☸ Tibetan Buddhist Glossary

The five poisons are a set of negative emotions that are seen as obstacles to spiritual growth in Tibetan Buddhism. They are ignorance, craving, anger, pride, and jealousy, and are often depicted as a group of snakes or other animals. These emotions are considered to be the root causes of suffering and are seen as the main obstacles to achieving enlightenment. Practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism strive to overcome these poisons through the development of wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness.

The Five Wisdoms are a central concept in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the five aspects of the enlightened mind. They are: the wisdom of emptiness, the wisdom of equality, the wisdom of discernment, the wisdom of accomplishment, and the wisdom of reality. Each of these wisdoms corresponds to a particular aspect of the Buddha's enlightenment and is considered essential for the attainment of full awakening. Practitioners may cultivate the Five Wisdoms through meditation, study, and the development of positive qualities such as compassion and wisdom.

The Four Noble Truths are a fundamental teaching of Buddhism, representing the core of the Buddha's message. They are: the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering. These truths are considered essential for the attainment of enlightenment and are often contemplated and reflected upon by practitioners. By understanding the Four Noble Truths, practitioners can develop a deeper understanding of the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

The Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism are: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. Each of these schools has its own unique traditions, practices, and emphasis, but all share a common goal of attaining enlightenment and helping others. The Four Schools are often distinguished by their different approaches to practice, study, and ritual, and each has its own distinct character and style. Practitioners may affiliate with one or more of these schools, and may study and practice the teachings of multiple traditions.