Trial User Guideline

Last updated: 2025/08/30

Thank you for visiting the trial version of the Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism. This platform is currently in development, and we invite you to explore, test, and share your feedback.

(1) What This Dictionary Offers

The Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism is a comprehensive resource designed to bridge Buddhist scholarship and accessibility. Each entry provides:

• Multilingual Equivalents: Clear listings of technical equivalents in Chinese, Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and other languages.
• Detailed Explanations: Concise yet doctrinally precise definitions with context.
• Original Source Text: Original Chinese text alongside English translations.
• Canonical Citations: Citations use standard canonical numbering: Taishō (T), Manji zoku zōkyō (X), and other collections (e.g., T 51.430b6–7, X 63.527a20).
• Cross-References: Links to related terms for further study.

The dictionary serves practitioners, students, and researchers by combining scholarly rigor with accessibility.

(2) Entry Format

Each entry follows a standardized academic-yet-accessible style:

1. English Headword: The main entry begins with an English translation of the original Chinese headword.
2. Technical Equivalents: Multiple equivalents are provided, often including Sanskrit (Skt.), Pali (P.), or alternate Chinese renderings.
3. Explanatory Paragraphs: Written in paragraph form, with faithful translation of the Chinese source text. English comes first, with the original Chinese term placed immediately after for precision.
4. Text titles: Text titles are presented using the most suitable form available: Published English translation if established (e.g., Diamond Sūtra, Lotus Sūtra) Literal translation when no standard exists, pinyin for entries comparing textual editions (e.g., Da fangguang fo huayan jing 大方廣佛華嚴經) In the source language of the text (Sanskrit, Pali, Japanese, etc.) The Chinese title for the text appears after the rendering (e.g., Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra 大般若波羅蜜多經).
5. Canonical References: Citations reference canonical sources using standard numbering systems such as the Taishō (T), Manji zoku zōkyō (X), and other canonical collections (e.g., T 51.430b6–7, X 63.527a20) for accurate verification.
6. Cross-References: Entries conclude with related terms (e.g., See also ➡ 煩惱), encouraging broader study.

This format balances doctrinal accuracy with clarity, serving both scholars and general readers.

(3) What to Expect

• Work in Progress: Some entries are complete, others are partial, and some may still be placeholders.
• Evolving Content: Translations, technical equivalents, and references are being refined.
• Search and Navigation: You can search for headwords or full text, but results may not yet be fully optimized.
• Search history: The trial site includes a user history function to make research easier. This feature:
  • Tracks Your Searches: Records the headwords or full text you’ve looked up during your session.
  • Quick Access: Offers direct links back to previously viewed entries.
  • Personalized Reference: Helps you revisit important terms without repeating searches
• Formatting: Layouts, cross-references, and canonical citations are still undergoing adjustments, therefore, minor inconsistencies may be experienced.
• Technical Limitations: You may encounter broken links, slower page loads, or display issues as testing continues.

(4) How You Can Help

Your feedback is invaluable in shaping this resource. Please let us know if you notice:

• Errors or inconsistencies in translation
• Issues with search results or navigation
• Formatting or display problems
• Suggestions for usability improvements

When sharing feedback, please include a screenshot or the page URL.

(5) Disclaimer

This trial version is not the final published dictionary. Please do not cite or distribute content as authoritative until the official release.

(6) Next Steps

The development team is actively improving the site. Regular updates will be made to enhance both content and functionality. Your participation in this trial helps ensure that the Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism becomes a reliable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers worldwide.

Thank you for your support and contribution to this important project.