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

Vajrayana
The Diamond Vehicle is a form of Buddhism that emphasizes powerful methods for achieving enlightenment swiftly. It builds on the foundations of the Mahayana path, focusing on compassion and wisdom rooted in the bodhisattva ideal, while using practices such as mantras, visualization, deity yoga, and symbolic rituals. Vajrayana sees the enlightened mind as already present and aims to recognize and embody it through direct experience. This tradition is especially prominent in Tibetan Buddhism and is also known as Tantric Buddhism or the Secret Mantra Vehicle.
Varadamudra
A symbolic hand gesture representing the granting of wishes or blessings, with the palm facing outward and fingers extended downward, often seen in images of compassionate buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Vibhava-tanha
Craving for non-existence or self-annihilation; one of the three forms of craving identified by the Buddha as causes of suffering.
Vihara
A monastery or dwelling place for monks and nuns; also refers more generally to a peaceful abode for inner practice.
Vinaya (Discipline)
The collection of rules and ethical guidelines for monastic and lay followers that guide the conduct of Buddhists, forming one of the three main sections of the Buddhist canon.
Vipassana
Insight meditation aimed at directly seeing the impermanence, suffering, and selflessness of all phenomena, leading to liberation.
Virya (Effort)
Energetic perseverance or joyful effort in the Buddhist practice; one of the six paramitas (perfections) and also part of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Visualization
A meditative technique where practitioners mentally generate clear and vivid images of enlightened beings, mandalas, or symbols to cultivate concentration, confidence, and understanding.
Vitarka Mudra
The gesture of discussion or teaching, formed by joining the thumb and index finger in a circle while keeping the other fingers extended, symbolizing the transmission of the Dharma.