☸ Tibetan Buddhist Glossary

In Tibetan Buddhism, a dakini is a female embodiment of enlightenment, representing the feminine principle of wisdom and compassion. Dakinis are often depicted as powerful, wrathful, or serene female figures, and are associated with the realization of emptiness and the cultivation of bodhicitta. They may appear in visions, dreams, or meditation, guiding practitioners toward spiritual awakening. Dakinis can also refer to human female practitioners who have attained high levels of realization and embody the qualities of wisdom and compassion.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile. The current Dalai Lama is considered the 14th incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The Dalai Lama plays a significant role in promoting peace, non-violence, and interfaith understanding, and is revered by Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike for his wisdom, compassion, and leadership. The institution of the Dalai Lama is based on the principle of reincarnation, where the spirit of the previous Dalai Lama is believed to be reborn in a new body.

Deity practice, or 'deity yoga', is a central aspect of Tibetan Buddhist tantra, involving the visualization and identification with a chosen deity or buddha. This practice aims to transform the practitioner's ordinary perception and ego-clinging by imagining oneself as an enlightened being, embodying the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and power. Deity practice is typically performed in conjunction with mantra recitation, mudras, and other ritual activities, and is considered a powerful means of achieving spiritual realization and overcoming negative patterns.

Dependent origination, or pratityasamutpada, is a central concept in Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the idea that all phenomena arise in dependence on other factors. This means that nothing exists independently, but rather everything is dependent on other things and is empty of inherent reality. The understanding of dependent origination is seen as a key to achieving enlightenment, as it allows practitioners to overcome their attachment to things and to develop a more nuanced understanding of reality. Dependent origination is often realized through the practice of meditation and the study of Buddhist philosophy.

The dharma is a central concept in Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. It is often described as the universal law or truth that governs the universe, and is seen as the ultimate reality or true nature of things. The dharma is considered to be the source of all wisdom and compassion, and is often depicted as a wheel or a conch shell. Practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism strive to follow the dharma and to realize its truth through the practice of meditation, study, and ethics.

The dharmakaya is a central concept in Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the ultimate reality or true nature of the universe. It is often described as the emptiness or voidness that underlies all phenomena, and is seen as the source of all wisdom and compassion. The dharmakaya is considered to be the ultimate goal of the Buddhist path, and is often depicted as a state of complete enlightenment and liberation. It is also seen as the true nature of the mind, and is realized through the practice of meditation and the development of wisdom.

A dorje, also known as a vajra, is a ritual instrument and symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the indestructible nature of reality and the union of wisdom and compassion. It is often depicted as a scepter or thunderbolt, and is used in various rituals and ceremonies to consecrate and protect the practitioner. The dorje is also associated with the male principle of method and skillful means, and is often paired with the bell, which represents the female principle of wisdom. Together, the dorje and bell symbolize the harmony of opposites and the attainment of enlightenment.

The Drukpa Kagyu is a sub-school of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on meditation and the attainment of enlightenment in a single lifetime. It was founded by Tsangpa Gyare, a disciple of Lingrepa, and is characterized by its unique blend of Kagyu and Nyingma teachings. Practitioners of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition focus on the development of wisdom and compassion through the practice of mahamudra and the six yogas of Naropa. This tradition is still practiced today in Bhutan and other parts of the Himalayas.

Dzogchen is a tradition of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the attainment of enlightenment through the recognition of the natural state of the mind. It is considered one of the most advanced and subtle teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and involves the cultivation of a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the development of a sense of awareness and presence. Dzogchen is often practiced through the use of trekcho (cutting through) and togyal (direct transcendence) practices, which aim to help practitioners recognize and stabilize their natural state of awareness. The ultimate goal of Dzogchen is the attainment of complete enlightenment and the realization of the true nature of the mind.