Most of the terms set forth below are taken from the Pali language and listed here in roman pali notation. Unfortunately, limitations of this medium make it impossible to include the appropriate diacritical markings of the letters. To facilitate proper pronunciation of the Pali words one should consult another printed source which does include these markings.
The three trainings:
Sila-morality
samadhi-concentration, mastery of the mind
panna-wisdom, insight that purifies the mind
The Triple Gem:
Buddha-anyone who is fully enlightened
Dhamma-the law of nature; the teaching of an enlightened person; the way to liberation
Sangha-anyone who has practiced Dhamma and has become a pure-minded, saintly person
The three roots of all mental defilements:
raga/lobha-craving
dosa-aversion
moha-ignorance
The Noble Eightfold Path:
samma-vaca-right speech
samma-kammanta-right action
samna-ajiva-right livelihood
samma-vayama-right effort
samma-sati-right awareness
samma-samadhi-right concentration
samma-sankappa-right thought
samma-ditthi-right understanding
nibbana-the unconditioned, the ultimate reality which is beyond mind and matter (Sanskrit nirvana)
The three kinds of wisdom:
suta-maya panna-wisdom gained by listening to others
cinta-maya panna-intellectual, analytical understanding
bhavana-maya panna-wisdom based on direct personal experience
The three characteristics of phenomena:
anicca-impermanence
anatta--egolessness
dukkha-suffering
kamma-action; specifically, an action one performs which will have an effect on one's future (Sanskrit karma)
the Four Noble Truths:
the fact of suffering
the origin of suffering (craving)
the cessation of suffering
the path leading to the cessation of suffering
The five aggregates of which a human being is composed:
rupa-matter; the physical body composed of subatomic particles (kalapa)
vinnana-consciousness, cognition
sanna-perception, recognition
vedana-sensation
sankhara-reaction; mental conditioning
The four material elements:
pathavi-earth (solidity, weight)
apo-water (fluidity, cohesion)
vayo-air (gaseousness, motion)
tejo-fire (temperature)
The five hindrances or enemies:
kamacchanda-craving
vyapada-aversion
thina-middha-physical sloth and mental torpor
uddhacca-kukkucca-agitation and worry
vicikiccha-doubt, uncertainty
The five strengths or friends:
saddha-confidence
viriya-effort
sati-awareness
samadhi-concentration
panna-wisdom
The four causes for the arising of matter:
food
environment/atmosphere
a present mental reaction
a past mental reaction
The four qualities of a pure mind:
metta-selfless love
karuna-compassion
mudita-sympathetic joy
upekkha-equanimity
Satipatthana-the establishing of awareness; synonym for Vipassana
The four satipatthanas are:
kayanupassana-observation of the body
vedananupassana-observation of bodily sensations
cittanupassana-observation of the mind
dhammanupassana-observation of mental contents
The ten parami or mental perfections:
nekkhamma-renunciation
sila-morality
viriya-effort
khanti-tolerance
sacca-truthfulness
adhitthana-strong determination
panna-wisdom
upekkha-equanimity
metta-selfless love
dana-generosity; donation
Bhavatu sabba mangalam-May all beings be happy!
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu-weIl said, well done; we agree, we share this wish
A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms
