• Karma (las)

    Meaning: "Action" - law of cause and effect Principle: Every action (physical, verbal, mental) creates consequences Types:

    • Positive karma: virtuous actions leading to happiness

    • Negative karma: harmful actions leading to suffering

    • Neutral karma: actions without strong ethical weight Practice Application: Mindful attention to motivation and action in daily life

    Refuge (skyabs-'gro)

    Meaning: Taking spiritual shelter in the Three Jewels Three Jewels:

    • Buddha: the teacher and example of enlightenment

    • Dharma: the teachings and path

    • Sangha: the community of practitioners Ceremony: Formal entry into Buddhist practice Daily Practice: Recited at beginning of meditation sessions

    Vow (sdom-pa)

    Types in Our Tradition:

    • Refuge Vow: Basic commitment to Buddhist path

    • Bodhisattva Vow: Promise to work for all beings' enlightenment

    • Lay Vows: Five precepts for householder practitioners

    • Monastic Vows: Full ordination commitments Purpose: Structure for ethical conduct and spiritual development

  • Buddha (sangs-rgyas)

    Meaning: "Awakened One" or "One Who Has Purified and Expanded" Historical: Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE), founder of Buddhism Qualities: Perfect wisdom, compassion, and skillful means Three Bodies (Kayas):

    • Dharmakaya: Truth body - ultimate reality

    • Sambhogakaya: Enjoyment body - subtle form

    • Nirmanakaya: Emanation body - physical manifestation Refuge Aspect: Perfect example of enlightenment, showing the goal is achievable Practice Application: Source of inspiration and guidance on the path

    Dharma (chos)

    Meaning: Buddhist teachings, truth, natural law, the path itself Two Aspects:

    • Scriptural Dharma: Written and oral teachings (sutras, tantras, commentaries)

    • Realization Dharma: Direct understanding and accomplishment Content: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Bodhisattva practices Refuge Aspect: The actual path that leads from suffering to liberation Dekeling Context: All teachings and practices we study and apply Living Dharma: Not just philosophy but practical transformation methods

    Sangha (dge-'dun)

    Meaning: "Community of Virtue" - those who practice the dharma together Traditional Definition: Ordained monks and nuns (monastic sangha) Contemporary Usage: Extended to include serious lay practitioners Four-fold Sangha: Monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen Refuge Aspect: Spiritual companions who support and inspire practice Dekeling Sangha: Our Portland community plus global online practitioners Function: Mutual support, accountability, shared wisdom, and encouragement

  • Theravada (Sanskrit: "Way of the Elders")

    Meaning: Traditional Buddhism preserved in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos Characteristics:

    • Emphasis on individual liberation (arhat ideal)

    • Pali Canon as primary scripture

    • Vipassana (insight) meditation focus

    • Monastic tradition preservation Relationship to Our Lineage: Foundation teachings honored in all Buddhist schools

    Mahayana (theg-pa chen-po)

    Meaning: "Great Vehicle" - Buddhism focused on universal liberation Key Features:

    • Bodhisattva ideal (enlightenment for all beings)

    • Emptiness philosophy (Madhyamaka)

    • Compassion as primary motivation

    • Sanskrit sutras (Lotus Sutra, Perfection of Wisdom texts) Our Context: Tibetan Buddhism is Mahayana, including Kagyu tradition Integration: Combines wisdom and compassion for complete awakening

    Vajrayana (rdo-rje theg-pa)

    Meaning: "Diamond Vehicle" or "Thunderbolt Vehicle" Characteristics:

    • Tantric methods using visualization, mantra, mudra

    • Transformation rather than renunciation approach

    • Guru-disciple relationship essential

    • Advanced practices requiring empowerment/transmission Our Lineage: Kagyu is Vajrayana tradition within Mahayana Buddhism Methods: Uses passionate energy and emotions as path to enlightenment Caution: Requires proper preparation and guidance

  • Kagyu (bka'-brgyud)

    Meaning: "Oral Transmission Lineage" Characteristics: Emphasizes meditation, direct experience, and unbroken teacher-student transmission Founded: 11th century by Marpa the Translator Our Connection: Primary lineage tradition at Dekeling

    Shangpa Kagyu (shangs-pa bka'-brgyud)

    Meaning: Named after Shangpa region where founder practiced Founded: Khyungpo Naljor (11th-12th century) Unique Features:

    • Separate from main Kagyu schools

    • Transmitted by two female masters: Sukhasiddhi and Niguma

    • Preserved through Kalu Rinpoche's lineage Our Practice: Three-year retreat tradition comes from this lineage

    Karma Kagyu (kar-ma bka'-brgyud)

    Meaning: Main branch of Kagyu lineage Founded: 1st Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa (12th century) Leadership: Headed by successive Karmapa incarnations Characteristics: Strong meditation emphasis, black hat ceremony tradition

  • TITLES & HONORIFICS

    Rinpoche (rin-po-che)

    Meaning: "Precious One" - the highest honorific in Tibetan Buddhism Usage: Given to high lamas, tulkus (reincarnate teachers), and accomplished masters Examples: Kalu Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche Note: Indicates someone recognized as having exceptional spiritual realization

    Lama (bla-ma)

    Meaning: "Superior One" or "None Higher Above" Usage: Spiritual teacher who has completed traditional training (often including three-year retreat) Examples: Lama Michael, Lama Lekshe Western Context: Title given to qualified Western teachers after traditional training

    Khenpo (mkhan-po)

    Meaning: "Abbot" or "Senior Teacher" Usage: Academic title for scholar-teachers, often heads of monastic colleges Example: Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche Role: Combines scholarly mastery with practical teaching authority

    Tulku (sprul-sku)

    Meaning: "Transformation Body" - recognized reincarnation of a previous master Usage: System of identifying reborn spiritual teachers Examples: Kalu Rinpoche (current one is 2nd Kalu Rinpoche), Bokar Rinpoche (2nd incarnation) Process: Involves traditional recognition, testing, and formal enthronement

    Roshi (Japanese)

    Meaning: "Old Teacher" - Zen Buddhist title Note: Not used in Tibetan tradition, but appears in Western Buddhist contexts Distinction: Japanese Zen term vs. Tibetan Rinpoche/Lama system

  • Kalu

    Meaning: "The one from Ka valley" (Ka = his birthplace valley)

    Full Name: Karma Rangjung Künchab (his ordained name)

    Significance: Became identifying name for both original teacher and his reincarnation

    Bokar

    Meaning: "White Nomad" or refers to Bokar region

    Context: Traditional Tibetan place name that became monastic identity

    Monastery: Bokar Monastery in Mirik, India established by Bokar Rinpoche

    Dekeling(bde-skyid-gling)

    Meaning: "Place of Happiness" or "Island of Bliss"

    Components:

    • bde = happiness, bliss

    • skyid = joy, prosperity

    • gling = island, place, community Usage: Traditional name for dharma communities or meditation centers

    Dekyi (bde-skyid)

    Meaning: "Happiness" or "Bliss-Joy"

    Components:

    • bde = happiness, bliss, well-being

    • skyid = joy, prosperity, good fortune Usage: Common in Tibetan names and place names Connection: Root of "Dekeling" (Place of Happiness) Cultural Significance: Represents aspiration for genuine well-being

  • Dharma (chos)

    Meaning: Buddhist teachings, truth, natural law Usage: The complete body of Buddhist doctrine and practice In Context: "Dharma practice," "dharma community," "dharma center"

    Sangha (dge-'dun)

    Meaning: Community of practitioners Traditional: Ordained monks and nuns Contemporary: Extended to include lay practitioners and dharma communities

    Mahamudra (phyag-rgya chen-po)

    Meaning: "Great Seal" - ultimate meditation practice Characteristics: Direct recognition of mind's true nature In Our Lineage: Central teaching in both Kagyu traditions Practice: Progressive stages from calm abiding to insight to recognition

    Bodhicitta (byang-chub-sems)

    Meaning: "Awakened Heart" - compassionate motivation Two Types:

    • Relative: aspiration to help all beings

    • Ultimate: recognition of emptiness Practice: Foundation for all Mahayana Buddhist practice

    Ngondro (sngon-'gro)

    Meaning: "Preliminary practices" or "Foundation practices" Components: Four foundations (refuge, Vajrasattva, mandala, guru yoga) Purpose: Prepares mind for advanced tantric practices Commitment: Often 100,000 repetitions of each practice

  • Drupdra (sgrub-grwa)

    Meaning: "Meditation college" - intensive retreat training Duration: Traditional three years, three months, three days Structure: Cloistered intensive meditation with daily schedule Our Lineage: Shangpa Kagyu three-year retreat system

    Retreat Master (sgrub-dpon)

    Meaning: Teacher who guides long retreats Role: Provides instructions, monitors progress, gives transmissions Examples: Kalu Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Lama Michael served in this capacity

    Transmission (lung)

    Meaning: Authorization to practice specific teachings Types: Reading transmission, empowerment, instruction Lineage: Unbroken chain from teacher to student Importance: Maintains authenticity and blessing of practices

    Bodhisattva (byang-chub sems-dpa')

    Meaning: "Awakening Warrior" or "Enlightenment Being" Definition: One who vows to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings Levels: From first aspiration through ten bhumi (grounds) to buddhahood Examples: Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), Manjushri, Tara Our Practice: Ideal that guides Mahayana Buddhist training Daily Application: Cultivating motivation to benefit others in all activities

    Paramita (pha-rol-tu phyin-pa)

    Meaning: "Perfection" or "Gone to the Other Shore" Six Paramitas: Core bodhisattva practices

    1. Dana: Generosity, giving

    2. Shila: Ethical conduct, discipline

    3. Khanti: Patience, tolerance

    4. Virya: Enthusiastic effort, energy

    5. Dhyana: Meditation, concentration

    6. Prajna: Wisdom, understanding emptiness Integration: Each supports the others in complete spiritual development

    Lojong (blo-sbyong)

    Meaning: "Mind Training" - systematic cultivation of bodhicitta Origin: Atisha and Kadampa tradition, integrated into all Tibetan schools Structure: Progressive teachings using slogans and contemplations Famous Text: "Seven Points of Mind Training" Practice: Transforming difficult circumstances into spiritual path Daily Application: Working with ego, developing genuine compassion

  • Shamatha (zhi-gnas)

    Meaning: "Calm Abiding" - foundational meditation Practice: Training attention through mindfulness of breathing Goal: Stable, concentrated mind free from distraction Progression: Foundation for insight meditation

    Vipashyana (lhag-mthong)

    Meaning: "Superior Insight" or "Clear Seeing" Practice: Analytical meditation investigating reality Combined: With shamatha creates complete meditation training Result: Direct understanding of emptiness and interdependence

    Bardo (bar-do)

    Meaning: "Intermediate state" - transitional periods Types: Life, dying, after-death, meditation Teaching: Instructions for navigating consciousness transitions Practice: Preparation for death and rebirth process

    Tonglen (gtong-len)

    Meaning: "Taking and Giving" - compassion practice Method: Breathing in suffering, breathing out relief Stages: Self, loved ones, neutral people, difficult people, all beings Purpose: Develops genuine compassion and reduces self-centeredness

  • Monastery Names

    • Palpung: "Glorious Lotus-Born" - major Kagyu monastery in Tibet

    • Tsurphu: Main seat of Karmapas in Tibet

    • Rumtek: Karmapa's seat in Sikkim, India

    • Sonada: Kalu Rinpoche's monastery in India (Samdrup Darjay Choling)

    Regional Terms

    • Kham: Eastern Tibet region where many masters were born

    • Amdo: Northeastern Tibet region

    • Ü-Tsang: Central Tibet around Lhasa

    • Sikkim: Himalayan kingdom, now Indian state

    • Darjeeling: Hill station in India, major Tibetan exile community

    Honorific Particles

    • Kyabje (skyabs-rje): "Lord of Refuge" - very high honorific

    • Venerable (rje-btsun): Standard respectful title

    • His Holiness (rgyal-ba): For Dalai Lama and Karmapa

    • His Eminence: For very high rinpoches

  • Shamatha(zhi-gnas)

    Meaning: "Calm Abiding" - foundational meditation Practice: Training attention through mindfulness of breathing Nine Stages: Progressive development of concentration Goal: Stable, concentrated mind free from distraction Method: Single-pointed focus, often using breath as object Foundation: Necessary basis for all advanced meditation

    Calm Abiding(Same as Shamatha)

    English Translation: Direct translation of shamatha Characteristics: Mental stillness, clarity, and stability Development: Gradual training through regular practice Signs: Decreased mental wandering, increased peace Integration: Basis for insight meditation and daily mindfulness

    Vipashyana(lhag-mthong)

    Meaning: "Superior Insight" or "Clear Seeing" Practice: Analytical meditation investigating reality Methods: Examining impermanence, suffering, non-self, emptiness Combined Practice: Shamatha-vipashyana - union of calm and insight Result: Direct understanding of reality's true nature Liberation: Insight that cuts through ignorance and suffering

    Mantra (sngags)

    Meaning: "Mind Protection" - sacred sound formulas Purpose: Transform ordinary speech into enlightened expression Types:

    • Om Mani Padme Hum: Chenrezig mantra (compassion)

    • Om Ah Hum: Three syllables of body, speech, mind

    • Gate Gate Paragate: Heart Sutra mantra Practice: Coordinated with breath, visualization, or counting Effect: Calms mind, connects with enlightened qualities

    Stupa (mchod-rten)

    Meaning: "Receptacle of Offerings" - sacred monument Symbolism: Represents Buddha's enlightened mind Architecture:

    • Base: earth element and generosity

    • Dome: water element and discipline

    • Spire: fire element and patience

    • Crown: wind element and energy

    • Jewel: space element and wisdom Practice: Circumambulation (walking around clockwise) Example: Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal where Lama Lekshe teaches

    Thangka (thang-ka)

    Meaning: Sacred scroll painting on cloth Function: Meditation support, teaching aid, sacred art Subjects:

    • Buddhas and bodhisattvas

    • Mandalas and pure lands

    • Lineage trees and refuge fields

    • Protectors and dakinis Creation: Traditional training in iconography and sacred proportions Dekeling Context: Part of Sanje Elliott's photographic archive

    Mala (phreng-ba)

    Meaning: Prayer beads for counting mantras Standard: 108 beads plus guru bead Usage: Keeping track during mantra recitation Materials: Various (wood, bone, precious stones)

  • Tara (sgrol-ma)

    Meaning: "She Who Liberates" - female buddha of compassionate action Origin: Born from Chenrezig's tears of compassion for suffering beings Main Forms:

    • Green Tara: Swift liberation, protection from fears

    • White Tara: Long life, healing, peaceful activities

    • 21 Taras: Different aspects for various needs Practice: Mantra (Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha), visualization, prayers Significance: Represents accessible, motherly aspect of enlightenment Cultural Role: Especially beloved in Tibetan Buddhism, patron deity of Tibet

  • Atisha (jo-bo rje)

    Historical: 982-1054 CE, Bengali master who revitalized Tibetan Buddhism Journey: Invited to Tibet, spent final 17 years there teaching Major Contribution: "Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" - first systematic Lamrim text Mind Training: Brought Lojong (mind training) teachings from his teacher Serlingpa Legacy: Founded Kadampa school, influences all Tibetan Buddhist schools Our Connection: Lojong practices trace directly to Atisha's transmission Integration: Combined Hinayana ethics, Mahayana compassion, Vajrayana methods

    Shantideva (zhi-ba lha)

    Historical: 8th century Indian Buddhist master Major Work: "Bodhicharyavatara" (Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life) Teaching Focus: Practical cultivation of bodhicitta and wisdom Famous Verse: "All suffering comes from seeking happiness for oneself; all happiness comes from seeking happiness for others" Modern Relevance: Widely studied in contemporary Buddhist communities Our Context: Core text for understanding bodhisattva ideal