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

Tanha
Craving or thirst; the desire for pleasure, existence, and non-existence, which is identified as the cause of suffering according to the Second Noble Truth.
Tantra
A collection of advanced esoteric teachings and practices in Vajrayana Buddhism, often involving rituals, visualizations, and mantras to achieve enlightenment more swiftly.
Tengyur
The collection of Tibetan commentaries on the Buddha's teachings, translated from Indian texts, which elaborate on the teachings found in the Tripitaka.
Theravada
The Teaching of the Elders; the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, which emphasizes the Pali Canon and is prevalent in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.
Three Jewels
The Buddha (the teacher), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of practitioners). These are the fundamental sources of refuge for all Buddhists.
Three Marks of Existence
The three characteristics of all phenomena, including impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta), which define the nature of existence.
Three Poisons
Attachment, anger, and ignorance; these are considered the root causes of suffering in Buddhism, and their elimination is essential for liberation.
Tilakkhana/Trilaksana
The Three Marks of Existence, which are impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta).
Tipitaka/Tripitaka
The "Three Baskets" of the Pali Canon: Vinaya (discipline), Sutta (discourses), and Abhidhamma (philosophy). These texts contain the core teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
Trishiksha
The three trainings that form the foundation of Buddhist practice: ethics (or conduct), concentration (or meditation), and wisdom (or view), which lead to the cessation of suffering.