Word glossary

Terms and definitions

Every technical term used in this portal, with a short gloss, a longer note, and the chapters where it matters.

3 terms

Gatiगति
Realm of existence: hell, animal, human, celestial.
Determined by nāma-karma. Only the human gati permits the full path to liberation.
Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4
Nāma-karmaनामकर्म
Body-making karma — the 'painter'.
42 primary subtypes, 93 in full enumeration. Determines realm, class, body, structure, voice and much else.
Chapter 6Chapter 8
Tīrthaṅkara-nāma-karmaतीर्थंकर नामकर्म
The karma of becoming a ford-maker.
Bound by the sixteen bhāvanās listed at 6.23 — purity of faith, reverence, study, service, devotion and care for the community.
Chapter 6