When we read the Buddha’s teachings, we may need to learn some new words. Here is the meaning of some of the words that may be new to you. If you are still unsure about a lot of words, you may want to install some dictionary software.
If you are looking for suttas on a certain topic, check out the subject index.
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alms food
Alms food is food that monks and nuns collect from lay people. Without it, they cannot eat.
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Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery
This is one of the two major monasteries in Sāvatthi where the Supreme Buddha often stayed. It was donated by the householder Anāthapiṇḍika. Jeta's Grove was the location of the Supreme Buddha's dwelling. -
ascetic
An ascetic, or recluse, is someone who gives up the ordinary life and lives without the comforts and pleasures of a home. We can call Buddhist monks and nuns ascetics. There were also people who are not followers of the Supreme Buddha who are ascetics. -
Assaññasatta
A heaven with gods without perception. -
asuras
Asuras, or titans, are a bad type of non-human beings who are constantly fighting with devas. Birth as an asura is considered a bad rebirth. -
attendant
An attendant is someone who takes care of someone else. Over his life our Supreme Buddha had many attendants but the most famous is Venerable Ānanda.