|
|
- MANDALA
- circular diagram of religious symbols used for meditative purposes by both Hindus and Buddhists; the Hindu temple seen from above represents a mandala.
- MUDRA
- in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, a hand gesture expressing a symbolic meaning, often associated with a particular deity, such as the historical Buddha Shakyamuni reaching down to touch the earth, an act symbolizing his enlightenment.
- MAHABHARATA
- a vast Hindu epic, partly narrative and partly didactic, describing the struggle between two families (the Pandavas and the Kauravas) for the possession of northern India (Bharata).
- MAHAYANA BUDDHISM
- the 'Great Vehicle' of Buddhism; a later development of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of bodhisattvas as compassionate saviors.
- MANTRA
- a mystical incantation that invokes the divinity being worshiped; the sound of a mantra is more important than its possible meaning.
- MARA
- 'Death'; in Buddhist mythology, Mara is portrayed as the evil Destroyer who attempted to dissuade the Buddha from his mission through the temptations of temporal power.
- MAKARA
- mythical aquatic animal, part-crocodile, part-elephant which has magical and occult powers, usually related to the fertility of rivers, lakes and the sea; often used in Buddhist and Hindu temples as a decorative motif about doorways.
|
