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Glossary of Buddhist Terms -- D

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These are just the briefest of definitions of Buddhist terms starting with D. Click on the term for more explanation of its meaning. Scroll down past the Sponsored Links for more terms.
Dakini
In Vajrayana Buddhism, a dakini is the energy of nondual awareness manifested as a naked, dancing, wrathful female deity.
Dharma
In Buddhism, dharma most commonly is used to refer to the teachings of the Buddha. But the word has a great many other significant meanings.
Dharmadhatu
Dharmadhatu -- dharma essence or dharma realm -- is understood differently in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
Dharmakaya
The dharmakaya is one of the three bodies (trikaya) of the Buddha. It is the body that is unmanifested, beyond existence or nonexistence.
Dhyana
"Dhyana" (Sanskrit) is an absorbed state of mind brought about by meditation. In particular, dhyana refers to the four states of absorption, sometimes called the "four dhyanas."
Dorje
A dorje is a symbol and ritual object of Buddhism.
Dukkha
The Pali word "dukkha" most often is translated into English as "suffering." But its meaning to Buddhism is much broader than that.

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