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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dandamanavaka
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defilement
Defilements are negative, evil, unwholesome thoughts in the mind. -
deity
A deity is a god, either a deva or a brahmā. They live in the heavenly realms. -
delusion
When someone is deluded they don’t know right from wrong. They think that things that will not last forever will last forever. It also means that they don't understand the Four Noble Truths. -
dependent origination
Dependent origination (paṭicca samuppāda) is the process that causes the arising and passing away of all conditioned things. By breaking the chain of dependent origination we can put an end to rebirth in saṁsara. -
diligence
Diligence means that we work hard to follow the Buddha's teachings. Pāli: appamāda -
divine ear
(Pāli: dibba sota) The divine ear is an ability to hear sounds both near and far away, even as far as the heavenly worlds. It is a psychic power usually gained by humans through meditation. -
divine eye
When someone has the power of the divine eye, they are able to see things far away, even into the heavenly worlds. Some people with the divine eye also have the ability to see how beings die and take rebirth according to their kamma. Pāli: dibba cakkhu -
double-layered robe
Monks and nuns have three robes. One is a single layer of cloth, one is the same but made of two layers, and one that is smaller for wearing around the waist.