Glossary of Buddhist Terms – Buddhist Library

Four Noble Truths

The core framework of the Buddha’s teaching: suffering (dukkha), its origin (craving), its cessation (nirvana), and the path leading to its cessation (the Noble Eightfold Path).

Noble Eightfold Path

The path to liberation: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Impermanence (anicca)

All conditioned things are in constant flux and never fixed. One of the three marks of existence.

Non-self (anatta)

There is no permanent, independent "self." All phenomena arise dependent on conditions.

Suffering (dukkha)

The unsatisfactoriness and stress inherent in existence, rooted in craving and clinging.

Mindfulness (sati)

Clear, present-moment awareness, held without judgment.

Dependent origination

The principle that all things arise through interdependent conditions: when this exists, that arises.

Nirvana (nibbana)

The unconditioned peace that comes with the extinguishing of greed, hatred, and delusion, and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Karma (kamma)

Intentional action and its consequences; skillful and unskillful deeds shaping future experience.

Loving-kindness (metta)

The heartfelt wish for the happiness and welfare of all beings — a foundational quality of practice.