by virtuous actions. Merit is considered essential for creating favorable conditions for practice and understanding.
Middle Way
The central Buddhist principle that avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Philosophically, it also refers to the Madhyamaka view of emptiness, which transcends eternalism and nihilism.
Mindfulness
Present-moment awareness; attentiveness to body, feelings, thoughts, and phenomena with clarity and non-judgment. It is central to the Eightfold Path and underpins many Buddhist practices in all different traditions.
Monastic Traditions
The way of life followed by ordained Buddhist monks and nuns. Monastic communities follow detailed codes of conduct (established in the Vinaya) and serve as examples of renunciation and dedication to the path. While customs vary across cultures, the heart of monastic life is simplicity, service, teaching, and practice.
Monk
A person who has taken ordination vows in the Buddhist tradition, committing to a life of ethical discipline, renunciation, study, and meditation. Monks live according to the monastic section of the Vinaya.
Mudita (Joy)
Sympathetic joy; rejoicing in the happiness and success of others. One of the Four Immeasurables and a key antidote to envy.
Mudra (Seal or Gesture)
Symbolic hand gestures used in rituals, iconography, and meditative practice to convey specific meanings or evoke qualities.
Musical Awakening
The recognition that sound, rhythm, and music can become means for contemplation, emotional expression, or connection with sacred presence in Buddhist contexts. Some traditions use music as an offering or as a practice support.