This glossary provides definitions for key Buddhist terms encountered in the Lotus Sutra. Entries include the original Sanskrit or Pali terms, their Chinese and Japanese equivalents where applicable, and explanations relevant to their usage within the sutra.
The glossary is organized to support readers at all levels of familiarity with Buddhist terminology, from newcomers encountering these concepts for the first time to scholars seeking precise definitions and cross-references. Terms are drawn from the major doctrinal, narrative, and devotional vocabulary of the Lotus Sutra.
As the project grows, entries will be expanded with cross-references to the specific chapters and passages where each term appears.
buddhatā / tathāgatagarbha
The inherent potential for all sentient beings to attain Buddhahood. A central teaching of the Lotus Sutra affirming universal enlightenment.
ekayāna
The single, all-encompassing path to Buddhahood, unifying the three vehicles (śrāvaka, pratyekabuddha, and bodhisattva) into one universal way.
upāya-kauśalya
Skillful methods employed by Buddhas and bodhisattvas to guide sentient beings toward enlightenment, adapting the teaching to the capacity of the listener.
saddharmapuṇḍarīka
The Sūtra of the Lotus Blossom of the Wonderful Dharma, one of the most influential Mahāyāna scriptures, teaching the one vehicle and universal Buddhahood.
bodhisattva
A being who aspires to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, embodying compassion and wisdom on the path to full enlightenment.
nirvāṇa
The ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha reveals that nirvana is not a final extinction but an expedient teaching.
dharma
The teachings of the Buddha; also refers to the true nature of reality, cosmic law, and the phenomena of existence.
saṃgha
The community of Buddhist practitioners, one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism. In the Lotus Sutra, it encompasses the great assembly of disciples and bodhisattvas.
sūtra
A discourse or scripture attributed to the Buddha, literally meaning "thread" — a text that strings together the essential teachings.
samādhi
A state of deep meditative absorption and concentration in which the mind becomes unified and still, enabling profound insight.
prajñā
Transcendent wisdom that perceives the true nature of reality, especially emptiness (śūnyatā). One of the six perfections of the bodhisattva path.
karuṇā
Great compassion for all sentient beings, the motivation that drives bodhisattvas to work tirelessly for the liberation of others.
saṃsāra
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma and afflictions. The Lotus Sutra teaches that even within saṃsāra, Buddhahood is attainable.
tathāgata
An epithet of the Buddha meaning "one who has thus come" or "one who has thus gone," referring to one who has realized ultimate truth.
arhat
One who has attained liberation from the cycle of rebirth by extinguishing all defilements. In the Lotus Sutra, arhats are encouraged to pursue full Buddhahood.
triyāna
The three paths of the śrāvaka, pratyekabuddha, and bodhisattva, which the Lotus Sutra reveals to be expedient means subsumed within the one vehicle.
Ten aspects of existence (appearance, nature, entity, power, activity, causes, conditions, effects, retributions, and ultimate equality) articulated in Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra, describing the true reality of all phenomena.
pratītyasamutpāda
The principle that all phenomena arise in dependence upon causes and conditions, with nothing existing independently or in isolation.
śūnyatā
The absence of inherent, independent existence in all phenomena. All things arise dependently and lack a fixed, permanent self-nature.
smṛti
The practice of maintaining present-moment awareness, a foundational element of Buddhist meditation and the path to insight.