Also known as the three I's when the referent object is the self; they are the three possible ways we can experience any object: seeing it as truly existent, seeing it as not truly existent and seeing it without qualifying it one way or the other.

The three main divisions of the lamrim: renunciation, bodhicitta and the right view (of emptiness). Also the title of a short prayer composed by Lama Tsongkhapa that is commonly recited during prayer services.

The desire, form and formless realms.

See the graduated path of the three capable beings.

Ethics, concentration and wisdom. See three higher trainings.

Cessation (or nirvana) with residue, cessation (or nirvana) without residue and non-abiding nirvana.

The holy body, speech and mind of a buddha.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaches that sentient beings are kind in three ways: 1) all our happiness, including enlightenment, comes from sentient beings’ kindness; 2) our perfect human rebirth comes from their kindness; and 3) our shelter, food, and clothing come from their kindness.

Also called projecting karma, the karmic imprint that ripens at the time of death to propel us into the next rebirth. See also completing karma.

A popular noodle soup made in the Himalayan Nepal and Tibet.

An outer being, a proponent of a non-Buddhist system of beliefs with tenets that assert either eternalism or nihilism, views which bind them to samsara. Also known as an outsider (Tib: phy rol pa), one who adheres to an outsider doctrine (Tib: gzhan sde pa).

An offering cake used in tantric rituals. In Tibet, tormas were usually made of tsampa, but other edibles such as biscuits and so forth will suffice.

See Abhidharmakosha.

The late Junior Tutor of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and root guru of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche; also editor of Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand.

See Three Jewels.

See dharmakaya.

A print of a buddha’s image made in clay or plaster from a carved mold.