Glossary

Deva. A celestial being; deity; god; devaputra (male heavenly being); devi (female heavenly being).

Dharani. A Sanskrit word interpreted to mean "unite and hold". Dharani, sometimes called Mantra, unites all dharmas and holds limitless meanings.

Dharma. When capitalised, as here, Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddhas that are to be practised. When not capitalised, dharma refers to things or methods, to all entities - both physical and mental.

Dharma Body. One of the three bodies of a Buddha, it pervades all places. See also: Maha Vairocana Tathagata.

Dharma-door. An entrance to the Dharma; a method of practice leading to enlightenment.

Dharma-ending Age. The Dharma passes through the following historical periods:

1) The first 1,000 years is the Proper Dharma Age.

2) The following 1,000 years is the Dharma Image Age.

3) The following 10,000 years is the Dharma-ending Age.

Door. See Dharma-door.