Mahakala - sanskrit A protecting deity of the teachings symbolising wrathful compassion.

Mahamudra - sanskrit Literally, "Great Seal or Great Symbol". The Kagyu school's spiritual practice in which all phenomena are recognised as the mind's symbol (or projection) of which the essence is emptiness, the nature is luminosity and the manifestation is inconceivable.

Mahayana - sanskrit "Great Vehicle". The totality of the Buddha's teachings founded upon emptiness and compassion. The goal of the mahayana practitioner is no longer his own personal liberation from samsara but the liberation of all beings without any exception. The capacity to do this is the ultimate enlightenment of all buddhas.

Mandala - sanskrit A symbolic representation of a particular deity's universe or pure land.

Mantra - sanskrit A sacred formula or word that possesses a power of purification and spiritual realisation.