ས། | Glossary of Terms

See “bhūmi.”

A stage of progress on the spiritual path, especially one of the ten stages of the Great Vehicle path of cultivation.

This refers to the bodhisattva levels leading to enlightenment.

The ten levels of a bodhisattva’s development into a buddha.

See “bhūmi.”

The ten levels of a bodhisattva’s development into a fully enlightened buddha.

See bodhisattva level.

The level of realization of a bodhisattva, typically ten in number.

This is literally the “ground” in which qualities grow like plants, and it also means a “level.” As an untranslated term, bhūmi is used specifically to refer to levels of enlightenment, especially the seven or ten levels of the enlightened bodhisattvas. Sūtras such as the Perfection of Wisdom sūtras teach the seven bhūmis. The teaching of ten bhūmis was found in the Mahāsāṃghika tradition and particularly in the Daśa­bhūmika Sūtra (Toh 44, ch. 31, Ten Bhūmi Sūtra), which is the thirty-first chapter in the Tibetan version of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra.

Literally the “grounds” in which qualities grow, and also meaning “levels.” Here it refers specifically to levels of enlightenment, especially the ten levels of the enlightened bodhisattvas.

A level of enlightenment, usually referring to the ten levels of the enlightened bodhisattvas.

Literally “grounds” in which qualities grow, and also it means “levels.” Bhūmi refers specifically to levels of enlightenment, especially the ten levels of the enlightened bodhisattvas. Also translated here as “level.”

See “bodhisattva level.”

Level of the realization of a bodhisattva. Typically there are ten bhūmis, sometimes thirteen.

The stages a bodhisattva must traverse before reaching perfect buddhahood; traditionally ten in number, though some systems present more.

The stages a bodhisattva must traverse before reaching perfect buddhahood; traditionally ten in number, though some systems present more.

Ground; level; also the level of realization, in particular that of a bodhisattva. Also rendered here as “bhūmi.”

Level of the realization of a bodhisattva; according to the general Mahāyāna, there are ten bodhisattva levels; according to Vajrayāna, thirteen.

In its technical usage this term, which literally means “ground” or “level,” refers to any of the ten levels of the realization of a bodhisattva.

The path of a bodhisattva is divided into ten stages of spiritual attainment called grounds. The eleventh ground corresponds to complete awakening.

The path of a bodhisattva is divided into ten stages of spiritual attainment called grounds. The eleventh ground corresponds to complete enlightenment.

Stage of spiritual maturation or realization on the path to awakening, serving as the ground for the growth of noble qualities.

Refers to stages of spiritual progress according to different spiritual paths or vehicles. See “ten spiritual levels.”