Book of Presence - Sefer Shakhynah

Glossary
The following glossary was designed by several editors from the various communities and Assemblies of Jerusalem; as such, it contains some words, phrases or concepts that may seem foreign to some readers. If you have any questions please feel free to use the contact page.

aarati. A religious act of worshipping Alhym or honouring of a saint

Abhadeva, Al-Aish. Divine fire.

Abhidharma Pitaka. The higher teachings, philosophy, sometimes esoteric knowledge only intended for full members of the Assembly.

Abrahmyn, Brahmyn. Abraham.

Adhilokanatha . Title of Alhym meaning "Lord of the universe" (can be used interchangeably with Parameshwara)

Adonai. Title meaning "Lord" or "my Lord". Often used in combination with "Adonai Yahuah Yeshua", or "Adon-Yah" (Lord Yah).

Akhurah, Ornurah. Title meaning "Righteous", "glimmering light of truth".

Akhurah Maksdah, Ahura Mazda. Title meaning "Righteous Wise One" or "The One Who is Righteous and Wise", and is used exclusively of Alhym.

Alahota. Aramaic phrase meaning "Godhead". The Hebrew concept is "Al-Khay" (Living God) or "Al-Khay Khad" (The One Living God).

Alhym. Ancient Hebrew word for "God".

Amitabha . Another name for Maitreya in Zijiyana Tibetan Buddhism meaning "Lord of Light", or "Luminous Lord". This is the saving Buddha of the Western "Pure Land" sect of Japanese Buddhism. Also known as Amida. Lord of Light and Compassion.

ananda. "joy"; added at the end of a monastic's name.

Ancient Lineage Holders . Devotees who had been appointed during the writing of the first century CE Sutras. "Apostles" (pre 900's CE).

annitya, annicca. Change, impermanence of all things, including human beings.

arhat. A saint, heavenly being. In non-theistic Buddhism, a monk who has achieved nirvana.

ashram. A monastic religious community.

Aspects. Referring to the Three Aspects of the One Alhym (Father, Son and Ruach ha'Kodesh).

asuras. Spirits, good or bad.

atman. Soul.

avatar (avatara). Divine manifestation, or Alhym embodied within a human being (i.e., Yahashuah as a man was the Avatar of the Right Arm of Alhym while He was also fully Divine; Ishvara Ayapa is the Avatar of the Right Hand of Yahashuah)

Avalokiteshwara. Sometimes associated with Kuan-Yin. Others: Boddhisattva of compassion

avidya, avijja. ignorance, delusion.

avirbhava. Presence, as in divine presence.

Avirbhava Pindadeva. Sacred bread/meal/dough of presence avirbhava = presence pindadeva = divine bread/meal/dough.

Avirbhava Sutra. The name of the Book of Presence in Zijiyana terminology. (Avirbhava = Presence {Shakhynah}; Sutra = Scripture/Book {Sefer})

Bardo. The period of time between instruction in the afterlife until a person reaches the Realm of Happiness. In non-thiestic Tibetan Buddhism "bardo" is the period between death and rebirth.

Beit Knushta. House of the Assembly. The Essene Sanhedrin with the authority of the Chair of Moshah.

Beresheth. Genesis. (Also "Brashyth", "Barashyth")

Beshura, Besura. Good News, announcement.

bhadrapitha. Throne, specifically the Throne of Bodhisattva Ikuba (Jagadguru Ishvara Ayapa)

Bhagava. A title meaning "the blessed one"; Maitreya is called Bhagava as is Gautama Buddha and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and saints.

bhakti. Sincere love and devotion.

bhaktijadeva. Sincere, blessed love and devotion of Alhym.

bhikshu. A monk in the Zijiyana Tradition. (Nun: bhikshuni)

B'nai Yisrael. Sons/Children of Israel.

bodhicitta. A Sanskrit word for "mind of enlightenment".

bodhisattva. An enlightened being who remains in this existence to help others, a saint or arhat.

brahmachari. A celibate religious male who has taken the first monastic vows; the first stage of monastic life (female: brahmacharini).

brahmacharya. The first monastic vows.

buddha. A title (not a name) meaning "awakened one" or "enlightened one" See also: Guatama

Chaitanya. An angelic saint first appearing in Bengal who taught about the Avatar Qurishana.

Chassid. See "Khasid".

Chomdende. State of holiness, purity.

Dang Reul. (literally: "to open with joy"): chant/chanting at the beginning of of aarti or puja, religious service.

darshan, darshana. A method of receiving Third Pillar through the voice, writing, breath or presence of the Avatar.

Dekyi Yul. The words "paradise", "heaven", and the Hebrew concept of "olam ha'ba" usually all mean the same thing in the Tibeto-Burmese Zijiyana understanding. One could use "knam yayul" to distinquish "paradise" from "olam ha'ba", and to specifically refer to "paradise" one might use "dekyi yul" (realm of happiness).

Deva. Divine. Can refer to Alhym or to an angelic/heavenly creature, saint, etc.

Devata. The One Divine Being, written as "the Devata" (Alhym).

devotee. A disciple.

dhamma. Pali for dharma.

dharma. Law, teaching, Torah, divine teaching, the Way. When used to refer to Torah it is written as "The True Dharma".

Dharmakaya. In Zijiyana, "Dharmakaya" refers to the Scriptures (the entire body of the Dharma), or Sutras.

Dharmakshara. A declaration of faith. Daily Dharmakshara of Zijiyana: I am a devotee of the Devata. I worship the Devata who is Maitreya Yahva. I guard our blessed bhaktija from any attack by its enemy. I am steadfast in my belief of the One Parameshwara who is made known through Abbaya, Maitreya and the Great Mother Spirit. The Trikayadeva. I believe in the Son of Parampita, Maitreya, the only Son of the Devata. I believe in the prophecy of the Great Bodhisattva Musa and the True Dharma given through him. I believe in the Dharmakaya given to the arhats and in the Great Teaching of Maitreya. I declare my belief in the Abhadeva of Maitreya. I will never permit the Abhadeva entrusted to me as a servant of the Devata to be extinguished as long as there is breath within my body. I reject those who encroach upon all that is sacred in the Holy Land. I affirm that the practices and teachings given to us through the Ancient Lineage Keepers shall always be within my heart and on my lips, for it was they who gave us, through Maitreya: ritual bath, confession to the Devata and to man, the teaching of the Lineage Keepers, the priesthood, the Blessed Seal of the Parameshwara, the gathering together to break the avirbhava pindadeva, assistance and prayer with anointing with oil of those who fall into illness, sign of bhaktijadeva and observance of and devotion to the Abhadeva of the Devata. I believe in ahimsa, the peaceful life, and I will not take up the sword against my brother or sister. I believe in the Revelation of the Devata through His servants the dharmapalas, the bodhisattvas, arhats and virtuous spirits for the good of all mankind and in the progress to the Great Light of the Parameshwara. I believe in keeping the True Dharma given to the arhats and sealed by the Blessed Vow of Maitreya for for the benefit of all sentient beings everywhere. I will resolutely honour and defend the Great Assembly of the Chief Elders, and the Blessed Throne of the Bodhisattva Ikuba and the Presence of the dharmapala Mikai through the continuation of the Ancient Lineage Keepers who are always with us.

Dharmapala. (literally: "protectors of Dharma"): Dharma guardians, angelic beings.

Dharma Vessels. Ancient Lineage Holders, Lineage Keepers, and/or all who are faithful in espousing the True Dharma

dhyana. Serious meditation.

diksha. Initiation into spiritual devotional life, the first stage being a devotee in the Bhakti tradition.

disciple. An initiated devotee in close relation in almost every part of the life of the Jagadguru.

duhkha. (also "dukkha") : suffering, distress, lack of peace.

dvesha (also "dosha"): hatred, anger, or avoidance.

dzogchen. In Zijiyana Tradition, "dzogchen" consists of various tantric techniques for a specific type or level of study. Others: tantric techniques for rapid enlightenment.

Eightfold Path. Right view, aspiration, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration. Zijiyana teaches that one can not understand or live by the Eightfold Path without first having Right Hearing (correct doctrine, or "True Dharma")

Gan Aish. Literally "Garden of Fire". Also written as "ganesh" or "ganapati", "ganapata" and "vighneshvara" all meaning "garden of fire" or "garden of strength". An epithet of the Tzadik and symbolized by the elephant meaning "tradition" or strength in upholding Second Pillar. Later Yandhuhym made this as a deity.

gandharvas. Angelic beings who sing or create music in praise of Alhym.

gehenna. This is a place in the afterlife where a soul which did not meet the requirements for redemption in sheol is placed in whihc there is no return. (See "sheol")

ghat. A place to bathe or make mikvah in a river, lake or stream.

Great Sangha. The entire body universal of devotees of True Dharma.

guna. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge combined. Hebrew: Chochma, Bina, Da'at

guru. A spiritual teacher.

Ha'Makom. "The/this place", usually referring to the abode of Alhym.

Holy Mother. Ruach ha'Kodesh, the third and feminine Aspect of the Al-Khai (Godhead).

Igeret. Letter, epistle.

Ishvara. Title meaning The Divine, Alhym, but can also be used in relation to one chosen to speak forth the Word of Alhym.

Issa. (Also "Isa") Another name for Yahashuah, Yeshua, Lord Yeshu`, Maitreya.

Jagadguru. World Teacher, teacher of the world, Teacher of Righteousness. A title given to the last Patriarch of the Assembly of Jerusalem by the Messiah Himself. This title also indicates, as Scripture teaches, that the World Teacher is the Right Hand of Messiah.

Jai. Meaning "Glory to", "Glory be to", "Praised be".

Jang. A melody, voice, speech, singing; a song Jang Devata = (literally "song of Alhym") : voice of Alhym. There is a Sutra known as "The Sutra of the Song of Alhym"

karma, kamma. An intentional or willed act.

karuna. Compassion or mercy, the special kindness shown to those who suffer. Associated with metta (loving kindness).

Kethubim. Writings.

Khasid. Pious, humble, devotee, disciple, student. (Plural: Khasidim).

Khasidim. A remnant of Israelites who seperated themselves from the Belial worshipping Jews before the Babylonian conquest of the 580's BCE. The term used to designate the faithful remnant whom Alhym made a covenant with before the word "Essenes" was used.

kirtan. Devotional singing, chanting.

knam. Highest heaven, the abode of Alhym.

Krishna. See Qurishana.

kyen thoop. Patience (literally "withstanding a thorn").

kyong. Stubborn, obstinate.

kyong-dharma. Obstinate in relation to Torah (a person or group that is anti-Torah).

lhayul. "God realm", paradise.

Maksdah, Mazda. Title meaning "Wise One", used only in reference to Alhym.

mantra, or mantram. Sacred text or prayers recited for meditation.

Mashyakh, Mashiach, Mshikha. Messiah.

math. A monastery.

Maitreya. Messiah also called "Matarei-Ya". He will return with the True Dharma. Considered in other Buddhist traditions as the "future Buddha", who will be born several thousands of years from now.

Maitri. Caring, loving kindness displayed to all you meet. Similar to metta.

Masoretes. Jewish scribes who compiled and edited the Hebrew text currenly used among Jews and Christians today, known as the Masoretic Text being edited around 1000 CE.

mishqan ketana. Little tabernacle.

Mitzvoth. Commandments.

moksha, or mukti. Freedom from material things of this physical world .

Moshah, Mosha. Moses the brother of Aharon.

Netzarim, Nesarim, Nasranis. Hebrew plural for "Essenes" meaning "root", "branch" people.

notzrim, nozrim, nosrim, notzerim. Hebrew word indicating followers of a false deity. Historically refers to false gentile Christians.

Nyingma. The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (the other three being the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug). "Nyingma" literally means "ancient," and is often referred to as the "school of the ancient translations" or the "old school" because it is founded on the first translations of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan, in the eighth century. In modern times the Nyingma lineage has been centered in Kham in eastern Tibet. The Nyingma tradition actually comprises several distinct lineages that all trace their origins back to the Indian master Padmasambhava (Sanskrit for "lotus-born"; Tib. Guru Rinpoche, "precious teacher"), the legendary founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingma followers maintain the earliest Vajrayana teachings (the other three schools are known as Sarma or "new translation" schools, having arisen from a second wave of translation). Followers of the tradition are known as "Nyingmapa," "pa" being a common suffix comparable to "er" or "ite" in English. History: Around 760, King Trisong Detsen invited Padmasambhava and the Nalanda University abbot Shantarakshita (Tibetan Shiwatso) to Tibet to introduce Buddhism in the "Land of Snows." At this point in time, Bön, the indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet had been in place for some 16,000 [citation needed] years in the huge region part of which we now call Tibet. King Trisong Detsen ordered the translation of all Buddhist Dharma Texts into Tibetan. Padmasambhava, Shantarakshita, 108 translators, and 25 of Padmasambhava's nearest disciples worked for many years in a gigantic translation-project. The translations from this period formed the base for the large scriptural transmission of dharma teachings into Tibet. Padmasambhava supervised mainly the translation of Tantra; Shantarakshita concentrated on the Sutra-teachings. Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita also founded the first Buddhist monastery Samye on Tibetan ground. It was the main center for dharma transmission in Tibet during this age. The miracle-powers of the 25 disciples of Padmasambhava are widely accepted among Tibetan Buddhists. These disciples were: King Trisong Detsen, Namkhai Nyingpo, Nub Chen Sangye Yeshe, Gyalwa Choyang, the princess of Karchen Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, Palgyi Yeshe, Palgyi Senge, the great translator Vairotsana, Nyak Jnanakumara, Gyalmo Yudra Nyingpo, Nanam Dorje Dudjom, Yeshe Yang, Sokpo Lhapal, Nanam Zhang Yeshe De, Palgyi Wangchuk, Denma Tsémang, Kawa Paltsek, Shupu Palgyi Senge, Dré Gyalwe Lodro, Drokben Khyenchung Lotsawa, Otren Palgyi Wangchuk, Ma Rinchen Chok, Lhalung Palgyi Dorje, Langdro Konchog Jungné and Lasum Gyalwa Changchup. Early History: From this basis, Tantric Buddhism was established in its entirety in Tibet. From the 8th until the 11th century, the Nyingma was the only school of Buddhism in Tibet. With the reign of King Langdarma (836–842) a time of political instability ensued which continued over the next 300 years, during which time Buddhism was persecuted and largely forced underground. From the 11th century onwards, the Nyingma tradition flourished along with the newer Sarma schools, and it was at that time that Nyingmapas began to see themselves as a distinct group and the term "Nyingma" came into usage. The Nyingma tradition is unique among the four schools in that its supporters never held political power, and therefore it stood at a greater remove from the political machinations of Tibet. It is also distinguished by its decentralization and lesser emphasis on monasticism relative to the other schools, with a correspondingly greater preponderance of "ngakpas", uncelibate householders and yogins. Modern developments: There was never a single "head of the lineage" in the manner of the Ganden Tripa (or Dalai Lama) of the Gelugpa, the Karmapa of the Karma Kagyupa, and the Sakya Trizin of the Sakyapa. It was only recently in exile in India that this role was created at the request of the Tibetan government, and it is largely administrative. Nevertheless, the lamas who have served in this role are among the most universally highly regarded. Termas and tertons: The appearance of terma ("hidden treasures") is of particular significance to the Nyingma tradition. Although there have been a few Kagyupa "tertons" (treasure revealers) and the practice is common in Bön as well, the vast majority of Tibetan Buddhist tertons have been Nyingmapas. It is believed that past masters, principally Padmasambhava, hid teachings for discovery by a later terton at the appropriate time for the teaching to be beneficial. These teachings may be physically discovered, often in rocks and caves, or they may be "mind terma," appearing directly to the mind of the terton. Terma: Padmasambhava and his main disciples hid hundreds of scriptures, ritual objects and relics in secret places to protect Buddhism during the time of decline under King Langdarma. These termas were later rediscovered and special terma lineages were established throughout Tibet. Out of this activity developed, especially within the Nyingma tradition, two ways of dharma transmission: The so called "long" oral transmission from Teacher to student in unbroken lineages and the "short" transmission of "hidden treasures". The foremost revealers of these termas were the five terton kings and the eight Lingpas. In the 19th century some of the most famous were the Khen Kong Chok Sum referring to Jamyang Khyentse, Jamgon Kongtrul and Chokgyur Lingpa.

Oda Alaha. "Thanks be to God". Hebrew-Aramaic phrase.

Om, or aum. Similar to "amen", "so be it".

Ornurah. See Akhurah.

Pandit. Rabban or scholar learned in the Holy Book.

Paramahamsa. The senior monk of a math.

Peshitta. A collection of text in Hebrew or Aramaic, combining some First and Second Pillar Scriptures. The Peshitta contains a fragment of the rich truths found within the original text of the Holy Book. Literally means "straight", "simple".

pranam. A honourable salutation to those in religious authority, especially to Jagadguru by touching his feet with hands folded in the traditional manner.

prasad. consecrated food offered to Alhym.

puja. A service utilising prasad, candles and statues or prints of divine (angelic) beings. When used in relation to Alhym it is an act of worship; when used in relation to anything other than Alhym it is an act of honouring the individual. See aarti.

Qurishana, Quri Shanah, Kuri Shanah. "First Lord", "Chief Lord", "Alhym". Phrase used in Yanduah as a title to refer to Mashyakh, from Greek "kurios" (Lord) and Aramaic-Hebrew dialect "shanah" (year, beginning - by implication "first"). Later Yanduhym began using this word as "Krishna" (Karishnah) as an individual deity while rejecting Mashyakh. The phrase "Quri Shanah" is also used in early Burmese writings of the Assembly of Jerusalem.

Qurbana. An Aramaic word meaning "offering". Used in conjunction with "Qadisha" (Qurbana Qadisha = Holy Offering, Lord's Supper).

Rabban. A scholar learned in the Holy Book (see pandit) who also judges in spiritual matters and religious courts. Appointed by the High Priest.

Rabbeinu. Hebrew for "our rabbi".

Radha. "Body of the Assembly", the Body of Mashyakh comprising all Believers. Often referred to as "the crown jewel of Mashyakh", "the one who knows and hears Mashyakh", "the sheep of the flock of Alhym". Depicted in art as a female standing next to Mashyakh.

rishi. A saint, i.e., someone who passed from this physical life who has been given a place in the Great Spirit House. See also "arhat".

sadhana. Spiritual practice.

sadhu. A monk or holy man who teaches and often travels.

samadhi. Communion with Alhym or a with a lower divine being such as with a saint or angelic creature. (See samadhi-deva).

samadhi-deva. A person who is in full communion with a particular saint (or multiple saints) in which Alhym has sent to be within the individual for a specific mission or purpose. The individual embodies the particular saint or angelic being. This is also referred to in some communities as "parkaya pravesh".

sangha. A local assembly or gathering.

sannyas. Fourth and final monastic vows denoting renunciation.

sannyasin, also sannyasi. A monk (nun: sannyasini) who has taken the final monastic vow and who travel teaching and caring for spiritual and physical needs of individuals.

Sefashah. A combination/acronym of the two Hebrew words "Sefer Shakhynah" (Book of Presence). Also written as "Ha'Sefashah".

seva. Work, labour, service in a religious sense.

sevak. A person who serves, a servant.

Seventy Essene Elders of Israel. See "Beit Knushta".

Shakhynah, Shekhina, Shechina. Refers to the Presence of Alhym. Pillar of the Firey Cloud of Alhym's Presence. Sometimes refers to Ruach ha'Kodesh.

Shakti. See Ruakh ha'Kodesh.

Shalyakh, Shaliach. Apostle. (plural: Shalyakhym, Shalyakhim).

Sheol. Sheol is a word from the Hebrew Scriptures denoting "afterlife"; the Scriptures speak of various levels or specific areas of sheol, some closer to another areas known from Hebrew as "gan" or "pardes" which is closer to the Light of God, while other areas are closer to what is known as gehenna.

Shugden. A worldly spirit with demonic power. Shugden was not taught by Gautama and does not form any part of authentic Tibetan Buddhism. In many sources it is quoted that disciples of Pabongkha Rinpoche destroyed Nyingma monasteries or converted them to [Gelug] monasteries and destroyed statues of Padmasambhava. The worship of the demon Shugden is popular within the so-called "New Kadampa Tradition". In February of 1997, three anti-Shugden Tibetan Buddhist monks, including the Dalai Lama's close friend and confidant, seventy-year-old Lobsang Gyatso (the principal of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics), were brutally murdered in Dharamsala, India, the Tibetan capital in exile. The three murdered monks were repeatedly stabbed and then cut up in a manner resembling a ritual exorcism. The Indian police believe that the murders were carried out by monks loyal to Shugden, and that the perpetrators are now under the protection of the Chinese government. (Newsweek, April 28 1997). "In the summer of 1996, the disciples of Kelsang Gyatso denounced the Dalai Lama for impinging on their religious freedom, and picketed against him during his visit to Britain, accusing him of intolerance. The demonstrations made front-page news in the British press, which collectively rose to the Dalai Lama’s defense and in various reports depicted the New Kadampa Tradition as a fanatic, empire-building, demon-worshipping cult. The demonstrations were a public relations disaster for the NKT, not only because of its treatment by the press, but also because the media provided no historical context for the controversy and portrayed Shugden as a remnant of Tibet’s primitive pre-Buddhist past." ("Two Sides of the Same God", by Donald S. Lopez, Jr., Tricycle Magazine, Spring 1998).

Spirit House. A small construction that symbolises the Communion of Saints. Also, it is taught in all Three Pillars that the saints (arhats) can take residence for a particular span of time within the structure to give a specific Third Pillar message.

Sri, or shree. Title of respect, used as a prefix to address a males. Often used in the sense of "lord" as in "Sri Yeshu`", "Sri Ishvara", etc.

soferim. Hebrew plural for "scribes". (singular: sofer).

Surya. A title and Name combination referring to Alhym, specifically as the Creator of the sun, but can also mean "Yahvah the Rock".

sutras. Scriptures or sacred texts.

Talmid, Talmyd. Apprentice/student of Messiah or of His Shalyakhym. This does not simply refer to a "believer", but an individual who learns under his or her Shalyakh in order to teach others.

tapas. Spiritual discipline.

Tehillim. Psalms, praises, songs.

terumah. Offering.

Tzadik, Tsadik, Ksadyg, Sadiq, Tzaddik. Title meaning "Righteous One". Often used as "ha'Tzadik" (the Righteous One).

vairagya. The level of freedom from selfish desires.

veda, or vedas. Divine text, sutras originating from Third Pillar (Divine Revelation).

Ya'aqub. James, Jacob.

Yanduah. India.

Yanduhym. People of India. (Singular male: Yanduhan; singular female: Yanduhani).

Yahuah, Yahva, YHWH, Yahweh, Yahvam. The Divine Name of Alhym.

Yahudym. Jews.

Yahushuah. Ancient Hebrew Name of Messiah literally meaning "Yahuah is Yeshua" or "Yahuah is Salvation".

Yerushalayim. The Holy City Jerusalem.

Yisraeli. Israelite.

yoga. Spiritual exercises.

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