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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 December 2016
Abhidhamma (Bur. Abidama) Along with the suttas and the vinaya, one of the three groupings of the Tipitaka, the Pāli scriptures; philosophical discussion of the characteristics of phenomena.
Abidama See abhidhamma.
Agati (Bur.) Bias, partiality, corruption; the four agatis are desire, anger, fear, and ignorance.
Aggañña Sutta Buddhist text from the Digha Nikaya; tells the story of human moral decline due to unrestrained craving and the subsequent installation of an authority figure to provide adjudication on conflicts; some Burmese Buddhists have interpreted it as providing legitimation for political authority, while others have seen it as evidence of the Buddha's endorsement of democratic elections.
A-kutho (Pāli a-kusala) Unwholesome action; demerit; opposite of kutho/kusala.
Anattā (Bur. Anatta) The common English translation is “no self,” although another Burmese understanding is “no control”; refers to the belief that what we commonly call the “self” is merely a collection of physical and mental processes that follow immediately after one another, creating the illusion of coherence; or that we can ultimately have no control over those physical and mental processes; along with dukkha and anicca, one of the three characteristics of existence according to Buddhist teachings.
Aneitsa See anicca.
Anicca (Bur. aneitsa) Impermanence; relates to an unavoidable entropic process that will affect all life but can also refer to a more specific understanding where all of existence comes into being and passes back into non-being in every successive moment; along with dukkha and anattā, one of the three characteristics of existence according to Buddhist teachings.
Arahant (Bur. yahan) Fully enlightened individual.
Aw-ga-tha (Bur.) Daily supplication of Burmese Buddhists affirming faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and sangha, and asking for protection from harm.
Bhāvanā (Bur. bawana) Meditation; can also refer to moral practice more generally.
Bawana See bhāvanā.
Bodhisatta See hpaya-laung.
Brahmavihāras (Bur. byama-so taya) The four sublime attitudes: mettā, karunā, mudita, and upekkhā.
Byama-so taya See brahmavihāras.
Cakkavatti (Bur. Setkya Min) Universal monarch; common figure in Theravāda tradition who will usher in the golden age of the future Buddha.
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