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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taint
The taint of sensual pleasures (kāmāsava), the taint of desire for existence (bhavāsava), and the taint of ignorance (avijjāsava). -
Tathāgata
Tathāgata is a special name for the Supreme Buddha. You can learn the meaning in detail by reading Itv 112 Lokāvabodha Sutta. -
Tāvatiṁsa
The Tāvatiṁsa heavenly realm is ruled over by the god Sakka. -
the Four Great Gods
The Four Great Gods (Chaturmahārāja) rule over a variety of non-human beings. They are ruled over by the god Sakka. They are Dhataraṭṭha of the East, Virūlhaka of the South, Virūpakkha of the West, and Vessavana of the North. -
three roots of evil
Greed (lobha), hatred (dosa) and delusion (moha) are the root cause of our existence in saṁsara. -
timbaru
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trainee
When the Supreme Buddha says someone is "in training", that means they are a non-returner, once returner, stream enterer, dhamma follower, or a faith follower. Arahants have completed the Buddha's training, so they are no longer a trainee. Pāli: sekha -
Triple Gem
The Buddha, the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Saṅgha (enlightened disciples) -
Triple Knowledge
The Triple Knowledges are part of the Supreme Buddha's and many Arahants enlightenment. They are 1) knowledge of previous lives, 2) knowledge of the passing away and 3) rebirth of living beings according to their kamma, and knowledge of the destruction of the taints. In Pali: 1) pubbenivāsānussati ñāṇa 2) cutūpapāta ñāṇa 3) āsavakkhaya ñāṇa -
Tusita
The Tusita heaven is a very happy place for the gods who live there. No fighting like in the lower heavens. Bodhisattas are always born in the Tusita heaven before they are reborn as a human who will become a Buddha.