A-Z Resource List & FAQs
General Buddhism » Reference (Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Bibliographies)

A Dictionary of Pāli
Bibliographies on Buddhism in Western Languages - A Bibliography of Bibliographies Abstract only.
Bibliography of Translations from the Chinese Buddhist Canon into Western Languages Abstract only.

This is a working bibliography of translations of Chinese Buddhist texts from the Taishō edition of the canon. Some translations of extra-canonical Chinese Buddhist texts are included.
Buddhist Author Authority Database Abstract only.

Cross referencing names of important figures in Buddhism as wells as citations of their publications.
Buddhist Studies Person Authority Databases 人名規範資料庫

From the Buddhist Studies Authority Database Project 佛學規範資料庫, cross referencing names of important individuals in Buddhism.
Buddhist Studies Place Authority Databases 地名規範資料庫

From the Buddhist Studies Authority Database Project 佛學規範資料庫, cross referencing names of important geographic locations in Buddhism.
Critical Pāli Dictionary Online

Includes searching the dictionary online and a guide to Pāli text abbreviations.
Database of Religious History

"...the world’s first comprehensive online quantitative and qualitative encyclopedia of religious cultural history." Select the 'browse' link to begin your search.
DDBC Glossaries Search

From the  Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, this online search engine searches for terms across multiple Buddhist dictionaries and glossaries.
Digital Dictionaries of South East Asia

Includes Pali, Hindi, Sanskrit, Nepali, Sinhala, and more.
Digital Dictionary of Buddhism Select items at the resource for UWest patrons only.

A compilation of Buddhist terms, texts, temple, schools, persons, etc. found in Buddhist canonical sources with indices to other major Buddhist dictionaries. Unlimited search available via link above.

  • Non-UWest patrons can login with "guest" (limited to 10 searches per day)
  • Android app: DDB Access (unlimited search does not work off campus, use 'guest' to make up to 10 searches)
Electronic Cultural Atlas Initiative

"The Cultural Atlas Portal links examples of cultural atlases developed globally into a Web Site. The ECAI Clearinghouse is a collection of spatio-temporal datasets and TimeMap mapspaces. Other useful information include other related & featured projects."
Encyclopedia of Monasticism Physical item available at the library.
Encyclopedia of Religion For current UWest patrons only.

Includes explanations of Buddhist terms and concepts.
H-Buddhism Bibliography Project Abstract only.

A comprehensive, open, online bibliography for the field of Buddhist studies, managed by H-Buddhism, the online network of scholars of Buddhism.
NTI Buddhist Text Reader

A general purpose Chinese text reader and Chinese-English dictionary with an emphasis on Buddhist terminology.
Online Guide to Scholarly Resources in Buddhism Abstract only.

Bibliography of topics in Buddhist studies.
Oxford Bibliographies for Buddhism For current UWest patrons only.Mixed abstract and full-text.

Provides concise overviews and annotated bibliographies for Buddhism related topics. Access the bibliographies by browsing through an alphabetical list, using the 'Jump To' shortcut, or searching with keywords.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

A scholarly and refereed encyclopedia hosted by Stanford University.
The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism Physical item available at the library.
Time Authority Database 時間規範資料庫

From the Buddhist Studies Authority Database Project 佛學規範資料庫, cross referencing calendars and measurements of time in Buddhist literature.
仏教用語用例集

Correspondences of Buddhist canonical terms (with canonical and textual references) in Japanese, Chinese, English, Sanskrit, Tibetan. Thus far focusing on terms found in: Abhidharma-kośa 倶舎論 and Mahāyāna śatadharmā-prakāśamukha śāstra 大乗百法明門論.