☸ Tibetan Buddhist Glossary

Tantra is a set of spiritual practices and teachings in Tibetan Buddhism, often involving ritual, meditation, and visualization. Tantric practices are used to cultivate positive qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and devotion, and to overcome negative tendencies such as ignorance, anger, and attachment. They are often associated with specific deities or buddhas and are considered to be an advanced level of practice, requiring a strong foundation in the Buddhist teachings and a qualified teacher. In Tibetan Buddhism, tantra is considered to be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-transformation, and is often used in conjunction with other practices such as sutra and sadhana.

Tara is a female buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, known for her compassion and wisdom. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman, surrounded by a halo of light, and is associated with the colors green and white. Tara is considered to be a powerful symbol of feminine energy and is often invoked by practitioners for protection, guidance, and inspiration. In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara is revered as a manifestation of the Buddha's compassion and is often worshipped through prayer, meditation, and ritual.

A thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting, often depicting deities, mandalas, or scenes from Buddhist mythology. Thangkas serve as meditation tools, helping practitioners to focus their minds and cultivate devotion. They are also used in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing the presence of the deities and the transmission of spiritual energy. The creation and viewing of thangkas are considered meritorious activities, contributing to the practitioner's spiritual growth.

The Three Jewels, also known as the Triratna, are the central objects of refuge in Tibetan Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of practitioners). By taking refuge in the Three Jewels, practitioners commit to following the path to enlightenment, seeking guidance from the Buddha's teachings and the support of the spiritual community. This refuge is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice, providing a foundation for spiritual growth and development.

The three kayas, or 'bodies,' refer to the three aspects of a Buddha's being: the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. The Dharmakaya represents the ultimate, empty nature of reality; the Sambhogakaya is the body of bliss, experienced by advanced practitioners; and the Nirmanakaya is the physical body of the Buddha, manifesting in the world to benefit sentient beings. Understanding the three kayas helps practitioners develop a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of enlightenment.

A torma is a ritual offering made from dough or other materials, used in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies to symbolize the offering of one's own body and possessions to the deities and spirits. Tormas are often decorated with intricate designs and colors, representing the various aspects of the practitioner's being. By offering the torma, the practitioner cultivates generosity, detachment, and devotion, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the empty nature of all phenomena.

Transmigration refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by an individual's karma. In Tibetan Buddhism, this cycle is seen as a fundamental aspect of the nature of reality, with beings constantly moving between different realms and forms of existence. The goal of Buddhist practice is to break free from this cycle, achieving liberation from the suffering it entails. Through spiritual practice, one can develop the wisdom and compassion needed to transcend transmigration.

A tulku is a reincarnated master in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Tulkus are believed to be the reincarnations of enlightened beings who have chosen to return to the world to help others. They are often recognized at a young age and are trained in the teachings and practices of their particular tradition. Tulkus play an important role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.