Key terms & definitions

A real-life constraint affecting how research can be planned and carried out, such as available time, money or access.

The loss of desired product while it is transferred, separated, purified or collected.

An action intended to reduce suffering or help someone cope with it, such as prayer or charitable giving.

An action that helps people cope with suffering or reduces its effects.

The understanding and judgement needed to recognise what matters morally and choose an appropriate, effective action.

Repeated performance of a skill to develop or maintain proficiency.

The furnace that supplied heat to a Roman hypocaust and could also heat water for the baths.

The emperor’s elite bodyguard, which could also accompany him on campaign.

The commanding officer's residence within a Roman military base.

Concerned with what seems practical or achievable rather than with an ideal or principle.

Bhikkhu Bodhi’s framework for those progressing gradually towards liberation while fulfilling worldly responsibilities, allowing reluctant ethical compromises in exceptional circumstances.

An approach focused on practical ways of achieving an aim.

An approach that prioritises what seems workable in the circumstances rather than an ideal or principle.

A person who prioritises practical results over principles or ideals.

The period of reform in Czechoslovakia in 1968, led by Alexander Dubček, which sought to make communist rule less restrictive.

An expression of approval or appreciation for an employee’s work, given formally or informally.

An expression of approval for someone's effort, behaviour or achievement.

Feedback that recognises the work put into learning rather than labelling the learner as naturally intelligent.

Material nature: the basis of the changing physical world, including the body and mind.

Food offered to a deity and then received by worshippers as blessed food.

Food offered to a deity and then shared as blessed food.

Dependent arising: experiences arise through causes and conditions rather than existing independently. Short for pratityasamutpada, also called paticcasamuppada.

Dependent arising: the teaching that things exist because of other things and conditions, rather than independently.

The Buddhist teaching that things arise in dependence on causes and conditions; also called dependent arising or dependent origination.

A Soviet newspaper whose name means ‘Truth’. Squealer represents the kind of official propaganda associated with newspapers such as Pravda.

Penance or atonement for wrongdoing in Hinduism, involving repentance and actions intended to bring purification.

Repentance and atonement for wrongdoing, involving efforts to address its moral consequences.

Communication with God, including praise, thanksgiving, confession and requests for help.

A gathering for prayer between a person’s death and their funeral, offering quiet support and preparing mourners for the farewell.

An action taken to reduce the chance or severity of harm while working.