The Library

Dictionary

This dictionary does not claim to be complete in any way, rather it is a collection of sanskrit (and related) words I have encountered which have some relevance to my own approach to yoga sadhana.  Words will be added in alphabetical order as I come across them.

Abhyasa -
                practice
 
Bhumi Pranam -
                            the ritual of honouring Mother Earth.  With hands in Anjali Mudra touch the crown of the head, the Ajna centre and Anahata -heart centre.  Open the hips and touch the ground.
 
Giri -
          mountain
 
Ishvara Pranidhana -
                                  Surrendering to the Divine (one of the niyama)
 
Mula shodana -
                      rectal cleansing using turmeric root or the middle finger.
 
Mundana ceremony -
                                 the ritual of head shaving undergone by a        pilgrim as a symbol of humility and surrender.
 
Namakarana samskara -
                                         the name giving ceremony marking foraml adoption of the HIndu faith
 
Pradakshina -
                         circumambulation of the altar, temple etc (see giri circumambulation of the mountain such as Arunachala.
 
Sanga -
            community
 
Sangam -
              a meeting point
 
Satsang -
                a meeting of people for study, discussion and experience of spiritually motivated subjects. 
 
Shaktipat -
                  the transmission of power from guru to shishya, or the descent of grace of the guru.
 
 
Tapas-
             hardships, denials or austerities adopted by a spiritual aspirant to burn away lethargy and unawareness, and to develop inner heat and spiritual endeavour.
 
Vairagya -
             non-attachment

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