aadheenakarthar: The aadheenam head, or pontiff, also called the Guru

Mahasannidhanam. See:aadheenam, monastery

aadheenam: Endowment, foundation, institution, establishment, estate, property. A
Saivite Hindu monastery and temple complex in the South Indian Saiva Siddhanta
tradition. Also known as matha or pitha, as in Kailasa Pitha. The aadheenam head, or
pontiff, is called the guru mahasannidhanam or
aadheenakarthar. See: monastery, monastery
abhasa: "Shining forth; effulgence, irradiation; manifestation, emanation." The means
by which Siva creates out of Himself, a concept central to monistic
schools. See: emanation, tattva
abhaya: Fearlessness, one of the cardinal virtues. "Fearlessness is the fruit of perfect
Self Realization -- that is, the recovery of nonduality" (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
1.4.2). Also names the mudra (hand pose) common in Hindu icons, betokening "fear
not," in which the fingers of the right hand are raised and the palm faces ... Click for
more. See: mudra, murti
abhaya mudra: The hand gesture common in Hindu icons, betokening "fear not," in
which the fingers of the right hand are raised and the palm faces
forward. See: mudra, murti
abhimana: "Egoism." See: mudra, murti
Abhinavagupta: Kashmir Saivite guru (ca 950 -- 1015), scholar and adept in the
lineage of Vasugupta. Among his philosophical writings, Pratyabhijna Vimarshini and
Tantraloka are an important basis of Kashmir Saivism. Also an influential theoretician of
poetics, dance, drama and classical music, he is said to have disappeared into a
c ... Click for more. See: Kashmir Saivism, murti
abhisheka: "Sprinkling; ablution." Ritual bathing of the Deity's image with water, curd,
milk, honey, ghee, rosewater, etc. A special form of puja prescribed by Agamic
injunction. Also performed in the inauguration of religious and political monarchs and
other special blessings. See: puja, murti
abhor (abhorrence): To detest, hate or find disgusting or repulsive and hence to pull
back or shrink from. See: puja, murti
abhyasa: "Throwing towards." Dedicated striving and practice. See: puja, murti
abide: To stand firm, remain as one is. Not abandoning principles or qualities of
character even in the face of difficulties. See: puja, murti

abjuration: Forswearing, renouncing on oath, as when a sannyasin gives up family

life. See:sannyasa dharma, murti
abjure: To give up or renounce, often under oath; to abstain from. See: sannyasa
dharma, murti
ablution: Snana. A washing of the body, especially as a religious
ceremony. See: sannyasa dharma,murti
abode: Home. Place where one lives or stays. See: sannyasa dharma, murti
abortion: The deliberate termination of pregnancy. From the earliest times, Hindu
tradition and scriptures condemn the practice, except when the mother's life is in
danger. It is considered an act against rita and ahimsa. Hindu mysticism teaches that
the fetus is a living, conscious person, needing and deserving protection A Rig ... Click
for more. See: sannyasa dharma, murti
Abrahamic religions: The religions descending from Abraham, a biblical patriarch
regarded by Jews as the founder of the Hebrew people through his son Isaac and by
Muslims as the founder of the Arab people through his son Ishmael; thus, Judaism,
Christianity and Islam. See: sannyasa dharma, murti
Absolute: Lower case (absolute): real, not dependent on anything else, not relative.
Upper case (Absolute): Ultimate Reality, the unmanifest, unchanging and transcendent
Parashiva -- utterly nonrelational to even the most subtle level of consciousness. It is
the Self God, the essence of man's soul. Same as Absolute Being and Abs ... Click for
more. See: Parashiva, Parashakti, Parameshvara
absolution (to absolve): Forgiveness. A freeing from guilt so as to relieve someone
from obligation or penalty. -- atone: to compensate or make up for a wrongdoing.
Atonement can only be done by the person himself, while absolution is granted by
others, such as a family head, judge or jury. Exoneration, the taking away of all blame
and all pe ... Click for more. See: penance, sin,Parameshvara
absorption: Taking in and making part of an existent whole. Known in Sanskrit as
samhara, absorption is one of God's five powers (panchakritya), synonymous with
destruction or dissolution, but with no negative or frightful implications. All form issues
from God and eventually returns to Him. See:Maheshvara, Nataraja, Parameshvara
abstain: To hold oneself back, to refrain from or do without. To avoid a desire, negative
action or habit. See: yama-niyama, Nataraja, Parameshvara
abstinence: Voluntary restraint from something believed to be undesirable or
harmful. See: yama-niyama, Nataraja, Parameshvara
abyss: A bottomless pit. The dark states of consciousness into which one may fall as a
result of serious misbehavior; the seven chakras (psychic centers), or talas (realms of

consciousness), below the muladhara chakra, which is located at the base of the
spine. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
accelerate: To increase the speed; to intensify the rate of
progress. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
accordant: In agreement or harmony with. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
accrue: Increase, accumulate. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
achara: "Conduct, mode of action, behavior; good conduct." Also, custom, tradition;
rule of conduct, precept. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
acharya: "Going toward;" "approaching." A highly respected teacher. The wise one who
practices what he preaches. A title generally bestowed through diksha and ordination,
such as in the Sivacharya priest tradition. In the context of this book, a senior swami of
the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order, founded by Satguru Sivaya Subramuni ... Click for
more. See: chakra, loka, Naraka
acosmic pantheism: "No-cosmos, all-is-God doctrine." A Western philosophical term
for the philosophy of Sankara. It is acosmic in that it views the world, or cosmos, as
ultimately unreal, and pantheistic because it teaches that God (Brahman) is all of
existence. See: Sankara, shad darshana,Naraka
actinic: Spiritual, creating light. From the Greek aktis, meaning "ray." Of or pertaining to
consciousness in its pure, unadulterated state. Describes the extremely rarified
superconscious realm of pure bindu, of quantum strings, the substratum of
consciousness, shuddha maya, from which light first originates. Actinic is the
ad ... Click for more. See: actinodic, kala, kosha, odic, tattva
actinic force: Spiritual, creating light. Adjective derived from the Greek aktis, "ray." Of
or pertaining to consciousness in its pure, unadulterated state. Describes the extremely
rarefied superconscious realm of pure bindu, of quantum strings, the substratum of
consciousness, shuddha maya, from which light first originates. Actinic ... Click for
more. See: actinodic, kosha, odic, tattva, tattva
actinic prana: Actinic force, spiritual energy, of which one manifestation is the dynamic
force of the spiritual will, or atma shakti, soul force. See: actinic force, odic force, odic
prana, willpower, tattva
actinodic: Spiritual-magnetic; a mixture of odic and actinic force. Actinic refers to
consciousness in its pure, unadulterated state. Odic energy, the force of attraction and
repulsion between people, and between people and their things, manifests as
masculine (aggressive) and feminine (passive), arising from the pingala and
ida ... Click for more. See: actinic force, odic force, odic prana, willpower, tattva

acumen: Keenness of intellect, judgment or insight. See: actinic force, odic force, odic
prana,willpower, tattva
acupuncture: An essential component of traditional Chinese medicine consisting of the
practice of puncturing the body with very thin needles, or applying consistent massage
pressure (called acupressure) at specific points along established pathways of subtle
energy, called meridians, to cure disease, balance energies or relieve pai ... Click for
more. See: meridian, odic force, odic prana,willpower, tattva
adage: An old saying that has been popularly accepted as truth. See: meridian, odic
force, odic prana,willpower, tattva
adept: Highly skilled; expert. In religion, one who has mastered certain spiritual
practices or disciplines. An advanced yogi. See: siddha yoga, odic force, odic
prana, willpower, tattva
adharma: Unrighteousness, irreligiousness; demerit. The opposite of dharma. That
which is "not dharma"-- thoughts, words and deeds which transgress God's divine laws
and the natural conscience of the soul. Adharma creates negative karma and keeps the
individual ego-centered, in a low instinctive/intellectual mind state. ... Click for
more. See: dharma, papa, sin, willpower, tattva
adhere: To remain attached or faithful, as to a leader, society, principle,
etc. See: dharma, papa, sin,willpower, tattva
adhyatma: "Spiritual; soul." The inner, spiritual self or
spirit. See: atman, papa, sin, willpower, tattva
adhyatma prasara: "Spiritual evolution." The gradual maturation of the soul body,
anandamaya kosha, through many lives. Prasara means "coming forth, spreading;
advance, progress." See:evolution of the soul, papa, sin, willpower, tattva
adhyatma vikasha: "Spiritual unfoldment." The blossoming of inner or higher (adhi),
soul (atma) qualities as a result of religious striving, sadhana. Vikasha means,
"becoming visible, shining forth, manifestation opening," as a flower unfolds its petals,
or the chakras unfold theirs as a result of kundalini awakening. ... Click for
more. See: spiritual unfoldment, papa, sin, willpower, tattva
adhyaya: "Chapter." See: spiritual unfoldment, papa, sin, willpower, tattva
Adi Granth: "Prime Writ," "First Book." The central Sikh scripture, compiled 1603 -1604 from the writings of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu holy men, most importantly the
beautiful hymns of adoration, called Japji, by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. In 1699,
Govind Singh, the tenth preceptor, decreed that the living succession would en ... Click
for more. See: Sikhism, papa, sin, willpower, tattva

Adinatha: "First Lord." A sage considered the first great preceptor (date unknown) of
the Adinatha Sampradaya, a teaching tradition embodied in the Siddha Siddhanta sect
of Saivism. See: Natha,Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
Adinatha Sampradaya: See: Natha Sampradaya, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
Adishaiva: A hereditary priest and teacher of the South Indian Saiva Siddhanta
tradition; Saivite brahmins descended from the gotras of five rishis and who alone are
entitled to conduct rites in Agamic Siva temples. Adishaiva and Sivacharya are
synonyms for this hereditary priest
lineage. See:Sivacharya, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
admonition: Advice or warning. See: Sivacharya, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
adopt: To recognize as one's own, especially an idea, principle, or even a religion and
henceforth live with it and by it. See: Sivacharya, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
adore: To revere and love greatly; to worship as
divine. See: puja, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
adorn: To put on ornaments or decorations to make beautiful, attractive or
distinguished. See: kala-64, Saivism, sin, willpower, tattva
adrenaline: A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or
mental stress, as from fear or injury. It initiates many bodily responses, including the
stimulation of heart action and an increase in blood pressure, metabolic rate and blood
glucose concentration. See: kala-64, Saivism,sin, willpower, tattva
adrishta: "Unseen potency; destiny." The unseen power of one's past karma
influencing the present life. This power is known in the West as fate or destiny,
generally not cognized as being of one's own making, but misunderstood as a
mysterious, uncontrollable cosmic force. See: fate, karma, sin,willpower, tattva
adulate: To praise, revere or admire greatly, even uncritically and to
excess. See: fate, karma, sin,willpower, tattva
adultery: Sexual intercourse between a married man and a woman not his wife, or
between a married woman and a man not her husband. Adultery is spoken of in Hindu
shastras as a serious breach of dharma. See: sexuality, karma, sin, willpower, tattva
advaita: "Non-dual; not twofold." Nonduality or monism. The philosophical doctrine that
Ultimate Reality consists of a one principle substance, or God. Opposite of dvaita,
dualism. Advaita is the primary philosophical stance of the Vedic Upanishads, and of
Hinduism, interpreted differently by the many rishis, gurus, panditas an ... Click for
more. See: dvaita-advaita, Vedanta, sin, willpower, tattva

Advaita Ishvaravada: "Nondual and Personal-God-as-Ruler doctrine." The Sanskrit

equivalent of monistic theism. A general term that describes the philosophy of the
Vedas and Saiva Agamas, which believes simultaneously in the ultimate oneness of all
things and in the reality of the personal Deity.See: Advaita, Advaita Siddhanta, monistic
theism, willpower, tattva
Advaita Ishvaravadin: A follower of Advaita Ishvaravada. See: Advaita, Advaita
Siddhanta, monistic theism, willpower, tattva
Advaita Siddhanta: "Nondual perfect conclusions." Saivite philosophy codified in the
Agamas which has at its core the nondual (advaitic) identity of God, soul and world.
This monistic-theistic philosophy, unlike the Sankara, or Smarta view, holds that maya
(the principle of manifestation) is not an obstacle to God Realization, but God's ... Click
for more. See: Advaita Ishvaravada, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Advaita Vedanta: "Nondual end (or essence) of the Vedas." The nondual final
conclusions of the Vedas. Commonly names the various Indian monistic schools, most
prominently that of Sankara, that arose from the Upanishads and related
texts. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
advaitin: An adherent of the philosophy of advaita. See: Vedanta, dvaitaadvaita, monistic theism,Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
adversity: A state of misfortune, difficulty and trouble; the cause of
such. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
advocate: To speak, act or write in support of a cause, person or
idea. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita,monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
aegis: Protection; sponsorship; patronage. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita, monistic
theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
affectionate detachment: The power and wisdom of love born of understanding. Not
becoming engrossed in the problems or negative attachments of others. As opposed to
"running away" from the world or being insensitively aloof, affectionate detachment
allows for more genuine, wholesome relationships with people and
things. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta,tattva
affirmation: Dridhavachana ("firm statement"). A positive declaration or assertion. A
statement repeated regularly while concentrating on the meaning and mental images
invoked, often used to attain a desired result. See: Vedanta, dvaita-advaita, monistic
theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
affirmation of faith: A brief statement of one's faith and essential beliefs. See: Anbe
Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva

affliction: Pain; suffering; distress. See: Anbe Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam, dvaitaadvaita,monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
affluence: An abundance of riches; wealth; opulence; plenty. See: Anbe Sivamayam
Satyame Parasivam, dvaita-advaita, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
afterlife: The continued existence and evolution of the soul following the death of the
physical body.See: Anbe Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam, dvaita-advaita, monistic
theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
aftermath: A result or consequence of a happening. The events or repercussions
following an experience. See: Anbe Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam, dvaitaadvaita, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Agama: The tradition; that which has "come down." An enormous collection of Sanskrit
scriptures which, along with the Vedas, are revered as shruti (revealed scripture).
Dating is uncertain. They were part of an oral tradition of unknown antiquity which some
experts consider as ancient as the earliest Vedas, 5000 to 6000 BCE. ... Click for
more. See: Saiva Agamas, shruti, monistic theism, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
agarbhatti: "Stick incense." (Gujarati) See: Incense, shruti, monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Agastya: One of 18 celebrated Saiva siddhas (adepts), and accepted as the first
grammarian of Tamil language. He is said to have migrated from North India to the
South. His name appears in the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Puranas and was
known to ancient Indonesians. See: Incense,shruti, monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Aghora: "Nonterrifying." An aspect of Siva which, like Rudra, personifies His power of
dissolution or reabsorption. Ghora means "terrific, frightful, terrible,
etc." See: Sadashiva, shruti, monistic theism,Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Aghorasiva: A Saivite philosopher of South India who in the 12th century founded a
Siddhanta school emphasizing dualistic passages of the Agamas and other early texts.
The later Meykandar pluralistic philosophy is based partly on Aghorasiva's
teachings. See: dvaita-advaita, dvaita Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Aghori: "Nonterrifying." An order of Saiva ascetics thought to be derived from the
Kapalika order (ca 14th century). Following the vamachara, "left-hand" ritual of the
tantras, they are widely censured for radical practices such as living in cemeteries and
using human skulls as eating bowls. See: dvaita-advaita, dvaita Siddhanta, Saiva
Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
agni: "Fire." 1) One of the five elements, panchabhuta. 2) God of the element fire,
invoked through Vedic ritual known as yajna, agnikaraka, homa and havana. The God

Agni is the divine messenger who receives prayers and oblations and conveys them to
the heavenly spheres. See: yajna, dvaita Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
agnihotra: "Fire sacrifice." Household rite traditionally performed daily, in which an
oblation of milk is sprinkled on the fire. See: yajna, dvaita Siddhanta, Saiva
Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
agnikaraka: "Fire ritual." The Agamic term for yajna. See: yajna, dvaita
Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta,Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Aham Brahmasmi: "I am God." Famous phrase often repeated in the Upanishads. In
this ecstatic statement of enlightenment, "I" does not refer to the individuality or outer
nature, but to the essence of the soul which is ever identical to God Siva (or Brahman,
the Supreme Being) as Satchidananda and Parashiva. One of four Upanishadic
"gr ... Click for more. See: yajna, dvaita Siddhanta, Saiva Siddhanta, Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
ahamkara: "I-maker." Personal ego. The mental faculty of individuation; sense of
duality and separateness from others. Sense of I-ness, "me" and "mine." Ahamkara is
characterized by the sense of I-ness (abhimana), sense of mine-ness, identifying with
the body (madiyam), planning for one's own happiness (mamasukha), brooding
over ... Click for more. See: anava, ego, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
ahimsa: "Noninjury," nonviolence or nonhurtfulness. Refraining from causing harm to
others, physically, mentally or emotionally. Ahimsa is the first and most important of the
yamas (restraints). It is the cardinal virtue upon which all others
depend. See: yama, niyama, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune-system disease in which
the body's resistance to certain infections and cancers is
lowered. See: yama, niyama, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
aikya: "Union, oneness." See: Vira Saivism, niyama, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Aitareya Brahmana: Part of the Rig Veda dealing principally with worship and
ceremonies of royal inauguration. See: Rig Veda, Vedas, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Aitareya Upanishad: Three chapters of the Aitareya Aranyaka of the Rig Veda which
expound the esoterics of ritual, revealing the means of preparing oneself for the
deepest spiritual attainments. See:Rig Veda, Vedas, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
ajapa: "Non-recitation." Silent incantation of a mantra. See: Seejapa, Vedas, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva

Ajita Agama: Among the 28 Saiva Siddhanta Agamas, this scripture especially
elucidates temple construction, worship and rules for installation of various Siva icons
(murtis). See: murti, Saiva Agamas, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
ajna chakra: "Command wheel." The third-eye center. See: chakra, Saiva
Agamas, mind (individual),Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
akasha: "Space." The sky. Free, open space. Ether, the fifth and most subtle of the five
elements -- earth, air, fire, water and ether. Empirically, the rarified space or ethereal
fluid plasma that pervades the universes, inner and outer. Esoterically, mind, the
superconscious strata holding all that exists and all that potent ... Click for
more. See: mind (universal), Saiva Agamas, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
akshata: "Unbroken." Unmilled, uncooked rice, often mixed with turmeric, offered as a
sacred substance during puja, or in blessings for individuals at weddings and other
ceremonies. This, the very best food, is the finest offering a devotee can give to God or
a wife can give to her husband. See: puja,Saiva Agamas, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
alankara: "Ornamentation." Adornment worn by the Deity. See: puja, Saiva
Agamas, mind (individual),Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
all-pervasive: Diffused throughout or existing in every part of the universe, said of God
Siva. See:Satchidananda, Saiva Agamas, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Allama Prabhu: A contemporary of Basavanna and central figure of Vira Saivism (ca
1150), the head of an order of 300 enlightened beings which included 60 women.
Initially a temple drummer, he became an extraordinary siddha, mystic and poet. The
Mantra Gopya are his collected writings. See:Basavanna, Vira Saivism, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
allegiance: Loyalty, as to a leader, lineage, cause or country. See: Basavanna, Vira
Saivism, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
allegory: A story in which the character, places and events have symbolic meaning,
used to teach ideas and moral principles. See: Itihasa, Purana, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
aloha: "Love," traditional greeting and farewell in Hawaiian. In sound it curiously
coincides with the Sanskrit a-loha, "not iron" or "soft," though most probably is
unrelated. See: Itihasa, Purana, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
aloof: Distant, reserved, withdrawn, drawn back; cool in attitude, not sympathetic with
or interested in an idea, project or group of people. See: Itihasa, Purana, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva

altruism: Unselfish concern for the well-being of others;

selflessness. See: Itihasa, Purana, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
altruistic: Unselfish. Showing more concern for others than
oneself. See: Itihasa, Purana, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Alvar: "One who sways the Lord through bhakti." A group of renowned saints of the
Vaishnava religion (7th -- 9th century), devotional mystics whose lives and teachings
catalyzed a resurgence of Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu. Their devotional poems are
embodied in the Nalayiram Divya Prabandham, containing about 4,000 hymns.
Among ... Click for more. See: Nalvar, Nayanar, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
amalgamate: To combine and make into a whole. See: Nalvar, Nayanar, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Amardaka Order: An order of Saiva sannyasins founded by Amardaka Tirthanatha in
Andhra Pradesh (ca 775). See: Nalvar, Nayanar, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva
Amardaka Tirthanatha: See: Amardaka Order, Rudrasambhu, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta,tattva
Amarnath: "Immortal Lord." A sacred cave in Kashmir in which a svayambhu
Sivalingam is formed naturally of an ice stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the
moon. See: Amardaka Order,Rudrasambhu, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amass: To gather together; accumulate; pile up. See: Amardaka
Order, Rudrasambhu, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Ambika: "Mother." A benign form of the Goddess, one of the central Deities of the
Shakta religion, along with Durga, Kali and Parvati. See: Shakti, Rudrasambhu, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta,tattva
ambrosia: The food of the Gods which confers immortality, same as Sanskrit
amrita. See: amrita,Rudrasambhu, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amenable: Pliable, willing, open to. See: amrita, Rudrasambhu, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta,tattva
amends: Recompense made for injury or loss caused to another. This is done through
sincere apology, expressing regrets, contrition, public penance, such as kavadi, and
abundant offering of gifts.See: papa, penance, mind (individual), Saiva
Siddhanta, tattva

amma: "Mother." An endearing term in the Tamil language. See: papa, penance, mind
(individual),Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
Amman: "Mother." Usually refers to Mariyamman, the "smallpox Goddess," protectress
from plagues, a popular Gramadevata ("village Deity," or local tutelary Deity). There are
many Mariyamman temples and shrines in Malaysia, Mauritius and rural areas of South
India. In the Tamil tradition, amman is often the epithet of various G ... Click for
more. See: Shakti, Shaktism, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amorphous: Of no definite shape or configuration. See: formless, Shaktism, mind
(individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amra: "Mango." See: formless, Shaktism, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amrita: "Immortality." Literally, "without death (mrita)." The nectar of divine bliss which
flows down from the sahasrara chakra when one enters very deep states of meditation.
This word is apparently related to the Greek ambrotos, "immortal," hence ambrosia, the
food or drink of the Gods, which has its Vedic equivalent in the ... Click for
more. See: formless, Shaktism, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amritakumbha: "Pot of immortality." This emblem held by loving Ganesha contains the
divine amrita that flows from the sahasrara chakra during deep meditation. It is the
nectar of immortality. See:formless, Shaktism, mind (individual), Saiva Siddhanta, tattva
amritatman: "Immortal soul." See: atman, jiva, purusha, soul, tattva
anabhidroha: "Absence of injuriousness." See: atman, jiva, purusha, soul, tattva
anahata chakra: The heart center. "Wheel of unstruck
[sound]." See: chakra, jiva, purusha, soul,tattva
analogy: An explanation or illustration made by comparing one thing with another,
similar in some but not all respects. For example, in the analogy of the potter, the potter
represents God and the clay represents the primal substance, or
"matter." See: chakra, jiva, purusha, soul, tattva
analytical: Looking closely at things, intellectually studying them to understand their
nature, meaning and component parts. See: chakra, jiva, purusha, soul, tattva
ananasa: "Pineapple." See: chakra, jiva, purusha, soul, tattva
ananda: "Bliss." The pure joy -- ecstasy or enstasy -- of God-consciousness or spiritual
experience. In its highest sense, ananda is expressed in the famous Vedic description
of God: sat-chit-ananda, "existence-consciousness-bliss" -- the divine or
superconscious mind of all souls. See: God
Realization, Satchidananda, purusha, soul, tattva

ananda tandava: "Violent dance of bliss." See: Nataraja, tandava, purusha, soul, tattva
anandamaya kosha: "Bliss body." The body of the soul, which ultimately merges with
Siva. See:kosha, soul, purusha, soul, tattva
Anandamayi Ma: Godly yogini and mystic Bengali saint known for her purity and
sadhanas, including not eating unless fed by her devotees (18961982). See: kosha, soul, purusha, soul, tattva
ananta: "Endless, infinite." The third of the seven chakras, or nadi conglomerates,
above and within the sahasrara chakra. See: chakras above
sahasrara, soul, purusha, soul, tattva
anashrita: "Independent." The fifth of the seven chakras, or nadi conglomerates, above
and within the sahasrara chakra. See: chakras above
sahasrara, soul, purusha, soul, tattva
anatha: Having "no master." The fourth of the seven chakras, or nadi conglomerates,
above and within the sahasrara chakra. See: chakras above
sahasrara, soul, purusha, soul, tattva
anava: "Fragment; atom; minuteness, individuality." The veiling power that provides
individualness, or individual ego, to each soul, making the soul seem separate and
distinct from God and the universe. The ego, sense of "I" and "mine," ignorance;
separation from God. Denotes a sense of finitude and individuality. Derived fro ... Click
for more. See: anava mala, evolution of the soul, grace, mala, soul
anava mala: "Impurity of smallness; finitizing principle." God's individualizing veil of
duality that enshrouds the soul. It is the source of finitude and ignorance, the most
basic of the three bonds (anava, karma, maya) which temporarily limit the soul. Anava
mala has the same importance in Agamic philosophy that maya-avidya has ... Click for
more. See: evolution of the soul, grace, mala,soul, soul
anava marga: "Path of ignorance." The path of egoity, separateness, self-indulgence,
self-interest and selfishness. See: anava mala, grace, mala, soul, soul
anavopaya: "Minute or individual means." See: upaya, grace, mala, soul, soul
Anbe Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam: Tamil for "God Siva is Immanent Love and
Transcendent Reality." The affirmation of faith which capsulizes the entire creed of
monistic Saiva Siddhanta. In Sanskrit it is Premaiva Sivamaya, Satyam eva
Parashivah. See: upaya, grace, mala, soul, soul
anchorite: "Hermit." A monk or aspirant who lives alone and apart from society, as
contrasted with cenobite, a member of a religious order living in a monastery or
convent. See: monk, nun, mala, soul,soul

ancillary: Auxiliary. Aiding or supporting. Supplementary;

secondary. See: monk, nun, mala, soul,soul
Andal: Famed Vaishnava saint of Tamil Nadu. One of the Alvars, she lived in the early
9th century and today is venerated as one of South India's greatest bhakta
poets. See: Alvar, Vaishnavism, mala,soul, soul
Andhra Pradesh (Pradesha) : Modern Indian state located on the southeast coast of
India north of Tamil Nadu. The capital is Hyderabad. Language: Telugu. Dominant faith:
Vaishnavism. Area: 106,000 square miles. Population 54 million. Famous for its opulent
Tirupati Vaishnava temple. See:Alvar, Vaishnavism, mala, soul, soul
anekavada: "Pluralism," or "not-one
theology." See: pluralism, Vaishnavism, mala, soul, soul
anekavadin: A follower of anekavada. See: pluralism, Vaishnavism, mala, soul, soul
anga: "Part; limb." Term for the individual soul in Vira Saivism. The anga is of finite
intelligence, while Siva is of infinite intelligence. See: Vira
Saivism, Vaishnavism, mala, soul, soul
aniconic: "Without likeness; without image." When referring to a Deity image, aniconic
denotes a symbol which does not attempt an anthropomorphic (humanlike) or
representational likeness. An example is the Sivalinga, "mark of
God." See: murti, Sivalinga, mala, soul, soul
animate-inanimate: From the Latin animatus, "made alive, filled with breath." These
terms indicate the two poles of manifest existence, that which has movement and life
(most expressly animals and other "living" beings) and that which is devoid of
movement (such as minerals and, to a lesser degree, plants). From a deeper view,
however, a ... Click for more. See: tattva, Sivalinga, mala, soul, soul
animism: The belief that everything (including inanimate objects) is alive with soul or
spirit, a conviction pervasive among most indigenous (tribal, pagan, shamanistic) faiths,
including Hinduism, Shintoism and spiritualism. See: tattva, Sivalinga, mala, soul, soul
anjali mudra: "Reverence gesture." Also called pranamanjali. A gesture of respect and
greeting, in which the two palms are held gently together and slightly cupped. Often
accompanied by the verbal salutation "namaskara," meaning "reverent salutation." The
anjali mudra has various forms, e.g., near the chest in greeting equals, at ey ... Click for
more. See: mudra, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
ankusha: Goad, the elephant prod, symbol of Lord Ganesha's power to remove
obstacles from the devotee's path, and to spur the dullards
onward. See: mudra, namaskara, mala, soul, soul

anma: The Tamil equivalent of atma (Sanskrit), anma names the soul, including the
individual soul body and its essence, Satchidananda and Parasivam, in contrast with
the outer self of individuality and personality with which a person commonly
identifies. See: mudra, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
anna dana: "Giving food." The Hindu tradition, also called yajna, of holding mass
feedings for guest and for the poor. It is a source of great merit, especially if an
exceptionally great soul happens to partake of the meal and his hunger is
satisfied. See: yama-niyama, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
annamaya kosha: "Food sheath." The physical
body. See: kosha, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
annan: "Brother." See: kosha, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
annaprashana: "Feeding." The childhood sacrament of first solid
food. See: samskaras of childhood,namaskara, mala, soul, soul
annihilate: To destroy completely, to reduce to nothing. See: samskaras of
childhood, namaskara,mala, soul, soul
antagonism: Opposition, hostility. See: samskaras of
childhood, namaskara, mala, soul, soul
antahkarana: "Inner faculty." The mental faculty of the astral body, sukshma sharira,
comprising intellect, instinct and ego -- in Sanskrit, buddhi, manas and ahamkara -which are a threefold expression of chitta, consciousness. In Saiva Siddhanta, chitta is
sometimes listed as a tattva, or part of a tattva, at the prakriti level. ... Click for
more. See: consciousness, mind (individual), tattva, soul,soul
Antarloka: "Inner plane,"or "in-between world." The astral plane, or Second
World. See: astral plane,mind (individual), tattva, soul, soul
antaryamin: "Inner controller." The conscience, the knowing voice of the
soul. See: astral plane, mind (individual), tattva, soul, soul
anthology: A choice "flower collection" of prose or poetry excerpts. See: astral
plane, mind (individual), tattva, soul, soul
anthropomorphic: "In human shape." From the Greek anthropos, "man," and morphe,
"shape," "form." See: astral plane, mind (individual), tattva, soul, soul
Antoinette, Marie: (1755-1793): Queen of France from 1774, wife of Louis XVI, and
daughter of Maria Theresa and Francis I of Austria. During the French Revolution she
and her husband were accused of treason. She was guillotined on October 16,
1793. See: astral plane, mind (individual), tattva, soul,soul

antyavachanam: "Final word." Epilogue, colophon, postscript. See: astral plane, mind
(individual),tattva, soul, soul
antyeshti: "Last rites." Funeral. See: death, samskara, tattva, soul, soul
anu: A common prefix conveying the meanings: "after, near to, under, secondary or
subordinate to."See: death, samskara, tattva, soul, soul
anubhava: "Perception, apprehension; experience." Personal experience;
understanding; impressions on the mind not derived from
memory. See: death, samskara, tattva, soul, soul
anugraha shakti: "Graceful or favoring power." Revealing grace. God Siva's power of
illumination, through which the soul is freed from the bonds of anava, karma and maya
and ultimately attains liberation, moksha. Specifically, anugraha descends on the soul
as shaktipata, the diksha (initiation) from a satguru. Anugraha is a key concept ... Click
for more. See: anava, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata,soul
anukarana chitta: Subsuperconscious mind; the superconscious mind working through
the conscious and subconscious states, which brings forth intuition, clarity and
insight. See: mind (five states), grace,Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
anukramanika: "Succession, arrangement." An index. See: mind (five
states), grace, Nataraja,shaktipata, soul
anupaya: "Without means." A term used in Kashmir Saivism to mean spontaneous Self
Realization without effort. See: upaya, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
anxiety: Uneasiness, misgivings, worrying about what may happen. Sometimes
excessive. See:upaya, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
apana: "Incoming breath." One of the body's five somatic currents of vital energy, or
prana. See:prana, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
aparigraha: "Non-desiring." The spiritual practice of disciplining the instinctive qualities
of desire and greed. Aparigraha is the fifth of five yamas, or ethical practices, listed by
sage Patanjali in his 2,200-year-old Yoga Sutras. (Note that aparigraha is not among
the ten yamas listed in other scriptures.) ...Click for
more. See: prana, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
Apasmarapurusha: "Forgetful person." Muyalagan in Tamil. The soul under Siva's foot
of obscuring grace, depicted in numerous icons. He represents ignorance and
heedlessness. (Sometimes simply
Apasmara.) See: Nataraja, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
apatya: "Offspring; child; descendant." See: Nataraja, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul

apex: Highest point, peak, summit. See: Nataraja, grace, Nataraja, shaktipata, soul
apex of creation: The highest or initial movement in the mind that will eventually
manifest a creation. The quantum level of manifestation. See: microcosmmacrocosm, quantum, tattva, shaktipata, soul
aphorism: A terse and well-qualified, easy-to-remember statement of a truth placed in
the subconscious mind. See: microcosm-macrocosm, quantum, tattva, shaktipata, soul
apologue: A short allegorical story with a lesson or moral. Fable. See: microcosmmacrocosm,quantum, tattva, shaktipata, soul
apostate: One who has abandoned what he formerly believed in. See: microcosmmacrocosm,quantum, tattva, shaktipata, soul
appa: "Father." An endearing term in the Tamil language. See: microcosmmacrocosm, quantum,tattva, shaktipata, soul
Appar: "Father." Endearing name for Tirunavukarasu (ca 700), one of four Tamil saints,
Samayacharyas, who reconverted errant Saivites who had embraced Jainism. Calling
himself the servant of God's servants, he composed magnificent hymns in praise of
Siva that are reverently sung to this day. See: Nalvar, Nayanar, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
apparent: Appearing, but not necessarily real or true. Seeming to
be. See: Nalvar, Nayanar, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
apparition: A ghost or being in its astral body visible to human
eyes. See: Nalvar, Nayanar, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
Appaya Dikshita (Dikshita): Philosophical genius of South India (1554-1626) who
worked to reconcile Vaishnavism and Saivism, advancing the Siva Advaita school of
Saivism by his writings, and bolstering other schools by his brilliant summations of their
philosophies. He is best known for his commentaries on the teachings of Srikantha.
Appaya Diksh ... Click for more. See: Siva Advaita,Nayanar, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
appellative: A name; title. See: Siva Advaita, Nayanar, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
apprehend: To mentally grasp and hold, to see or understand; to physically
detain. See: Siva Advaita,Nayanar, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
apsara: Female Second World beings, nymphs, the counterpart to astral male lovers
called Gandharvas in the Vedas. See: gandharvas, Nayanar, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul

arahat: (Pali) "Worthy one." (Sanskrit: arhat) See: nirvani and

upadeshi, Nayanar, Saiva Siddhanta,shaktipata, soul
Aranyaka: "Forest treatise." Third section of each of the four Vedas. Texts containing
esoteric, mystical knowledge, largely on the inner meanings and functions of the Vedic
yajna, or fire ceremonies. See: Vedas, Nayanar, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
arati: "Light." The circling or waving of a lamp -- usually fed with ghee, camphor or oil -before a holy person or the temple Deity at the high point of puja, as a means of
psychically catalyzing the flow of shakti.The flame is then presented to the devotees,
each passing his or her hands through it and bringing them to the ... Click for
more. See: archana, puja, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
arbitrate: To give a judgment or decision in a dispute;
mediate. See: archana, puja, Saiva Siddhanta,shaktipata, soul
archana: A special, personal, abbreviated puja done by temple priests in which the
name, birthstar and family lineage of a devotee are recited to invoke individual
guidance and blessings. Archana also refers to chanting the names of the Deity, which
is a central part of every puja. See: puja, puja, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
archana basket: A basket brought to the temple containing special items to offer
before the Deity. Archana baskets ready prepared are often available for purchase
outside larger temples in India. Standard items include incense, fruits, a husked
coconut, rock sugar, loose flowers and a flower garland. See: archana, puja, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
archangel: A high-ranking angel or deva. See: Mahadeva, deva, Saiva
Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
ardent: Intensely enthusiastic or devoted; warm or intense in
feeling. See: Mahadeva, deva, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
ardha-Hindu: "Half-Hindu." A devotee who has adopted Hindu belief and culture to a
great extent but has not formally entered the religion through ceremony and taking a
Hindu first and last name. Also refers to Easterners born into the faith who adopt nonHindu names. See: Hindu, deva, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata, soul
Ardhanari Nateshvara Stotram: A short hymn alternately praising Siva and Shakti as
merged in the androgynous image of
Ardhanarishvara. See: Ardhanarishvara, deva, Saiva Siddhanta, shaktipata,soul
Ardhanarishvara: "Half-female Lord." Lord Siva in androgynous form, male on the
right side and female on the left, indicating that: 1) Siva (like all Mahadevas) is
genderless; 2) Siva is All, inseparable from His energy, Shakti; 3) in Siva the ida
(feminine) and the pingala (masculine) nadis (psychic nerve currents) are balanced so
tha ... Click for more. See: kundalini, nadi, Shakti, Siva, soul

Ardra Darshanam: A ten-day festival ending on Ardra nakshatra, near the full moon of
December-January honoring Siva Nataraja. In Tamil Nadu, each morning at 4 AM, the
mystical songs of Saint Manikkavasagar, Tiruvembavai, are sung or recited. Unmarried
girls go to the temple in small groups to pray for rains, for the welfare of the
land ... Click for more. See: darshana, Nataraja, Shakti, Siva,soul
arduous: Strenuous, laborious. Difficult to climb, do or
accomplish. See: darshana, Nataraja, Shakti,Siva, soul
arena: Any place where an event, usually involving struggle or conflict, takes place.
The Earth is the arena of the soul's evolution. See: evolution of the
soul, Nataraja, Shakti, Siva, soul
Aristotle: Greek philosopher (384 -- 322 BCE) who left a profound legacy of writings
on metaphysics, ethics, logic and law. A disciple of Plato. See: evolution of the
soul, Nataraja, Shakti, Siva, soul
arjava: "Honesty." Justness, firmness, honesty, and straightforwardness. All describe
the quality of arjava. It is the restraint, yama, of wrongdoing and
deception. See: yama, niyama, Shakti, Siva, soul
Arjuna: A hero of the Mahabharata and the central figure of the Bhagavad
Gita. See: Bhagavad Gita,niyama, Shakti, Siva, soul
Arputat Tiru Vantati: Poem of 100 verses in praise of Lord Siva composed in Tamil by
the woman saint Karaikkalammaiyar (ca 5th
century). See: Nayanar, niyama, Shakti, Siva, soul
artha: "Goal"or "purpose;" wealth, substance, property, money. Also has the meaning
of utility; desire.See: dharma, purushartha, Shakti, Siva, soul
Arthaveda: "Political science." A class of ancient texts, also called Nitishastras, on
politics, statecraft and much more, forming the Upaveda of the Rig Veda. The most
important of this literature is Kautiliya's Arthashastra (ca 300 BCE) which gives detailed
instructions on all areas of government. It embodies the kshatriya pers ... Click for
more. See: Upaveda, purushartha, Shakti, Siva, soul
artificial perpetuation of life: See: heroic measures, purushartha, Shakti, Siva, soul
aruhu grass: Tamil name for a common type of grass sacred to Lord Ganesha, used
as an offering in archana and for making wreaths for the Deity image. Also known in
Tamil as hariali, in Sanskrit it is called durva, and botanically as Cynodondactylon. See
also: durva. See: heroic measures,purushartha, Shakti, Siva, soul
arul: "Grace." The third of the three stages of the sakala avasthai when the soul yearns
for the grace of God, shaktinipata. At this stage the soul seeks pati-jnanam, knowledge
of God. See: pati-jnanam,sakala avastha, shaktinipata, Siva, soul

Arunagirinathar: South Indian Saivite poet saint (ca 1500). See: Kandar
Anubhuti, sakala avastha,shaktinipata, Siva, soul
Aruneya Upanishad: A short Upanishad dealing with
sannyasa. See: sannyasa, sakala avastha,shaktinipata, Siva, soul
Arya: "Honorable, noble" or "respectable one; a master, lord." See: sannyasa, sakala
avastha,shaktinipata, Siva, soul
Arya Samaj: "Noble conclave." A renaissance movement founded in Mumbai during
the pre-independence era of India in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Sarasvati (1824-1883)
with the ideal of moving Hindu Dharma away from fictitious beliefs and returning to the
pure teachings of the Vedas.See: sannyasa, sakala avastha, shaktinipata, Siva, soul
Aryaman: "Close friend;" matchmaker; Sun God. A Vedic Deity who personifies
hospitality, the household and grihastha life. He presides over matrimonial alliances
and protects tradition, custom and religion. He is also invoked during shraddha (funeralmemorial) ceremonies. See: sannyasa,sakala avastha, shaktinipata, Siva, soul
asan: "Teacher; master." A title of honor for a respected guru. See: sannyasa, sakala
avastha,shaktinipata, Siva, soul
asana: "Seat; posture." In hatha yoga, asana refers to any of numerous poses
prescribed to balance and tune up the subtle energies of mind and body for meditation
and to promote health and longevity. Examples are the shoulder-stand (sarvangasana,
"whole body pose") and the lotus pose (padmasana). Each asana possesses unique
b ... Click for more. See: hatha yoga, raja yoga, yoga,Siva, soul
ascendency: Superiority or decisive advantage; domination. See: hatha yoga, raja
yoga, yoga, Siva,soul
ascent: Rising or climbing higher. A path that leads upward. See: hatha yoga, raja
yoga, yoga, Siva,soul
ascertain: To discover with certainty by experimentation or examination. See: hatha
yoga, raja yoga,yoga, Siva, soul
ascetic: A person who leads a life of contemplation and rigorous self-denial, shunning
comforts and pleasures for religious purposes. See: monk, raja yoga, yoga, Siva, soul
asceticism: The austerities of an ascetic. See: sadhana, tapas, yoga, Siva, soul
ascribe: To assign something to; attribute. See: sadhana, tapas, yoga, Siva, soul
ash: See: See vibhuti, tapas, yoga, Siva, soul

ashoka tree: "Not causing sorrow." The tree Jonesia Ashoka, moderate in size,
belonging to the leguminous class with magnificent red flowers. See: See
vibhuti, tapas, yoga, Siva, soul
ashram (ashrama): "Place of striving." From shram, "to exert energy." Hermitage;
order or stage of life. Holy sanctuary; the residence and teaching center of a sadhu,
saint, swami, ascetic or guru; often includes lodging for students. May be a simple
place where a guru and his disciples reside, a monastery or a communal institution
wit ... Click for more. See: ashrama dharma, sadhana, yoga,Siva, soul
ashrama: Any of the four stages into which a person's life is divided according to Vedic
teachings.See: ashrama dharma, sadhana, yoga, Siva, soul
ashrama: Any of the four stages into which a person's life is divided according to Vedic
teachings.See: ashrama dharma, sadhana, yoga, Siva, soul
ashrama dharma: "Laws of life's orders," or "duties of life's stages." Human or
developmental dharma. The natural process of maturing from childhood to old age
through fulfillment of the duties of each of the four stages of life -- brahmachari
(student), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (elder advisor) and sannyasa (religious
soli ... Click for more. See: ashrama dharma, sadhana, yoga, Siva,soul
ashrama dharma: "Laws of life's orders," or "duties of life's stages." Human or
developmental dharma. The natural process of maturing from childhood to old age
through fulfillment of the duties of each of the four stages of life -- brahmachari
(student), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (elder advisor) and sannyasa (religious
soli ... Click for more. See: ashrama dharma, sadhana, yoga, Siva,soul
ashtanga pranama: "Eight-limbed
salutation." See: prostration, sadhana, yoga, Siva, soul
ashtanga yoga: "Eight-limbed union." The classical raja yoga system of eight
progressive stages or steps as described in the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali (often
termed raja yoga) and in numerous Hindu scriptures including various Upanishads and
the Tirumantiram by Saint Tirumular. The eight limbs are: restraints (yama),
observances ... Click for more. See: raja yoga, yoga, yamaniyama,asana, pranayama, samadhi
ashtavaranam: "Eight shields." Vira Saivism's eight aids to faith: guru, Linga, jangama
(monk), vibhuti, rudraksha, paduka, prasada (bathing water from Sivalinga or guru's
feet), and Panchakshara Mantra (Namah Sivaya). See: Vira Saivism, yoga, yamaniyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
ashtavibhuti: "Eight powers." Supernormal siddhis mentioned in numerous texts: 1)
anima: to be as small as an atom; 2) mahima: to become infinitely large; 3) laghima:
super-lightness, levitation; 4) prapti: pervasiveness, extension, to be anywhere at will;

5) prakamya: fulfillment of desires; 6) vashitva: control of natural forces; ... Click for
more. See: Vira Saivism, yoga, yama-niyama, asana,pranayama, samadhi
Ashtavinayaka: "The Eight [obstacle] removers." Eight Ganesha murtis that attract
thousands of pilgrims each year at eight temples in Maharashtra on the outskirts of
Pune in Morgaon, Thevoor, Siddhatek, Ranjangaon, Ojhar Kshetra, Lenyadhri Cave,
Mahad and Pali. See: Vira Saivism, yoga,yama-niyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
ashubha: "Inauspicious," "gloomy." See: shubha, yoga, yamaniyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
ashuddha maya: "World of impurity." The realm of the physical world and lower astral
planes. See:maya, yoga, yama-niyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
Ashvin: Vedic twin heroes -- young, handsome, bright and dashing -- who personify
the dawn, the transition from darkness to light and from disease to health. They are
physicians of the Gods, honey being one of their symbols. They represent also duality,
acting in unison. See: Rig Veda, Vedas,yama-niyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
Asoka (Ashoka): The greatest Mauryan Emperor (ca 273-232 bce), grandson of
Chandragupta. In his 40-year reign, Buddhism became a world power. The Rock and
Pillar Edicts preserve his work and teachings. See: Rig Veda, Vedas, yamaniyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
aspirant: A person who strives for some high achievement. See: Rig
Veda, Vedas, yama-niyama,asana, pranayama, samadhi
aspiration: A desire for some high achievement. See: Rig Veda, Vedas, yamaniyama, asana,pranayama, samadhi
Assam: Indian state in the northeast corner of the country, south of Bhutan, almost
separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh. Area 30,000 square miles, population
21 million. See: Rig Veda,Vedas, yama-niyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
assertion: Something declared or stated positively. See: Rig Veda, Vedas, yamaniyama, asana,pranayama, samadhi
assimilation: Making one's own or similar to something else. Incorporation and
absorption, as into the mind. See: Rig Veda, Vedas, yamaniyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi
assuage: To lessen pain or distress; to calm passions or desires. See: Rig
Veda, Vedas, yama-niyama, asana, pranayama, samadhi

asteya: "Nonstealing." Neither stealing nor coveting nor entering into debt. Among the
traditional yamas, asteya is restraint of avarice and greed. See: yama, niyama, yamaniyama, asana,pranayama, samadhi
astikya: "Faith." Among the traditional niyamas, or ethical practices, of ashtanga yoga,
astikya is faith in God, Gods, guru and the path to
enlightenment. See: faith, shraddha, yama, niyama, pranayama,samadhi
astral: "Of the stars." Belonging to the subtle, non-physical dimension of the Second
World, which exists between the physical and causal planes. "Astral forces" exist in the
Second World but can be felt psychically in the First. See: astral
plane, shraddha, yama, niyama, pranayama, samadhi
astral body: "Body of the stars." The subtle, nonphysical body (sukshma sharira) in
which the soul functions in the astral plane, the inner world also called Antarloka.
Sometimes known as the emotional body, the astral body is the third most dense of the
five interpenetrating bodies or sheaths (known in Sanskrit as koshas) through ... Click
for more. See: kosha, soul, yama, niyama, pranayama, samadhi
astral entity: Any being abiding in the astral plane. See: astral
plane, soul, yama, niyama,pranayama, samadhi
astral plane: The subtle world, or Antarloka, spanning the spectrum of consciousness
from the vishuddha chakra in the throat to the patala chakra in the soles of the feet. The
astral plane includes: 1) the higher astral plane, Maharloka, "plane of balance," or
Devaloka; 2) mid-astral plane, Svarloka,"celestial plane;" 3) lower astra ... Click for
more. See: astral body, loka, Antarloka, Devaloka,Second World, three worlds
astral projection: The practice of consciously directing one's activities when out of the
physical body and functioning in the astral body, including the ability to direct attention
to and visit other people who are also in their astral body, or visit a remote location,
experiencing the activities there and retaining knowledge of such ex ... Click for
more. See: astral plane, loka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World,three worlds
astral school: A meeting place in the Antarloka where inner-plane masters teach
devotees in their astral bodies during sleep. See: astral
plane, loka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
astral shell: The odic astral form which a soul leaves behind in the astral plane when it
enters into a new physical birth. The astral shell soon disintegrates as creative forces
generate a new physical and astral body. See: astral
plane, loka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
astrology: Science of celestial
influences. See: jyotisha, Vedanga, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds

asura: "Evil spirit; demon." (Opposite of sura, meaning "deva; God.") A being of the
lower astral plane, Naraka. Asuras can and do interact with the physical plane, causing
major and minor problems in people's lives. Asuras do evolve and do not remain
permanently in this state. See: jyotisha, Vedanga,Antarloka, Devaloka, Second
World, three worlds
asura loka: Another name for Naraka. A general term for the inner worlds of
asuric/demonic energies.See: asura, Naraka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second
World, three worlds
asuric: Of the nature of an asura, "not
spiritual." See: asura, Naraka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
Asvaghosha (Ashvaghosha): Buddhist scholar, pantheist philosopher (ca 80 BCE -150 CE), and one of the great poets of Indian literature. A principal architect of the
Mahayana school. See:pantheism, Naraka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second World, three
worlds
asylum: A place of any refuge, often an institution for people with serious mental or
emotional problems. See: pantheism, Naraka, Antarloka, Devaloka, Second
World, three worlds
atala chakra: "Bottomless region." The first chakra below the muladhara, at the hip
region. Region of fear and lust. Corresponds to the first astral netherworld beneath the
Earth's surface, called Put ("childless") or Atala, the first of seven hellish regions of
consciousness. See: chakra, loka, Naraka,Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atala chakra: "Bottomless region." The first chakra below the muladhara, at the hip
region. Region of fear and lust. Corresponds to the first astral netherworld beneath the
Earth's surface, called Put ("childless") or Atala, the first of seven hellish regions of
consciousness. See: chakra, loka, Naraka,Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atattva: "Noncategory; beyond existence." Atattva, the negation of tattva, is used to
describe the indescribable Reality -- the Absolute, Parashiva, the Self God -- which
transcends all 36 categories (tattvas) of manifestation. It is beyond time, form and
space. And yet, in a mystery known only to the knower -- the enlightened ... Click for
more. See: tattva, loka, Naraka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atavism (atavistic): The return of a trait or recurrence of previous behavior after a
period of absence.See: tattva, loka, Naraka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atha: "Now; then; moreover; certainly; herewith." An inceptive particle and mark of
auspiciousness used to begin sacred works. For example, the first sutra of the Yoga
Sutras reads, "Now then (atha), an exposition on
yoga." See: tattva, loka, Naraka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds

Atharva Veda: From "Atharva," the name of the rishi said to have compiled this fourth
Veda. The Atharva consists of 20 books and 720 hymns. Considered the last Veda
recorded, it consists of mostly original hymns (rather than replications from the Rig
Veda). In recognition of its abundant magical charms and spells, it is known as
the ... Click for more. See: Vedas, loka, Naraka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
Atharvashikha Upanishad: A minor Upanishad dealing with the interpretation of
Aum. See:Upanishad, Vedas, Naraka, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atheism: The rejection of all religion or religious belief, or simply the belief that God or
Gods do not exist. See: Charvaka, materialism, nastika, Devaloka, Second World, three
worlds
atman: "The soul; the breath; the principle of life and sensation." The soul in its entirety
-- as the soul body (anandamaya kosha) and its essence (Parashakti and Parashiva).
One of Hinduism's most fundamental tenets is that we are the atman, not the physical
body, emotions, external mind or personality. In Hindu scriptures, ... Click for
more. See: kosha, Paramatman, soul, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atmartha puja: "Personal worship rite." Home puja -- Sanskrit liturgy performed in the
home shrine.See: puja, Paramatman, soul, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atmasvarupa: "Nature of the soul." See: atman, soul, soul, Devaloka, Second
World, three worlds
atmosphere: The pervading or surrounding element, spirit or influence. General mood
or environment. See: sannidhya, soul, soul, Devaloka, Second World, three worlds
atone: To make amends or reconcile. See: absolution, papa, penance, sin, Second
World, three worlds
attachments: That which one holds onto or clings to with the energy of
possessiveness, which is a natural function of the inner and outer ego of an individual.
As one unfolds through the chakras, the force of attachment naturally diminishes
through sadhana, tapas and the grace of the
guru. See:absolution, papa, penance, sin, Second World, three worlds
attainment: Acquisition, achievement or realization through effort; spiritual
accomplishment. Saiva Siddhanta notes four primary levels of attainment: salokya
(sharing God's world, the goal of charya); samipya (nearness to God, the goal of kriya);
sarupya (likeness to God, the goal of yoga); and sayujya (union with God, the
state ... Click for more. See: God Realization, pada, Self Realization, siddha
yoga, siddhi, three worlds
attention: Focusing of the mental powers upon an object or a particular
subject. See: God Realization, pada, Self Realization, siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds

attire: Clothes,especially rich or fine apparel; finery. See: God Realization, pada, Self
Realization,siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds
attitude: Disposition. State of mind. Manner of carrying oneself. Manner of acting,
thinking or feeling which reveals one's disposition, opinions and
beliefs. See: conscience, pada, Self Realization, siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds
atura sannyasa: "Renunciation while suffering." See: sannyasa, pada, Self
Realization, siddha yoga,siddhi, three worlds
augural: Having to do with divination, prediction or interpreting
omens. See: sannyasa, pada, Self Realization, siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds
Augustine: Catholic bishop saint (354 -- 430) and highly influential
theologian. See: sannyasa, pada,Self Realization, siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds
Aum: Often spelled Om. The mystic syllable of Hinduism, placed at the beginning of
most sacred writings. As a mantra, it is pronounced aw (as in law), oo (as in zoo), mm.
Aum represents the Divine, and is associated with Lord Ganesha, for its initial sound
"aa," vibrates within the muladhara, the chakra at the base of the s ... Click for
more. See: nada, Pranava, sound, siddha yoga, siddhi, three worlds
aura: The luminous colorful field of subtle energy radiating within and around the
human body, extending out from three to seven feet. The colors of the aura change
constantly according to the ebb and flow of one's state of consciousness, thoughts,
moods and emotions. Higher, benevolent feelings create bright pastels; base, ... Click
for more. See: mind (five states), papa, punya, siddha yoga,siddhi, three worlds
auric circle: An energy shell around the aura itself that acts as a shelter or shield
against psychic influences. See: mind (five states), papa, punya, siddha
yoga, siddhi, three worlds
Aurobindo Ghosh: A prolific Bengali writer and poet, pantheistic philosopher and yoga
mystic, widely known as Sri Aurobindo (1872 -- 1950). He perceived the modern global
crisis as marking a period of transition from a dark age to a more enlightened one,
when Hinduism will play a preponderant role. He founded the Auroville community
in ... Click for more. See: mind (five states), papa, punya, siddha yoga, siddhi, three
worlds
auspicious: Favorable, of good omen, foreboding well. Mangala. One of the central
concepts in Hindu life. Astrology defines a method for determining times that are
favorable for various human endeavors. Much of daily living and religious practice
revolves around an awareness of auspiciousness. Endowed with great power and
importan ... Click for more. See: jyotisha, muhurta, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi,three
worlds

austerities: Practices of strict self-discipline & selfdenial. See: jyotisha, muhurta, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
austerity: Self-denial and discipline, physical or mental, performed for various reasons
including acquiring powers (siddhis), attaining grace, conquering the instinctive nature
and burning the seeds of past karmas. Ranging from simple deprivations, such as
foregoing a meal, to severe disciplines, called tapas, such as always sta ... Click for
more. See: penance, tapas, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
authenticity: Quality of being true as claimed, or genuine, trustworthy.
Reliable. See: penance, tapas,swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
authority: Influence, power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action
or make final decisions. See: penance, tapas, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
autonomous: Not controlled by or reliant upon other forces;
independent. See: penance, tapas,swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
autopsy: "Own viewing." The examination and dissection of a dead body to determine
the cause of death, extent of disease, etc. See: penance, tapas, swastika, Tai
Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
Auvaiyar: A saint of Tamil Nadu (ca 200 BCE), a contemporary of Saint Tiruvalluvar,
devotee of Lord Ganesha and Karttikeya and one of the greatest literary figures in
ancient India. As a young girl, she prayed to have her beauty removed so she would
not be forced into marriage and could devote her full life to God. She was a gre ... Click
for more. See: Timeline, tapas, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
avail: To be of use or advantage toward completing an
end. See: Timeline, tapas, swastika, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
Avantivarman: King of Kashmir (855 -- 883) during whose reign lived Kallata, one of
the great exponents of Kashmir Saivism. See: Timeline, tapas, swastika, Tai
Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
avarice: Uncontrolled desire for wealth. See: Timeline, tapas, swastika, Tai
Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
avastha: (Tamil: avasthai.) "Condition or state" of consciousness or experience. 1) Any
of three stages of the soul's evolution from the point of its creation to final merger in the
Primal Soul. 2) The states of consciousness as discussed in the Mandukya Upanishad:
jagrat (or vaishvanara), "wakefulness;" svapna (or taijasa), "d ... Click for
more. See: kevala avastha, sakala avastha, shuddha avastha, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three
worlds

avatara: "Descent." A God born in a human (or animal) body. A central concept of
Shaktism, Smartism and Vaishnavism. See: incarnation, Ishta Devata, Vaishnavism, Tai
Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
avidya: Spiritual "ignorance." Wrongful understanding of the nature of reality. Mistaking
the impermanent for the everlasting. See: incarnation, Ishta Devata, Vaishnavism, Tai
Pongal, siddhi,three worlds
awareness: Individual consciousness, perception, knowing; the witness of perception,
the "inner eye of the soul." Sakshin or chit in Sanskrit. The soul's ability to sense, see or
know and to be conscious of this knowing. When awareness is indrawn (pratyak
chetana), various states of samadhi may occur. Awareness is known in the Ag ... Click
for more. See: consciousness, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
axiom: A rule or maxim that is universally accepted as true; a fundamental principle or
truth. See:consciousness, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
axis: A real or imaginary straight line around which a planet, or any object, rotates.
Metaphorically: a central line of
development. See: consciousness, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three
worlds
ayanamsha: "Portion" (amsha) of the solstice (ayana), meaning the deviation of the
zodiac from the equinoctial position of zero degrees Aries -- or the amount of the
precession of the equinoxes since the zero degrees Aries vernal equinox, which defines
the difference between the Vedic and Western (or tropical) zodiacs. The Wester ... Click
for more. See: consciousness, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
ayurveda: "Science of life." A holistic system of medicine and health native to ancient
India. This sacred Vedic science is an Upaveda of the Atharva Veda. Three early giants
in this field who left voluminous texts are Charaka, Susruta and Vagbhata. Ayurveda
covers many areas, including: 1) chikitsa, general medicine, 2) shalya, ... Click for
more. See: doshas, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
ayurveda vaidya: A practitioner, or physician, of
ayurveda. See: doshas, sakshin, Vaishnavism, Tai Pongal, siddhi, three worlds
Ayyappan: The popular God of a recently formed sect that focuses on pilgrimage to
the top of Sabarimalai, a sacred hill in Kerala, where He is said to appear as a divine
light. Ayyappan is revered as a son of Vishnu and Siva (Hari-Hara putra). His vahana,
or mount, is the tiger.

backbiting: Speaking maliciously or slanderously about a person who is absent.

Badarayana (Badarayana): Author of the Brahma Sutras. See: Brahma Sutra

Bala Ganapati: A name and traditional murti, or image, of Ganesha meaning the "little
(or young) one." He holds five kinds of sweets: banana, mango, sugar cane, jackfruit
and modaka. See: Brahma Sutra
balasthapana: "Initial establishing." The religious rites of firmly determining and
blessing the site of a new temple. See: Brahma Sutra
balipitha: "Offering place." An inverted lotus-shaped stone atop a pedestal situated
near the temple flagpole, dhvajastambha. Here devotees are to leave all negative
thoughts as they enter the temple.See: Brahma Sutra
balk: To stop abruptly and refuse to go on. See: Brahma Sutra
Ballaleshvara: "Lord of Ballala" [after the name of a young devotee]. The Ganesha
murti enshrined at the Pali Temple of Maharashtra. See: Brahma Sutra
ballast: A stabilizing weight, usually on a boat. See: Brahma Sutra
bane: Deadly harm, misfortune. A cause of death, destruction, or ruin. See: Brahma
Sutra
Banyan tree: ficus indicus (vata in Sanskrit), symbolizes Hinduism, which branches out
in all directions, draws from many roots, spreads shade far and wide, yet stems from
one great trunk. Siva as Silent Sage sits beneath it. See: Brahma Sutra
Baptist: A member of an evangelical Protestant church of congregational polity,
following the reformed tradition in worship, and believing in individual freedom, in the
separation of church and state, and in baptism of voluntary, conscious
believers. See: Brahma Sutra
bard: A singer or reciter of epic poems. See: Brahma Sutra
bardo: A Tibetan term for an intermediate state between death and further destiny of
the soul. See:Brahma Sutra
Basavanna: A 12th-century philosopher, poet and prime minister who reformed and
revived Vira Saivism in Karnataka. See: Vira Saivism
bask: To enjoy pleasant warmth, sunshine, praise or blessing. See: Vira Saivism
Batara: A name of Siva used in Indonesia. See: Siva
Baudhayana Dharma Shastra: A book of laws associated with the Krishna Yajur Veda
and governing studentship, marriage, household rituals, civil law, etc. It is followed by
brahmins of Southwest India.See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa Vedanga

bce: Abbreviation (equivalent to BC, "before Christ) for "before common era," referring
to dating prior to the year one in the Western (Gregorian) calendar, which is now in
universal secular use. Thus, 300 BCE was 300 years before the turn of the millennium.
Cf: ce. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa Vedanga
beatitude: Supreme blessedness or happiness. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa Vedanga
beclouding: Darkening as if with clouds; obscuring. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa
Vedanga
bedrock: Solid rock beneath the soil; firm foundation. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa
Vedanga
begrudgingly: Given with ill will or reluctance. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa Vedanga
behoove: To be necessary, proper or befitting. See: Dharma Shastra, Kalpa Vedanga
Being: When capitalized, being refers to God's essential divine nature -- Pure
Consciousness, Absolute Reality and Primal Soul (God's nature as a divine Person).
Lower case being refers to the essential nature of a person, that within which never
changes; existence. See: Siva, Kalpa Vedanga
benediction: A blessing, especially a spoken one. See: blessing, Kalpa Vedanga
benevolence: Disposition to do good; charitable, kindly. See: yama-niyama, Kalpa
Vedanga
benign: Good, kindly, doing no harm. See: ahimsa, Kalpa Vedanga
bereft: Deprived of something. See: ahimsa, Kalpa Vedanga
beseech (besought): To ask of someone earnestly; solicit with fervor;
beg. See: ahimsa, Kalpa Vedanga
bestow: To offer graciously as a gift. See: dana, Kalpa Vedanga
beta testing: The final testing of new computer software, performed by persons other
than software developers, before it is released for sale. See: dana, Kalpa Vedanga
betoken: To indicate, show; offer as a sign of the future; symbolize. See: dana, Kalpa
Vedanga
betrothal: Mutual pledge to marry; engagement. In Sanskrit, vagdana or
nishchitartha. See:samskaras of adulthood, Kalpa Vedanga

bewilder: To baffle or confuse through something puzzling or

unexplained. See: samskaras of adulthood, Kalpa Vedanga
Bhaga: "Bestower" of fortune. A God of the Rig Veda; Lord of wealth, prowess and
happiness. See:purushartha, Rig Veda, wealth
Bhagavad Gita: "Song of the Lord." One of the most popular of Hindu writings, a
conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the brink of the great battle at
Kurukshetra. In this central episode of the epic Mahabharata (part of the sixth book),
Krishna illumines the warrior-prince Arjuna on yoga, asceticism, dharma and the
manifol ... Click for more. See: Itihasa, Mahabharata, wealth
Bhagavata: "Possessor of fortune;" gracious Lord. Relating to God or a God; holy,
sacred, divine." Pertaining to Vishnu or Krishna. From bhaga, "Bestower, gracious lord;
patron." The name of a sect of Vaishnavism which arose in the Western part of India
after 600 BCE. A highly devotional monotheistic faith worshiping God as Krish ... Click
for more. See: Pancharatra, Vaishnavism, wealth
Bhagavata Purana: Also known as Shrimad Bhagavatam, a work of 18,000 stanzas. A
major Purana and primary Vaishnava scripture, from oral tradition, written down ca 800.
It provides the stories of all incarnations of Vishnu, filled with the bhakti, inner current of
devotion. See: Purana, Vaishnavism,wealth
Bhagnadanta: "He of broken tusk." An epithet of loving
Ganesha. See: Purana, Vaishnavism, wealth
Bhairava: "Terrifying." Lord Siva as the fiery protector. He carries and is represented by
a trishula (trident), a symbol often enshrined as guardian at the entrance to Siva
temples. See: Siva, trishula,wealth
bhajana: Spiritual song. Individual or group singing of devotional songs, hymns and
chants. See also: kirtana. See: Siva, trishula, wealth
bhakta: (Tamil: Bhaktar.) "Devotee." A worshiper. One who is surrendered to the
Divine. See: bhakti,bhakti yoga, devotee, guru bhakti
bhakti: "Devotion." Surrender to God, Gods or guru. Bhakti extends from the simplest
expression of devotion to the ego-decimating principle of prapatti, which is total
surrender. Bhakti is the foundation of all denominations of Hinduism, as well as yoga
schools throughout the world. See: bhakti
yoga,darshana, prapatti, prasada, sacrifice, surrender, yajna
Bhakti Ganapati: "Dear to devotees" is a popular murti, unique in that He holds a
coconut and a bowl of pudding, mango and banana. See: bhakti
yoga, darshana, prapatti, prasada, sacrifice, surrender,yajna

bhakti yoga: "Union through devotion." Bhakti yoga is the practice of devotional
disciplines, worship, prayer, chanting and singing with the aim of awakening love in the
heart and opening oneself to God's grace. Bhakti may be directed toward God, Gods or
one's spiritual preceptor. Bhakti yoga seeks communion and ever closer
rapport ... Click for
more. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna,surrender, yajna
bhangima: "Posture." The position of the limbs, as of a
murti. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice,surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bharata: The ancient and original name of Indian lands and the constitutional name of
independent India (Bharat in Hindi). Also, Bharatavarsha "land of Bharata," a legendary
monarch and sage. See:bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bharata (Bharata): "He who supports, maintains, bears a burden." The ancient,
original name of India and its constitutional name in Hindi: Bharatavarsha "land of
Bharat," a legendary monarch and
sage.See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bharatanatyam: One of the ancient dance forms of India dating back to the second
century BCE. This dance type originated in the Hindu temples of Southern India and is
one of the most graceful and sophisticated dance
styles. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bharatanatyam: One of the ancient dance forms of India dating back to the second
century BCE. This dance type originated in the Hindu temples of Southern India and is
one of the most graceful and sophisticated dance
styles. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bharatkhand: "Land of Bharat,"
India. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender,yajna
bhashya: "Talking over, discussion." Commentary on a text. Hindu philosophies are
largely founded upon the interpretations, or bhashyas, of primary scripture. Other types
of commentaries include: vritti, a brief note on aphorisms; tippani, like a vritti but less
formal, explains difficult words or phrases; varttika, a critical ... Click for
more. See: bhakti, prapatti, sacrifice, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhaskara: Philosopher (ca 950). His Bhaskarabhashya, a commentary on the Brahma
Sutras, was the first elaborate criticism of Sankara's Advaitic doctrine of avidyamaya. See: Sankara, Vedanta,Vishishtadvaita, surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
bhava: Concentrated feeling, emotion, mature
bhakti. See: Sankara, Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita,surrender, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhavalinga: "Mark of existence." Siva beyond space and
time. See: atattva, Parashiva, Sivalinga,Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna

bhedabheda: "Difference-nondifference." A term in Vedanta which means that soul and

world are identical with and yet different from God, in the same way that the waves of
an ocean can be seen as being nondifferent from the ocean, yet they are not the
ocean, only a part of it. See: Vedanta,Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bhikku: A Buddhist monk, or any of the first disciples of
Buddha. See: Vedanta, Parashiva, Sivalinga,Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhogabhumi: "Land of pleasure," referring to the
world. See: Vedanta, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhogar Rishi: One of the 18 siddhas of Saiva tradition, an alchemist and tantrika yogi,
associated with the Palani Hills Murugan temple in South India, for which he created
the Dandayuthapaniswami murti from nine poisonous metals. Bhogar is believed by
some to still reside there in a cave. Chinese historical records suggest that he ... Click
for more. See: Vedanta, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira Saivism,yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhojadeva Paramara (Paramara): A Saivite king, poet, artist and theologian of Gujarat
(1018-1060). Author of Tattvaprakasha. Renowned for establishing a systematic,
monistic Saiva Siddhanta, and creating India's then largest artificial lake, 250 miles in
length, called Bhojpur. See: Tatparyadipika,Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhojana Mantra: "Food-blessing chant." As each meal is served, reciting the foodblessing chant, silently or aloud as a group, is an expression of gratitude, an
acknowledgement of food's ultimate source and an invocation of spiritual benefits. Its
recitation prepares one for partaking of the Supreme Lord's abundance, which should
occu ... Click for more. See: Tatparyadipika, Parashiva, Sivalinga,Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bhrityachara: "Servant's way." One of the five Vira Saiva codes of
conduct. See: Panchachara,Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bhukti: "Worldly enjoyment." See: Panchachara, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender,yajna
Bhuloka: "Earth world." The physical plane. The physical world perceived through the
five senses. Also called the First World. See: loka, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bhumika: "Earth; ground; soil." Preface; introduction to a book. From bhu, "to become,
exist; arise, come into being." See: loka, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bhuvarloka: "Plane of atmosphere." The second of the seven upper worlds, realm of
svadhishtana chakra, consisting of the two astral regions closest to the physical plane:

Pitriloka, "world of ancestors," and Pretaloka, "world of the

departed." See: loka, Parashiva, Sivalinga, Vira Saivism,yajna, surrender, yajna
bi-sexual: Of or characterized by sexual attraction for members of both
genders. See: heterosexual,homosexual, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Big Bang: A theory that the universe -- time, space and matter -- originated
approximately 20 billion years ago from the explosive expansion of a
"singularity." See: heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality,Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bija mantra: "Seed syllable." A Sanskrit sound associated with a specific Deity used for
invocation during mystic rites. See: heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Bijjala: A king in Karnataka associated with the life of
Basavanna. See: heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bilva: Wood-apple (or bael) tree, Aegle marmelos, sacred to Lord Siva. Its leaves,
picked in threes, are offered in the worship of the Sivalinga. The delicious fruit when
unripe is used medicinally. See:heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bindu: "A drop, small particle, dot." 1) The seed or source of creation. In the 36 tattvas,
the nucleus or first particle of transcendent light, technically called Parabindu,
corresponding to the Shakti tattva. Scientists say the whole universe just before the big
bang could fit on the head of a pin -- a tremendous point of e ... Click for
more. See: tattva, tilaka, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender,yajna
biophysics: The science of relating physics to biological processes and
phenomena. See: tattva,tilaka, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
birth chart: Janmapatrika. An astrological map of the sky drawn for a person's moment
and place of birth. Also known as rashi chakra or zodiac wheel, it is the basis for
interpreting the traits of individuals and the experiences, prarabdha karmas, they will go
through in life. See: jyotisha, karma, sexuality,Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
birthstar: See: nakshatra, karma, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
blackmail: Payment extorted to prevent disclosure of information that would bring
disgrace or ruin if made public. See: nakshatra, karma, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
blessing: Good wishes; benediction. Seeking and giving blessings is extremely central
in Hindu life, nurtured in the precepts of karunya (grace), shakti (energy), darshana

(encountering/seeing the divine), prasada (blessed offerings), puja (invocation),

tirthayatra (pilgrimage), diksha (initiation), shaktipata (descent of grace) ... Click for
more. See: nakshatra, karma, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna
boddhisattva: See: nirvani, upadeshi, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bodhaka: "Mentor, teacher." One who awakens or catalyzes knowing; a religious
instructor or catalyst. See: nirvani, upadeshi, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bodhi tantra: "Wise methods; ways of wisdom." See: sadhana, tantra, sexuality, Vira
Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna
Bodhinatha Veylanswami: "Lord of wisdom" or "chief among the awakened ones."
The current abbot of Kauai's Hindu Monastery, 163rd Jagadacharya of the Nandinatha
Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara. Bodhinatha was ordained by his satguru, Satguru
Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, on October 21, 2001, the tenth evening of the
extraordinary renaissance master' ... Click for
more. See: sadhana,tantra, sexuality, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bodies: See: kosha, sharira, soul, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bodily humor: Commonly, the fluids of the body, an English equivalent of the ayurvedic
term dosha, which names three fundamental interbalancing principles or constituents of
the human constitution.See: ayurveda, dosha, soul, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bond (bondage): See: evolution of the soul, mala, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bone-gathering: Asthisanchaya. Part of Hindu funeral rites. About twelve hours after
cremation, family men return to the cremation site to collect the remains. Water is first
sprinkled on the ashes to separate the black ash of the wood from the fine, white ash of
the body. The white ash and bones (up to four inches long, called "flowe ... Click for
more. See: cremation, samskaras of adulthood, pasha,Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
boon: Varadana. A welcome blessing, a gracious benefit received. An unexpected gift
or bonus. See:grace, samskaras of adulthood, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bounteous: Generously and copiously giving. See: grace, samskaras of
adulthood, pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
bountiful: Giving abundantly and without restraint; plentiful. See: grace, samskaras of
adulthood,pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna

Brahma: The name of God in His aspect of Creator. Saivites consider Brahma, Vishnu
and Rudra to be three of five aspects of Siva. Smartas group Brahma, Vishnu and Siva
as a holy trinity in which Siva is the destroyer. Brahma the Creator is not to be confused
with 1) Brahman, the Transcendent Supreme of the Upanishads; 2) Brahm ... Click for
more. See: Brahman, Parameshvara, pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahma muhurta: "God's hour." A very favorable time for sadhana. It is traditional to
arise before this period, bathe and begin one's morning worship. Brahma muhurta is
defined as roughly 1.5 hours, the last muhurta of the night in the 8-muhurta system. It is
understood as comprising the final three muhurtas of the night in 15 or 16-m ... Click for
more. See: muhurta, Parameshvara, pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahma Sutra Bhashya: A lengthy 13th-century commentary on the Brahma Sutras by
Srikantha to establish a Vedic base for the Saivite qualified nondualism called Siva
Advaita. See: Siva Advaita,Vedanta, pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahma Sutra(s): Also known as the Vedanta Sutras, composed by Badarayana
(perhaps as early as 400 BCE) as the first known systematic exposition of Upanishadic
thought. Its 550 aphorisms are so brief as to be virtually unintelligible without
commentary. It was through interpretations of this text, as well as the Upanishads
themselves a ... Click for more. See: Upanishad, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahma Sutra, Shankara Bhashya: Sankara's explanation of one of the three major
treatises on Vedanta philosophy. See: Smarta, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmachari: "He who is moving in God." An unmarried male spiritual aspirant who
practices continence, observes religious disciplines, including sadhana, devotion and
service and who may be under simple vows. Also names one in the student stage (age
12 -- 24, or until marriage). See:ashrama dharma, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmacharini: An unmarried female spiritual aspirant who practices continence,
observes certain disciplines, often relating to devotion, service and teaching children,
and who may be under simple vows. See: ashrama dharma, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmacharini: An unmarried female spiritual aspirant who practices continence,
observes certain disciplines, often relating to devotion, service and teaching children,
and who may be under simple vows. See: ashrama dharma, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmachariya: "Godly conduct." Brahmachariya, among the ethical restraints known
as the yamas, means sexual purity--the restraint of lust and other aspects of the
instinctive nature. In its strictest application, brahmachariya is celibacy, complete sexual

abstinence, as practiced by monastics and advised for all persons prior to mar ... Click
for more. See: ashrama dharma, Vedanta, pasha, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmacharya: "Path to God," or "moving in God." Sexual purity -- restraint of lust and
the instinctive nature. See: yama-niyama, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmacharya ashrama: See: ashrama dharma, Vedanta, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender,yajna
brahmacharya vrata: "Celibacy vow." The verbal pledge given before members of
one's religious community to remain chaste until marriage, for a specified period of
time, or for life. Often taken by Hindu youth at age 12 upon entering the brahmacharya
ashrama, the vrata may also be taken by Hindu men and women later in life, such as
upon en ... Click for more. See: ashrama dharma,brahmacharya, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahmadhvara: The door to the seven chakras and the Narakaloka just below the
muladhara. In order for the higher chakras to come into power, this door must be shut,
making it impossible for fears, hatreds, angers and jealousies to arise. Sadhana and
right thought, word and deed are among the aids in this accomplishment. ... Click for
more. See: Naraka, brahmacharya, pasha, Vira Saivism,yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahmaloka: The realm of sahasrara chakra, it is the highest of the seven upper
worlds. See:sahasrara chakra, brahmacharya, pasha, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahman: "Supreme Being; Expansive Spirit." From the root brih, "to grow, increase,
expand." Name of God or Supreme Deity in the Vedas, where He is described as 1) the
Transcendent Absolute, 2) the all-pervading energy and 3) the Supreme Lord or Primal
Soul. These three correspond to Siva in His three perfections. Thus, Saivite ... Click for
more. See: Parameshvara, Parashakti, Parashiva, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahmana: "Knower of God." 1) One of four primary sections of each Veda; concerned
mainly with details of yajna, or sacrificial fire worship, and specific duties and rules of
conduct for priests, but also rich in philosophical lore. 2) The first of the four varnas, or
social classes, comprising pious souls of exceptional learnin ... Click for
more. See: brahmin, varna dharma, Vedas, Vira Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna
Brahmanaspati: "Divine artisan." Lord of the Holy Word. See: brahmin, varna
dharma, Vedas, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahmanda: "Egg of God," or "Cosmic egg." The cosmos; inner and outer
universe. See: loka, three worlds, world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna

Brahmarandhra: "Door of Brahman." See: door of Brahman, three worlds, world, Vira
Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna
Brahmavidya: "Knowledge or realization of God." See: door of Brahman, three
worlds, world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahmin (brahmana): "Mature" or "evolved" soul. The class of pious souls of
exceptional learning. From Brahman, "growth, expansion, evolution, development,
swelling of the spirit or soul." The mature soul is the exemplar of wisdom, tolerance,
forbearance and humility. See: varna dharma, three worlds,world, Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brahminical tradition: The hereditary religious practices of the Vedic brahmins, such
as reciting mantras, and personal rules for daily living. See: varna dharma, three
worlds, world, Vira Saivism,yajna, surrender, yajna
Brahmotsava: "God's principal festival." Each temple has one most important festival
of the year which is its major celebration, called Brahmotsava, often a ten-day
event. See: festival, temple, world,Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brethren: Older plural of brother; often used for brothers in
religion. See: festival, temple, world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: One of the major Upanishads, part of the Shatapatha
Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. Ascribed to Sage Yajnavalkya, it teaches modes of
worship, meditation and the identity of the individual self with the Supreme
Self. See: Upanishad, temple, world, Vira Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna
Brihaspati: "Lord of Prayer." Vedic preceptor of the Gods and Lord of the Word,
sometimes identified with Lord Ganesha. Also the name of a great exponent of Saiva
Siddhanta (ca 900). See: Ganesha,temple, world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
brihatkutumba: "Extended family." Also called mahakutumba. See: extended
family, joint family,world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Buddha: "The Enlightened." Usually the title of Siddhartha Gautama (ca 624 --544
BCE), a prince born of the Shakya clan -- a Saivite Hindu tribe in eastern India on the
Nepalese border. He renounced the world and became a monk. After his enlightenment
he preached the doctrines upon which his followers later founded Buddhism. S ... Click
for more. See: extended family, joint family, world, Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
buddhi: "Intellect, reason, logic." The intellectual or disciplined mind. Buddhi is
characterized by discrimination (viveka), voluntary restraint (vairagya), cultivation of
calmness (shanti), contentment (santosha) and forbearance (kshama). It is a faculty of
manomaya kosha, the instinctive-intellectual sheath. ... Click for more. See: intellectual
mind, kosha, mind (individual), Vira Saivism, yajna,surrender, yajna

Buddhi and Siddhi: "Wisdom and attainment (or fulfillment);" names of the two
symbolic consorts of Lord Ganesha. See: intellectual mind, kosha, mind
(individual), Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
buddhi chitta: "Intellectual mind." See: buddhi, intellectual mind, mind (individual), Vira
Saivism,yajna, surrender, yajna
Buddhism: The religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the
Buddha (ca 624 -- 544 BCE). He refuted the idea of man having an immortal soul and
did not preach of any Supreme Deity. Instead he taught that man should seek to
overcome greed, hatred and delusion and attain enlightenment through realizing the
Fou ... Click for more. See: Buddha, intellectual mind, mind (individual), Vira
Saivism, yajna, surrender, yajna
Buddhist: Relating to Buddhism, the religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama, known as the Buddha. See: Buddhism, intellectual mind, mind
(individual), Vira Saivism, yajna, surrender,yajna
buoyant, buoyed: Light, weightless; elated, happy, optimistic.

ca: Abbreviation for circa -- Latin for "approximately" -- used with dates that are not
precise, e.g., ca 650, "around the year 650."
cajan: Rectangular panels of woven palm fronds used as roof, wall and fencing
material.
caliber: Quality, station or ability of a person.
callous: Unfeeling, not sensitive, lacking compassion or pity. See: yama-niyama
camphor: Karpura. An aromatic white crystalline solid derived from the wood of
camphor trees (or prepared synthetically from pinene), prized as fuel in temple arati
lamps. See: arati, puja
canalize: To provide an outlet or channel for. See: arati, puja
cancer: Disease characterized by the aberrant growth of cells. See: arati, puja
canon: The religious laws governing a sect or a religion. Body of accepted or
authorized scriptures.See: arati, puja
cardiac: Near, or relating to the heart. See: arati, puja

cardinal: Of primary importance; paramount. See: arati, puja

Carnatic (vocal) music: Also spelled karnatic. One of the world's oldest and richest
musical traditions dating back to Sama Veda, carnatic music denotes the classical style
of South India which evolved from ancient Hindu traditions and was relatively
unaffected by the Muslim influences that, since the late twelfth and early thirteenth
centuri ... Click for more. See: arati, puja
caste: A hierarchical system, called varna dharma (or jati dharma), established in India
in ancient times, which determined the privileges, status, rights and duties of the many
occupational groups, wherein status is determined by heredity. There are four main
classes (varnas) -- brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra -- and ... Click for
more. See: arati, puja
catalyst: A person or thing acting as a stimulus upon another, whose presence brings
about change. Difficulties can be a catalyst for spiritual unfoldment. Catalyst is
sometimes used to name a teacher or facilitator. See: arati, puja
Catholicism: The faith, doctrine, system and practice of the Catholic Church, a major
Christian denomination. See: arati, puja
causal body: Karana sharira, the inmost body; the soul form, also called anandamaya
kosha, "bliss sheath," and actinic causal body. See: kosha, soul
causal mind: Karana chitta. Superconscious mind. See: mind (five states), soul
causal plane: The highest realm of existence, Sivaloka. See: loka, soul
cause: Karana. Anything which produces an effect, a result. -- efficient cause: (nimitta
karana) That which directly produces the effect; that which conceives, makes, shapes,
etc., such as the potter who fashions a clay pot, or God who creates the world. -material cause: (upadana karana) The matter from which the effect is ... Click for
more. See: maya, tattva
cauterize: To burn or sear so as to remove unwanted tissue, or to seal a
wound. See: maya, tattva
cavernous plexus: The region where the brain stem enters the skull from the spine,
associated with the pineal gland and the ajna chakra. See: maya, tattva
ce: Abbreviation for "Common Era." Equivalent to the abbreviation AD (anno Domini,
"in the Lord's year"). Following a date, it indicates that the year in question comes after
the year one in the Western, or Gregorian (originally Christian) calender system. E.g.,
300 CE is 300 years after the beginning of this era. Cf: bce. ... Click for
more. See: maya, tattva

celebrant: A person who performs a religious rite. See: maya, tattva

celestial: "Of the sky or heavens." Of or relating to the heavenly regions or beings.
Highly refined, divine. See: maya, tattva
celibacy: Complete sexual abstinence. Also the state of a person who has vowed to
remain unmarried and abstinent. Celibacy is abstinence from the eight degrees of
sexual activity: fantasy (smarana), glorification (kirtana), flirtation (keli), glances
(prekshana), secret talk (guhya bhashana), longing (kama samkalpa),
rendezvous ... Click for more. See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation,yamaniyama
cenobite: A member of a monastery
community. See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation, yama-niyama
cenobitic: Belonging to a monastery
community. See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation, yama-niyama
centillion: The number 1 followed by 600 zeros. An unimaginably large
figure. See: brahmachari,ojas, tejas, transmutation, yama-niyama
cerebral: Relating to the brain. See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation, yamaniyama
ceremony: From the Latin caerimonia, "awe; reverent rite." A formal rite established by
custom or authority as proper to special
occasions. See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation, yama-niyama
cf: An abbreviation for Latin confer, meaning
"compare." See: brahmachari, ojas, tejas, transmutation,yama-niyama
chaitanya: "Spirit, consciousness," especially "higher consciousness;" "Supreme
Being."A widely used term, often preceded by modifiers, e.g., sakshi chaitanya,
"witness consciousness," or bhakti chaitanya, "devotional consciousness," or
Sivachaitanya, "God consciousness." See: chitta,consciousness, mind (five
states), Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chaitanya, Sri: A renowned Vaishnava saint (1485 -- 1534), revered today especially
in Bengal and Orissa, remembered for his ecstatic states of devotion. He taught a
dualistic philosophy in which bhakti (devotion) to the divine couple Radha and Krishna
is the only means to liberation. Practice revolves mainly around kirtana,
devotiona ... Click for more. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chakra: "Wheel." A) In iconography, a disk-shaped weapon among the insignia of
loving Ganesha (and of Lord Vishnu as well). It is a symbol of the sun and of the mind.
Wielded as a weapon, it is the intellect divinely empowered. B) Metaphysically, any of

the nerve plexuses or centers of force and consciousness located within th ... Click for
more. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
chakravala: "Circle," "an assembly." A circle or gathering of devotees, seated clockwise
according to age or seniority in their fellowship. This clear acknowledgement of
heirarchy by all parties helps keeps associations and interactions harmonious, as the
lines of responsibility, respect of elders and nurturing of those younger th ... Click for
more. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva consciousness,yama-niyama
chalice: An ornate cup or goblet. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
Chalukya: Indian dynasty (450 -- 1189) in the Punjab area. Buddhism and Saivism
were prominent, the Buddhist Cave frescoes at Ajanta were completed and the art of
Hindu temple building was advanced. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chamara: Fly-whisk fan. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chandana: "Sandalwood paste." One of the sacred substances offered during puja and
afterwards distributed to devotees as a sacrament
(prasada). See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
chandra: "The moon." Of central importance in Hindu astrology and in the calculation
of the festival calendar. Considered the ruler of
emotion. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva consciousness,yama-niyama
channeling: the practice of serving as a medium through which a spirit guide
communicates with living persons. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chaos: Great disorder and confusion. See: Krishna, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva
consciousness,yama-niyama
Charvaka: "Good" or "sweet voice" or "word." Indian philosopher (ca 600 BCE) who
gave the name to the school of uncompromising materialism. One of the great skeptics
of all time. See: nastika,Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
charya: "Conduct stage." Stage of service and character building. See: pada, Saiva
Siddhanta,Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
charya marga: See: charya pada, Saiva Siddhanta, Saivism, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama

charya pada: "Conduct stage." Stage of service and character

building See: pada, Saiva Siddhanta,Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
chat room: A virtual place to participate in a real-time computer-to-computer teletype
conversation over a network. See: pada, Saiva Siddhanta, Saivism, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chaturdharma: "Four dharmas:" rita, ashrama dharma, varna dharma and
svadharma. See: dharma,Saiva Siddhanta, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
chela: "Disciple." (Hindi.) A disciple of a guru; synonym for the Sanskrit shishya. The
feminine equivalent is chelina or cheli. See: dharma, Saiva Siddhanta, Saivism, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
Chellappan: Another name for Chellappaswami. See: Chellappaswami, Saiva
Siddhanta, Saivism,Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chellappaswami: "Beloved father." (Also known as Chellapaguru.) Reclusive siddha
and 160th satguru (1840-1915) of the Nandinatha Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara.
Lived on Sri Lanka's Jaffna peninsula near Nallur Kandaswami Temple in a small hut
where today there is a small samadhi shrine. Among his disciples was Sage
Yogaswami, whom he ... Click for more. See: Kailasa Parampara,Natha
Sampradaya, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chennabasavanna: "Little Basavanna." The 12th-century theologian who
systematized the religious doctrine of Vira Saivism. See: Kailasa Parampara, Natha
Sampradaya, Saivism, Siva consciousness,yama-niyama
Chettiar: An ethnic group of South India and Sri Lanka of the vaishya (merchant)
caste. See: vaishya,caste, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chhandas Vedanga: Auxiliary Vedic texts on the metrical rules of poetic composition.
Chhanda, meter, is among four linguistic skills taught for mastery of the Vedas and the
rites of yajna. Chhandas means "metrical lore," or "prosedy." The most important text
on Chhandas is the Chhanda Shastra, ascribed to Pingala (ca 200 BCE). ... Click for
more. See: Vedanga, caste, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chhandogya Upanishad: One of the major Upanishads, it consists of eight chapters
of the Chhandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda. It teaches the origin and significance
of Aum, the importance of the Sama Veda, the Self, meditation and life after
death. See: Upanishad, caste,Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
chhuri: "Dagger." A rare weapon among Ganesha's insignia. Its sharp blade is like the
"razor's edge," the narrow path spiritual aspirants must
walk. See: Upanishad, caste, Saivism, Siva consciousness,yama-niyama

Chidambaram: "Hall of Consciousness." A very famous South Indian Siva Nataraja

temple. See:Nataraja, caste, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yama-niyama
Chinna Bomman: King of Vellore, an area near Chennai (1559 -- 1579), patron and
disciple of Appaya Dikshita. See: Nataraja, caste, Saivism, Siva consciousness, yamaniyama
Chintamani: "Jewel of consciousness." The Ganesha murti enshrined at the Thevoor
Temple near Pune, Maharashtra. See: Nataraja, caste, Saivism, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chiropractic: A modern health system which holds that disease results from a lack of
normal nerve function and which employs adjustment of body structures, such as the
spinal column, as the means of restoration, thus relieving pain, discomfort and disease
which result from improper skeletal alignment. See: Nataraja, caste, Saivism, Siva
consciousness, yama-niyama
chit: "Consciousness," or "awareness." Philosophically, "pure awareness; transcendent
consciousness," as in Sat-chit-ananda. In mundane usage, chit means "perception;
consciousness."See: awareness, chitta, consciousness, mind (universal), sakshin
chitsabha: "Hall of consciousness." See: Nataraja, chitta, consciousness, mind
(universal), sakshin
chitta: "Mind; consciousness." Mind-stuff. On the personal level, it is that in which
mental impressions and experiences are recorded. Seat of the conscious,
subconscious and superconscious states, and of the threefold mental faculty, called
antahkarana, consisting of buddhi, manas and
ahamkara. See:awareness, consciousness, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
chlorofluorocarbons: A substance used in refrigeration and air conditioning
appliances that is known to deplete Earth's stratospheric ozone layer and is, in some
countries, now illegal and being phased out. See: awareness, consciousness, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
choga: (Bengali) A long loose men's shirt, similar to the kurta or
kafni. See: awareness,consciousness, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
Christ: See: Jesus Christ, consciousness, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
Christian: A follower of the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The second of the three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and
Islam. See: Jesus Christ, consciousness, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
Christian-Judaic: See: Judaic-Christian, consciousness, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin

chronicle: A detailed, narrative report. See: Judaic-Christian, consciousness, mind

(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
chudakarana: "Head-shaving sacrament." See: See samskara, consciousness, mind
(individual),mind (universal), sakshin
chyle: A milky fluid comprised of lymph and emulsified fat extracted from chyme during
digestion and passed to the bloodstream through the thoracic duct. See: See
samskara, consciousness, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
chyme: The thick semifluid mass of partly digested food that is passed from the
stomach to the duodenum. See: See samskara, consciousness, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
circadian rhythm: The natural cycle of biological activity or function over an
approximate 24-hour period, as well as the movement of subtle energy throughout the
body as it is influenced by the rising and setting of the sun. Traditional Chinese
medicine establishes that chi, or vital energy, moves from one major meridian to
another eve ... Click for more. See: acupuncture, meridian, mind (individual),mind
(universal), sakshin
circumambulation: Pradakshina. Walking around, usually
clockwise. See: pradakshina, puja, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
citadel: Fortress, usually situated on a height. See: pradakshina, puja, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
citrine: A yellow-orange crystal; a light to moderate olive
color. See: pradakshina, puja, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
clairaudience: "Clear-hearing." Psychic or divine hearing, divyashravana. The ability to
hear the inner currents of the nervous system, the Aum and other mystic tones. Hearing
in one's mind the words of inner-plane beings or earthly beings not physically present.
Also, hearing the nada-nadi shakti through the day or while in meditati ... Click for
more. See: clairvoyance, nada, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
clairvoyance: "Clear-seeing." Psychic or divine sight, divyadrishti. The ability to look
into the inner worlds and see auras, chakras, nadis, thought forms, non-physical people
and subtle forces. The ability to see from afar or into the past or future -- avadhijnana,
"knowing beyond limits." Also the ability to separate the light th ... Click for
more. See: akasha, nada, mind (individual), mind (universal),sakshin
clear white light: Inner light at a high level of intensity, very clear and pure. When
experienced fully, it is seen to be permeating all of existence, the universal substance
of all form, inner and outer, pure consciousness, Satchidananda.This experience,
repeated at regular intervals, can yield "a knowing greater than you could

acquire ... Click for more. See: See Siva consciousness, tattva, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
clemency: A disposition to show mercy or leniency, especially towards an offender or
enemy. See:See Siva consciousness, tattva, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
cliche: A much overused expression. See: See Siva consciousness, tattva, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
cloistered: Secluded, as in a monastery. See: See Siva consciousness, tattva, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
coarse: Of crude quality; gross, rough cut. Not fine or refined. See: See Siva
consciousness, tattva,mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
coexistent: Existing together in the same place or time. See: See Siva
consciousness, tattva, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
cognition: Knowing; perception. Knowledge reached through intuitive, superconscious
faculties rather than through intellect alone. See: See Siva consciousness, tattva, mind
(individual), mind (universal),sakshin
cognitive body: Vijnanamaya kosha. The most refined sheath of the astral, or subtle,
body (sukshma sharira). It is the sheath of higher thought and cognition. See: astral
body, kosha, mind (individual),mind (universal), sakshin
cognizant: Informed or aware of something. See: astral body, kosha, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
cognizantability: The ability to perceive or become aware of knowledge through
observation. A term coined by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami in 1950. See: astral
body, kosha, mind (individual),mind (universal), sakshin
cognize: Taking notice of something. See: astral body, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal),sakshin
cohesive: Clinging together; not disintegrating. See: astral body, kosha, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
coined: Made up; artificed; invented. See: astral body, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal),sakshin
commemorative: Anything that honors the memory of a departed person or past
event. See:shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin

commencement: Beginning. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind

(universal), sakshin
commission: To give an order or power for something to be made or
done. See: shraddha, kosha,mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
commitment: Dedication or engagement to a long-term course of
action. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
commune: To communicate closely, sharing thoughts, feelings or prayers in an
intimate way. To be in close rapport. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
communism: The social and economic system which emerged around the turn of the
20th century in present-day Russia as "a hypothetical stage of socialism, as formulated
by Marx, Engels, Lenin and others, to be characterized by a classless and stateless
society and the equal distribution of economic goods and to be achieved by
revol ... Click for more. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
compatible: Capable of combining well; getting along,
harmonious. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
compensate: To make up for; reward for; give an equivalent of;
recompense. See: shraddha, kosha,mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
complacent: Self-satisfied and unconcerned. See: shraddha, kosha, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
component: An element; one of the parts constituting a
whole. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
comprehend: Understand; grasp. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
comprehensive: Including much or all. See: shraddha, kosha, mind (individual), mind
(universal),sakshin
comprise: To consist of; be composed of. See: shraddha, kosha, mind
(individual), mind (universal),sakshin
compromise: A settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes
concessions; a weakening, as of one's principles. See: shraddha, kosha, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin

concealing grace: See: grace, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind

(universal), sakshin
conceit: A regarding of oneself with often excessive favor. A high opinion of one's own
abilities or worth. Also egoism or vanity. See: grace, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conceive: To form or develop an idea, thought, belief or attitude. See: grace, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
concentration: Uninterrupted and sustained attention. See: raja yoga, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
concept: An idea or thought, especially a generalized or abstract idea. See: raja
yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conception: Power to imagine, conceive or create. Moment when a pregnancy is
begun, a new earthly body generated. -- the point of conception; the apex of creation:
The simple instant that precedes any creative impulse and is therefore the source and
summit of the powers of creation or manifestation. To become conscious of the
poi ... Click for more. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti,mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
conclave: A secret or confidential meeting. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
concomitant: Accompanying a condition or circumstance. See: raja yoga, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
concord: Harmony and agreement; peaceful relations. See: raja yoga, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
condemnation: Strong disapproval; severe reproof; strong censure. See: raja
yoga, tirodhana shakti,mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
condone: To permit, tolerate or overlook. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
confer: To give or grant, especially an honor or privilege. See: raja yoga, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
confession: An admission, acknowledgement; as of guilt or wrongdoing. See: raja
yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin

confidentiality: Keeping confidences, or information told in trust, secret; not divulging

private or secret matters. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind
(universal), sakshin
confine(s): Boundary, limits, border. To restrict or keep within limits. See: raja
yoga, tirodhana shakti,mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conflagration: A large, destructive fire. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conform: To be in accord or agreement with. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conformity: Action in accordance with customs, rules, prevailing opinion. See: raja
yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
Confucius: Chinese philosopher and teacher (552-479 BCE), founder of the
Confucianist faith, whose Analects contain a collection of his sayings and dialogues.
His teachings on social ethics are the basis of Chinese education and
religion. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal),sakshin
congeal: To solidify by, or as if by, freezing. To coagulate, jell. See: raja yoga, tirodhana
shakti, mind (individual), mind (universal), sakshin
congested: Overcrowded, overfilled, clogged. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual), mind (universal), sakshin
conglomerate: A group of things put together. See: raja yoga, tirodhana shakti, mind
(individual),mind (universal), sakshin
congregational worship: Worship done as a group, such as synchronized singing,
community prayers or other participatory worship by individuals sharing a strict
membership in a particular organization, with no other religious affiliations. Hindu
worship is strongly congregational within ashramas and tightly organized societies, but
usually non ... Click for more. See: bhajana, kirtana,puja, yajna, sakshin
conjure: Bring to mind, call up or evoke. See: bhajana, kirtana, puja, yajna, sakshin
connotation: An idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or
thing. See: bhajana,kirtana, puja, yajna, sakshin
conquest: Act or process of overcoming, defeating and
subjugation. See: bhajana, kirtana, puja,yajna, sakshin
conscience: The inner sense of right and wrong, sometimes called "the knowing voice
of the soul." However, the conscience is affected by the individual's training and belief

patterns, and is therefore not necessarily a perfect reflection of dharma. In Sanskrit the
conscience is known as antaryamin, "inner guide," or dharmabuddhi, ... Click for
more. See: creed, dharma, mind (individual), yajna,sakshin
conscious: Aware, sentient, able to feel and think; the ordinary waking
state. See: creed, dharma,mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
conscious mind: The everyday, thinking state of mind. We function in the conscious
mind during most of our waking hours. One of the five states of mind: conscious,
subconscious, sub-subconscious, sub-superconscious &
superconscious. See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consciousness: Perception, awareness, apprehension. There are many layers or
levels of consciousness ranging from the ordinary, every-day consciousness of our
body and mind to omniscient states of superconsciousness. Consciousness aware only
of itself is Pure Consciousness.See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consciousness: Perception, awareness, apprehension. There are many layers or
levels of consciousness ranging from the ordinary, every-day consciousness of our
body and mind to omniscient states of superconsciousness. Consciousness aware only
of itself is Pure Consciousness.See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consecrate: To declare holy, or designate for sacred or religious
use. See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consecrated temple: A temple duly and fully established in all three worlds through
formal religious ceremony known as kumbhabisheka. See: mind, dharma, mind
(individual), yajna, sakshin
consensualocracy: Government or management by intelligent cooperation, based on
a shared vision and adherence to dharma. Ahimsa, nonhurtfulness -- spiritually,
physically, emotionally and mentally -- is the keynote of this tribal/family system of
rule. See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consent: Accord; agreement; approval, especially to a
proposal. See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
console: To make someone feel less sad or disappointed. To
comfort. See: mind, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consolidate: To make stronger by bringing several things into a single
whole. See: mind, dharma,mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
consort: Spouse, especially of a king or queen, God or Goddess. Among the Gods
there are actually no sexes or sexual distinctions, though in mythological folk narratives
Hinduism traditionally represents these great beings in elaborate anthropomorphic

depictions. Concepts of matrimony and human-like family units among the

Gods ... Click for more. See: Shakti, dharma, mind (individual), yajna, sakshin
constituent: An element, piece, part or component. See: Shakti, dharma, mind
(individual), yajna,sakshin
construe: Explain the meaning of; interpret in a certain way. See: Shakti, dharma, mind
(individual),yajna, sakshin
consummate: Perfect; complete in every way. See: Shakti, dharma, mind
(individual), yajna, sakshin
contemplation: Religious or mystical absorption beyond meditation. See: enstasy, raja
yoga,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contemplative: Inclined toward a spiritual, religious, meditative way of
life. See: enstasy, raja yoga,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contempt: Attitude that considers someone or something as low,
worthless. See: enstasy, raja yoga,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contend: To hold as a belief or assert as fact, especially against scepticism or counter
arguments.See: enstasy, raja yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contention: Striving in controversy or debate. See: enstasy, raja
yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contentious: Likely to cause or involving intense debate;
quarrelsome. See: enstasy, raja yoga,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
continence (continent): Restraint, moderation or, most strictly, total abstinence from
sexual activity.See: brahmacharya, raja yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
continuum: A continuous whole, quantity, or series; something whose parts cannot be
separated or separately discerned. See: brahmacharya, raja
yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
contradiction: A statement in opposition to another; denial; a condition in which things
tend to be contrary to each other. See: brahmacharya, raja
yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
conundrum: A paradoxical problem, riddle or mystery. See: brahmacharya, raja
yoga, samadhi,yajna, sakshin

conversely: An adverb used to introduce a concept with terms similar to a previous

one, but in reversed order or sense. See: brahmacharya, raja
yoga, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
conversion to Hinduism: Entering Hinduism has traditionally required little more than
accepting and living the beliefs and codes of Hindus. This remains the basic factor of
adoption, although there are, and always have been, formal ceremonies recognizing an
individual's entrance into the religion, particularly the namakarana, or naming
rite. ... Click for more. See: Hindu, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna,sakshin
convert: To change from one religion or philosophy to another. A person who has so
changed. See:Hindu, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
conveyance: A transfer of something; a
vehicle. See: Hindu, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
Cook, Captain James: British navigator and explorer (1728-1779) who commanded
major voyages exploring and claiming many islands of the Pacific Ocean for England in
her Christian Colonialist campaign. See: Hindu, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
cope: To contend with on equal terms. To face or deal with
difficulties. See: Hindu, Hinduism,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
corollary: A natural consequence or
effect. See: Hindu, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
cosmic: Universal; vast. Of or relating to the cosmos or entire
universe. See: Hindu, Hinduism,samadhi, yajna, sakshin
cosmic cycle: One of the infinitely recurring periods of the universe, comprising its
creation, preservation and dissolution. These cycles are measured in periods of
progressive ages, called yugas. Satya (or Krita), Treta, Dvapara and Kali are the names
of these four divisions, and they repeat themselves in that order, with the Saty ... Click
for more. See: mahapralaya, Hinduism, samadhi,yajna, sakshin
Cosmic Dance: See: Nataraja, Hinduism, samadhi, yajna, sakshin
Cosmic Soul: Purusha or Parameshvara. Primal Soul. The Universal Being; Personal
God. See:Parameshvara, Primal Soul, purusha, Siva, sakshin
cosmology: "Cosmos-knowledge." The area of metaphysics pertaining to the origin
and structure of the universe. Hindu cosmology includes both inner and outer worlds of
existence. See: tattva, Primal Soul, purusha, Siva, sakshin
cosmos: The universe, or whole of creation, especially with reference to its order,
harmony and completeness. See: Brahmanda, loka, tattva, three worlds, sakshin

covenant: A binding agreement to do or keep from doing certain

things. See: Brahmanda, loka, tattva,three worlds, sakshin
covet: To want ardently, especially something belonging to another. To
envy. See: Brahmanda, loka,tattva, three worlds, sakshin
cranial chakras: The ajna, or third-eye center, and the sahasrara, at the top of the
head near the pineal and pituitary glands. See: chakra, loka, tattva, three
worlds, sakshin
cranium: The skull. See: chakra, loka, tattva, three worlds, sakshin
cranny: A small space, interstice, nook and cranny. See: chakra, loka, tattva, three
worlds, sakshin
creation: The act of creating, especially bringing the world into ordered existence. Also,
all of created existence, the cosmos. Creation, according to the monistic-theistic view,
is an emanation or extension of God, the Creator. It is Himself in another form, and not
inherently something other than Him. See:cause, tattva, tattva, three worlds, sakshin
creator: He who brings about creation. Siva as one of His five
powers. See: creation, Nataraja,Parameshvara, three worlds, sakshin
creed: Shraddha dharana. An authoritative formulation of the beliefs of a religion, a
community and, by extension, an individual. A creed is meant to summarize the specific
teachings or articles of faith, to embody and thus protect and transmit the beliefs.
Creeds have arisen historically when a religion was transplanted from ... Click for
more. See: conscience, Nataraja, Parameshvara, three worlds, sakshin
cremation: Dahana. Burning of the dead. Cremation is the traditional system of
disposing of bodily remains, having the positive effect of releasing the soul most quickly
from any lingering attachment to the earth plane. In modern times, cremation facilities
are widely available in nearly every country, though gas-fueled chambers ... Click for
more. See: bone-gathering, death, reincarnation, sannidhya,sakshin
creole: Any one of numerous mixed, usually subliterary, languages, such as the French
creoles spoken in Louisiana or Mauritius. See: bonegathering, death, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crescendo: A gradual increase of force or intensity. See: bonegathering, death, reincarnation,sannidhya, sakshin
crevice: A narrow opening or crack. See: bonegathering, death, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin

crimson: A deep to vivid purplish red. See: bonegathering, death, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
cringe: To retreat, bend or crouch in an attitude of fear, especially from something
dangerous or painful. See: bone-gathering, death, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crown chakra: Sahasrara chakra. The thousand-petaled cranial center of divine
consciousness. See:chakra, sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crucial: From crux. Essential; decisive; critical. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra, reincarnation,sannidhya, sakshin
crude: Raw. Not prepared or refined. Lacking grace, tact or taste.
Uncultured. See: chakra, sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crux: The essential, deciding or difficult point. Latin "cross." Originally a mark indicating
a difficult textual problem in books. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crypt: An underground vault or chamber, often used as a burial
place. See: chakra, sahasrara chakra,reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crystal: A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz, having a crystalline
structure. See: chakra,sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crystal-gazing: An occult practice for divining the future by gazing into a crystal
ball. See: chakra,sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
crystallize: To take on a definite, precise, and usually permanent
form. See: chakra, sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
culminate: To bring to the highest point, to the greatest intensity, or to
completion. See: chakra,sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
culture: Development or refinement of intellect, emotions, interests, manners, and
tastes. The ideals, customs, skills and arts of a people or group that are transmitted
from one generation to another. Culture is refined living that arises in a peaceful, stable
society. Hindu culture arises directly out of worship in the temple ... Click for
more. See: chakra, sahasrara chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya,sakshin
cumbersome: Difficult to handle due to weight or bulk. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra, reincarnation,sannidhya, sakshin
Curie, Madame: (Marie Sklodowska Curie, 1867-1934): a Polish chemist and physicist,
born in Warsaw. In France, she and her husband Pierre discovered polonium and
radium, jointly earning the 1903 Nobel prize in Physics. In 1911 she received the Nobel

Prize in Chemistry, becoming the first person to be awarded a second Nobel

Prize. ... Click for more. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra,reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
cybernetics: The theoretical study of communication and control processes in
biological, mechanical, and electronic systems, especially the comparison of these
processes in biological and artificial systems. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
cyberspace: the electronic medium of computer networks in which online
communication takes place; the Internet or Web. See: chakra, sahasrara
chakra, reincarnation, sannidhya, sakshin
cynical: Scornful of motives or integrity; skeptical of others' sincerity.

dadima: Pomegranate.
dakshina: A fee or honorarium given to a priest at the completion of any rite; also a gift
given to gurus as a token of appreciation for their infinite spiritual blessings.
Dakshinamurti: "South-facing form." Lord Siva depicted sitting under a banyan tree,
silently teaching four rishis at His feet.
dakshinayana: "Southern way." Names the half-year, ayana, beginning with summer
solstice, when the sun begins its apparent southward journey.
Dalai Lama: The traditional high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, or Lamaism, a spiritual
and political authority. The term is Mongolian: dalai, ocean + blama, chief, "preceptor
with oceanic wisdom." An honorary title bestowed by the Mongolian prince Altan Khan
on the third head of the Gelukpa school in 1578.
damaru: The thin-waisted rattle drum of Siva Nataraja. It is the symbol of Divine
Creation, which begins with the soundless sound, paranada, whence arises the mantra
Aum. See: Nataraja, Siva, Aum
dampati: "House master(s)." An honorific title for husband and wife as the dual masters
and sovereign guides of the Hindu home (dama). See: grihastha dharma, Siva, Aum
dana: "Giving." A traditional niyama, ethical practice, dana is charity, giving creatively
without thought of reward, including tithing and feeding the
poor. See: yama, niyama, Aum
dance: See: Nataraja, tandava, Aum

Dancing with Siva: The first book in Gurudeva's Master Course trilogy. Subtitled
Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism, Dancing is a remarkable sourcebook expounding
the Saivite Hindu outlook on life in the form of questions and answers. It covers every
subject on Saivism, especially the philosophical depths, answers seekers' questions on
th ... Click for more. See: Nataraja, tandava, Aum
danda: "Stick," or "staff of support." The staff carried by a sadhu or sannyasin,
representing the tapas which he has taken as his only support, and the vivifying of
sushumna and consequent Realization he seeks. Danda also connotes "penalty or
sanction." This sign of authority is one of the emblems of loving Ganesha. ... Click for
more. See: sannyasin, tandava, Aum
darshan (darshana): "Vision, sight." Seeing the Divine. Beholding, with inner or outer
vision, a temple image, Deity, holy person or place, with the desire to inwardly contact
and receive the grace and blessings of the venerated being or beings. Even beholding
a photograph in the proper spirit is a form of darshana. Not only does the devo ... Click
for more. See: shad darshana, sound, Aum
Darwin's theory: Theory of evolution developed by Charles Darwin (1809 -- 1882)
stating that plant and animal species develop or evolve from earlier forms due to
hereditary transmission of variations that enhance the organism's adaptability and
chances of survival. See: evolution of the soul,nonhuman birth, Aum
dasa marga: "Servant's path." See: pada, nonhuman birth, Aum
Dasakariyam: Ten spiritual experiences of the soul in its path toward liberation, as
found in the University of Madras Tamil Lexicon. 1) Tattuvarupam: the cognition of the
operation of the 36 tattvas; 2) Tattuvatarisanam: the realization that the 36 tattvas are
the outcome of maya; 3) Tattuvasutti: the soul's experience of no longe ... Click for
more. See: pada, nonhuman birth, Aum
dashama bhaga vrata: "One-tenth-part vow." A promise that tithers make before God,
Gods and their family or peers to tithe regularly each month, for a specified time, or for
life. See also: dashamamsha.See: pada, nonhuman birth, Aum
dashamamsha: "One-tenth sharing." The traditional Hindu practice of tithing, giving
one-tenth of one's income to a religious institution. It was formerly widespread in India.
In ancient times the term makimai was used in Tamil Nadu. See also: dashama bhaga
vrata. See: pada, nonhuman birth, Aum
Dashanami: "Ten names." Ten monastic orders organized by Adi Sankara (ca 800):
Aranya, Vana, Giri, Parvata, Sagara, Tirtha, Ashrama, Bharati, Puri and Sarasvati. Also
refers to sannyasins of these orders, each of whom bears his order's name, with
ananda often attached to the religious name. For example, Ramananda Tirtha.
Traditio ... Click for more. See: Sankara, Shankaracharya pitha, Smarta Sampradaya

dauntless: Not intimidated or discouraged; fearless. See: Sankara, Shankaracharya

pitha, Smarta Sampradaya
daurmanasya: "Mental pain, dejection, anxiety, sorrow, depression, melancholy and
despair." See:chakra, Shankaracharya pitha, Smarta Sampradaya
day of Brahma: One kalpa, or period, in the infinitely recurring periods of the
universe's creation, preservation and dissolution. One day of Brahma is equal to 994
mahayugas (a mahayuga is one cycle of the four yugas: Satya, Treta, Dvapara and
Kali). This is calculated as 4,294,080,000 years. After each day of Brahman occurs a
prala ... Click for more. See: chakra, Shankaracharya pitha,Smarta Sampradaya
daya: "Compassion." Among the traditional yamas, moral restraints, daya is conquering
callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings. See: chakra, Shankaracharya
pitha, Smarta Sampradaya
daya: "Compassion." Among the traditional yamas, moral restraints, daya is conquering
callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings. See: chakra, Shankaracharya
pitha, Smarta Sampradaya
death: Death is a rich concept for which there are many words in Sanskrit, such as:
mahaprasthana, "great departure;" samadhimarana, dying consciously while in the
state of meditation; mahasamadhi, "great merger, or absorption," naming the departure
of an enlightened soul. Hindus know death to be the soul's detaching itself f ... Click for
more. See: reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
decadence: Decay. A condition, process or period of declining
morals. See: reincarnation, suicide,videhamukti
deceit (deception): The act of representing as true what is known to be false. A
dishonest action.See: reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
decentralized: Whose administrative agencies, power, authority, etc., are distributed
widely, rather than concentrated in a single place or person. In Hinduism, authority is
decentralized. See:reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
decipher: To read or interpret ambiguous, obscure, or illegible
matter. See: reincarnation, suicide,videhamukti
decked: Covered with fine clothing or
ornaments. See: reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
decorum: Propriety and good taste in behavior, speech, dress,
etc. See: reincarnation, suicide,videhamukti

deduction: Drawing a conclusion through reasoning; the act of

deducing. See: reincarnation, suicide,videhamukti
defabricate: To take apart; disassemble. See: reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
defiled: Polluted, made dirty, impure. See: reincarnation, suicide, videhamukti
deformity: Condition of being disfigured or made ugly in body, mind or
emotions. See: reincarnation,suicide, videhamukti
deha: "Body." From the verb dih, "to plaster, mold; anoint, fashion." A term used in the
Upanishads, yoga texts, Saiva Agamas, Tirumantiram and elsewhere to name the three
bodies of the soul: gross or physical (sthula), astral or subtle (sukshma) and causal
(karana). A synonym for sharira. See: sharira,suicide, videhamukti
Deism: From the Latin, Deus, "God." A rationalist tradition dating back to English Lord
Herbert of Cherbury (d. 1648), who defined the Five Articles of English Deists as: belief
in a single supreme God; humanity's duty to revere God; linkage of worship with
practical morality; that God will forgive us if we repent and abandon ... Click for
more. See: sharira, suicide, videhamukti
Deity: "God." Can refer either to the image or murti installed in a temple or to the
Mahadeva the murti represents. See: puja, suicide, videhamukti
delineate: To mark or trace out the boundaries of a thing, concept,
etc. See: puja, suicide,videhamukti
delinquent: Failing to do what law or duty requires. See: puja, suicide, videhamukti
delude: To deceive, as by false promises or misleading concepts or
thinking. See: puja, suicide,videhamukti
delusion: Moha. False belief, misconception. See: puja, suicide, videhamukti
demean: To lower in status or character; degrade. See: puja, suicide, videhamukti
demon: See: asura, suicide, videhamukti
demureness: Decorousness, modesty, shyness, reserved
manner. See: asura, suicide, videhamukti
denial: Saying "no." Opposing or not believing in the truth of
something. See: asura, suicide,videhamukti
denomination: A name for a class of things, especially for various religious groupings,
sects and subsects. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti

denote: To indicate, signify or refer to. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti

deplore: To be regretful or sorry about; to lament,
disapprove. See: parampara, sampradaya,videhamukti
deploy: To spread out; arrange into an effective
pattern. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
depolarize: To eliminate or counteract polarization. Bringing together that which is
apart. -- Polarize: to separate into diametrically opposed, often antagonistic groups,
viewpoints, etc. See: parampara,sampradaya, videhamukti
deportment: The manner of bearing or conducting oneself;
behavior. See: parampara, sampradaya,videhamukti
depraved: Immoral; corrupt; bad;
perverted. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
deprivations: Forced conditions of loss or
neediness. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
derogate: To take away. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
desirous: Having a longing or desire. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
despair: The state of having lost or given up
hope. See: parampara, sampradaya, videhamukti
despise: To strongly dislike; look down upon with contempt or
scorn. See: parampara, sampradaya,videhamukti
destiny: Final outcome. The seemingly inevitable or predetermined course of
events. See: adrishta,fate, karma
Destroyer: Epithet of God Siva in His aspect of Rudra. See: Nataraja, fate, karma
deter: To keep one from doing something by instilling fear, anxiety, doubt,
etc. See: Nataraja, fate,karma
deterrent: Something that prevents or discourages action; frightens
away. See: Nataraja, fate, karma
detractor: One who takes away from the positive qualities of a
group. See: Nataraja, fate, karma

deva: "Shining one." An angelic being living in the higher astral plane, in a subtle,
nonphysical body. Deva is also used in scripture to mean "God" or
"Deity." See: Mahadeva, fate, karma
Devaloka: "Plane of radiant beings." A synonym of Maharloka, the higher astral plane,
realm of anahata chakra. The higher Second World, wherein souls take on astral or
mental bodies; deep within the First World. See: loka, fate, karma
devamandira: "Abode of celestial beings." From mand, "to stand or tarry." A Hindu
temple; also simply mandira. See: temple, fate, karma
Devanagari: "Divine city [script]." The alphabetic script in which Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi
and Marathi are written. A descendant of the Northern type of the Brahmi script. It is
characterized by the connecting horizontal line at the top of the letters. See also:
Sanskrit. See: temple, fate, karma
Devaram: The collected devotional hymns composed by Saints Tirujnana Sambandar
(ca 600) Tirunavakarasu (Appar), a contemporary of Sambandar, and Sundaramurti (ca
800). These make up the first seven books of the Tirumurai. See: Tirumurai, fate, karma
Devi: "Goddess." A name of Shakti, used especially in
Shaktism. See: Shakti, Shaktism, karma
Devi Bhagavata Purana: A subsidiary text of the Siva
Puranas. See: Shakti, Shaktism, karma
Devi Gita: Twelve chapters (29 to 40) from the 7th book of Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam,
a Shakta scripture. It teaches external worship of the Deity with form and meditation on
the Deity beyond form.See: Shakti, Shaktism, karma
Devi Upanishad: A Shakta Upanishad dealing with the nature and worship of the
Goddess. See:Shaktism, Shaktism, karma
Devikalottara Agama: One recension (edition) of the Sardha Trishati Kalottara Agama,
a subsidiary text of Vatula Agama. Also known as Skanda Kalottara, its 350 verses are
in the form of a dialog between Karttikeya and Siva and deal with esoterics of mantras,
initiations, right knowledge, faith and worship of Siva. See: Saiva
Agamas, Shaktism, karma
devoid: Completely without; empty. See: Saiva Agamas, Shaktism, karma
devonic: Angelic, heavenly, spiritual. Of the nature of the higher worlds, in tune with
the refined energies of the higher chakras or centers of consciousness. Of or relating to
the devas. Implies that something is divinely guided. See: deva, Shaktism, karma

devotee: A person strongly dedicated to something or someone, such as to a God or a

guru. Often used interchangeably with disciple, though the latter term generally implies
a deeper commitment.See: deva, Shaktism, karma
devout: Strongly attached to religion or religious
obligations. See: bhakti, Shaktism, karma
Dhammapada: The holy book of Buddhism. See: Buddhism, Shaktism, karma
Dhanurveda: "Science of archery." A class of ancient texts on the military arts,
comprising the Upaveda of the Yajur Veda. Dhanurveda teaches concentration,
meditation, hatha yoga, etc., as integral to the science of
warfare. See: Upaveda, Shaktism, karma
dhanush: "Bow."Anything bow shaped; a weapon for shooting
arrows. See: Upaveda, Shaktism,karma
dharana: "Concentration." From dhri, "to hold." See: meditation, raja
yoga, shraddadharana, yoga
dharma: "Righteousness." From dhri, "to sustain; carry, hold." Hence dharma is "that
which contains or upholds the cosmos." Dharma, religion, is a complex and
comprehensive term with many meanings, including divine law, law of being, way of
righteousness, ethics, duty, responsibility, virtue, justice, goodness and truth.
Essen ... Click for more. See: four traditional goals, raja yoga, shraddadharana,yoga
Dharma Shastra: "Religious jurisprudence." All or any of the numerous codes of Hindu
civil and social law composed by various authorities. The best known and most
respected are those by Manu and Yajnavalkya, thought to have been composed as
early as 600 BCE. The Dharma Shastras, along with the Artha Shastras, are the codes
of Hindu la ... Click for more. See: Deism, Manu Dharma
Shastras,shraddadharana, yoga
Dharmapura Aadheenam: A monastery and spiritual center in South India, established
in the 16th century by Sri Guru Jnanasambandhar. This aadheenam preaches
pluralistic Siddhanta, as opposed to monistic Siddhanta or monistic
theism. See: aadheenam, Manu Dharma Shastras, shraddadharana,yoga
dharmasabha: "Religious assembly, congregation." A church. See: aadheenam, Manu
Dharma Shastras, shraddadharana, yoga
dharmashala: "Abode of righteousness." A monastery or ashrama, offering religious
training for monks and in some cases lay persons on pilgrimage or religious retreat. In
Living with Siva, it specifically refers to branch monasteries of Kauai
Aadheenam. See: aadheenam, Manu Dharma Shastras, shraddadharana, yoga

dhoti: (Hindi) A long, unstitched cloth wound about the lower part of the body, and
sometimes passed between the legs and tucked into the waist. A traditional Hindu
apparel for men. See: veshti, Manu Dharma Shastras, shraddadharana, yoga
dhriti: "Steadfastness, constancy." Among the traditional yamas, dhriti is overcoming
non-perseverance, fear, indecision and changeableness, keeping the mind and
emotions steady through all circumstances. See: yama, niyama, shraddadharana, yoga
Dhumravarna: "Smoke-colored." Ganesha's aspect as the conqueror of abhimana,
pride. See: yama,niyama, shraddadharana, yoga
Dhundhi Ganapati: "Ganesha, the sought-after," enshrined in Varanasi, having four
arms, an axe, prayer beads, tusk and a pot of
gems. See: yama, niyama, shraddadharana, yoga
dhvaja: "Flag." Part of the pageantry of Hinduism, orange or red flags and banners,
flown at festivals and other special occasions symbolize the victory of Sanatana
Dharma. See: festival, niyama,shraddadharana, yoga
dhvajastambha: "Flag tree, flagpole." (Kodimaram in Tamil.) A tall cylindrical post
usually behind the vahana in Agamic temples. Metaphysically, it acts as the
complementary pole to the enshrined murti. These two together create an energy field
to contain the temple's power. See: temple, niyama,shraddadharana, yoga
dhyana: "Meditation." See: internalized worship, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
diabolical: Very wicked or cruel; devilish. See: internalized worship, meditation, raja
yoga, yoga
diametrically: Exactly opposite; contrary. See: internalized worship, meditation, raja
yoga, yoga
diaphragm: The muscular partition between the abdomen and chest cavity,
instrumental in breathing.See: internalized worship, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
diaphragmatic breathing: Deep regulated breathing from the diaphragm, at the solar
plexus region, as opposed to the upper chest. See: internalized
worship, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
diaspora: From the Greek, "scattering." A dispersion of religious or ethnic group(s) to
foreign countries, such as the scattering of Jews when driven out of the land of Israel,
or Hindus driven from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. See: internalized
worship, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
dichotomy: A division into two parts, usually sharply distinguished or
contradictory. See: paradox,meditation, raja yoga, yoga

Dieu Siva est amour omnipresent et Realite transcendante: French for "God Siva is
Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality." It is an affirmation of faith which capsulizes
the entire creed of monistic Saiva Siddhanta. See: paradox, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
differentiation: State or condition of making or perceiving a
difference. See: paradox, meditation, raja yoga, yoga
difi: (Shum) The space aspect of the mind. The perspective of space travel, devas and
Gods; inner communication. Pronounced dee-fee. See: Shum, meditation, raja
yoga, yoga
diksha: "Initiation." Solemn induction by which one is entered into a new realm of
spiritual awareness and practice by a teacher or preceptor through bestowing of
blessings. Denotes initial or deepened connection with the teacher and his lineage and
is usually accompanied by ceremony. Initiation, revered as a moment of
awakeni ... Click for more. See: grace, shaktipata, sound, yoga
dikshitar: Hereditary Sivacharya temple priests of Chidambaram Temple in Tamil
Nadu. See: priest,Sivacharya, sound, yoga
diligent: Painstaking, careful and constant in
effort. See: priest, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
dilute: To change or weaken by mixing with something
else. See: priest, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
dipastambha: "Standing light." A standing lamp found in the temple, shrine room or
home. It is made of metal, with several wicks fed by ghee or special oils. Used to light
the home and in puja, part of temple and shrine altars, the standing lamp is sometimes
worshiped as the divine light, Parashakti or Parajyoti. Returning from the ... Click for
more. See: priest, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
Dipavali: Often spelled Divali. "Row of Lights." A very popular home and community
festival in October/November when Hindus of all denominations light oil or electric lights
and set off fireworks in a joyful celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over
darkness. It is a Hindu solidarity day and is considered the g ... Click for
more. See: priest, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
diplomacy: Tact and skill in dealing with people. See: priest, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
dipolar: Relating to two poles instead of only one. A philosophy is said to be dipolar
when it embraces both of two contradictory (or apparently contradictory) propositions,
concepts, tendencies, etc. For example, panentheism is dipolar in that it accepts the
truth of God's being (and being in) the world, and also the truth tha ... Click for
more. See: dvaita-advaita, Sivacharya, sound, yoga

discern: To distinguish, discriminate and make balanced judgments. See: dvaitaadvaita, Sivacharya,sound, yoga
discordant: Not in accord. Disagreeing; clashing; out of harmony. See: dvaitaadvaita, Sivacharya,sound, yoga
discrimination: Viveka. Act or ability to distinguish or perceive differences. In
spirituality, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, real and apparent, eternal
and transient, as in the Upanishadic maxim, Neti, neti, "It is not this, it is not
that." See: conscience, Sivacharya, sound, yoga
disdain: Regard or treat as beneath one's dignity, as being
unworthy. See: conscience, Sivacharya,sound, yoga
disheveled: Untidy hair, clothing or general appearance.
Rumpled. See: conscience, Sivacharya,sound, yoga
disincarnate: Having no physical body; of the astral plane; astral beings. See: astral
body, astral plane, sound, yoga
dismay: Loss of courage or confidence before danger. Fearful worry. See: astral
body, astral plane,sound, yoga
dispassionate: Free from emotion or passion. Calm; impartial; detached. See: astral
body, astral plane, sound, yoga
dispatch: To send off promptly, especially on an errand. To finish quickly. See: astral
body, astral plane, sound, yoga
dispel: To cause to go in various directions. To scatter and drive away;
disperse. See: astral body,astral plane, sound, yoga
dissertation: A lengthy, thorough, formal treatment of a subject in writing or speech; a
thesis. See:astral body, astral plane, sound, yoga
dissidence: Disagreement; dissent. See: astral body, astral plane, sound, yoga
dissipate: Here, to let loose more than often the vital sexual energies, which must be
transmuted in order to make progress in spiritual life. Dissipation occurs through
excessive talk, and through loss of the vital fluids, such as through masturbation or
excessive intercourse only for pleasure, with no intention of conceiving a ... Click for
more. See: ojas, tejas, yoni, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dissolution: Dissolving or breaking up into parts. An alternative term for
destruction. See: absorption,mahapralaya, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutati
on

distort: To twist out of shape. To

misrepresent. See: absorption, mahapralaya, Nataraja, actinic,actinodic, odic, transmut
ation
Divali: See: Dipavali, mahapralaya, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
divergent: Going off in different directions; deviating or
varying. See: Dipavali, mahapralaya, Nataraja,actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
divest: To strip of, deprive or rid of
something. See: Dipavali, mahapralaya, Nataraja, actinic,actinodic, odic, transmutation
Divine: Godlike; supremely good or
beautiful. See: Dipavali, mahapralaya, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic,odic, transmutation
Divine Mother: Shakti, especially as Personal Goddess, as conceived of and
worshiped by
Shaktas.See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
Divinity: A God, or Deity. Also the spirituality or holiness that pervades the universe
and is most easily felt in the presence of a holy man or in a
temple. See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic,odic, transmutation
divisive: Causing division, especially causing disagreement or
dissension. See: Shakti, Shaktism,Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid. A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the
cell. DNA consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix. The
sequence of nucleotides determines individual hereditary
characteristics. See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic,odic, transmutation
docile: Easy to teach, tractable,
obedient. See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic,transmutation
dogma: An authoritative principle, belief, or statement of ideas or opinion, especially
one considered to be absolutely
true. See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dominion: Rulership; domain; sway. -- hold dominion over: To be king, ruler, lord, or
master of (a world, realm,
etc). See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
don: To put on (a piece of
clothing). See: Shakti, Shaktism, Nataraja, actinic, actinodic, odic,transmutation

door of Brahman: Brahmarandhra, also called nirvana chakra. A subtle or esoteric

aperture in the crown of the head, the opening of sushumna nadi through which
kundalini enters in ultimate Self Realization, and the spirit escapes at death. Only the
spirits of the truly pure leave the body in this way. Samsaris take a downward
course. ... Click for
more. See: jnana, kundalini, videhamukti, actinic,actinodic, odic, transmutation
doordarshan (durdarshana): "Vision from afar." Hindi for
television. See: jnana, kundalini,videhamukti, actinic, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dormant: Sleeping; inactive; not
functioning. See: jnana, kundalini, videhamukti, actinic, actinodic,odic, transmutation
dosai: An Indian crepe, a crisp, paper-thin pancake, generally made with soaked,
slightly fermented ground rice and urad dal, water and
spices. See: jnana, kundalini, videhamukti, actinic, actinodic, odic,transmutation
dosha: "Bodily humor; individual constitution." The three bodily humors, which
according to ayurveda regulate the body, govern its proper functioning and determine
its unique constitution. These are vata, the air humor; pitta, the fire humor; and kapha,
the water humor. Vata has its seat in the intestinal area, pitta in the s ... Click for
more. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dossier: A comprehensive collection of documents about a subject or
person. See: ayurveda, kapha,pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dowry: Money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage. A tradition
that exists in most cultures in some form, but which in India has been carried to abusive
extremes, where the bride's family must pay exorbitant sums of money to the groom's
family to buy a husband for their daughter. Dowry is outlawed now in ... Click for
more. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic,odic, transmutation
doxology: Praising, or
gloriying. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
Dravidian: The term used here to name the monastic communities of the Dvapara and
Kali Yugas. In modern times it refers to the various Caucasoid peoples of southern
India and northern Sri Lanka. From the Sanskrit Dravida, of which it is believed the
original form was Dramid (or Dramil), which meant "sweet" or "good natured,"
and ... Click for more. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic,odic, transmutation
dreamologist: One who studies and interprets dreams (a coined
word). See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta,vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dross: Rubbish, waste matter; a useless
byproduct. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic,transmutation

drudgery: Work that may be tedious, menial, hard or

unpleasant. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata,actinodic, odic, transmutation
Druid: An ancient Celtic priest, magician or soothsayer of Britain, Ireland and Gaul
(ancient region corresponding roughly to modern-day France and
Belgium). See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata,actinodic, odic, transmutation
Druidism: Beliefs of members of an order of priests in ancient Gaul and Britain who
appear in Welsh and Irish legend as prophets and
sorcerers. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic,transmutation
dual: Having or composed of two parts or kinds. -- duality: A state or condition of being
dual. See:ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dualism: Opposite of monism. Any doctrine which holds that there are two eternal and
distinct realities inthe universe, e.g., God-world, goodevil. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic,transmutation
duality: A state or condition of being
dual. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic,transmutation
ductless glands: The endocrine glands which release hormones to regulate many
functions of the body. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
duly: At the proper time, in the proper manner; as
required. See: ayurveda, kapha, pitta, vata,actinodic, odic, transmutation
Durga: "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." A form of Shakti worshiped
in Her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Destroyer of demons, She is worshiped
during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among
Bengalis. See: Shakti, Shaktism, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic,transmutation
Durga Ganapati: The "invincible," "unconquerable" fortress or stronghold. An eightarmed murti distinguished by the flag of victory, bow and arrow and strand of prayer
beads. See: Shakti, Shaktism,pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
durva: A type of grass, also called aruhu and harali, sacred to Ganesha, traditionally
offered to Him in puja. Cynodon
dactylon. See: Shakti, Shaktism, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
Durvasas: A great sage (date unknown) who, according to Kashmir Saivism, was
commissioned by Lord Siva to revive the knowledge of the Saiva Agamas, whereupon
he created three "mind-born" sons -- Tryambaka to disseminate advaita, Srinatha to
teach monistic theism, and Amardaka to postulate
dualism. See: Shakti, Shaktism, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation

Dvaita Siddhanta: "Dualistic final conclusions." Schools of Saiva Siddhanta that

postulate God, soul and world are three eternally distinct and separate
realities. See: Pati-pashu-pasha, Saiva
Siddhanta,pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
dvaita-advaita: "Dual-nondual; twoness-not twoness." Among the most important
terms in the classification of Hindu philosophies. Dvaita and advaita define two ends of
a vast spectrum. -- dvaita: The doctrine of dualism, according to which reality is
ultimately composed of two irreducible principles, entities, truths, etc. God and
soul ... Click for more. See: monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, pitta, vata,actinodic, odic, transmutation
Dvija Ganapati: "The twice-born." A name and traditional murti, or form, of Ganesha.
He holds a scripture, a staff and a japa mala, reminding devotees of the need for
disciplined striving. See:monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, pitta, vata, actinodic, odic, transmutation
Dvimukha Ganapati: The unmistakable "double-faced"murti of Lord Ganesha. He
holds a noose, goad, broken tusk and a pot of gems. See: monistic theism, Saiva
Siddhanta, pitta, vata, actinodic,odic, transmutation
dysfunctional: Abnormal, impaired, not functioning completely.

earrings: Decorative jewelry worn in the ears by Hindu women and many men. Yogis,
especially those of the Natha tradition, wear large earrings to stimulate the psychic
nadis connected to the ears. Traditionally, the ascetic Kanphatis ("split-eared ones")
split the cartilage of their ears to accommodate massive earrings. Ear-pier ... Click for
more. See: Kanphati, samskaras of childhood
ebb: A period of flow back, decline, or recession. See: Kanphati, samskaras of
childhood
eccentric: Different from the recognized norm; unusual;
queer. See: Kanphati, samskaras of childhood
ecclesiastical: "Of the church or clergy." By extension, relating to the authoritative
body of any religion, sect or lineage. Having to do with an assembly of spiritual leaders
and their jurisdiction. See:Kanphati, samskaras of childhood
Eckhart, Meister Johannes: German theologian (1260-1327) regarded as the founder
of Catholic mysticism in Germany. His influential works concern the union of the
individual soul with God. See:Kanphati, samskaras of childhood

ecology: The science of relations between organisms and their

environment. See: Kanphati,samskaras of childhood
ecstasy (ecstatic): State of being overtaken by emotion such as joy or wonder.
Literally, "out-standing;" "standing outside (oneself)." See: enstasy, samadhi
ecumenical: The principles or practices of promoting worldwide cooperation and better
understanding among differing denominations, especially among Christians. From the
Greek oecumene, "the inhabited world." A Christian term. The broader term interfaith is
used by all religions striving for peace and harmony. See: enstasy, samadhi
ecumenism: The principles or practices of promoting worldwide cooperation and better
understanding among differing denominations, especially among Christians. From the
Greek oecumene, "the inhabited world." A Christian term. The broader term interfaith is
used by all religions striving for peace and harmony. See: enstasy, samadhi
edampuri: "Left-turning." Images of Ganesha in which the trunk is turning to the Deity's
left. This is the common form. Cf: valampuri. See: enstasy, samadhi
edict: An official public order issued by an authority. See: enstasy, samadhi
efficacious: Producing or capable of producing the desired
effect. See: enstasy, samadhi
efficient cause: Nimitta karana. That which directly produces the effect; that which
conceives, makes, shapes, etc. See: cause, samadhi
effigy: Image, likeness, icon, statue, figure. See: cause, samadhi
effulgent: Having great brightness; radiance; brilliant; full of light. See: cause, samadhi
egalitarian: Equalitarian. Characterized by the belief in the equal sharing of powers,
rights or responsibility among all people. See: cause, samadhi
ego: The external personality or sense of "I" and "mine." Broadly, individual identity. In
Saiva Siddhanta and other schools, the ego is equated with the tattva of ahamkara, "Imaker," which bestows the sense of I-ness, individuality and separateness from
God. See: ahamkara, anava
egocentric: Placing one's own ego in the center of all values and
experiences. See: ahamkara, anava
egoism: A preponderance of self-interest, self-preservation and selfindulgence. See: ahamkara,anava

egoity: Ahamkara. Self-interest, selfishness. See: anava mala, mind

(individual), ahamkara
egotist: One who is selfish, conceited or boastful. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
egregious: Bad or offensive. Standing out of the norm. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
Ekadanta Ganapati: He of "single tusk" is the four-armed Ganesha murti holding axe,
beads, laddu (sweet) and His broken tusk. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
Ekakshara Ganapati: He of "single-syllable"( gam) sits in lotus pose upon Mushika,
offering the boon-giving gesture, abhaya mudra. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
elastic: Flexible, able to stretch and immediately return to an original length or
shape. See: anava mala, mind (individual), ahamkara
elation: Exultant joy, high spirits, gladness. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
elemental temples: Five temples in South India, each enshrining one of the
Panchatattva Lingas, five sacred emblems of Lord Siva representing the five basic
elements: earth (prithivi), water (apas), fire (tejas), air (vayu) and ether (akasha). 1) The
Earth Linga is enshrined in the Ekambareshvara Temple at Kanchipuram. 2) The Water
Linga ... Click for more. See: anava mala, mind (individual), ahamkara
eligible: Qualified; suitable; desirable to choose. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
eliminate: To sort out; remove; get rid of; reject. See: anava mala, mind
(individual), ahamkara
elixir: Hypothetical substance that would change any metal into gold or prolong life
indefinitely. An English term for soma, a magical beverage celebrated in ancient Vedic
hymns and which played an important role in worship rites. See: amrita, mind
(individual), ahamkara
elliptical: Having the shape of an ellipse (of egg profile, but more
regular). See: amrita, mind (individual), ahamkara
eloquent: Vivid, forceful, fluent, graceful and persuasive speech or
writing. See: amrita, mind (individual), ahamkara

elucidate: Explain, clarify or make clear. See: amrita, mind (individual), ahamkara
elucidation: A clear or plain explanation; clarification. See: amrita, mind
(individual), ahamkara
elusive: Tending to escape one's grasp or understanding. Hard to
capture. See: amrita, mind (individual), ahamkara
emanation: To "flow out from." Abhasa. In Saiva Siddhanta philosophy, God Siva
creates and is His creation. Siva's creation of the world from Himself is described in
scripture as being similar to "sparks issuing forth from fire" or "a web from a spider."
This vision of cosmic creation contrasts with other views such as "creation ... Click for
more. See: amrita, mind (individual), ahamkara
emancipator: That which, or one who, liberates. See: amrita, mind
(individual), ahamkara
embalming: The process of treating a dead body with various chemicals to prevent it
from decaying rapidly. See: cremation, mind (individual), ahamkara
embellishment: A decoration; beautification. See: cremation, mind
(individual), ahamkara
embryo: The early development of a human/animal within the womb, up to the end of
the second month. An undeveloped plant within a seed. See: cremation, mind
(individual), ahamkara
Emerson, Ralph Waldo: American poet, essayist and philosopher (1803-1882), a
central figure of American transcendentalism. Enamored of Indian thought, he was
instrumental in popularizing the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads in the
US. See: cremation, mind (individual), ahamkara
eminent: High; above others in stature, rank or achievement. Renowned or
distinguished; prominent, conspicuous. Not to be confused with: 1) imminent, about to
happen; 2) emanate, to issue from; 3) immanent, inherent or
indwelling. See: cremation, mind (individual), ahamkara
emit: To send out matter, energy or light. See: cremation, mind (individual), ahamkara
emkaef: (Shum) No awareness, state beyond that of singular awareness. Not a word
for Self Realization, but the entry into that nonexperience. Pronounced eem-kaweef. See: Shum, mind (individual), ahamkara
emote: To express emotion. See: Shum, mind (individual), ahamkara
emotional body: See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara

emulate: To imitate. To attempt to equal or surpass someone, generally by copying his

ways, talents or successes. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
en masse: In a mass; as a whole; all together; in great numbers. See: kosha, mind
(individual),ahamkara
encase: To cover completely; to enclose; to envelop. See: kosha, mind
(individual), ahamkara
encasement: A covering or enclosure; an envelopment. See: kosha, mind
(individual), ahamkara
enchantment: A magic spell; a bewitching, captivating power. See: kosha, mind
(individual),ahamkara
encompass: To surround or encircle; to include. See: kosha, mind
(individual), ahamkara
encumber: To burden, as with a heavy load. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
encumbrance: A burden or impediment. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
endearment: An expression of affection. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
endocrine: Of or relating to endocrine glands (the "ductless glands") or the hormones
secreted by them. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
endow: To equip; to give or support. To provide with a quality or
characteristic. See: kosha, mind (individual), ahamkara
enlightened: Having attained enlightenment, Self Realization. A jnani or
jivanmukta. See: jivanmukta,jnana, Self Realization
enlightenment: For Saiva monists, Self Realization, samadhi without seed (nirvikalpa
samadhi); the ultimate attainment, sometimes referred to as Paramatma darshana, or
as atma darshana, "Self vision" (a term which appears in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras).
Enlightenment is the experience-nonexperience resulting in the realization of
one's ... Click for more. See: God Realization, kundalini,nirvikalpa samadhi, Self
Realization
enmesh: To entangle or catch as if in a net. See: God Realization, kundalini, nirvikalpa
samadhi, Self Realization
enmity: Active or aggressive, deep-seated hatred or ill will, often mutual between two
parties. See:God Realization, kundalini, nirvikalpa samadhi, Self Realization

enshrine: To enclose in a shrine. To hold as sacred and worthy of worship. See: God
Realization,kundalini, nirvikalpa samadhi, Self Realization
enstasy: A term coined in 1969 by Mircea Eliade to contrast the Eastern view of bliss
as "standing inside oneself" (enstasy) with the Western view as ecstasy, "standing
outside oneself." A word chosen as the English equivalent of
samadhi. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja yoga, Self Realization
ensuing: Following as a result of something. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja yoga, Self
Realization
entanglements: Involvements in difficulty; being tangled or
confused. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja yoga, Self Realization
enthrall: To hold in a spell; captivate; fascinate. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja yoga, Self
Realization
entourage: A group of accompanying attendants, associates or
assistants. See: ecstasy, samadhi,raja yoga, Self Realization
entreat: To ask earnestly; to beseech, plead or beg. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja
yoga, Self Realization
eon: Also aeon. An indefinitely long period; an age. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja
yoga, Self Realization
ephemeral: Transient, temporary, not lasting. See: ecstasy, samadhi, raja yoga, Self
Realization
epic history: Long narrative poem in a high style about grand exploits of Gods and
heroes. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are India's two great epic histories, called
Itihasa. See: Itihasa,Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
epigastric: The upper middle region of the
abdomen. See: Itihasa, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
epistle: A formal letter. See: Itihasa, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
epithet: Descriptive name, or title of a
Deity. See: Itihasa, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
equanimity: The quality of remaining calm and undisturbed. Evenness of mind;
composure. See:Itihasa, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization

equilibrium: Evenly balanced attitude. A quality of good spiritual leadership. "Having

attained an equilibrium of ida and pingala, he becomes a knower of the
known." See: jnana, Mahabharata,Ramayana, Self Realization
equivalent: Equal, or nearly so, in quantity, volume, force, meaning,
etc. See: jnana, Mahabharata,Ramayana, Self Realization
equivocal: Uncertain; undecided; doubtful. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization
eradicate: To "root out," destroy, get rid of. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization
erotic: "Of physical love" (from the Greek eros). Of or arousing sexual
passion. See: jnana,Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
err: To make a mistake or an error. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization
errant: Straying from the proper course;
distracted. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
erroneous: Containing or based on error;
wrong. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
erroneously: Adverb form of erroneous: containing or deriving from error;
mistaken. See: jnana,Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
erudite: Possessing wide knowledge; learned,
scholarly. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
erukku: Tamil name for flower (botanically Calotropis) sacred to Lord Ganesha. Erukku
flowers are strung together and placed around the crown and neck of Ganesha during
worship ceremonies, especially at festival
times. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self Realization
escalate: To increase, enlarge, or intensify. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization
eschew: To shun, avoid, stay away from. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization
esoteric: Hard to understand or secret. Teaching intended for a chosen few, as an
inner group of initiates. Abstruse or private. See: jnana, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Self
Realization

ESP: "Extra Sensory Perception." Communication or perception by means other than

physical. See:clairvoyance, clairaudience, extrasensory, Self Realization
essence (essential): The most important, ultimate, real and unchanging nature of a
thing or being. -- essence of the soul: See: atman, soul, extrasensory, Self Realization
esteem: To respect highly; to value. See: atman, soul, extrasensory, Self Realization
estranged: "Made a stranger." Set apart or divorced
from. See: atman, soul, extrasensory, Self Realization
eternity: Time without beginning or end. See: atman, soul, extrasensory, Self
Realization
ether: Akasha. Space, the most subtle of the five elements. Word used most often to
translate akasha. Most subtle of the five elements (earth, air, water, fire and ether)
which make up the physical universe. Invisible essence which pervades all form and all
other elements. In a broader sense etheric refers to the non-physica ... Click for
more. See: akasha, tattva, extrasensory, Self Realization
ethereal: Highly refined, light, invisible. See: akasha, tattva, extrasensory, Self
Realization
etheric: Having to do with ether or space. See: akasha, tattva, extrasensory, Self
Realization
ethical observances: See: Seeyama-niyama, tattva, extrasensory, Self Realization
ethical restraints: See: Seeyama-niyama, tattva, extrasensory, Self Realization
ethics: The code or system of morals of a nation, people, philosophy, religion,
etc. See: dharma,yama-niyama, extrasensory, Self Realization
ethnic: Pertaining to, or designating a large group or groups of people with the same
culture, race, religion, or national heritage. See: dharma, yamaniyama, extrasensory, Self Realization
etymology: The science of the origin of words and their signification. The history of
words. See:Nirukta Vedanga, Sanskrit, extrasensory, Self Realization
evanescent: Vanishing, or likely to vanish like vapor. See: Nirukta
Vedanga, Sanskrit, extrasensory,Self Realization
eve: Evening; the day or night before something. See: Nirukta
Vedanga, Sanskrit, extrasensory, Self Realization

evil: That which is bad, morally wrong, causing harm, pain, misery. In Western
religions, evil is often thought of as a moral antagonism to God. This force is the source
of sin and is attached to the soul from its inception. Whereas, for Hindus, evil is not a
conscious, dark force, such as Satan. It is situational rather tha ... Click for
more. See: hell, karma, papa, Satan, sin
evoke: To call forth; to conjure up; to summon, as to summon a Mahadeva, a
God. See: puja, yajna,papa, Satan, sin
evolution of the soul: Adhyatma prasara. In Saiva Siddhanta, the soul's evolution is a
progressive unfoldment, growth and maturing toward its inherent, divine destiny, which
is complete merger with Siva. In its essence, each soul is ever perfect. But as an
individual soul body emanated by God Siva, it is like a small seed yet to develop.
As ... Click for more. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
ewe: A female sheep. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exalt: To make high. To raise in status, glorify or praise. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
excel: To stand out as better, greater, finer than others. To do well at
something. See: Darwin's theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exclusive: Excluding all others. Saivites believe that there is no exclusive path to God,
that no spiritual path can rightly claim that it alone leads to the goal. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
excruciating: Intensely painful, agonizing. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
exemplar: One regarded as worthy of imitation; a model. An ideal pattern to be
followed by others.See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exemplify: To show by being an example of. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
exhalation: Letting air out, especially from the lungs. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exhaustive: "Drawn out." Very thorough; covering all details; leaving nothing
out. See: Darwin's theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa

exhilaration: The state of being stimulated, refreshed or extremely

happy. See: Darwin's theory,mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exiled: Forceably sent out of one's native country. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
existence: "Coming or standing forth." Being; reality; that which is. See: Darwin's
theory, mala,moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
existentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the
individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as
unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences
of one's acts. See: Darwin's theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
existentialist: Pertaining to, or believing in, the philosophy of
existentialism. See: Darwin's
theory,mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
experience: From the Latin experior, "to prove; put to the test." Living through an
event; personal involvement. In Sanskrit, anubhava. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara,vishvagrasa
explicitly: Openly stated, leaving nothing hidden or implied; distinctly
expressed. See: Darwin's theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
expound: To explain or clarify, point by point. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
exquisite: Elaborate, delicate or beautiful. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
extant: Still existing; not lost or destroyed. See: Darwin's
theory, mala, moksha, reincarnation,samsara, vishvagrasa
extended family: Brihatkutumba or mahakutumba. One or more joint families plus their
broader associations and affiliations. Unlike the joint family, whose members live in
close proximity, the extended family is geographically widespread. The extended family
is headed by the patriarch, called brihatkutumba pramukha (or mukhya),
recogniz ... Click for more. See: grihastha, grihastha dharma,joint
family, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
extol: "Raise up;" "lift up." To praise highly. See: grihastha, grihastha dharma, joint
family,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
extraneous: Not pertinent; placed outside; superfluous. See: grihastha, grihastha
dharma, joint family,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa

extrasensory: Beyond the five senses, especially psychic perception such as seeing
or hearing at a
distance. See: clairvoyance, clairaudience, ESP, reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
extroverted: Interested in things outside of one's
self. See: clairvoyance, clairaudience, ESP,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exuberant: Full of unrestrained enthusiasm or
joy. See: clairvoyance, clairaudience, ESP,reincarnation, samsara, vishvagrasa
exultant: "Leaping (for joy)." Rejoicing greatly. Immensely happy or triumphant.

fable: Myth or legend. A story, usually with animal characters, meant to illustrate moral
principles.See: mythology, Panchatantra
facade: A front (of a building). Often a deceptive, artificial
appearance. See: mythology, Panchatantra
facet: One of numerous aspects of a subject, concept or
idea. See: mythology, Panchatantra
facial: Having to do with the face. See: mythology, Panchatantra
fad: A fashion followed with great enthusiasm for a short period of
time. See: mythology, Panchatantra
faith: Trust or belief. Conviction. From the Latin fides, "trust." Faith in its broadest
sense means "religion," "dharma." More specifically, it is the essential element of
religion -- the belief in phenomena beyond the pale of the five senses, distinguishing it
sharply from rationalism. Faith is established through intuitive ... Click for
more. See: mythology, Panchatantra
fallacious: Containing or based on a false concept. See: mythology, Panchatantra
fallacy: An incorrect understanding; misconception. See: mythology, Panchatantra
falter: To be unsteady in purpose or action; waver. See: mythology, Panchatantra
family life: See: grihastha ashrama, extended family, joint family
family practices: See: five family practices, extended family, joint family

fanatical: Excessively or irrationally devoted to a cause; overly zealous. See: five

family practices,extended family, joint family
far-seeing: Duradarshana. Having the power of clairvoyance, also known as
divyadrishti, "divine sight." See: clairvoyance, siddhi, joint family
fast: Abstaining from all or certain foods, as in observance of a vow or holy day. Hindus
fast in various ways. A simple fast may consist of merely avoiding certain foods for a
day or more, such as when vegetarians avoid tamasic or rajasic foods or when
nonvegetarians abstain from fish, fowl and meats. A moderate fast would ... Click for
more. See: clairvoyance, siddhi, joint family
fate: From the Latin fatum, prophetic "declaration," "oracle." A destiny once decreed
("said"), hence inevitable. In Western thought, fate is the force or agency, God or other
power, outside man's control, believed to determine the course of events before they
occur. In Hindu thought, man is not ruled by fate but shapes his ... Click for
more. See: adrishta, destiny, karma
fathom: To ascertain the depth of; to get to the bottom; to
understand. See: adrishta, destiny, karma
fellowship: Companionship. Mutual sharing of interests, beliefs or practice. A group of
people with common interests and aspirations. See: adrishta, destiny, karma
ferret: To uncover or understand by searching. See: adrishta, destiny, karma
fervent: Showing great warmth of feeling; ardent; passionate,
enthusiastic. See: adrishta, destiny,karma
fervor: Intense warmth of emotion; ardor, passion See: adrishta, destiny, karma
festival: A time of religious celebration and special observances. Festivals generally
recur yearly, their dates varying slightly according to astrological calculations. They are
characterized by acts of piety (elaborate pujas, penance, fasting, pilgrimage) and
rejoicing (songs, dance, music, parades, storytelling and scriptural ... Click for
more. See: sound, teradi, karma
fetch: Retrieve. To go get a thing and bring it back. See: sound, teradi, karma
fetter: A chain or shackle for the ankles or feet. Something that serves to restrict; a
restraint. In Saiva Siddhanta philosophy, specifically a translation of pasha, the triple
bonds of anava, karma and maya.See: anava, karma, maya
fetus: A human/animal embryo more than eight weeks after conception until
birth. See: anava, karma,maya

feud: A bitter, often prolonged quarrel or state of enmity and

opposition. See: anava, karma, maya
finicky: Too careful about particulars. Fussy; fastidious; difficult to
please. See: anava, karma, maya
finite: Having an ending. See: anava, karma, maya
firewalking: The trance-inducing ceremonial practice of walking over a bed of
smoldering, red-hot coals as an expression of faith and sometimes as a form of
penance. Participants describe it as a euphoric experience in which no pain is felt and
no burns received. Many lose body consciousness during the walk. Firewalking is
associat ... Click for more. See: folk-shamanic, penance, Shaktism
First World: The physical universe, called Bhuloka, of gross or material substance in
which phenomena are perceived by the five senses. See: loka, penance, Shaktism
five acts of Siva: Panchakritya. Creation, preservation, destruction, veiling and
revealing. See:Nataraja, Parameshvara, Shaktism
five classical duties: See: pancha nitya karmas, Parameshvara, Shaktism
five family practices: Pancha kutumba sadhana, or five parenting guidelines. 1) Good
Conduct -- Dharmachara: Loving fathers and mothers, knowing they are the greatest
influence in a child's life, behave the way their dear children should when adults. They
never anger or argue before young ones. Father in a dhoti, mother in a sari at home,
al ... Click for more. See: pancha nitya karmas,Parameshvara, Shaktism
Five Letters (syllables): See: See NamahSivaya, Parameshvara, Shaktism
five states of mind: The conscious, subconscious, sub-subconscious,
subsuperconscious and superconscious mind. See: mind (five
states), Parameshvara, Shaktism
fizzle: To fail or end weakly (colloquial). See: mind (five
states), Parameshvara, Shaktism
flamboyant: Elaborately colored; showy; outrageous. See: mind (five
states), Parameshvara,Shaktism
fluctuate: To flow, move, change back and forth. See: mind (five
states), Parameshvara, Shaktism
fluent: Flowing easily and smoothly, especially of speaking and writing. See: mind (five
states),Parameshvara, Shaktism

flux: Continuous flowing movement or change. See: mind (five

states), Parameshvara, Shaktism
foible: A minor weakness or character flaw. See: mind (five
states), Parameshvara, Shaktism
folk narratives: Popular or village stories passed orally from generation to generation
through verbal telling -- often a mixture of fact and fancy, allegory and myth, legend and
symbolism, conveying lessons about life, character and conduct. India's most extensive
and influential of this kind of literature are the Puranas. While they ... Click for
more. See: fable, Ithihasa, katha, mythology, Purana
folk-shamanic: Of or related to a tribal or village tradition in which the mystic priest,
shaman, plays a central role, wielding powers of magic and spirituality. Revered for his
ability to influence and control nature and people, to cause good and bad things to
happen, he is the intermediary between man and divine forces. The term s ... Click for
more. See: Shaktism, shamanism, katha, mythology, Purana
forbearance: Self-control; responding with patience and compassion, especially under
provocation. Endurance; tolerance. See: yamaniyama, shamanism, katha, mythology, Purana
force field: A region of space through which a force, for example, an electric current, is
operative. Here the term is used in reference to psychic energies, both positive and
negative, that are generated by the emotions, the mind, the higher or lower chakras or
emanate from the inner higher or lower worlds. Positive psychic force ... Click for
more. See: odic, actinic, prana, mythology, Purana
foreboding: A sense of impending danger or
evil. See: odic, actinic, prana, mythology, Purana
forehead marks: See: Seebindu, tilaka, tripundra, mythology, Purana
forestall: Prevent, hinder, obstruct,
intercept. See: Seebindu, tilaka, tripundra, mythology, Purana
forfeiting: Losing something due to a crime or fault or neglect of
duty. See: Seebindu, tilaka,tripundra, mythology, Purana
forged: Given form or shape (originally of metal by heating and
hammering). See: Seebindu, tilaka,tripundra, mythology, Purana
formless: Philosophically, atattva, beyond the realm of form or substance. Used in
attempting to describe the wondersome, indescribable Absolute, which is "timeless,
formless and spaceless." God Siva has form and is formless. He is the immanent Pure

Consciousness or pure form. He is the Personal Lord manifesting as innumerable

f ... Click for more. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda,void, Purana
forsake: To abandon, give up or
renounce. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
forsooth: In truth; indeed. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
fountainhead: A spring that is the source of a stream. The source of
anything. See: atattva,Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
four traditional goals: Chaturvarga, "four-fold good," or purushartha, "human goals or
purposes." The four pursuits in which humans may legitimately engage, a basic
principle of Hindu ethics. 1) dharma ("Righteous living"): The fulfillment of virtue, good
works, duties and responsibilities, restraints and observances -- performing one's
part ... Click for more. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda,void, Purana
frank: Open, undisguised; blunt,
straightforward. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void,Purana
fretful: Irritated, disturbed, worried or
troubled. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
fringe: A decorative border or edging, or something that resembles a
border. See: atattva, Parashiva,Satchidananda, void, Purana
fruition: The bearing of fruit. The coming to fulfillment of something that has been
awaited or worked for. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
fundamentalism: Any religious creed or philosophical persuasion marked by extreme
dogmatism and intolerance. There are fundamentalist denominations within many
religions, believing in a literal interpretation of their scripture as the exclusive truth, the
one and only way which all souls must follow to attain salvation. Historically, ... Click for
more. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
fundamentalist: Any religious or philosophical group or individual marked by extreme
dogmatism and intolerance. Fundamentalists believe in a literal interpretation of their
scripture as the exclusive truth, the one and only way which all souls must follow to
attain salvation, and in allegiance to their Messiah or Prophet as the one tr ... Click for
more. See: atattva, Parashiva, Satchidananda, void, Purana
funeral rites:
gait: Manner of moving on foot, walking or running; the stride or way(s) of movement of
a horse or other four-legged animal.

gaja: The elephant, king of beasts, representative of Lord Ganesha and sign of royalty
and power. Many major Hindu temples keep one or more elephants.
Gajanana: "Elephant-faced." A popular name of Ganesha, which appears in the
Mudgala Purana, as the vanquisher of lobha, greed.
galactic: Of or pertaining to our galaxy, the Milky Way (from the Greek gala, "milk")
and/or other galaxies.
Gam Mantra: The seed sound, or bija mantra, of Loving Ganesha. Bija mantras, being
on one syllable, represent the essence of more complex sound combinations. Gam is
the root sound within the muladhara chakra.
gamut: A complete musical scale. Hence a complete range, spread or extent of
anything.
gana(s): "Number," hence "throng," "troop," "retinue;" a body of followers or
attendants." A troop of demigods -- God Siva's attendants, devonic helpers under the
supervision of Lord Ganesha. See:Ganesha
ganachara: Loyalty to the community. One of five Vira Saiva codes of
conduct. See: panchachara,Vira Saivism
Ganachara: Loyalty to the community. One of five Vira Saiva codes of
conduct. See: panchachara,Vira Saivism
Gananathas: "Lords of hosts." As a singular, Gananatha refers to Lord Ganesha.
Plural, to the many divine beings who help in guiding the flow of consciousness under
the direction of the Mahadevas.See: panchachara, Vira Saivism
Ganapati: "Leader of the ganas." A surname of Ganesha. See: panchachara, Vira
Saivism
Ganapati Upanishad: A later Upanishad on Lord Ganesha, not connected with any
Veda; date of composition is unknown. It is a major scripture for the Ganapatians, a
minor Hindu sect which reveres Ganesha as Supreme God and is most prevalent in
India's Maharashtra state. See: Ganesha, Vira Saivism
gandha: "Smell, odor, fragrance." Gandha is the fifth of five tanmatras, "primal
substances," from which the gross elements, mahabhutas (or panchbautikas), arise in
the evolution of the tattvas. Smell is the tanmatra corresponding to the earth element,
prithivi. See: See tanmatra, Vira Saivism
gandharvas: Astral male lovers, counterparts to the female apsara, mentioned in the
Vedas. See:apsara, Vira Saivism

Gandharvaveda: "Science of music." A class of ancient tracts on music, song and

dance. It is the Upaveda of the Sama Veda. See: Upaveda, Vira Saivism
Gandhi: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), the Hindu nationalist leader
whose strategy of nonviolent resistance won India's freedom from British colonial rule.
Often honored as Mahatma ("great soul"). See: Upaveda, Vira Saivism
Ganesha: "Lord of Categories." (From gan, "to count or reckon," and Isha, "lord.") Or:
"Lord of attendants (gana)," synonymous with Ganapati. Ganesha is a Mahadeva, the
beloved elephant-faced Deity honored by Hindus of every sect. Patron of Art and
Science, first Son of Siva. He is the Lord of Obstacles (Vighneshvara), revered ... Click
for more. See: gana, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Ganesha Chaturthi: The birthday of Lord Ganesha, a ten-day festival of AugustSeptember that culminates in a spectacular parade called Ganesha Visarjana. It is a
time of rejoicing, when all Hindus worship together. See: gana, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Ganesha Visarjana: "Ganesha departure." A parade usually occurring on the 11th day
after Ganesha Chaturthi, in which the Ganesha murtis made for the occasion are taken
in procession to a body of water and ceremoniously immersed and left to dissolve. This
represents Ganesha's merging with the ocean of
consciousness. See: Ganesha, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Ganga Sadhana: A practice for unburdening the mind, performed by releasing the
energy of unwanted thoughts. An internal cleansing sadhana of sitting quietly by a river
or stream and listening to the Aum sound as the water flows over the rocks. When a
thought arises, it is mentally placed into a leaf held in the right hand, then gentl ... Click
for more. See: Ganesha, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Ganga Sadhana: A practice for unburdening the mind, performed by releasing the
energy of unwanted thoughts. An internal cleansing sadhana of sitting quietly by a river
or stream and listening to the Aum sound as the water flows over the rocks. When a
thought arises, it is mentally placed into a leaf held in the right hand, then gentl ... Click
for more. See: Ganesha, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Ganges (Ganga): India's most sacred river, 1,557 miles long, arising in the Himalayas
above Haridwar under the name Bhagiratha, and being named Ganga after joining the
Alakanada (where the Sarasvati is said to join them underground). It flows southeast
across the densely populated Gangetic plain, joining its sister Yamuna (or Jumna)
a ... Click for more. See: Ganesha, Ganapati, Mahadeva
Gangetic: Near to or on the banks of the Ganges river in North
India. See: Ganesha, Ganapati,Mahadeva
Gangetic abodes of Siva: Ancient pilgrimage places that devotees strive to visit at
least once in a lifetime, including the sacred Vishvanatha Temple of Varanasi (on the
banks of the Ganga between the Varana and Asi Rivers); Garigotri Temple at the

source of the Ganga (near Kedarnath), and the sacred temples in the cities of Hardwar
and Rishik ... Click for more. See: Ganesha, Ganapati,Mahadeva
Gangetic Plain: The densely populated plain surrounding India's most sacred river, the
Ganges (Ganga), an immense, fertile area of 300,000 square miles, 90 to 300 miles
wide. See: Ganges,Ganapati, Mahadeva
ganglia: Groups of nerve cells that form a nerve center outside of the brain or spinal
cord. A center of power, activity, or energy. (Singular: ganglion). See
chakra. See: Ganges, Ganapati, Mahadeva
ganglionic: Referring to the ganglia. See: Ganges, Ganapati, Mahadeva
garbha: "Womb; interior chamber." The inside or middle of
anything. See: Ganges, Ganapati,Mahadeva
garbhadhana: "Womb-impregnation." The rite anticipating
conception. See: reincarnation, samskaras of birth, Mahadeva
garbhagriha: The "innermost chamber," sanctum sanctorum, of a Hindu temple, where
the primary murti is installed. It is a small, cave-like room, usually made of granite
stone, to which only priests are permitted access. Esoterically it represents the cranial
chamber. See: temple, samskaras of birth,Mahadeva
Gargya: One of the known disciples of Lakulisa. See: Lakulisa, samskaras of
birth, Mahadeva
Garitra: "Grains." E.g., wheat or barley. See: Lakulisa, samskaras of birth, Mahadeva
Garuda: The king of birds. The celestial vehicle (vahana) of Lord
Vishnu. See: Lakulisa, samskaras of birth, Mahadeva
gauche: Lacking grace or social tact; awkward, clumsy. See: Lakulisa, samskaras of
birth, Mahadeva
gauntlet: A medieval knight's glove thrown down in a challenge, as to a fight. Hence
"throwing down the gauntlet" means to challenge or provoke. See: Lakulisa, samskaras
of birth, Mahadeva
Gautama: The name of the founder of the Nyaya school of Saivism, author of the
Nyaya Sutras. Also, the Buddha (Siddhartha
Gautama). See: Buddha, Buddhism, Mahadeva
Gautama, Siddhartha: The historical Buddha. See: Buddha, Buddhism, Mahadeva

gay: "Joyous, merry, happy." Homosexual (preferred self-appellation), especially male,

though may also refer to females. See: bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
gayatri: According with the gayatri verse form, an ancient meter of 24 syllables,
generally as a triplet with eight syllables each. From gaya, "song." -- Gayatri: The Vedic
Gayatri Mantra personified as a Goddess, mother of the four
Vedas. See: bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
Gayatri Mantra: 1) Famous Vedic mantra used in puja and personal chanting. Om
[bhur bhuvah svah] tatsavitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah
prachodayat. "[O Divine Beings of all three worlds,] we meditate upon the glorious
splendor of the Vivifier divine. May He illumine our minds." (Rig Veda 3.62.10. ve). This
sacred v ... Click for more. See: bisexual, heterosexual,homosexual, sexuality
genial: Having a pleasant, easy-going or friendly disposition or
manner. See: bisexual, heterosexual,homosexual, sexuality
germinate: To sprout. To begin to
develop. See: bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
gestation: The period of time between conception and birth;
pregnancy. See: bisexual, heterosexual,homosexual, sexuality
ghanta: "Bell." Akin to ghant, "to speak." An important implement in Hindu worship
(puja), used to chase away asuras and summon devas and
Gods. See: puja, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
ghee: Hindi for clarified butter; ghrita in Sanskrit. Butter that has been boiled and
strained. An important sacred substance used in temple lamps and offered in fire
ceremony, yajna. It is also used as a food with many ayurvedic
virtues. See: yajna, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
Gheranda Samhita: A Vaishnava manual on hatha yoga (ca 1675), still influential
today, presented as a dialog between Sage Gheranda and a disciple. See: hatha
yoga, heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality
Gibran, Kahlil: Lebanese mystic, poet, dramatist and artist (1888-1931), best known
for The Prophet.See: hatha yoga, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
Girijatmaja: "Mountain born." The Ganesha murti enshrined at the Lenyadhri Cave
Temple of Maharashtra. See: hatha yoga, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
girt: Girded, surrounded. See: hatha yoga, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality
gist: The central idea; the essence. See: hatha
yoga, heterosexual, homosexual, sexuality

Gita: "Song." Foreshortened title of Bhagavad Gita. See: Bhagavad

Gita, heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality
gloom: Darkness. Deep sadness or despair. See: Bhagavad
Gita, heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality
glorify: To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt. See: Bhagavad
Gita, heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality
gluttony: Excessiveness in eating or drinking. See: Bhagavad
Gita, heterosexual, homosexual,sexuality
go: The cow, considered especially sacred for its unbounded generosity and
usefulness to humans. It is a symbol of the Earth as the abundant provider. For the
Hindu, the cow is a representative of all living species, each of which is to be revered
and cared for. See: Bhagavad Gita, heterosexual,homosexual, sexuality
God: Supernal being. Either the Supreme God, Siva, or one of the Mahadevas, great
souls, who are among His creation. See: Gods, Mahadeva, Siva, sexuality
God Realization: Direct and personal experience of the Divine within oneself. It can
refer to either 1) savikalpa samadhi ("enstasy with form") in its various levels, from the
experience of inner light to the realization of Satchidananda, the pure consciousness or
primal substance flowing through all form, or 2) nirvikalpa samadhi ("en ... Click for
more. See: raja yoga, samadhi, Self Realization, sexuality
God's power: See: Shakti, samadhi, Self Realization, sexuality
Goddess: Female representation or manifestation of Divinity; Shakti or Devi. Goddess
can refer to a female perception or depiction of a causal-plane being (Mahadeva) in its
natural state, which is genderless, or it can refer to an astral-plane being residing in a
female astral body. To show the Divine's transcendence of sexuali ... Click for
more. See: Shakti, samadhi, Self Realization, sexuality
Godhead: God; Divinity. A term describing the essence or highest aspect of the
Supreme Being. See:Shakti, samadhi, Self Realization, sexuality
Gods: Mahadevas, "great beings of light." In Dancing with Siva, the plural form of God
refers to extremely advanced beings existing in their self-effulgent soul bodies in the
causal plane -- the Sivaloka. The meaning of Gods is best seen in the phrase, "God
and the Gods," referring to the Supreme God -- Siva -- and the Mahad ... Click for
more. See: Mahadeva, samadhi, Self Realization,sexuality
gopura: South Indian temple entrance tower, often quite tall with ornate
carvings. See: balipitha,temple, Self Realization, sexuality

Gorakhnath Saivism (Gorakshanatha Saivism): One of the six schools of Saivism,

also called Siddha Siddhanta. See: Siddha Siddhanta, siddha yoga, Self
Realization, sexuality
Gorakshanatha: A renowned siddha yoga master of the Adinatha Sampradaya (ca
950). Expounder and foremost guru of Siddha Siddhanta Saivism, he traveled and
extolled the greatness of Siva throughout North India and Nepal where he and his guru,
Matsyendranatha, are still highly revered.See: hatha yoga, Siddha Siddhanta, Siddha
Siddhanta Paddhati, sexuality
Gorakshapantha: "Path of Gorakshanatha." A synonym for Siddha
Siddhanta. See: Saivism (six schools), Siddha Siddhanta, Siddha Siddhanta
Paddhati, sexuality
Gorakshashataka: "A Hundred Verses by Goraksha." Along with Siddha Siddhanta
Pradipika, this work extols the path of "Siva yoga," which is hatha-kundalini yoga
emphasizing control over body and mind, awakening of higher chakras and nadi nerve
system with the intent of realizing the Absolute, Parasamvid, and residing in the
sahasrara ch ... Click for more. See: Gorakshanatha, Siddha Siddhanta, Siddha
Siddhanta Paddhati, sexuality
gorgeous: Dazzlingly beautiful or magnificent. See: Gorakshanatha, Siddha
Siddhanta, Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, sexuality
goshta: "Cow pen; niche." Also names a small alcove
shrine. See: Gorakshanatha, Siddha Siddhanta,Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, sexuality
gotra: "Cowshed." Family lineage or subcaste stemming from a rishi or satguru and
bearing his name. Originally described as several joint families sharing a common
cowshed. See: caste, jati, varna dharma, sexuality
grace: "Benevolence, love, giving," from the Latin gratia, "favor," "goodwill." God's
power of revealment, anugraha shakti ("kindness, showing favor"), by which souls are
awakened to their true, Divine nature. Grace in the unripe stages of the spiritual journey
is experienced by the devotee as receiving gifts or boons, often ... Click for
more. See: anugraha shakti, prapatti, shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
grandeur: Greatness, magnificence; loftiness of character; sublime
nobility. See: anugraha shakti,prapatti, shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
grantha: Literally, "knot," a common name for book -- a term thought to refer to the knot
on the cord that bound ancient palm-leaf or birch-bark manuscripts. Books are
accorded deep respect in Hinduism, always carefully treated, never placed directly on
the floor. Special books are not uncommonly objects of worship. Grantha als ... Click
for more. See: olai, prapatti, shaktipata,tirodhana shakti

granthavidya: "Book knowledge." Bibliography; booklist, recommended

reading. See: olai, prapatti,shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
gratification: Indulging in what is desired. See: olai, prapatti, shaktipata, tirodhana
shakti
grating: Irritating or annoying. See: olai, prapatti, shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
graven image: Sculpted or carved statue of God or a God, a derogatory term from the
English Bible translation. See: olai, prapatti, shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
Great Oath: The Saiva sannyasin's vow of renunciation, the mahavrata of the Saivite
pathfinders. It is the relinquishment of the world, desire and ego. It is detachment
founded in knowledge of the magnetic nature of body, mind and emotion, a knowledge
which inclines the soul toward noninvolvement with external forms and, in time, ... Click
for more. See: sannyasa, prapatti,shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
grihastha: "Householder." Family man or woman. Family of a married couple and other
relatives. Pertaining to family life. The purely masculine form of the word is grihasthin,
and the feminine grihasthi. Grihasthi also names the home itself. The period of human
life after the brahmachariya ashram (studentship period) is over, the ... Click for
more. See: ashrama dharma, grihastha dharma,shaktipata, tirodhana shakti
grihastha ashrama: "Householder stage." See: ashrama dharma, grihastha
dharma, shaktipata,tirodhana shakti
grihastha dharma: "Householder law." The virtues and ideals of family life. This
dharma includes all nonmonastics, whether married or single. In general, grihastha
dharma begins with the completion of the period of studentship and extends throughout
the period of raising a family (called the grihastha ashrama). Specific scriptures,
call ... Click for more. See: ashrama dharma, extended family, joint family, yajna
griheshvara and grihini: From griha, "home," hence "lord and lady of the home." The
family man, griheshvara (or grihapati), and family woman, grihini, considered as master
and mistress of their respective realms, so they may fulfill their purusha and stri
dharmas. Implies that both of their realms are equally important and inviolable. ... Click
for more. See: dharma, extended family, joint family,yajna
Grihya Sutras: "Household maxims or codes." An important division of classical smriti
literature, designating rules and customs for domestic life, including rites of passage
and other home ceremonies, which are widely followed to this day. The Grihya Sutras
(or Shastras) are part of the Kalpa Sutras, "procedural maxims" (or Kalpa Ved ... Click
for more. See: Kalpa Vedanga, Vedanga,joint family, yajna
Grim Reaper: Personification of death in Western tradition, a hooded, black-robed
skeleton figure carrying a scythe to cut down lives. See: Kalpa Vedanga, Vedanga, joint
family, yajna

gross: Dense, coarse, unrefined, crude; carnal, sensual; lacking sensitivity. See: Kalpa
Vedanga,Vedanga, joint family, yajna
gross plane: The physical world. See: loka, tattva, world, yajna
guarantor: A person or corporation that makes or gives assurance or
pledge. See: loka, tattva, world,yajna
Guha: An epithet of Karttikeya. "The interior one." -guha:"Cave." See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
Guhavasi: "Cave-dweller; he who is hidden" -- a name of Lord
Siva. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world,yajna
Guhavasi Siddha (Guhavasi): A guru of central India (ca 675) credited with the refounding of Saiva Siddhanta in that area, based fully in Sanskrit. Guhavasi -- literally
"cave-dweller; he who is hidden," or "mysterious" -- is also an epithet of Lord
Siva. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
Guheshvara: "Lord of the cave." A name of Lord Siva implying His presence in the
heart or the interior of all beings. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
guile: Treacherous cunning; crafty deceit. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
Gujarat: State of West India. Capital is Ahmedabad, population 40,000,000, area
75,670 square miles. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
gulika kala: An auspicious period of time (about 90 minutes) which occurs at a
different time each day according to the astrological configuration indicated on the
panchanga calendar. See: Karttikeya,tattva, world, yajna
guna: "Strand; quality." The three constituent principles of prakriti, primal nature. The
three gunas are sattva, raja, tamas. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
gunas: "Qualities." Metaphysically, the gunas are fundamental cosmic qualities of
nature. The three gunas are tamas (inertia, density, the force of contraction, resistance
& dissolution), rajas (stimulative, restlessness, activity; the expansive energy of growth
and movement) and sattva (quiescence, rarified, translucent, per ... Click for
more. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world, yajna
Gurkha: A Rajput people of the mountains of Nepal; famed
warriors. See: Karttikeya, tattva, world,yajna
guru: "Weighty one," indicating an authority of great knowledge or skill. A term used to
describe a teacher or guide in any subject, such as music, dance, sculpture, but
especially religion. For clarity, the term is often preceded by a qualifying prefix. Hence,

terms such as kulaguru (family teacher), vinaguru (vina teacher) ... Click for
more. See: guru-shishya system, satguru, world, yajna
guru bhakti: Devotion to the teacher. The attitude of humility, love and idealization held
by a student in any field of study. In the spiritual realm, the devotee strives to see the
guru as his higher Self. By attuning himself to the satguru's inner nature and wisdom,
the disciple slowly transforms his own nature to ultimately atta ... Click for
more. See: guru, guru-shishya system, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
Guru Gita: "Song of the guru." A popular 352-verse excerpt from the Skanda Purana,
wherein Lord Siva tells Parvati of the guru-disciple relationship. See: guru, guru-shishya
system, Kularnava Tantra,satguru
Guru Jayanti: Preceptor's birthday, celebrated as an annual festival by devotees. A
padapuja, ritual bathing of his feet, is usually performed. If he is not physically present,
the puja is done to the shri paduka, "revered sandals," which represent the guru and
hold his vibration. See: padapuja, guru-shishya system, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
guru lineage: See: guruparampara, guru-shishya system, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
Guru Mahasannidhanam: Spiritual head of a traditional
aadheenam. See: aadheenakartar, guru-shishya system, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
Guru Nanak (Nanak): See: Adi Granth, Sikhism, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
guru parampara: "Preceptorial succession" (literally, "from one to another"). A line of
spiritual gurus in authentic succession of initiation; the chain of mystical power and
authorized continuity, passed from guru to guru. Cf: sampradaya. See: Adi
Granth, Sikhism, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
guru parampara: "Preceptorial succession" (literally, "from one to another"). A line of
spiritual gurus in authentic succession of initiation; the chain of mystical power and
authorized continuity, passed from guru to guru. Cf: sampradaya. See: Adi
Granth, Sikhism, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
Guru Purnima: Occurring on the full moon of July, Guru Purnima is for devotees a day
of rededication to all that the guru represents. It is occasioned by padapuja -ceremonial worship of the guru's sandals, which represent his holy feet. See: gurushishya system, Sikhism, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
guru-disciple: See: guru-shishya system, Sikhism, Kularnava Tantra, satguru
guru-shishya system: "Master-disciple system."An important education system of
Hinduism whereby the teacher conveys his knowledge and tradition to a student. Such
knowledge, whether it be Vedic-Agamic art, architecture or spirituality, is imparted
through the developing relationship between guru and disciple. The principle of this
system i ... Click for more. See: guru, guru bhakti, Hindu, satguru

gurubhakti: "Devotion to the teacher." The attitude of humility, love and loyality held by
a student in any field of study. In the spiritual realm, the devotee strives to see the guru
as his higher Self. By attuning himself to the satguru's inner nature and wisdom, the
disciple slowly transforms his own nature to ultimately attain ... Click for
more. See: guru, guru-shishya system, satguru, satguru
Gurudeva: "Divine" or "radiant preceptor." From guru, "teacher" and deva, "angel." An
affectionate, respectful title for the satguru. An affectionate, yet respectful term used to
address the guru or spiritual master. Part of the name of His Holiness Gurudeva Sivaya
Subramuniyaswami. See: guru, satguru,deva, satguru
gurukula: A training center where young boys live and learn in residence with their
teacher. Kula means "family." See: ashrama, brahmacharya, deva, satguru
guruthondu: "Service to the guru." In Living with Siva, guruthondu refers to the period
of service that all young men of Gurudeva's Saiva Church are expected to fulfill in a
monastery, at least six months and ideally two years, prior to marriage. It also refers to
the three-hour period that monastics devote in specific projects, w ... Click for
more. See: ashrama, brahmacharya, deva, satguru
gush: To flow out suddenly andplentifully. See: ashrama, brahmacharya, deva, satguru
gust: A short but strong blast of wind; an outburst.