Arth

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Theravada

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School of Buddhism; "way of the elders". Very conservative branch, focus on Buddha and monastic order. Ultimate goal is nirvana. Believe that there is only ONE Buddha in the world and he is inactive currently

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Mahayana

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School of Buddhism; believe there may be many Buddhas acting int he world at any time. The goal is to become a Buddha.

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Vajrayana (Tantric)

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School of Buddhism; accepts everything about Mahayana, only it's more secretive. Train under a teacher to expedite the process of enlightenment.

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Vessantara

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The past life of the Buddha, one life before he was born as Siddhartha.

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Torana

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Gateway to mark the entrance to a Buddhist shrine or stupa; typically two tall, upright pillars with carvings all the way to the top.

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Vedika

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Fence around the upper part of a Stupa

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Vakataka

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Indian Dynasty. Under the patronage of king Harisena from this dynasty, the Ajanta caves began their construction

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Stavahana

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Indian Dynasty; well-known for construction of Stupas and Buddhist monasteries at Amaravati. Stupas from this dynasty have a long history, especially from all the renovations done by adding on to them.

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Queen Chamtisiri

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Queen who sponsored portions of many structures at Nagarjunakonda. Inscriptions from this queen's donations mention her generosity and her goal to achieve nirvana.

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Naga Mucalinda

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The naga who used themself to protect the Buddha from the elements after he achieved enlightenment.

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Yijing (I-tsing)

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Famous Chinese Buddhist monk. Travelled far translating Buddhist texts and spreading them, at one point studying in a major Buddhist school in Nalanda.

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Mahavamsa

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A historical text covering the history of religion in Sri Lanka, with a focus on Buddhism; following the life of the Buddha and after his death.

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Mon

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The first cultural group in Southeast Asia to adopt Buddhism. The kingdom of the Mon people was called Dvaravati; now northern parts of Thailand.

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Dvaravati (7th-10th c.)

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The kingdom for the Mon peoples, the first cultural group to adopt Buddhism in Southeast Asia.

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Sukhothai (13th-mid 14th c.)

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The first Thai kingdom. Rather expansive dynasties, seen as a time of tremendous artistic production.

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Lost Wax technique

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The technique for making the bronze Buddhas iconic of the Sukhothai state. Created using a clay core, layering wax to mold the statue and add the details, then heating it up and pouring out the wax, replacing it with the bronze.

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Dharmaraja

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Part of an inscription left by the second Sukhothai king, Ram Kamhaeng. Literally means "rules by virtue of the Dharma"; used as proof of his piety and validation of his kingship.

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Pagan (bagan)

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ancient city in central Myanmar, well-known for the sheer number of archaeological Buddhist monuments in the Pagan valley.

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Nat

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the primary focus of veneration for the kingdom of Pagan; important ancestors made spirits, generally from dying in a horrible, tragic way. They start out as dangerous spirits, but eventually become like protective deities/spirits of a community or family.

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Anawrahta

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1044 King of Pagan. Consolidated the Nats into 37 more important, royal spirits; famous for turning to Buddhism and converting the Nats into sponsors of Buddhism. Began construction of the Schwezigon

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Shin Arahan

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Head of the Buddhist monks in Pagan. Introduces King Anawrahta to Buddhism; instructs Anawrahta's successor, Kyanzittha, to finish construction of the Schwezigon.

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Kyanzittha

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Adopted son of Anawrahta, becomes his successor. He was very proactive in building monuments and showing off his piety to legitimize his rule, since he was adopted.

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lacquer

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the plastic of the ancient world. Very lightweight material, easy to form and make things out of, and remains a bit pliable after being molded. It is made from sap from a Laq tree.

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Saliendra (750-860)

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Dynasty in Java, Indonesia. Famous for the three major Buddhist monuments created during it's time; Chandis mendut, pawon, and borobudur.

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Tara

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Female Bodhisattva born of Avalokiteshvara's tears; also a Bodhisattva of compassion. In some practices, a really important Buddhist deity.

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Corbelled Arch

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an arch-like construction method, staggering blocks to create an entryway.

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Hariti

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former goddess of disease; convinced by the Buddha to instead become the goddess of fertility and abundance.

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Kubera

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Hariti's consort; God of abundance, like monetary wealth. Also known in the Hindu tradition.

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Karmavibhanga

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An ancient text laying out the causes and effects of Karma; stories of good and bad deeds and their heavenly rewards/hellish punishments

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Gandhavyuha

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A series of sermons telling the story of a young merchant who wants to become a Buddha, and eventually meets Maitreya and achieves enlightenment. Considered educational as he seeks wisdom from everybody from all walks of life.