Common Nouns Lexicon

Enlightenment, in Buddhism, refers to the state of complete understanding and liberation attained by the Buddha. It is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing spiritual awakening and the end of the cycle of rebirths.

A feudatory is a vassal or subordinate power that exercises local authority while acknowledging the suzerainty of a stronger ruler. The term is close to vassal, but it places greater emphasis on territorial possession, a fief, an estate or delegated authority.

The gaja-simha is a hybrid mythical creature combining an elephant (gaja) and a lion (simha), common in Indian temple art as a symbol of protective and royal power.

The term gana-sangha refers to an ancient form of republican or oligarchic government, in which power was exercised collectively by a council of aristocrats instead of a single ruler.

The garbhagriha is the inner sanctum of a Hindu temple, housing the main image or statue of the deity worshipped.

A gaushala is a traditional shelter dedicated to the care, protection, and welfare of cows, often linked to Hindu or Jain religious values.

Geomancy, a global practice of earth divination, is used to harmonize energy within spaces. In Vietnam, known as "Phong Thủy," it was crucial in designing the Imperial City of Hue.

Ghats refer to both the steps along rivers in India and the mountain ranges in the Indian region.

A gnomon is a device used to measure the passage of time by marking the solar shadow or light.

A gompa is a Buddhist monastery, typically found in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet, serving as a center for meditation, study, and the practice of Buddhism.