sanskrit¶

graph TD;
    A[Samsara]-->B[Karma]
    A[Samsara]-->C[Dharma]
    A[Samsara]-->D[Tanha]
    A[Samsara]-->E[Moha]
    A[Samsara]-->F[Triple Gem]
    B[Karma]-->G[Karmaphala]
    C[Dharma]-->H[Prajna]
    C[Dharma]-->I[Karuna]
    C[Dharma]-->J[Maitri]
    C[Dharma]-->K[Upeksha]
    H[Prajna]-->L[Anatman]
    H[Prajna]-->M[Sunyata]
    F[Triple Gem]-->N[Buddha]
    F[Triple Gem]-->O[Dharma]
    F[Triple Gem]-->P[Sangha]

Sanskrit Term	Definition
Dharma	The teachings of the Buddha
Buddha	One who has achieved enlightenment
Samsara	The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
Nirvana	The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, liberation from suffering and rebirth
Karma	The law of cause and effect; the accumulation of past actions influencing present and future experiences
Sangha	The community of Buddhist practitioners
Bodhisattva	One who is on the path to Buddhahood and seeks to help others achieve liberation
Prajna	Wisdom, particularly the insight into the nature of reality
Samadhi	Meditative concentration, the practice of stilling the mind
Emptiness	The Buddhist understanding of the ultimate nature of reality, that all phenomena lack inherent existence
Sutra	A canonical text containing the Buddha's teachings
Mantra	A sacred sound or phrase used for meditation or spiritual practice
Vajra	A ritual implement symbolizing spiritual power and clarity
Mudra	A symbolic hand gesture used in meditation and ritual
Mandala	A symbolic representation of the universe used in meditation and ritual
Guru	A spiritual teacher or guide
Tantra	A set of practices and texts that utilize ritual and visualization to achieve spiritual transformation
Zen	A school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation and direct experience
Tathagata	Another name for the Buddha, meaning "thus-gone" or "thus-come"
Dukkha	Suffering or unsatisfactoriness
Bodhicitta	The altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings
Anicca	Impermanence, the understanding that all things are constantly changing
Skandhas	The five aggregates that make up a person's experience: form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness
Sunyata	Emptiness, the ultimate nature of reality as understood in Mahayana Buddhism
Upaya	Skillful means, the use of various methods to help others achieve spiritual goals
Bodhi	Awakening, the state of enlightenment
Amitabha	A Buddha of the Pure Land school, associated with the western direction and the vow to help beings achieve rebirth in a pure land
Dzogchen	A system of meditation and spiritual practice in Tibetan Buddhism emphasizing direct awareness of the nature of the mind
Nyingma	The oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on the Dzogchen teachings
Gelug	A school of Tibetan Buddhism founded by the scholar and saint Je Tsongkhapa, emphasizing study and monastic discipline
Kagyu	A school of Tibetan Buddhism emphasizing meditation and the transmission of teachings from teacher to student
Mahamudra	A system of meditation and spiritual practice in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing the nature of mind
Madhyamaka	A philosophical system of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the understanding of emptiness
Pratityasamutpada	Dependent origination, the understanding that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions
Bodhisattva Vow	A commitment to seek enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings
Three Jewels	The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the objects of refuge in Buddhism
Three Yanas	The three vehicles or paths in Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana
Hinayana	The "lesser vehicle" of Buddhism, emphasizing individual liberation

Sutta	Type of Meditation
Anapanasati Sutta	Mindfulness of breath
Satipatthana Sutta	Four foundations of mindfulness
Metta Sutta	Loving-kindness
Karaniya Metta Sutta	Loving-kindness
Asubha Sutta	Contemplation of the unattractive
Anattalakkhana Sutta	Contemplation of non-self
Adittapariyaya Sutta	Contemplation of impermanence
Bahiya Sutta	Contemplation of the external world
Kayagatasati Sutta	Mindfulness of the body
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta	Turning the wheel of Dharma

what are the four noble truths?¶

graph LR
dukkha -->
samudaya -->
nirodha -->
magga

The Four Noble Truths are considered the cornerstone of Buddhist teaching, and were the first teachings given by the Buddha after his enlightenment. They are as follows:

The truth of suffering (dukkha): This truth states that all forms of existence are marked by suffering, frustration, and dissatisfaction. This includes physical suffering, emotional suffering, and a general sense of unease or dissatisfaction with life.
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya): This truth states that suffering arises from craving and attachment to things, and from ignorance of the true nature of reality.
The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha): This truth states that it is possible to end suffering by completely letting go of craving and attachment, and by realizing the true nature of reality.
The truth of the path to the end of suffering (magga): This truth outlines the Eightfold Path as the way to end suffering, which consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

These Four Noble Truths provide a roadmap for individuals to understand the nature of suffering, its causes, and how to overcome it. By following the Eightfold Path, individuals can end their suffering, attain peace, and eventually reach enlightenment.

basic disagram¶

graph LR
basics -- suffering cause of cessation path --> noble_truths
basics -- view speech actions livelihood --> eight_fold_path
basics --> five_precepts
basics --> five_hindrances
basics -- greed hate love --> six_roots
basics -- of posture arms legs head neck --> seven_points
basics -- eyes ears tongue nose body mind--> sense_doors
basics -- pleasant unpleasant neutral --> feeling_tones
basics -- pain change conditionality --> three_sufferings

three dharma seals¶

Anicca (impermanence), everything changes
Anatta (non-self), nothing has a separate existence
Dukkha (suffering), all conditioned things are unsatisfactory

The three dharma seals are a central teaching in Buddhism. They help us to understand the nature of reality and to liberate ourselves from suffering.

Three Doors of Liberation¶

The Three Doors of Liberation are a Buddhist teaching on how to overcome suffering. They are:

Emptiness: The realization that all phenomena are empty of any inherent nature or essence. This means that there is no such thing as a permanent, unchanging, or independent entity. Everything is constantly changing and evolving, and everything is interconnected.
Signlessness: The realization that all phenomena are devoid of any inherent signs or marks. This means that there is no such thing as a permanent, unchanging, or independent entity that can be identified or described. Everything is constantly changing and evolving, and everything is interconnected.
Aimlessness: The realization that all phenomena are devoid of any inherent goal or destination. This means that there is no such thing as a permanent, unchanging, or independent entity that can be achieved or attained. Everything is constantly changing and evolving, and everything is interconnected.

The Three Doors of Liberation are not a destination, but a journey. They are a way of seeing the world that can help us to let go of our attachments and to find peace and happiness.

sanskrit word map¶

graph
subgraph existence
dukkha --> annica & annata

subgraph noble truths
dukkha
dukkha --> samudaya --> nirodha --> magga
end

end

subgraph four abodes 
maitri & karuna & mudita & upeksha
end

shunyata --> annata

prajna & karuna --> satori 
annica --> upeksha
upeksha -.- karuna
bramaviharas --> maitri & karuna & mudita & upeksha


style annata fill: lightyellow
style upeksha fill: lightyellow

Prajna (प्रज्ञा)	Description
Pra (प्र)	Means "before" or "preliminary"
Jna (ज्ञ)	Means "to know" or "to understand"
Prajna (प्रज्ञा)	Refers to the wisdom or understanding that comes from deep meditation and insight into the true nature of reality, particularly the concept of emptiness. Prajna is one of the six perfections (paramitas) in Mahayana Buddhism, and is considered essential for achieving enlightenment.

Four Types of Prajna
Shravaka Prajna	Refers to the wisdom or understanding attained by Hinayana practitioners, who seek to attain individual liberation (nirvana) through the realization of the Four Noble Truths.
Pratyekabuddha Prajna	Refers to the wisdom or understanding attained by solitary practitioners who seek to attain enlightenment for themselves alone, without the help of a teacher or community.
Bodhisattva Prajna	Refers to the wisdom or understanding attained by Mahayana practitioners, who seek to attain enlightenment not only for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Tathagata Prajna	Refers to the highest form of wisdom or understanding, attained by fully enlightened Buddhas, who have realized the ultimate nature of reality and have the ability to teach others to do the same.

Three Characteristics of Existence	Description
Anicca	Refers to the idea that all things are constantly changing and in a state of flux. Nothing in the world is permanent, and everything is subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death.
Dukkha	Refers to the idea that all things in the world are inherently unsatisfactory and cannot provide lasting happiness or fulfillment. This suffering is caused by our attachment to impermanent things and our ignorance of the true nature of reality.
Anatta	Refers to the idea that there is no fixed or permanent self or soul. Rather, our sense of self is an ever-changing product of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The concept of anatta is closely related to the idea of emptiness (shunyata), which is the ultimate nature of all phenomena according to Mahayana Buddhism.

English Translation	Sanskrit
Loving-kindness	Maitri
Compassion	Karuna
Sympathetic Joy	Mudita
Equanimity	Upeksha

Term	Definition
Bodhi	A Sanskrit term used in Buddhism that refers to the state of awakening, enlightenment, or liberation that one can attain through the practice of meditation, ethical conduct, and other spiritual disciplines. It is considered the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice.
Satori	A Japanese term used in Zen Buddhism that refers to a sudden flash of understanding or insight that can lead to a state of enlightenment. It is often associated with the practice of meditation and koans, which are riddles or paradoxical statements.
Nirvana	A Sanskrit term used in various Buddhist traditions that refers to the state of liberation or enlightenment that one can attain through the practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines. It is often associated with the cessation of suffering and the realization of the true nature of reality.

karuna¶

Karuna is a Sanskrit term used in Buddhism that refers to the quality of compassion, or the desire to alleviate the suffering of others. It is one of the four Brahmaviharas, or sublime attitudes, that are cultivated through meditation practice in Buddhist teachings. The practice of Karuna involves cultivating a sense of empathy and concern for the welfare of all beings, and taking action to relieve their suffering whenever possible. It is considered a key component of the path to enlightenment, and is often associated with the Bodhisattva ideal, in which an individual seeks to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

prajna¶

Prajna, which is also known as wisdom or insight, is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that refers to a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the causes of suffering. According to Buddhist teachings, prajna is one of the two wings of enlightenment, along with compassion, and is essential for attaining liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. Prajna is often contrasted with ordinary knowledge, which is based on conceptual thinking and discrimination, and is described as a direct and intuitive understanding that arises from the practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines. By cultivating prajna, Buddhists aim to develop a more profound and transformative understanding of the nature of existence and to overcome the ignorance and delusion that give rise to suffering.

upekkha¶

Upekkha, which is also known as equanimity, is one of the four Brahma Viharas or sublime states in Buddhism. It refers to a state of balanced and even-minded awareness, characterized by a sense of peace and acceptance towards all experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant. According to Buddhist teachings, cultivating upekkha can help individuals to overcome the afflictions of attachment, aversion, and ignorance, which are the root causes of suffering. By developing a sense of equanimity, Buddhists aim to cultivate a deeper understanding and acceptance of the impermanent and ever-changing nature of reality, as well as a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards all living beings.

annica¶

Anicca, which means impermanence, is one of the three characteristics of existence in Buddhism. It refers to the notion that all things are in a constant state of flux and that nothing is permanent or unchanging. According to Buddhist teachings, the realization of impermanence is essential for spiritual growth and liberation, as it helps individuals to let go of attachment, craving, and suffering. By accepting the impermanent nature of all things, Buddhists aim to cultivate a deeper sense of equanimity, wisdom, and compassion in their lives.

Anicca is both change and impermanence. Change is a more literal translation of the word, while impermanence is a more abstract concept. Change means that everything in the world is constantly changing, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy. Even our own bodies are constantly changing, as cells die and are replaced. Impermanence means that nothing lasts forever. Everything in the world is eventually destroyed, even the most powerful empires and the most beautiful works of art.

The concept of anicca is one of the most important concepts in Buddhism. By understanding anicca, we can learn to let go of attachments to things that are impermanent, and to accept the ever-changing nature of reality.

in buddhism what are the three universal truths?¶

graph LR
dukkha -->
samudaya -->
nirodha

concepts¶

Concept	Meaning
annica - Impermanence	All conditioned things are impermanent and constantly changing
Emptiness	All phenomena are empty of inherent existence and dependently originated
annata - No self	There is no permanent, unchanging, independent self or soul
Signless	All phenomena are without any inherent characteristics or signs
Aimlessness	There is no ultimate goal or purpose
satori bodhi Nirvana	The ultimate goal of Buddhism, a state of liberation from suffering and rebirth

signlessness¶

Buddhist signlessness in Sanskrit is called animitta. It is the third of the three marks of existence, along with impermanence and suffering. Animitta refers to the absence of any inherent signs or marks in phenomena.

In Buddhism, it is believed that all phenomena are empty of any inherent nature or essence. This means that there is no such thing as a permanent, unchanging, or independent entity. Everything is constantly changing and evolving, and everything is interconnected.

Animitta is often described as the realization that all phenomena are empty of any inherent meaning or significance. This does not mean that phenomena are meaningless, but rather that their meaning is dependent on the context in which they arise.

Animitta is a difficult concept to grasp, but it is an essential part of Buddhist practice. It is said that when we achieve animitta, we will find true wisdom and enlightenment.

aimlessness¶

Aimlessness in Buddhism is called Apranihita or uncommittedness or wishlessness in Sanskritapraṇihita अप्रणिहित. It is a form of "concentration" in some schools of Buddhist meditation. It is a state of mind where you are not attached to any particular goal or outcome. You are simply present in the moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Aimlessness is not the same as laziness or apathy. It is not about giving up on your goals or dreams. It is about letting go of your attachment to them. When you are aimless, you are free to enjoy the journey, even if you don't know where you are going.

Aimlessness can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it is an essential part of Buddhist practice. It is said that when we achieve aimlessness, we will find true happiness and enlightenment.

suttas¶

Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma): MN 26
Anatta Sutta (The Non-Self Sutta): MN 3
Nibbida Sutta (The Extinction of Suffering Sutta): MN 22
Satipatthana Sutta (The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta): MN 10
Samadhi Sutta (The Factors of Concentration Sutta): MN 12
Khandha Sutta (The Five Aggregates Sutta): MN 22
Anicca Sutta (The Impermanence Sutta): MN 27
Dukkha Sutta (The Suffering Sutta): MN 3
Metta Sutta (The Loving-Kindness Sutta): MN 117
Upekka Sutta (The Equanimity Sutta): MN 121

universal truths¶

In Buddhism, the Three Universal Truths are the fundamental principles that underlie the teachings of the Buddha. They are:

The truth of suffering dukkha: This truth acknowledges that all forms of existence are characterized by suffering, including physical and mental suffering.
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya): This truth states that suffering arises from craving and attachment to things, and from ignorance of the true nature of reality.
The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha): This truth states that it is possible to end suffering by letting go of craving and attachment and by realizing the nature of reality.

These Three Universal Truths form the foundation of the Buddhist path to liberation, and understanding them is considered an essential step in attaining enlightenment. By recognizing the truth of suffering, practitioners can cultivate a sense of urgency to end it, and by recognizing the truth of its cause and cessation, they can develop a path to end suffering and achieve lasting happiness.

nirodha¶

Nirodha is a concept in Buddhism that refers to the cessation or ending of suffering. It is one of the Four Noble Truths, which are considered the foundational teachings of Buddhism.

According to Buddhist philosophy, suffering (dukkha) arises from craving, attachment, and ignorance. Nirodha is the state in which these causes of suffering have been eliminated, and the mind is in a state of complete equanimity and peace.

Nirodha is achieved through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. By following these eight steps, one can gradually overcome the causes of suffering and attain Nirodha.

Nirodha is often associated with the concept of Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. While Nirodha refers specifically to the cessation of suffering, Nirvana is a state of ultimate liberation and enlightenment that goes beyond the absence of suffering.

In Buddhist practice, the realization of Nirodha is considered a profound spiritual accomplishment, as it allows one to live in a state of freedom and peace, no longer driven by the forces of craving and attachment.

caturapramāṇa¶

Caturapramāṇa refers to the Four Reliances in Buddhist philosophy. These Four Reliances are guidelines for how to approach and understand Buddhist teachings and scriptures. The Four Reliances are:

Rely on the teachings, not the person: The teachings of the Buddha should be relied upon, rather than the personality or charisma of the teacher.
Rely on the meanng, not just the words: The meaning behind the teachings is more important than the words used to express them.
Rely on the definitive meaning, not the provisional: The teachings should be understood in their final, definitive meaning, not just in a provisional or interpretive sense.
Rely on wisdom, not just faith: Wisdom should be developed through personal experience and investigation, not just through blind faith.

categories of meditations¶

There are many different types of meditation, but they can generally be grouped into a few broad categories:

MINDFULNESS meditation: This type of meditation involves focusing one's attention on the present moment and observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment.
Loving-kindness meditation: This type of meditation involves cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and others.
CONCENTRATION meditation: This type of meditation involves focusing one's attention on a specific object, such as the breath, a mantra, or an image, with the aim of improving CONCENTRATION and mental clarity.
Movement meditation: This type of meditation involves focusing on physical movements, such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, with the aim of becoming more present and mindful.
Mantra meditation: This type of meditation involves repeating a word or phrase (a mantra) in order to still the mind and achieve a state of deep relaxation and concentration.
Transcendental meditation: This type of meditation involves repeating a personal mantra, assigned by a teacher, in a specific way, with the aim of transcending ordinary awareness and experiencing a state of pure consciousness.
Chakra meditation: This type of meditation involves focusing on the seven chakras (energy centers) in the body to promote balance, peace, and spiritual growth.

These are just a few examples of the many types of meditation. It's important to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your goals.

what are the primary teachings in buddhism?¶

Buddhism teaches that all beings can achieve ultimate liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth, known as nirvana or enlightenment, by following the Eightfold Path. The primary teachings of Buddhism can be summarized as follows:

The Four Noble Truths: These are the basic principles of Buddhism, which state that all existence is suffering, that suffering arises from craving and ignorance, that it is possible to end suffering, and that the Eightfold Path is the way to achieve this end.
The Eightfold Path: This is the path to the end of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment. It consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Three Universal Truths: These are the truths of all phenomena, which state that all things are impermanent, that all beings are subject to suffering, and that there is no permanent self or soul.
Dependent Origination: This is the teaching that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena, and that everything is interdependent and interconnected.
The Five Precepts: These are ethical guidelines that provide a foundation for Buddhist moral conduct, and consist of abstaining from harming living beings, taking what is not given, engaging in sexual misconduct, speaking falsehoods, and taking intoxicants.
Compassion and Bodhisattva Ideal: Buddhism teaches the development of compassion and the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, as exemplified by the bodhisattva, a being who has made a vow to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings.

These are some of the core teachings in Buddhism, and there are many other aspects and practices within the tradition, such as meditation, chanting, and visualization, which are designed to help individuals cultivate these principles and attain liberation.

7 factors of awakening¶

playlist

The 7 factors of awakening, also known as the 7 limbs of awakening, are:

MINDFULNESS (sati)
Investigation of the Dhamma (dhamma vicaya)
Energy (viriya)
Joy or rapture (pīti)
Relaxation or tranquility (passaddhi)
CONCENTRATION (samādhi)
Equanimity (upekkha)
These factors are seen as interdependent and are developed through meditation and the cultivation of virtuous conduct. The ultimate aim is the realization of the Four Noble Truths and the attainment of enlightenment.

what are the kleshas¶

The Kleshas, also known as the "Five Afflictions" or "Five Poisons," are negative mental states or emotions in Buddhism.

They are:

ignorance
attachment
aversion
pride
jealousy

These mental states are believed to be the root cause of suffering and keep individuals trapped in cyclic existence. Practicing MINDFULNESS and meditation is said to help overcome the Kleshas and achieve liberation from suffering.

three marks of existence¶

graph
dukkha -- natural: age illness death --> body
samkhara --> annica
viparinama --> avidyā

In Buddhism, there are three types of suffering, which are known as the Three Universal Truths or the Three Marks of Existence. They are:

Dukkha-dukkha: This refers to the suffering that arises from painful experiences, such as sickness, old age, and death.
Samkhara-dukkha: This refers to the suffering that arises from the impermanence of all things, including pleasant experiences that are bound to change or come to an end.
Viparinama-dukkha: This refers to the suffering that arises from our tendency to cling to things or experiences that are impermanent and constantly changing. This includes the suffering that arises from attachment, craving, and aversion.

what are the attributes of enlightenment¶

Enlightenment is a term used in various spiritual traditions to describe a state of spiritual awakening, liberation, or self-realization. The specific attributes of enlightenment can vary across traditions, but some of the most common ones include:

Wisdom: Enlightenment is characterized by deep insight into the nature of reality, including the impermanence, interdependence, and lack of inherent existence of all phenomena.
Compassion: Enlightenment is often associated with a profound sense of compassion and empathy for all beings, free from discrimination or prejudice.
Freedom: Enlightenment is considered to bring a sense of freedom from mental afflictions such as attachment, aversion, ignorance, and greed.
Inner peace: Enlightenment is said to bring a deep sense of inner peace, equanimity, and well-being, even in the face of adversity.
Integration: Enlightenment is considered to bring a sense of integration and wholeness, where the mind, body, and emotions are aligned and functioning harmoniously.
Direct experience: Enlightenment is considered to be a direct experience of reality, free from the dualistic distinctions between self and other, subject and object.
These are some of the most commonly described attributes of enlightenment in spiritual traditions, but it is important to note that these descriptions are meant to be guidelines rather than definitive explanations of what enlightenment is. The ultimate nature of enlightenment can only be directly experienced and realized through spiritual practice, and not through conceptual understanding alone.

what is Mitta Sutta¶

The Metta Sutta, also known as the "Discourse on Loving-Kindness" or the "Karaniya Metta Sutta," is a Buddhist text that is considered to be one of the most important discourses on the practice of loving-kindness and compassion. It is part of the Pali Canon, the collection of early Buddhist texts, and is found in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka.

The Metta Sutta is a teaching on the cultivation of universal loving-kindness and compassion, which are considered to be key qualities for spiritual development and the achievement of inner peace. The sutta offers a series of verses that encourage the practitioner to cultivate feelings of loving-kindness and compassion for themselves and others, including friends and enemies.

In addition to its importance as a teaching on loving-kindness, the Metta Sutta is also highly regarded for its poetic and meditative quality. It is often recited and used as a focus for meditation and has been widely translated into various languages.

in buddhism what meditations use dicohtomies¶

In Buddhism, there are several meditation practices that use dichotomies or pairs of opposites.

One well-known practice is the development of MINDFULNESS (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña).
Another practice that involves dichotomies is the contemplation of the rise and fall of physical and mental phenomena (udaya-vaya).
Additionally, the Four Noble Truths also involve a dichotomy, with the first truth being the recognition of dukkha (suffering) and the fourth truth being the path to the end of suffering.

These dichotomies are used as tools to help the practitioner understand the nature of reality and to develop greater insight and wisdom.

6 roots¶

Faith (saddhā)
Energy (viriya)
MINDFULNESS (sati)
CONCENTRATION (samādhi)
Wisdom (paññā)
Moral Discipline (sīla)

Lokavipatti¶

The Lokavipatti Sutta is a Buddhist discourse found in the Pali Canon's Majjhima Nikaya.

It deals with the subject of avoiding errors or pitfalls (Lokavipatti) in one's spiritual journey.

The sutta lists six factors that can cause one to fall into error:

desire for sense objects
wrong views
lack of learning and inquiry
heedlessness
bad companionship
laziness

The sutta provides guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls by cultivating the opposite qualities, such as renunciation of sense desires, right views, learning and inquiry, mindfulness, good companionship, and diligence.

The sutta emphasizes the importance of developing wisdom and insight to overcome obstacles in one's spiritual path.

five hindrances¶

The five hindrances are obstacles that can arise during meditation and prevent one from attaining deep states of concentration and insight. They are:

Sensory desire (kamacchanda): The strong attachment to pleasant sensory experiences and desire for more.
Ill-will (vyapada): Feelings of hostility, anger, and aversion towards oneself or others.
Sloth and torpor (thina-middha): A state of dullness or sleepiness that hinders alertness and clarity of mind.
Restlessness and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca): An agitated and restless mind that is distracted by worries, fears, and anxieties.
Doubt (vicikiccha): The lack of faith in oneself or the practice, leading to uncertainty and indecisiveness.

By recognizing and working to overcome these hindrances, one can develop greater concentration, insight, and inner peace in meditation and in daily life.

no birth no death¶

see also signlessness and emptiness

you've probably heard of the laws of conservation of energy

the idea in buddhism of no birth, no death is similar

energy is not created or destroyed it just changes form

an objective comparison is a water, in different forms water is still water

we could say a wave is born, and a wave dies, but does it really?

this story is not different for for other forms, energy is always changing forms

a drop of water in the ocean is not different from the drop of water in a wave

a wave happens, it appears, from the wind, currents or other forces

but if you examine a wave, there are no "wave atoms" there is just water

no different if it is still water or in a wave

the 51 mental formations¶

In Buddhism, the 51 mental formations (Pali: cetasikas) are mental factors or states of mind that accompany each conscious thought or experience.

They are listed in the Abhidhamma, the Theravada Buddhist philosophical text, as:

faith
energy
mindfulness
concentration
wisdom
shame
fear of wrongdoing
shame of wrongdoing
conscience
non-greed
non-hatred
equanimity
intention
contact
feeling
perception
volition
one-pointedness
desire
interest
attention
determination
decision
persistence
mindfulness
equanimity
confidence
tranquility
joy
pleasure
gladness
delight
calmness
happiness
self-possession
awareness
non-delusion
kindness
compassion
altruistic joy
equanimity towards beings
physical serenity
mental serenity
faith
moral shame
moral dread
mental faculty
physical faculty
diligence
circumspection
shame at misdeeds
dread of misdeeds
energy
mindfulness
equanimity
non-remorse
non-regret
non-shame
non-fear
non-perversion
non-torpor
non-agitation
non-ignorance

These mental factors can be seen as interdependent and can arise in any combination, either in wholesome or unwholesome ways, depending on the conditions and circumstances that prompt their arising.

Technique	Method	Focus	Topic
Samatha	Calming the mind through concentration	One-pointedness, tranquility	Developing concentration and focus
Vipassana	Insight meditation, investigating reality	Mindfulness, awareness	Gaining insight and wisdom
Anapanasati	Mindfulness of breathing	Breath awareness	Cultivating mindfulness and awareness
Satipathana	Foundations of mindfulness	Body, sensations, mind, objects	Developing mindfulness and awareness
Maranasati	Mindfulness of death	Contemplation of death	Overcoming fear and attachment to life

Here is a table of the top 50 most essential Sanskrit words required to understand Buddhism, with their definitions using the same algorithms for readability, and using active voice:

Sanskrit Word	Definition
Anatta	Non-self; the idea that all phenomena lack inherent existence or substance.
Anicca	Impermanence; the idea that all phenomena are constantly changing and impermanent.
Arahat	A fully enlightened being, who has freed themselves from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Bodhi	Enlightenment; the complete awakening to the true nature of reality.
Bodhisattva	A being who has dedicated themselves to the path of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Dhamma	The fundamental teachings of Buddhism, which describe the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
Dukkha	Suffering; the first noble truth in Buddhism.
Karma	The law of cause and effect; our actions have consequences, both positive and negative.
Magga	The path to the end of suffering; the fourth noble truth in Buddhism.
Nirodha	Cessation; the end of suffering; the third noble truth in Buddhism.
Nirvana	The ultimate state of liberation from suffering and rebirth.
Prajna	Wisdom; the ability to see things as they really are.
Sangha	The community of Buddhist monks and nuns.
Sutta	A discourse given by the Buddha; a type of Buddhist scripture.
Vipassana	Insight meditation; a type of Buddhist meditation that focuses on developing wisdom and understanding.

Other essential Sanskrit words:

Abhidhamma | The third major division of the Pali Canon, which contains philosophical and analytical teachings on the nature of reality
Ajahn | Thai honorific title for a senior Buddhist monk
Bhikkhu | Buddhist monk
Bhikkhuni | Buddhist nun
Bodhichitta | The aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings
Buddha | An awakened being; one who has achieved enlightenment
Citta | Mind
Dhammacakra | The wheel of dharma; a Buddhist symbol that represents the Buddha's teachings
Dhammavinaya | The Buddhist teachings and monastic code
Dukkha-samudaya | The cause of suffering; the second noble truth in Buddhism
Dukkha-nirodha | The end of suffering; the third noble truth in Buddhism
Dukkha-nirodha-magga | The path to the end of suffering; the fourth noble truth in Buddhism
Jhana | Meditative absorption
Karma-vipaka | The results of karma
Klesha | Mental afflictions; defilements that prevent us from achieving enlightenment
Layperson | A person who is not a Buddhist monk or nun
Loka | World
Mara | The tempter; the embodiment of evil and ignorance
Metta | Loving-kindness; a Buddhist meditation practice that cultivates love and compassion for all beings
Moksha | Liberation; freedom from suffering and rebirth
Nibbana | Pali equivalent of nirvana
Pali | The language in which the Theravada Buddhist scriptures were originally written
Paramita | Perfection; a quality that must be developed in order to achieve enlightenment
Precepts | Moral guidelines that Buddhists follow
Refuge | The three refuges are the Buddha, the dhamma, and the sangha
Samma ditthi | Right view; the first factor of the eightfold path
Samma sankappa | Right thought; the second factor of the eightfold path
Samma vaca | Right speech; the third factor of the eightfold path
Samma kammanta | Right action; the fourth factor of the eightfold path
Samma ajiva | Right livelihood; the fifth factor of the eightfold path
Samma vayama | Right effort; the sixth factor of the eightfold path
Samma sati | Right mindfulness; the seventh factor of the eightfold path
Samma samadhi | Right concentration; the eighth factor of the eightfold path
Sangha | The community of Buddhist monks and nuns; the third refuge