Welcome to the FPMT Working Glossary of Buddhist Terms and Definitions

This site has been specifically designed to provide an opportunity for translators/interpreters to collaborate in the on-going development of a standard FPMT glossary of English Buddhist terms. The purpose of this glossary is to support the work of improving existing translations and to ensure that new translations use a standard terminology. In addition, it will assist other FPMT translation offices in creating a similar standard glossary in their respective languages.

It is to be noted that this glossary is not meant to replace existing Tibetan-English dictionaries. Rather it is meant to narrow the choice of translation terms used in particular contexts ranging from the secular approach of Essential Education through the advanced philosophical studies of the FPMT Masters Program in Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra.

The creation of an FPMT standard glossary will be achieved through:

  • allowing for and tracking discussions between translators regarding the most appropriate translation for a specific Tibetan term
  • keeping a history of alternative translations and their sources
  • permitting the evaluation of proposed translations by the FPMT Translation Committee

Briefly speaking, on this website FPMT translators can:

  • access a shared resource of terms and translations qualified by
    • a thread of discussions related to each translation
    • a list of sources for each translation
    • a quality evaluation by the FPMT Translation Committee
  • contribute with their experience by
    • adding new translations
    • sharing their opinions and considerations about a particular translation term

In addition, individual translators, as well as translation groups, outside the FPMT can access a shared resource of FPMT approved terms and terminologies that supports:

  • the participation in broad international projects
  • the creation of a commonly shared glossary and dictionary
  • the spread of Buddhism in general