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
