Why the vocabulary can be confusing
Buddhist words reach English from several languages, mainly Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. The same idea can have different names in different places, and spellings vary: “dharma” in Sanskrit is “dhamma” in Pali, and “nirvana” is “nibbana”. The entries below give common meanings in general terms. Usage differs between traditions and communities, so treat these as starting points, not final definitions.
Places and buildings
Stupa. A solid, usually domed monument that often holds relics or sacred objects and serves as a focus of devotion. The same form developed into the chorten in the Himalaya and, in some regions, the pagoda. The parts of a stupa are often read as symbolic, and traditions interpret them differently.
Vihara. In early usage, a dwelling for monks or nuns; the word later came to mean a monastery or temple hall. In some countries, “vihara” is simply the ordinary word for a temple.
Chaitya. A sanctuary hall, often rock-cut in India, built around a stupa for worship, in contrast to the vihara used for living.
Wat, gompa, tera, sa. Regional words for a temple or monastery: wat in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos; gompa in Tibetan regions; tera (or ji) in Japanese; sa in Korean. These are not exact synonyms.
Bodhi tree. The tree species under which the Buddha is traditionally said to have awakened. Descendants and cuttings are venerated at many sites.
Mahavihara. A large monastic complex. The term is used for major centres such as Nalanda.
Practices
Puja. Acts of respect and offering, such as flowers, incense, light or water, usually with chanting or recitation. The word is also used in Hindu contexts, and Buddhist forms vary by tradition.
Kora (Tibetan) or pradakshina. Walking around a sacred site, usually keeping the object on one’s right (clockwise in most Buddhist settings), as a form of respect; the general practice is also called circumambulation practice in English. Some people also prostrate along the route. In the Tibetan Bon tradition, the direction is often reversed, which explains why you may see pilgrims moving the other way at a few sites.
Prostration. Bowing down fully or partially as an expression of respect and humility. Forms differ by tradition.
Merit. The beneficial effect traditionally attributed to good actions, such as generosity, ethical conduct and devotion. Many pilgrims dedicate merit to others.
Dana. Generosity, especially giving to monastics or to those in need. Practices around dana are described differently in Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana communities.
Meditation. A broad term for several trained mental practices. The Pali word “bhavana” and Sanskrit “dhyana” are related terms, though they do not map neatly to a single English word.
People and community
Buddha. “Awakened one”. Usually refers to the historical teacher, often called Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni, though Buddhist traditions also speak of earlier and future buddhas.
Sangha. The Buddhist community. In some usages it means the community of monastics; in others, it includes lay followers. Together with the Buddha and the Dharma, it forms the Three Jewels (or Three Refuges).
Dharma (Pali: dhamma). The teachings of the Buddha, and in a wider sense the truth or the way things are. The word has other meanings in Indian religions.
Bhikkhu and bhikkhuni (Pali); bhiksu and bhiksuni (Sanskrit). Fully ordained monk and nun. Not every tradition has an active bhikkhuni ordination lineage, and the matter is discussed within communities.
Lama, roshi, sayadaw, ajahn. Titles for teachers in different traditions: Tibetan, Japanese Zen, Burmese and Thai Theravada. They do not share exact meanings, so avoid assuming equivalence.
Bodhisattva. In Mahayana traditions, a being who aims to attain awakening for the benefit of all beings. In older and Theravada usage, the term often refers to the Buddha before his awakening.
Ideas and terms
Nirvana (Pali: nibbana). The ultimate goal in many Buddhist traditions, often described as release from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. Descriptions differ by school.
Samsara. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Karma (Pali: kamma). Intentional action and its results. Popular uses of the word often differ from the way it appears in texts.
Parinirvana. The Buddha’s final passing, traditionally at Kushinagar. In some traditions it is commemorated with reclining Buddha images.
Sutra (Pali: sutta). A discourse attributed to the Buddha or to a close disciple. Collections of these are described in the articles on the Pali Canon and the Mahayana sutras.
Mantra. A sacred phrase or syllable, recited in various traditions, particularly Vajrayana, Shingon and Pure Land contexts.
A note on usage
Local usage and spelling differ, and some terms are shared with Hindu, Jain or other traditions. When visiting a site, listen to how local people and guides use the words, and follow local guidance on conduct. If you are unsure about a custom, ask politely.