Bodhidharma – Bodhidharma was a 5th–6th century Buddhist monk who is credited with bringing Chan Buddhism (Zen) to China. He emphasized meditation (Dhyana), direct experience over scripture, and self-discipline. Legends associate him with Shaolin martial arts, and his teachings laid the foundation for Zen Buddhism in Japan. His legacy continues to inspire meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual awakening today.
Buddha – The term Buddha means “The Awakened One” or “The Enlightened One.” It refers to Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and became the founder of Buddhism. A Buddha is someone who has awakened to the true nature of life, overcome suffering, and attained complete wisdom and peace (Nirvana). In Buddhism, there can be many Buddhas, as anyone who reaches full enlightenment is considered a Buddha.
Chan Buddhism – Chan Buddhism is a Chinese school of Mahāyāna Buddhism that emphasizes meditation (禅, chán), direct insight into one’s true nature, and spontaneous wisdom over doctrinal study. It originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and later influenced Zen Buddhism in Japan.
Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra) – The Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra) is a symbolic representation of the Buddha’s teachings and the path to enlightenment in Buddhism. It typically features a wheel with eight spokes, representing the Eightfold Path, which guides practitioners toward wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. The Dharmachakra is one of the oldest and most significant symbols in Buddhism, often depicted in religious art, temples, and scriptures.
Four Noble Truths – The Four Noble Truths are the core teachings of Buddhism that explain the nature of suffering and how to overcome it. They state that suffering exists (Dukkha), suffering has a cause (Tanha), suffering can end (Nirodha), and there is a path to end suffering (Magga) through the Eightfold Path. These truths provide a practical guide to achieving peace and enlightenment.
Mahāyāna – Mahāyāna Buddhism is a major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and the Bodhisattva path, where practitioners seek enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all beings. It introduces new teachings, such as emptiness (Śūnyatā), Buddha-nature, and skillful means, and has influenced many Buddhist traditions, including Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. Mahāyāna is widely practiced in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet, and continues to inspire people worldwide with its inclusive and adaptable approach to spiritual awakening.
Nirvana (Nibbāna) – Nirvana (Nibbāna in Pali) is the ultimate state of liberation and peace in Buddhism, where all suffering, cravings, and attachments completely end. It is the cessation of rebirth (samsara) and the realization of perfect wisdom and freedom. Nirvana is not a place, but a state of pure peace, awareness, and enlightenment beyond all worldly suffering.
Noble Eightfold Path – The Noble Eightfold Path is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism that provides a practical guide to overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment. It consists of eight interconnected principles: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These steps are grouped into wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, helping individuals live with clarity, compassion, and inner peace.
Shunyata (Śūnyatā) – A key concept in Buddhist philosophy, often translated as “emptiness” or “voidness.” It refers to the idea that all phenomena lack inherent, independent existence and arise due to dependent origination. In Mahayana Buddhism, shunyata is central to understanding reality beyond fixed concepts, leading to wisdom and liberation from suffering.
Siddhartha Gautama – Siddhartha Gautama was a prince from ancient India who later became known as the Buddha after attaining enlightenment. Born in the 5th–6th century BCE in Kapilavastu, he left his royal life to seek the truth about suffering and the meaning of life. Through deep meditation and self-discovery, he realized the Four Noble Truths and founded Buddhism, a spiritual path that teaches wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Theravāda – Theravāda is the oldest and most traditional branch of Buddhism, meaning “Teaching of the Elders.” It follows the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha, preserved in the Pāli Canon. Theravāda emphasizes personal enlightenment (Arahant path), meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. It is mainly practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia and is known for its conservative and monastic-focused approach to Buddhism.