This dictionary is specialised and unique in its construct. Unfolds an array of classifications that allows the development of multiple concepts just by following the trails of bold words.

1. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Scholar’s Terms
First Edition
Octavian Sarbatoare

3. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Scholar’s Terms

4. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
First published in Australia in Dec. 2009 by
Sarbatoare Publications, Sydney, NSW
For other publications SEARCH ‘Octavian Sarbatoare’ at
National Library of Australia: http://www.nla.gov.au/
sarbatoare@hotmail.com
Copyright © Octavian Sarbatoare 2009
All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism
or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without
written permission. Inquiries should be addressed to the author or legal representative.
Australian National Library Cataloguing-in-Publication data:
A Sanskrit dictionary of spirituality: scholar’s terms
ISBN 978 0 9807337 0 9.
1. Sanskrit language - Dictionaries. 2. Spiritual direction. I. Title.
294.2
Typeset by Sarbatoare Publications
2

5. Octavian Sarbatoare
A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Scholar’s Terms
Sarbatoare Publications
Sydney

6. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Preface to first edition and introduction
This dictionary is specialised and unique in its construct. Unfolds an array of
classifications that allows the development of multiple concepts just by following the
trails of bold words. In order to avoid repeating explanations, under various entries, a
certain spiritual word is described in one place only. This makes the dictionary very
compact.
The main text is arranged in roman alphabetical order. This method does not take
into account having a certain order of letters with diacritical signs (i.e. bars above
vowels or the dots under consonants), although it keeps correct the international
transliteration of Devanāgari, the Sanskrit alphabet. Those readers having knowledge
of Devanāgari, can easily write any word from its transliterated form.
Many Sanskrit composed words are split in order to make it easy for the reader, but
they can be written in composed or separated forms equally. For this reason the
arrangement in roman alphabetical order does not take into account the space
between two words.
The dictionary does not provide lengthy description of words, but emphasises on
the key spiritual meanings and connections with other entries. The explanation of
various yogic or other techniques is beyond the purpose of this work; they have to be
learned from specialized written material or a qualified teacher, etc.
Sometimes there is more than one significance behind an entry. The alternatives are
mentioned without going in much detail, but as guidance for further studies only. The
few roots or literal information mentioned herein are to emphasize the significance of
an entry. For more details about the origination of words should be consulted
specialised Sanskrit dictionaries.
This work contains many useful classifications in Hindu spirituality. A number of
classical works names are mentioned, thus allowing the reader to pursue further
studies on the subject. There is of course a larger Sanskrit spiritual terminology,
however a limit has to be set up in regards to the details herein presented.
The basic text was finalised during one of my trips to India at Deoghar in the year
2001. But, its publication waited until 2009, when the conditions were proper for an
easy presentation to the public, considering the multiple possibilities that are now
available on the Net.
This dictionary is made for the serious spiritual seeker only, the one who is ready to
undertake research into the deep field of Indian consciousness thought. For many
years to come this free electronic book will be present on the Internet for the purpose
of serving the keen seeker of spiritual liberation.
Octavian Sarbatoare
Sydney, 2009, Australia
4

7. A
A
Abhaya
Daiv2sampat-s
Fearlessness as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Abhaya Mudr1
Bhaya)
Bhaya
The gesture of dispelling fear (Bhaya
Abhigamana
vide Up1sana
Abhim1na
The ego awareness, a synonym for Asmit1
Abhimata
A pleasant object for meditation
vide also Dhy1na
Abhinive0a
Kle0a-s,
Will to live, as one of the five Kle0a known also as !0i=
vide V1san1
Abhi=eka
A ceremonial purification either of a deity or an individual by bathing or sprinkling water
Abhivyakti
Manifestation
Abhivyaktik1ra9a,
vide also Abhivyaktik1ra9a Vyakta
Abhivyaktik1ra9a
Vyakta)
Vyakta
The cause of manifestation (Vyakta
Abhy1sa
Practical application of spiritual teachings as a way to obtain perfection and liberation
Abhy1sin
Abhy1sa;
A practitioner of any form of Abhy1sa a S1dhaka or Yog2
!camana
A ceremonial rite of sipping water from the palm of the hand and sprinkling it on the body on
various parts for the purpose of purification
It is used also for purification before meals or religious ceremonies.
Ac1pala
Daiv2sampat-s
Absence of fickleness as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
!c1ra
Lit. 'manner of action, conduct, practice; rule'
5

8. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Way of spiritual life
Ved1c1ra, Vai=9av1c1ra,
In Tantra are distinguished seven ways of spiritual life namely Ved1c1ra Vai=9av1c1ra
)aiv1c1ra, Dak=i91c1ra, V1m1c1ra,
)aiv1c1ra Dak=i91c1ra V1m1c1ra Siddh1nt1c1ra and Kul1c1ra.
!c1ra Tantra
The practice of Tantra
!c1rya
Teacher
!cch1v1ka
!cch1v1ka
Lit. 'the one who invites'
Veda-s
In the Veda a helper priest assisting the Hot4 priest
!d1na
The action of taking or receiving
vide also Ana^gamadan1^ku01
!dar0a
The sense of super-ordinary seeing
vide also Pr1tibha
Adbhuta
Rasa-s
Wonder as one of the Rasa
Adha501kha
Lit. 'lower branch'
A representation of the world as having branches below and upper roots as #rdhvam3la of
Brahman
Adha50akti
)akti-s
The lower, one of the Ku98alin2 )akti
!dh1ra
Support; foundation
!dh1ra Padma
Centre in the body for Dh1ra9a practicing, known also as De0a
Adharma
Bh1va-s;
Sin as one of the eight Bh1va unrighteousness
vide also Dharma
Adhideva
vide Adhidevat1
Adhidevat1
Presiding (tutelary) deity, same as Adhideva
Adhik1ra
Lit. 'right, privilege'
6

9. A
One's competency for spiritual S1dhan1 as assessed by the Guru before initiation
Adhik1rabheda
Lit. 'right of separation'
The coexistence of various doctrines and believes in the history of India, all as forms of one Reality
Sat)
Sat
(Sat
Adhik1rin
Lit. 'fit for; entitled to'
A name of a qualified aspirant for spiritual life, a competent S1dhaka
Adhim1tra T2vrasa%vega
T2vrasa%vega-s
High intensity of eagerness as one of the three T2vrasa%vega
Adhi=7h1na
Lit. 'abode, residence, site; standing by'
A locus or medium to experience with
Adhvabheda
At2ta, Dharma-s
The process of time difference between At2ta Vartam1na and An1gata Dharma
Adhvara
Veda-s
In the Veda a non-injuring sacrifice consisting of preliminary preparations and duties before the
sacrifice itself
vide also Adhvaryu
Adhvaryu
$rvija-s)
One of the four Vedic priests ($rvija the one who chants the hymns of the Yajur Veda while
$rvija
performing Adhvara
Pratiprasth1t4, Unnet4.
An Adhvaryu is assisted by three helper priests viz. Pratiprasth1t4 Ne=74 and Unnet4
Adhy1tma
Lit. 'origin of !tma'
The Supreme Spirit; the science of the Supreme Spirit as )1stra
Adhy1tma Vidy1
Knowledge of the Supreme Spirit
!din1tha (also !d20vara)
Guru,
A name of )iva as the original Guru the Primal Lord
Aditi
Lit. 'boundless, infinity'
One of the most ancient known Mother Goddess referred to in the $g Veda as being the daughter
of Dak=a, mother of the !ditya and of the gods
Dak=a !ditya-s
!d20vara (see !din1tha)
!ditya
Lit. 'primal light'
A Vedic class of deities; principle sustaining nature and the universe
7

10. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
!ditya-s, correlating with the twelve solar months. The most
Traditionally there are twelve !ditya
S3rya) A%s1, Aryaman,
important is Savit4 (S3rya hence the name !ditya for the Sun God. The are: A%s1 Aryaman
S3rya
Bhaga, Dak=a, Mitra, P3=an, )akra, Savit4, Tva=74, Varu9a,
Bhaga Dak=a Mitra P3=an )akra Savit4 Tva=74 Varu9a Vi=9u and Vivasvat (ref.
ra9yaka,
Taittir2ya !ra9yaka I.13).
vide also Antar1ditya Vidy1
!diyog1c1rya
oga,
The first teacher of Yoga i.e. )iva
Adroha
Daiv2sampat-s
Absence of hatred as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Advaita
Lit. 'without duality'
The doctrine of non-duality in which the Supreme Soul Param1tman is identified with the human
Soul J2v1tman
All existence is being regarded as one reality. )a^kara is the best known writer on the subject.
!dy1
Lit. 'eternal'
)akti-s; )akti-s
One of the Nity1 )akti the original )akti who is the source of all other Nity1 )akti
Tripurasundar2, A^gi
!dy1 Nity1 )akti corresponds to the full-moon. It is known also as Tripurasundar2 A^gi Nity1
and symbolizes Dev2 Herself. The Mantra for !dy1 Nity1 is Sklhr2%.
!dy1 Nity1 )akti
The eternal original power
vide also !dy10akti, Vimar0a )akti
!dy10akti
Primordial power as aspect of the goddess K1l2
!dy10akti, )akti,
!dy10akti !dy1 Nity1 )akti Vimar0a )akti are all the same.
!gama
Lit. 'coming near, approaching; studying; acquisition of knowledge'
Authoritative work; testimony
Tantra-s P1rvat2)
Sacred works of Tantra in which )iva is Guru (spiritual teacher) and Dev2 (as P1rvat2 is
)i=ya (disciple); a testimony based on a previous Pram19a and if correct imparted is one of the
Pram19a-s.
three Pram19a
vide also Nigama
!g1mikarma
Action yet to be performed and its results
Agastya
Name of a sage, also a name of )iva
Aghora
Lit. 'not terrific'
)iva; Dev2.
A name of )iva a worshipper of )iva and Dev2 Aghori is a female Aghora
8

11. A
vide also Aghora M1rga
Aghora M1rga
)aiva-s
A particular sect of )aiva of non-conventional practices considered to be pure Tantra adepts
T1ntrika-s)
T1ntrika
(T1ntrika
Aghori
vide Aghora
!gney2 Dh1ra91
Pa6cadh1ra91
ra91-s
The Dh1ra91 on fire as one of the Pa6cadh1ra91
Agni
Lit. 'fire'
Agnideva;
The Vedic god of fire known also as Agnideva the sacrificial fire; the fire of the stomach; the
N182;
Devat1 of Su=umn1 N182 the power of transformation
Indra-s
As a Vedic god Agni was Indra brother and essential to the practice of ritual sacrifice. As
Veda-s, Agni is of three kinds namely G1rhapatya Dak=i9a (or
sacrificial fire in the Veda G1rhapatya,
Anv1h1ryapacana) !havan2ya. Cit),
Anv1h1ryapacana and !havan2ya Esoterically Agni is the consciousness (Cit the three kinds
Cit
Ma9ip3ra,
of sacrificial fires are expressions of levels of awareness and therefore equated with Ma9ip3ra
An1hata and Vi0uddhi CakraCakra-s.
J1thar1gni, S3rya, Agnitraya, Cidvahni, Indra,
vide also J1thar1gni S3rya Agnitraya Cidvahni Agni S3rya Indra Upakosala Vidy1
Agni B2ja
The Mantra Ra% associated with Ma9ip3ra Cakra
Agnicayana
The act of preparing the Vedic sacrificial fireplace
Agnideva
vide Agni
Agn2dhra
In the Veda-s a helper priest assisting the Br1hma9a priest by kindling the sacrificial fire
Veda
Agnig4ha
A place keeping the sacred fire known also as Agni01la
Agni G4hapati
Agni the lord of the house with the sacred fire; the fire of the body
Devas3-s, Agni.
It is also one of the eight Devas3 an aspect of Agni
Agnihoma
The oblation put into the sacrificial fire like milk, ghee, cooked cereal, etc., according to the ritual
of Agnihotra
Homa.
It is also known as Homa
Agnihotra
The rite of sacrificing to Agni
It is of two kinds namely Nitya (necessary) and K1mya (optional). Agnihotra rite is concluded by
Agni).
Agnyupasth1na (the worship of Agni Vide Hotr1 Arghya Havi for the object of oblation with
9

12. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
fire. As a yogic practice Agnihotra is identified with Pr191y1ma.
vide also !tm1rpa9a
Agnihotr1h3ti
Mantra-s)
The rite of sacrificing (oblation) to Agni with invocation (recitation) of sacred formulas (Mantra
Mantra
Agnihotrin
$tvija-s)
$tvija
The performer of an oblation to fire; one of the four Vedic priests ($tvija the one who chants the
hymns of the Rg Veda
Hot4.
Same as Hotrin or Hot4
Agnikha98a
Cakra-s
Group containing M3l1dh1ra and Sv1dhi=7h1na Cakra and Brahmagranthi
Agni,
The presiding deity of this Kha98a is Agni the Gu9a is Tamas and corresponds to the cosmic
planes to Bh3rloka, Bhuvarloka and Svarloka.
Bh3rloka Bhuvarloka
Agniko9a
The quarter ruled by Agni on southeast position known also as Agnidi0
Agniku98a
vide Homaku98a
Agnis1ra Dhauti
vide Antardhauti
Agni S3rya Indra
Veda-s
The trinity of Veda
Tantra-s
There is a fundamental parallel with the concept of J61t1 J61na J6eya in the Tantra in which
J61t1), J61na)
Agni becomes the one who knows (J61t1 S3rya the knowledge (J61na and Indra the object of
J61t1 J61na
J6eya).
J6eya
knowledge (J6eya
vide also Indra Agni Soma S3rya, Sat Cit !nanda
S3rya
Agnis3tra
Br1hma9a's
The thread of fire as a rite for a young Br1hma9a investiture
Agnitraya
Agni)
The three sacrificial (sacred) fires (vide Agni known also as Agnitret1
Agniv1din
Worshipper of fire
Agni Yoga
The fire of Yoga generated by various techniques, Pr191y1ma being the most important
It is considered that a Yoga practitioner starts the spiritual growth once touched by the fire of
Yoga.
Aha%
Lit. 'I'
Devan1gari)
Devan1gari
The union of A the first letter and Ha the last letter of the Sanskrit alphabet (Devan1gari
M1t4k1,
This union contains within all the letters of the M1t4k1 therefore as a Mantra is an expression of
10

13. A
)abda in all its forms.
Aha%brahm1smi
Brahman', Upani=ad-s
'I am Brahman a celebrated statement in the Upani=ad
vide also Mah1v1kya
Aha%k1ra
Lit. 'I am the doer'
The principle of Ego-formation as kind of separation from the divine
It is fundamental that Aha%k1ra has to die before the higher consciousness will emerge. The
explosion of Aha%k1ra happens in !j6a Cakra
Cakra.
Vajre0var2, Cakra,
vide also Vajre0var2 Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra !k10a
Aha%k1r1kar=i92
The attractive power of Aha%k1ra
vide also Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
Aha%k1ratattva
Aha%k1ratattva
The Tattva of Aha%k1ra
!h1ra
Lit. 'food'
The dietary rules as part of Yoga practices
Gu9a-s.
The food is divided according to the three Gu9a
!havan2ya Agni
One of the three sacrificial fires taken from the G1rhapatya Agni
In this fire the oblation is offered. In the human body it is located in the neck area. Esoterically it
Cakra.
represents the level of consciousness of Vi0uddhi Cakra
vide also Agni
Ahi%s1
Lit. 'non-injuring'
Daiv2sampat-s Yama-s
Non-injury or non-violence as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat and one of the five Yama in
Yoga
Ahi%s1prati=7h1
A state in which Ahi%s1 is firmly established
In the presence of a Yog2 possessing Ahi%s1prati=7h1 all enmities will cease.
side also Vairaty1ga
!h3ti
Lit. 'invoking'
Mantra-s)
Mantra
A sacred rite of offering oblation with fire accompanied by certain magic formulas (Mantra
vide also Agnihotr1h3ti
Ai0varya
Bh1va-s
Competence as one of the eight Bh1va
11

14. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
vide also Anai0varya
!j1naja Deva
Lit. 'born in the world of gods'
A god by birth
A person of remarkable divine qualities supposed to be inherited from previous births. Another kind
of god is a Karma Deva, who is created by own actions, i.e. he/ she has to work to qualify for the
name.
vide also !nandamaya Vidy1
Ajap1 G1yatr2
vide Soham
Ajapa Japa
Mantra
The recitation of Ha%sa5 Mantra or Soham Mantra with awareness of the breath, also known as
Ajapajapa
!j61
Lit. 'to perceive, understand'
Order, command
!j61 Cakra
The Cakra of command
Cakra-s
One of the major Cakra in the human body !j61 Cakra is located at the Medulla Oblongata, the
Bhr3madhya.
top of the vertebral column i.e. behind the Bhr3madhya The level of awareness in !j61 Cakra is
Taparloka.
Taparloka
Yuktatrive92, Cak=u, Cak=u, Netra, Itarali^ga,
vide also Yuktatrive92 J61na Cak=u Divya Cak=u J61na Netra Itarali^ga Aha%k1ra
!j61na
Avidy1; Bh1va-s
A synonym for Avidy1 ignorance as one of the eight Bh1va
vide also J61na
!k1ra
!k1ra
With form; manifested as a name for Sagu9a Brahman
vide also Nir1k1ra
!kar=a9a Siddhi
The power of attracting
vide also Siddhi
!k10a
Ether; space
A%0a-s Aha%k1ra, Citta, Buddhi,
The A%0a (constituent parts) of !k10a in the Pi98198a are Aha%k1ra Citta Buddhi Manas
Anta5kara9a.
and Anta5kara9a
vide also Bh3ta
!k10atattva
!k10a,
The Tattva of !k10a known also as Vyomatattva
!k10atattva,
In the !k10atattva J2v1tman resides dormant and non-manifest in the human body.
12

15. A
!k10a Vidy1
The knowledge of !k10a
Vidy1, Vidy1-s)
A Veda Vidy1 (one of the thirty-two Vidy1 referring to !k10a as pervading everything. This
endless Tattva has to be seen in connection with the Tanm1tra of )abda and the sound of
Udg2tha.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
!k102 Dh1ra91
Pa6cadh1ra91-s
The Dh1ra91 on space as one of the Pa6cadh1ra91
Akha98a
Without division
vide also Kha98a
Kha98a
Akha981gni
Uninterrupted fire
Akrodha
Krodha) Daiv2sampat-s
Absence of anger (Krodha as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Krodha
Ak=a
vide Rudr1k=a
Ak=am1
Not letting go of a negative experience as opposed to K=am1
Ak=ara
Lit. 'imperishable'
O%;
A syllable; a name for the syllable O% a name for Brahman
Ak=ar1k=ara Vidy1
Brahman)
Brahman
The knowledge of the imperishable (Brahman
Vidy1, Vidy1-s
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 in which the knowledge of Brahman is the higher
Vidy1 by which the imperishable is realized.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Ak=ayapatra
Ak=ayapatra
Lit. 'never ending leaf'
A symbol of abundance, as the leaf could serve as plate for food
Ak=i Vidy1
The knowledge of the eye
Vidy1, Vidy1-s.
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 It is a Devay1na path in which Puru=a is meditated
upon internally as Indra in the right eye and Indr192 in the left eye. The conjoint meditation leads
to the knowledge of Sagu9a Brahman if this Vidy1 as correlated with Antar1ditya Vidy1.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Akula
vide Kaula
13

16. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Alabdhabh3mikatva
Vik=epa-s
The state of lack of concentration as one of the nine Citta Vik=epa
Alakhb1ra
Lit. 'invisible boundary'
Sanny1sin-s
A place of seclusion where Paramaha%sa Sanny1sin live
!lambana
Object of an experience having !0raya as its basis
vide also V1san1
Ala%bus1 N182
The N182 connected to the centre of the forehead
Cakra,
vide also Sarvasaubh1gyad1yaka Cakra Sarvasa%k=obhi92
!lasya
Vik=epa-s Varjana-s
Laziness as one of the nine Citta Vik=epa and one of the seven Varjana
Ali^ga
Lit. 'without sign'
Prak4ti; Gu9a-s
A synonym for Avyakta Prak4ti a stage of non-differentiation when Gu9a are in equilibrium and
Asmit1 Sam1dhi is experienced (vide Gu9aparva)
Gu9aparva
!loka
Loka-s
Light as experience beyond the Loka
vide also Jyoti=mat2 Prav4tti
Aloluptva
Daiv2sampat-s
Freedom from desire as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Amanaska
The knowledge of Brahman beyond the mental plane
vide also Manaska
Am1nitva
Humility as a virtue of wisdom
Ambhas2 Dh1ra91
Pa6cadh1ra91-s
The Dh1ra91 on water as one of the Pa6cadh1ra91
Ambik1
Great Mother as a name of Dev2
Amla
Rasa-s)
Rasa
Sour, one of the essential tastes (Rasa
Am4ta
Nectar of immortality, ambrosia
vide also Soma, Soma Rasa
Am4t1kar=i92
14

17. A
The attractive power of Am4ta
vide also Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
Am4ta P1n
Am4ta)
Am4ta
Taking of the nectar (Am4ta
Tantric ritual of divine nectar. There are external and internal techniques.
Am4t1p3r9a
Lit. 'filled with nectar'
A state of purity of mind of a Yog2
vide also A=7asiddhi
A%s1
!ditya-s
The share of gods, one of the twelve !ditya
A%0a
Constituent part of a classification
An1gata Dharma
Dharma-s
The inherent property of future time as a potential state, one of the three Dharma (as inherent
properties of time)
The knowledge of An1gata Dharma and Adhvabheda will enable one to have time experiences
and change the world of time as An1gata becomes Vartam1na and Vartam1na becomes At2ta.
An1h1ra
Varjana-s
Fasting (or not eating enough) as one of the seven Varjana
vide also Mit1h1ra
An1hata Cakra
Lit. 'un-struck Cakra'
The Cakra located on the vertebral column behind the centre of the chest
Tvak, P19i,
This Cakra is associated with the J61nendriya of Tvak the Karmendriya of P19i the Tanm1tra
Spar0a Ko0a,
of Spar0a, is the centre for Pr19a V1yu and the seat of Manomaya Ko0a the level of awareness
Maharloka.
is Maharloka
vide also K1kin2
An1hata Dhvani
vide An1hata )abda
An1hata )abda
The un-struck, silent sound as subtle transcendental state known also as An1hata Dhvani
Anai0varya
Bh1va-s
Incompetence as one of the eight Bh1va
vide also Ai0varya
!nanda
Lit. 'happiness, bliss; enjoyment; sensual pleasure; delight; the act of enjoying'
Pure happiness as one of the three attributes of !tman
15

18. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
vide also Ana^gamadan1
!nandalahar2
Lit. 'wave of enjoyment'
The Tantric hymn of )a^kar1c1rya addressed to his wife P1rvat2
!nandamaya Ko0a
The body of bliss as sphere of consciousness
It is the expression of the balanced aspect of the inner spirit and the experience of a blissful state
)ar2ra,
and has its seat in the Bindu Visarga. !nandamaya Ko0a forms K1ra9a )ar2ra the causal
Prak4ti.
body going beyond the manifestations of Prak4ti
!nandamaya Vidy1
The knowledge of bliss
Vidy1-s) Ko0a
A Veda Vidy1 (one of the thirty-two Vidy1 refers to the knowledge of !nandamaya Ko0a and
Manu=ya, Gandharva, Gandharva,
various evolutionary stages namely Manu=ya Manu=ya Gandharva Deva Gandharva Pit4,
Deva, Deva, Deva, Indra, B4haspati,
!j1naja Deva Karma Deva Deva Indra B4haspati Praj1pati and Sagu9a Brahman.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
!nanda Sam1dhi
!tmadra=7a
A stage of Sam1dhi in which the !tmadra=7a is able to experience the essential nature of thought
This state is known also as !nanda Asampraj61ta Sam1dhi.
Ana^ga
Lit. 'bodiless'
)iva's Cak=u)
A name of K1madeva (after he was burned to ashes by )iva third eye Cak=u as love without a
body
The esoteric explanation of Ana^ga is that K1ma as desire exists even without an object of desire
(vide commentary on K1ma).
K1ma
Ana^gakusum1
The mental faculty of being attracted
It corresponds to the human expressing of Vacana (speaking) symbolized by Kusuma.
Sarva0a%k=obha9a
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^gamadan1
The mental faculty of loving
It corresponds to the human expressing of !nanda (enjoying) symbolized by Madan1.
Cakra, Madan1,
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra Madan1 Ana^ga
Ana^gamadan1^ku01
The mental faculty of being attached
It corresponds to the human expressing of !d1na (taking) symbolized by A^ku0a.
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^gamadan1tur1
The mental faculty of being lovesick
It corresponds to the human expressing of Gamana (going) symbolized by Madan1tur1.
16

19. A
Sarva0a%k=obha9a
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^gam1lin2
The mental faculty of wanting to be accepted
It corresponds to the human attitude of Up1d1na (accepting) symbolized by M1l1.
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^gamekhal1
The mental faculty of being proud
It corresponds to the human attitude of Upek=a (ignoring) symbolized by Mekhal1.
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^garekh1
The mental faculty of being detached
It corresponds to the human attitude of H1na (rejecting) symbolized by Rekh1.
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ana^gavegan2
Ana^gavegan2
The mental faculty of being excited
It corresponds to the human attitude of Visarga (excreting) symbolized by Vega.
vide also Sarva0a%k=obha9a Cakra
Ananta
Lit. 'infinite, endless'
N1gan1yaka),
The name of )e=a ()e=an1ga or N1gan1yaka the snake-god (or serpent-king) of a thousand
)e=an1ga
Vi=9u's
heads who serves as Vi=9u couch.
Anantav1da
The doctrine of infinity
Anavasthitatva
Vik=epa-s
The state of instability as one of the nine Citta Vik=epa
A98api98a
Brahm198a)
Brahm198a Pi98198a)
Pi98198a
Macrocosm (Brahm198a and Microcosm (Pi98198a
A^ga
Lit. 'limb; part; step'
Mantra,
A subdivision of a science or of a Mantra etc.; the body; the mind; accessory
vide also A=71^ga Yoga
A^gamejayatva
The activity of unsteadiness of the mind
Vik=epasahabh3-s
As one of the four Vik=epasahabh3 it is connected to Pr19amaya Ko0a
A^ga Ny1sa
A^ga)
A^ga
Tantric rite of touching certain parts of the body (A^ga
A^ga P3j1
17

20. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Worship with offering especially of flowers to the several parts of Lord's body
A^ga Vidy1
The esoteric knowledge and interpretation of various marks on the body
A^gay1ga
A subordinate sacrificial rite
vide also Y1ga
A^gi Nity1
vide !dy1
A^giras
Veda-s;
Name of a $=i in the Veda seer; ray
vide also Sapta4=i
A^gu=7ham1tra Vidy1
J2va)
J2va
The knowledge of the Soul (J2va
Vidy1, Vidy1-s.
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 The term A^gu=7ham1tra for the soul denotes
something which is extremely fine, having residence in the heart.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Anib1dha
Unobstructed, without obstacles; liberty
A9im1
Lit. 'minuteness'
One of the eight yogic powers of becoming as small as an atom
Siddhi,
vide also Siddhi A=7asiddhi
A9im1di
A=7asiddhi
vide A=7asiddhi
A6jali
Reverence, salutation
A6jali Mudr1
The gesture of placing side by side the open hands in front of the body as kind of reverence
A6jana Siddhi
The power of making clear
vide also Siddhi
A6janat1
The quality of identifying with the form of an object as a result of Am4t1p3r9a
A^ku0a
Lit. 'goad'
A representation of Dve=a
vide also Ana^gamadan1^ku01, P101^ku0a
18

21. A
Anna
Food
Annamaya Ko0a
The body of nourishment as sphere of consciousness
)ar2ra, M3l1dh1ra
It forms Sth3la )ar2ra the gross body having its seat in the M3l1dh1ra Cakra. This Ko0a is the
expression and experience of the gross matter.
Anna Yoga
The Yoga of food based on !h1ra rules
Anta5kara9a
Lit. 'the internal organ'
The thinking faculty of mind
vide also !k10a
Antar
Inner
Antar1ditya Vidy1
The knowledge of the inner sun
Vidy1, Vidy1-s.
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 The right eye represents the sun, the left eye the
moon, meditation on this Vidy1 has an external form leading to the knowledge of Sagu9a
Brahman if correlated with Ak=i Vidy1.
Dv1tri%0at
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Antar1k10a
Inner space
Antara^ga
The internal stage, the inner expression as opposed to Bahira^ga
Antar1ya
vide Citta Vik=ep1
Antardhauti
Yogic technique of inner purification
Antardhauti-s V1tas1ra, V1ris1ra, Agnis1ra)
There are four main Antardhauti viz. V1tas1ra V1ris1ra Vahnis1ra (or Agnis1ra and
Bahi=k4ta.
Antardhy1na
Inner deep meditation
Antarindriya
An internal organ
Antarindriya-s Manas, Citta, Buddhi,
In Ved1nta there are four Antarindriya viz. Manas Citta Buddhi and Aha%k1ra.
Antarj61na
The knowledge coming from within
Antary1ga
19

22. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Inner worship
Y1ga
ga,
vide also Y1ga Bahiry1ga
Antasa^kalpa
A terminal spiritual stage of a Yog2 who has experienced Dharmamegha Sam1dhi when there is
no urge to fulfil anything.
A9u
Atom
Tanm1tra,
vide also Tanm1tra Param19u
A9ubh3ti
Lit. 'perception'
The generic term which describes the spiritual experience as various degrees of experience of
consciousness, another term to describe Sam1dhi in Yoga
Anugraha
Lit. 'kindness, favour; conferring benefits'
Blessing, grace
Anulomaviloma
Kind of Pr191y1ma as technique of alternate breathe
Anusa%dh1na
Lit. 'investigation, searching into; plan'
Discovery
Anu=7h1na
Lit. 'performance; undertaking; practice'
The accomplishment of an act with absolute discipline according to a definite plan; the Sa^kalpa
of an act
Anu=7h1na-s Japa, J61na, T1pasya, Yoga, Tantra,
There is a wide range of Anu=7h1na like Japa J61na T1pasya Yoga Tantra etc.
Anusv1ra
vide Bindu
Anv1h1ryapacana Agni
vide Agni
Ap
Water
A%0a-s Tanm1tra-s.
The A%0a of Ap in the Pi98198a are the five Tanm1tra
vide also Bh3ta
Apai0una
Daiv2sampat-s
Absence of crookedness as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Ap1na
The V1yu which expels the life-force from the body
20

23. A
Cakra, Sarvasampatprad1,
vide also Sarv1rthas1dhaka Cakra Sarvasampatprad1 Devasu=i
Ap1na Mudr1
Mudr1)
The gesture (Mudr1 of acquiring (preserving) Ap1na energy
Mudr1
Apara
Lower or worldly knowledge
Apar1jita
Lit. 'invincible, unsurpassed'
The palace in the Brahmaloka representing the R3pa of Brahm1 as a stage to be overcome in
order to reach Parya^ka
Mah10akti,
vide also Mah10akti Parya^ka Vidy1
Apar1ntaj61na
The knowledge of death
Nirupakrama Karma-s.
It is known by practicing Sa%yama on Sopakrama and Nirupakrama Karma
Aparigraha
Yama-s
Non-receiving as one of the five Yama
Aparigrahaprati=7h1
A state in which Aparigraha is firmly established
A Yog2 possessing Aparigrahaprati=7h1 will get the memory of past life because the mind is
purified.
Aparok=1nubh3ti
Lit. 'perception of the perceptible'
The personal experience of the Divine with form as experience of Bhakti
Apavarga
Lit. 'turned off'
A synonym for Mok=a
Apsaras
Nymph, angelic creature
!ptaj61na
Dharmamegha
The spiritual stage of a Yog2 who has experienced Dharmamegha Sam1dhi when the veil of
knowledge has been removed
It allows a different kind of experience because there is nothing left to be known., thus real
J61na)
J61na
knowledge (J61na is accomplished.
!ptak1ma
Dharmamegha
The spiritual stage of a Yog2 who has experienced Dharmamegha Sam1dhi when there is
nothing left to be desired
Yog2’s Siddhi-s
In this stage Yog2 desires are completely fulfilled, Siddhi do arise naturally, the complete
Brahmacarya is obtained as the Yog2 does not respond to the sexual sensation of any form.
Aptattva
21

24. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
The Tattva of Ap known also as Toyatattva
Apunya
Lack of merit
!ra
One of the lakes before entering into S1lajja city in the Brahmaloka
Pa6c1gni-s.
The crossing of !ra and (ya means overcoming the Pa6c1gni .
vide also Parya^ka Vidy1
!r1dhana
Worship, adoration; a ceremony to propitiate a deity
!ra%bha Avasth1
A Yoga Avasth1 of a Yog2 after overcoming the Brahmagranthi
!ra9i
Piece of wood
!ra9i-s
Two !ra9i are used to kindle the sacred fire by attrition, they represent mind and body, heaven
and earth, father and mother, i.e. the bringing together of polarities.
!ra9yaka
Lit. 'forest; produced in the forest'
A specific kind of Vedic literature
S1lajja.
!ra and (ya are the two lakes as obstacles before entering in the city of Brahm1 named S1lajja
vide also Parya^ka Vidy1
!ra9y1yama
!ra9y1yama
Lit. 'walking in the forest'
Celibacy
Arcan1 (also Arcana
Arcana)
A^ga-s
One of the nine A^ga of Bhaki Yoga as the devotional act of ritual worship of the Divine
Ardhan1r20vara
A conjoined representation of )iva and )akti as symbol of their unity
)aiva-s )1kta-s
The )aiva worship the male or the right side, the )1kta the female or the left side.
Arghya
Offering, oblation
Hotr1, Arghya,
vide also Hotr1 Arghya Havi
Ari=7a
Apar1ntaj61na)
Apar1ntaj61na
The omen of knowledge of death (Apar1ntaj61na
!rjava
Daiv2sampat-s
Straightforwardness as one of twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Arjuna
Mah1bh1rata,
One of the five P19dava brothers in the epic Mah1bh1rata disciple and companion of the Lord
22

25. A
K4=9a in Bhagavad G2t1
!roha9a
The act of ascending as opposed to Avaroha9a
Arpa9avidy1
The Para (supreme) worship of Dev2
Artha
Lit. 'aim, purpose'
Wealth, material gains; object of the senses
Puru=1rtha,
vide also Puru=1rtha Savitarka Sam1dhi
Aru9a
The impulsive One
V1gdev2-s
One of the V1gdev2 corresponding to the mental activity of Icch1 (wish).
vide also Sarvarogahara Cakra
Ar3pa
Formless as opposed to R3pa (with form) as one of characteristics of the Self
Arvan
Lit. 'primal power'
Veda-s
In the Veda the stallion as representing the primal power
Arya
Lit. 'nobleman'
The Aryan people and their tradition
!rya Dharma
Lit. 'path of noble people'
vide Veda
Aryaman
!ditya-s
Nobility as one of the twelve !ditya
A=18ha
The month corresponding to parts of June/ July
vide also M1sa
Asampraj61ta Sam1dhi
Kind of Sam1dhi in which the practitioner has overcome the stage of differentiation going beyond
Pratyaya, a%sk1ra-s
Pratyaya but still in the presence of Sa%sk1ra
Sam1dhi.
It is an intermediate state of Sam1dhi
!sana
Lit. 'sitting'
Pi98198a)
Pi98198a
Yogic or Tantric posture as form of integration of the human body (Pi98198a with the cosmic
Brahm198a)
Brahm198a
body (Brahm198a
23

26. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
A^ga-s Pata6jali. sana-s,
In Yoga one of the eight A^ga of the A=71^ga Yoga of Pata6jali Through !sana D48hat1
!sana-s.
is obtained. There is an exoteric and esoteric symbolism of !sana
Yog1sana,
vide also Yog1sana Tantr1sana
Asat
The non-manifested; the state beyond Sat and the cause of Sat
Avyakta,
vide also Avyakta Sad Vidy1
Asatya
Falsehood as opposed to Satya (truth)
!0i=
vide Abhinive0a
Asmit1
Kle=a-s; Indriya-s)
Egoism as on of the five Kle=a the material cause of the sense organs (Indriya
Indriya
vide also Abhim1na
Asmit1 Sam1dhi
A stage of Sam1dhi in which the !tmadra=7a will experience what is beyond thought and own
awareness
Sam1dhi.
Known as Asmit1 Asampraj61ta Sam1dhi, it culminates in Nirb2ja Sam1dhi
!0rama
Lit. 'the abode of ascetics, a hermitage; a stage in the life of a person'
Spiritual retreat
!0rama-s Brahmac1rin, G4hastha
tha,
Traditionally there are four !0rama of a man's life as lifestyles viz. Brahmac1rin G4hastha
Sa%ny1sin. !0rama,
V1naprastha and Sa%ny1sin The main purpose of an !0rama as spiritual retreat for a
Sa%ny1sin, Karma-s,
Sa%ny1sin is to exhaust own Karma so allowing the negativity to be released, in short
Karma.
reinvesting own Karma
!0raya
!lambana
Support or basis of an experience for !lambana (object of an experience)
vide also V1san1
A=71^ga Yoga
Lit. 'Yoga of the eight steps'
S3tra-s Yama,
The system of Yoga as thought in Yoga S3tra of Pata6jali as a eight-fold path, i.e. Yama
Niyama, !sana Pr191y1ma, Praty1h1ra, Dh1ra9a, Dhy1na,
Niyama !sana, Pr191y1ma Praty1h1ra Dh1ra9a Dhy1na and Sam1dhi
A=7asiddhi
A=7asiddhi
Siddhi-s
The eight Siddhi known also as A9im1di
Siddhi-s A9im1, Mahim1, Garim1, Laghim1,
Traditionally there are only eight major Siddhi namely A9im1 Mahim1 Garim1 Laghim1
Pr1pti, Pr1k1mya, Va0itva.
Pr1pti Pr1k1mya I0itva and Va0itva Their acquisition is a result of mastering over the five
Bh3ta-s
Bh3ta and an expression of moving free in the world of Prak4ti.
Asteya
Yama-s
Non-stealing as one of the five Yama
Asteyaprati=7h1
24

27. A
A state in which Asteya is fully established
It is considered that the material goods come to a Yog2 possessing Asteyaprati=7h1.
Asthi
Bone
vide Dh1tu
!stika
!stika
Veda-s
Believer in Veda
Veda-s
All the literature based on Veda is considered to be !stika.
vide also N1stika
Asu
Lit. 'life-force, breath'
Veda-s
In the Veda the spirit surviving death
A0uddhatattva
Tattva-s
The impure Tattva
They consist of the twenty-four Tattva-s from Prak4titattva down to P4thiv2tattva (vide Tattva).
Tattva Tattva
A0uddhi
Element or process which makes impure the body as opposed to )uddhi
Do0a-s A0uddhi-s.
All Do0a are considered to be A0uddhi
A0ukl1k4=9a
Karma-s
The mixed Karma as one of the three accumulated Karma
Asura
The divine or supreme spirit; a demon
A0va
Lit. 'not the self'
Veda-s
In the Veda the swift horse as representing the mind or the manifested energy
!sv1da
The sense of supernatural tasting
vide also Pr1tibha
A0vamedha
The horse sacrifice as a Vedic rite
A0vattha
Lit. 'under which horses stand'
The sacred fig tree Ficus Religiosa, a variety of Banyan tree
Guru.
Esoterically it represents the Guru
vide also Parya^ka Vidy1
!0vina
The month that corresponds to parts of Sept./ Oct.
25

28. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
vide also M1sa
A0vini
Veda-s
In the Veda the divine twin physicians (riding upon horses) said to restore health amongst mortals
as well; the left and right life-force in the breath
A0vini-s Veda-s
A0vini hold a distinct position in the Veda they are practically equated with the energy flow
N182-s.
within Id1 and Pi^gal1 N182
A0vin2 Mudr1
Bhandha-s
The mare Mudr1 as one of the Mudr1 Bhandha
Atalaloka
vide Loka
Atandrita
The state of being alert as a yogic state
Atharva Veda
The name of the fourth Veda known also as Brahmaveda
vide also Tantra
Atij1gara
Varjana-s
Not having enough sleeping as one of the seven Varjana
Atikr1ntabh1van2ya
The most advanced kind of Yog2 the one who has accomplished the transcendence
Atisvapna
Varjana-s
Excessive sleeping as one of the seven Varjana
At2ta Dharma
Dharma-s
The inherent property of past time, one of the three Dharma (as inherent properties of time)
!tma
vide !tman
!tmabh1va
Reality of the individual Soul as one's self condition and beyond any description; the self
Kaivalya;
consciousness leading to Kaivalya the awareness of the self consciousness
!tmabh1va will be experienced only when the Vi0e=a state was transcended.
!tmadar0an
Vision of the Soul
!tmadra=7a
A witness of the self beyond the intellectual consciousness
vide also Nirvic1r1 Sam1dhi
!tmaj61na
Knowledge of the Self
!tmajyoti
26

29. A
The light of the Soul
!tm1kar=i92
The attractive power of !tma
vide also Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
!tman (also !tma
!tma)
Lit. 'the breath; what is spontaneous'
The individual Soul as seed of Brahman present in all creatures
Sat, !nanda
The three attributes of !tman are Sat Cit and !nanda.
vide also Indra Agni Soma S3rya
!tma Nivedana
A^ga-s
One of the nine A^ga of Bhakti Yoga as the devotional act of self-offering to the Divine
!tma Rati
The feelings for the Self as expressions of true Bhakti
Rati-s,
!tma Rati as expressions of devotion and kinds of liberation, are five in number, namely
S1m2pya, S1lokya, S1r3pya,
S1m2pya S1lokya S1r3pya Sar=7i and S1yujya
S1yujya.
Rati,
vide also Rati Rasa
!tm1rpa9a
Lit. 'offering to !tma'
The attitude of offering own action as part of P3j1 (worship) to sanctify the ordinary existence
It is an attitude of giving back to the Divine what really belongs to the Divine. Therefore the
Mudr1, Japa,
ordinary work with hands and body becomes Mudr1 the ordinary talk becomes Japa the act of
eating becomes Homa or Yaj6a, the ordinary walk becomes Pradak=i9a, the act of lying down
Yaj6a Pradak=i9a
Pra91ma, Agnihotra, P3j1,
becomes Pra91ma the act of breathing becomes Agnihotra etc. This is a high form of P3j1 a
continuous awareness of the Self.
!tma )akti
)akti-s
The transcendental awareness as one of the )akti flowing through Su=umn1 N182 as a result of
balancing of Pr19a )akti and Manas )akti the union of space (!k10a and time (K1la
)akti, !k10a)
!k10a K1la)
K1la
)akti)
It is the spiritual kind of energy (vide )akti allowing the occurrence of Anubh3ti experience.
!tmavidy1
The knowledge of the Self
Atri
Name of a $=i
vide also Sapta4=i
Aty1h1ra
Varjana-s
Excessive eating as one of the seven Varjana
vide also Mit1h1ra
Au882y1na P27ha
vide U882y1na P27ha
27

30. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Au%
vide O%
Au=adhi
vide O=adhi
Avadh3ta
Lit. 'one who has rejected all his worldly feelings and obligations'
A highly spiritual person
Avair1gya
Attachment as one of the eight Bh1va-s
Bh1va
vide also Vair1gya
!vara9a
Lit. 'what covers'
The covering of the inner reality on the path of Yoga
!vara9a is one of the two functions of M1y1 as the illusion which covers the inner reality. One of
Pr191y1ma.
the best ways of removing !vara9a is the practice of Pr191y1ma It is a fundamental concept that
!vara9a)
!vara9a
only by removing the covering (!vara9a the higher awareness can be experienced.
!vara9a Devat1
A deity of covering
Devat1-s K1me0var2, Bhagam1lin2
agam1lin2,
There are three !vara9a Devat1 namely K1me0var2 Vajre0var2 and Bhagam1lin2 the deities
covering the light.
vide also Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra
Avaroha9a
The act of descending as opposed to !roha9a
Avasth1
Lit. 'condition'
State of human existence
Avasth1traya)
There are three states (Avasth1traya viz. J1grat (waking), Svapna (dreaming) and Su=upti
Avasth1traya
V4tti-s.
(deep sleep), each one having specific V4tti Beyond Avasth1traya there is one more state known
Tur2ya.
as Tur2ya
Avasth1 Pari91ma
Citta) Pari91ma-s
Transformation of state of mind (Citta accompanying the Pari91ma as a result of Sa%yama
Citta
Avasth1traya
vide Avasth1
Avat1ra
(from Avat4i i.e. to descend)
Incarnation of the Divine upon earth
Avat1ra-s Vi=9u.
The best known Avat1ra are the ten forms of Vi=9u
Avidy1
28

31. A
Kle0a-s;
Ignorance, one of the five Kle0a an error of perception; a human experience of the cosmic M1y1
Kle0a-s, Kle0a-s.
Avidy1 is regarded as the cause of Kle0a its control means the control of all other Kle0a
Avirati
Vik=epa-s
The state of lack of due restraint as one of the nine Citta Vik=epa
Avi0e0a
Lit. 'without difference'
Gu9aparva-s
One of the four Gu9aparva in which Savic1r1 Sam1dhi is experienced
Avyakta
Prak4ti,
The non-manifested principle of creation, the primary germ of Prak4ti the state of non-
differentiation
N1mar3pa. Asat, Brahman,
This state is devoid of N1mar3pa Avyakta is identified with Asat Nirgu9a Brahman
Parabrahman or @0vara.
@0vara
K1me0var2, Cakra, Vyakta,
vide also K1me0var2 Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra Vyakta Ali^ga
Avyakta N1da
The non-manifested sound
vide also N1da
Avyakta Prak4ti
The non-manifested nature, a synonym to Ali^ga
!yam1tma Brahm1
Brahm1' Upani=ad-s
'The extension of the Self is Brahm1 is a celebrated statement in the Upani=ad
vide also Mah1v1kya
!yudha Devat1
A deity bearing weapons
There are three deities presiding over the weapons of Dev2 Lalit1 namely P101^ku0a (noose and
goad), Ik=ukoda98a (sugar-cane bow) and the B19a-s (the five flower arrows). Their weapons are
B19a
P10a, A^ku0a, Dhanu=) B19a-s.
P10a A^ku0a Ik=ukoda98a (or Dhanu= and B19a They are being kept symbolically by the
Dev2 in her four hands. The !yudha Devat1 are to be found between Sarvarogahara Cakra and
Cakra.
Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra
!yurveda
The science of the Indian medicine
vide also Do=a
29

32. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
B
Bagal1 Mukhi
Mah1vidy1-s
The eighth of the ten Mah1vidy1 representing the unconscious plane of existence that is the
source of illusion
Bahira^ga
The external stage, the outer expression as opposed to Antara^ga
Bahiry1ga
External worship known also as B1hyay1ga
vide also Y1ga, Antary1ga
Y1ga Antary1ga
Bahi=kara9a
The body as external instrument
Bahi=k4ta Dhauti
Antardhauti-s
One of the Antardhauti as internal purification
By its practice a Deva Deha may be obtained.
Bahuda
Lit. 'much-giving'
Sanny1sin
One of the preliminary stages of Sanny1sa life-style when the Sanny1sin gives the best in the life
of an !0rama
B1hy1k10a
Outer space
B1hyap3j1
Lit. 'lower worship'
A ritual practice of worship, using voice, objects or images
P3j1,
vide also P3j1 Devay1na
B1hyay1ga
vide Bahiry1ga, Y1ga
Bahiry1ga
Bala
Sampad-s
Bodily and mental strength or vitality as one of the four K1ya Sampad
B1l1ki
Upani=ad-s
Name of a sage in the Upani=ad
vide also B1l1ki Vidy1
B1l1ki Vidy1
The knowledge of B1l1ki
30

33. B
Vidy1-s
A Veda Vidy1, one of the thirty-two Vidy1 that gradually deals with the knowledge of Puru=a
Agni, V1yu,
from the left and right eyes to Agni V1yu !k10a and finally to the Puru=a of the sun.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Bali
A gift offering as a sacrifice in the form of fruits and flowers
B19a
Lit. 'arrow'
A flower arrow of K1ma
Tanm1tra
m1tra-s
The five flower arrows of K1ma denoting the five Tanm1tra (subtle forms of matter) are the
A0oka,
lotus, the A0oka the mango blossom, the jasmine and the blue lotus.
vide also !yudha Devat1
Bandha
Lit. 'binding, tying; connection with; uniting; joining'
Contraction as yogic technique; lock
Bandha-s
Bandha are techniques used to dissolve the psychic knots and redirect the resulting energy within
Bandha-s.
the body. There is an esoteric and exoteric symbolism of Bandha On a higher plane they are
powerful and relevant Ku98alin2 yoga techniques towards )iva and )akti union in the human body
Pi98198a). Bandha-s
seen as Microcosm (Pi98198a There are three major Bandha namely J1landhara Bandha
Pi98198a
(Water-pipe lock), U882y1na Bandha (Upwards lock) and M3la Bandha (Root lock).
vide also Bandhatraya
Bandhatraya
Bandha-s Bandha,
The triple contraction using the three main Bandha namely J1landhara Bandha U882y1na
Bandha and M3la Bandha.
Basti
Lit. 'lower belly'
+atkarma-s Vasti.
One of the +atkarma known also as Vasti
As a yogic technique does the cleansing the abdominal area. It is of two kinds viz. Jala Basti and
)u=ka Basti.
Basti
Bh1dra
Bh1dra
The day of full-moon in the month of Bh1drapada
Bh1drapada
The rainy month corresponding to parts of August /September
vide also M1sa
Bhadr1sana
The gentle !sana
Bhaga
Gracious God; happiness; prosperity; beauty, loveliness; love, sexual pleasure; the female organ;
!ditya-s
one of the twelve !ditya
vide also Bhaj
Bhagam1lin2
31

34. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Lit. 'the one adorned with glory'
Devat1-s
One of the !vara9a Devat1 presiding over the principle of existence of Mahat
)akti-s.
Bhagam1lin2 is also one of the Nity1 )akti
Cakra
vide also Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra
Bhag1sana
vide Tantr1sana
Bhagavad G2t1
The Song of the Lord
Ved1nta, Yoga,
The most famous Yoga work, a synthesis of Ved1nta Yoga S1mkhya teachings, believed to be
composed in the third or fourth century BCE.
Arjuna,
vide also Arjuna Kuruk=etra
Bhagavan
Lit. 'God-like'
One of God's names; a generic and popular name of God in India
vide also Bhaj
Bhagavat
Lit. 'the adorable one'
)iva's
One of )iva names
Bhaj,
vide also Bhaj Bhaga
Bhairava
Lit. 'terrible, formidable'
A name of )iva as a frightening aspect of the divine; a Tantric male participant
Bhairav2
Dev2;
Consort of Bhairava as a particular form of Dev2 a Tantric female participant
Bhairav2 Cakra
vide Cakra P3j1
Bhairav2 Tantra
A name of a Tantra
Bhaj
Lit. 'to adore; enjoy; worship; bestow; share with; distribute'
Bhakti, Bhaga, Bhagavan, Bhagavat, Bhajan,
Sanskrit root of words like Bhakti Bhaga Bhagavan Bhagavat Bhajan Bhakta.
Bhajan
Devotional song
vide also Bhaj
Bhakta
Devotee; one following the path of Bhakti
Bhaj,
vide also Bhaj Bh2ma Vidy1
32

35. B
Bhakti
Devotion
Devotion is seen as channelling of emotions towards God in order to experience the eternal
existence. In the tradition, Bhakti is the only way God can be reached, as the experience of the
Brahm198a) Pi98198a).
Macrocosm (Brahm198a in the Microcosm (Pi98198a The Bhakti M2m1%s1 S3tra describes
Brahm198a Pi98198a
devotion as being "Supreme longing for the Lord". It is said that the Lord becomes perceptible
Japa,
through devotion. Bh1vac381ma9i says: "Nothing is accomplished by constant Japa sacrifices
Yantra-s Mantra-s
and austerities which torture the body, because without deep devotion Yantra and Mantra do
not yield fruit".
vide also Bhaj
Bhakticcheda
Any decoration or marks on forehead, arms, cheeks, nose, breasts, etc. as an expression of devotion
Devat1-s.
to Devat1
Bhakti M1rga
The path of devotion
vide also Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
The Yoga of Devotion
Yoga, A^ga-s)
The last stage in Yoga considered to be the Yoga of the 21st century. It has nine limbs (A^ga
A^ga
namely )r1va9a (listening to holy scriptures), K2rtana (singing devotional songs), Smarana
(remembering the Divine), P1da Sev1na (service to the feet of the Lord), Arcan1 or P3j1 (ritual
worship), Vandana (prostration before the image of the Lord), D1sya (slavish devotion to the
Lord), S1khya (friendship) and !tma Nivedana (Self-offering to the Lord). In Bhakti Yoga
Bh1va-s)
there are five main states or conditions (Bh1va namely )1nta (tranquil), D1sya (slavish),
Bh1va
V1tsalya (affectionate), S1khya (friendly) and M1dhurya (sweet).
vide also )uddha Bhakti
Bhakti Yoga Sam1dhi
The Sam1dhi as a result of Bhakti Yoga practice
Bh1^g
A drink made of Indian hemp leaves
Bh1rati
Veda-s Satya);
In the Veda the word signifying the truth (Satya a high educational institution
Satya
Bhasma
Ashes used for spiritual purpose
Bhastrik1
Lit. 'causing the sound of bellows'
In Ha7ha Yoga one of the eight major kinds of Pr191y1ma
Bh1=ya
Lit. 'an explanatory work, exposition, commentary'
Work of a spiritual kind
Bh1va
33

36. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Lit. 'attitude; true condition; reality; disposition'
State, emotion, devotional sentiment
Rasa-s.
In Bhakti Yoga there are five states as devotional sentiments known also as Rasa As states or
Bh1va-s
conditions accompanying the Li^ga (as transmigratory soul) there are eight Bh1va namely
Dharma, Adharma, J61na, Aj61na, Vair1gya, Avair1gya, Ai0varya, Anai0varya.
Dharma Adharma J61na Aj61na Vair1gya Avair1gya Ai0varya Anai0varya As states of
Bh1va-s Bh1va,
human personalities there are three Bh1va namely Pa0u Bh1va V2ra Bh1va and Divya
Bh1va.
Bh1va
vide also Tantra
Bh1vana
Lit. 'imagining'
Contemplation, reflection; feeling; thought
Y1ga).
It is also a kind of worship (meditation) of Dev2 (vide Y1ga In the tradition it is said that God is
Bh1vana-s
captivated by the Bh1vana (feelings).
Bhaya
Varjana-s
Fear as on of the seven Varjana
Fear is seen as a product of duality
vide also Abhaya Mudr1
Bhay1naka
Rasa-s
Terror as one of the Rasa
Bheru981
)akti-s
One of the Nity1 )akti
Bhoga
Lit. 'enjoyment'
Tantra;
The worldly experience as a path to spiritual growth in Tantra any worldly experience attached to
Indriya
riya-s
the Indriya
Bhog1dhi=7h1na
Living organism
Bhr1mar2
Lit. 'causing the sound of wasp'
In Ha7ha Yoga one of the eight major kinds of Pr191y1ma
This kind of Pr191y1ma will result in the experience of An1hata )abda.
vide also Ras1nanda Yoga
Bhr1ntidar0ana
Vik=epa-s
The state of wrong perception as one of the nine Citta Vik=epa
Bh4gu
vide Brahm1
Bh4gu V1ru9i Vidy1
The knowledge of Bh4gu V1ru9i
34

37. B
Vidy1-s) Ko0a-s
A Veda Vidy1 (one of the thirty-two Vidy1 refers to the gradual knowledge of the five Ko0a
beyond which the Sagu9a Brahman can be realized.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Bhr3madhya
The space between the eyebrows as Cakra K=etra of !j61 Cakra
vide also )1%bhav2 Mudr1
Bhuja^g1sana
The cobra !sana
Bhuja^g2
Lit. 'female-serpent'
A name for Ku98alin2
Bhuja^gin2 Mudr1
Bhanda-s
The she-serpent Mudr1 one of the Mudr1 Bhanda
Bh3ma Vidy1
The knowledge of the world
Vidy1, Vidy1-s,
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 as related to N1rada by Sanatkum1ra. The disciple
V1k, Manas, Sa%kalpa, Citta,
is led to understand gradual stages from V1k Manas Sa%kalpa Citta Dhy1na and finally to
Pr19a. Bhakta) Satya,
Pr19a Here are also enumerated the qualifications of a good devotee (Bhakta namely Satya
Bhakta
Vij61na, Mati, )raddh1,
Vij61na Mati )raddh1 Ni=7h1 and K4ti.
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Bh3mi
Earth
vide also Bh3ta
Bh3mik1
vide Yoga Avasth1
Bh3mitattva
vide P4thiv2tattva
Bh3pura
Lit. 'region (plan) of earth'
vide Trailokyamohana Cakra
Bh3rloka
The Earth plane
vide Loka
Bh3 Sam1dhi
The underground Sam1dhi
Bh3ta
Lit. 'consisting of; being'
Gross element of the human body; gross form of matter; animated being
35

38. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Pa6cabh3ta-s, Mah1bh3ta-s Bh3ta-s.
Also known as Pa6cabh3ta Mah1bh3ta or Sth3la Mah1 Bh3ta There are five Bh3ta Bh3ta-s
namely: !k10a or Vyoma (ether), V1yu (air), Tejas or Agni or Vahni (fire), Ap or Toya (water),
Bh3mi or P4thiv2 (earth), all produced from the Tamas Gu9a of Prak4ti and are parts of the
Tattva-s. Bh3ta-s.
thirty-six Tattva For the purpose of Mudr1 the five fingers correspond to the five Bh3ta The
P4thiv2, Ap, Tejas, V1yu, !k10a,
order of their higher and higher absorption is P4thiv2 Ap Tejas V1yu !k10a corresponding to
Devat1-s Brahm1, Vi=9u, Rudra, @0vara, Sad10iva,
the Devat1 such as Brahm1 Vi=9u Rudra @0vara and Sad10iva the later seen as parallel to
Bindu).
the five parts of O% Mantra (i.e. A, U, M, N1da and Bindu
Bh3t1di
Rudiment-matter, original element
Source of !k10a (ether) as the first Bh3ta (gross matter) of S4=7i.
Bh3ta )uddhi
Bh3ta-s)
Bh3ta
Purification of the gross elements (Bh3ta of the body
It is an essential ritual before worship or any making of ritual art items.
Bhuvana
In the Veda-s the world (including the solar system) as plane of existence
Veda
Bhuvane0var2
Lit. 'ruler of the spheres'
Mah1vidy1-s
The fourth of the ten Mah1vidy1 represents the projection of the consciousness as infinite space
and therefore the holder of all existence
Bhuvane0var2 B2ja
vide Hr2%
Bhuvarloka
The region between the earth and the sun; the sky
Siddha-s Muni-s.
A Loka inhabited by Siddha and Muni
B2bhatsa
Disgust as one of the Rasa-s
Rasa
B2ja (also written as V2ja
V2ja)
Lit. 'seed; germ; semen; source; origin; primary cause; truth as the cause of being; basis for the
mind'
B2ja as part of creation that emerged from N1da
B2j1kar=i92
The attractive power of B2ja
Sarv101paripuraka
vide also Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
B2j1k=ara
Seed syllable or B2ja Mantra
B2ja Mantra
B2j1k=ara;
A Mantra having three to nine syllables, synonym to B2j1k=ara an expression of a deity in a
Mantra form.
Bila Siddhi
36

39. B
The power of opening
vide also Siddhi
Bilva
Tree of the Lord )iva known also as wood-apple, Bel tree or scientifically Aegle Marmelos, the
only sacred tree of the Lord )iva
Bilvapattra
Leaf of Bilva tree
Bindu
Drop; dot; mark; source
Tantra, Bindu, Bindu,
In Tantra Bindu as K1ra9a Bindu then K1rya Bindu proceeds N1da and represents the infinite
potentialities of the larger universe (Brahm198a about to be unfolded. The ninth Cakra
Brahm198a)
Brahm198a
Sarv1nandamaya Cakra) Bindu. Bindu-s
(Sarv1nandamaya Cakra of the )r2 Yantra is also called Bindu There are three Bindu at the
Yantra, M1y1, )iva-
centre of )r2 Yantra namely )iva M1y1 )akti M1y1 and )iva-Sakti M1y1. Their colours are
white, red and colourless, their elements are Sun, Moon and Fire symbolized by the double Bindu
of Visarga and single Bindu of Anusv1ra. The image of Bindu made of Visarga and Anusv1ra is
Upani=ad-s
described metaphorically in B4had1ra9yaka Upani=ad (2.1.20) and other Upani=ad as a spider.
In Saundaryalahar2 (7) the Divine Mother Tripurasundar2 is described with her face resembling
the moon, her breasts like the frontal globes of the forehead of a young elephant, wearing mini-
Tripurasundar2 Bindu.
bells, therefore equating Tripurasundar2 with Bindu
vide also Bindutraya
Binduma98ala Cakra
vide Sarv1nandamaya Cakra
Bindutraya
The threefold Bindu at the centre of the )r2 Tantra
Bodhana
An essential rite to awakening (through worship) a work of ritual art
Brahm1
Trim3rti);
Lord Brahm1 one of the Hindu trinity (Trim3rti the principle and manifestation of creation
Trim3rti
Brahm198a).
Lord Brahm1 presides over the creation of the Universe (Brahm198a He is the personal Creator
Brahm198a
Brahman).
manifested from the impersonal Universal Spirit (Brahman The first created beings by Brahm1
Brahman
Mar2ci, Atri, A^giras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasi=7ha,
were the ten lords viz. Mar2ci Atri A^giras Pulastya Pulaha Kratu Vasi=7ha Pracetas (or
Dak=a), N1rada.
Dak=a Bh4gu and N1rada They all are known under the name Praj1pati or Mah1 $=i $=i-s.
vide also Sapta4=i
Brahmac1rin
Lit. 'student of Brahm1'
A follower of Brahmacarya
vide also !0rama
Brahmacarya
Yama-s
Continence as one of the five Yama
It has to be seen more as awareness of actions of a person than abstinence from sexual experience.
Brahmacaryaprati=7h1
37

40. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
A state in which Brahmacarya is firmly established
A Yog2 possessing Brahmacaryaprati=7h1 becomes full of vitality.
Brahmadv1ra
The door of Brahm1
Brahmagranthi
Lit. 'knot of Brahm1'
The Granthi located in the Agnikha98a
Pa6c1gni-s
It represents the attachment to Lobha (greed) and K1ma (desire) of Pa6c1gni
Granthi.
vide Granthi
Brahmaj61na
Spiritual wisdom as knowledge of the true reality
Brahmak1ra
The active state of Citta in which identifies itself with the Self
Brahmak1ra V4tti
The V4tti of Brahmak1ra state
Brahmaloka
Satyaloka,
vide Satyaloka Loka
Brahman
(from the root B4h i.e. to expand)
Lit. 'expansion, evolution, growth'
Tantra.
In Ved1nta the impersonal Universal Spirit known also as )iva in Tantra
Nirgu9a.
It has two aspects viz. Sagu9a and Nirgu9a
M1y1, T1raka,
vide also M1y1 T1raka Tantra
Br1hma9a
Lit. 'one who has divine knowledge'
A Brahmin priest; a specific kind of Vedic literature (900-700 BCE)
$tvija-s)
He is one of the four Vedic priests ($tvija who chants the hymns of the Atharva Veda while
$tvija
Mantra-s). A Brahmin priest is assisted by three other helper priests viz.
Mantra
performing incantations (Mantra
Agn2dhra, Pot4.
Agn2dhra Br1hma91cchansin and Pot4 As spiritual leader he belongs to the highest caste
Var9a)
Var9a
(Var9a in the Vedic tradition.
vide also Veda
Br1hma91cchansin
Lit. 'the one reciting after the Br1hma9a'
Veda-s
In the Veda a helper priest assisting the Br1hma9a priest
Brahma N182
A channel of energy within the Citra N182
Brahm198a
Lit. 'Brahm1's egg'
38

41. B
Macrocosm; universe; world; cosmic body
Brahm198a-s
There are endless Brahm198a coexisting, each having own gods, Brahma for creation, Vi=9u
Trim3rti).
for preservation and Rudra for destruction (vide Trim3rti Brahm198a could also be seen as
Cittav4tti of Brahman or a product of the cosmic thinking manifestation therefore is unreal.
A98api98a, Brahm198a,
vide also A98api98a K=udra Brahm198a Pi98198a
Brahm192
vide Trim3rti
Brahmarandhra
Lit. 'Brahm1's opening'
An opening above the Sahasr1ra Cakra through where the Soul is said to pass on death and the
door between two realms of existence
Brahma Tantra
Veda-s
All that is taught in the Veda
Brahmav1din
Veda-s
One who explains the Veda
Brahmaveda
The Veda of sacred spells and charms, i.e. Atharva Veda
Brahmavedi
Brahm1's
The Brahm1 altar
Brahmayoga
The highest kind of initiation in the Tantra S1dhana in which devotion is the essence
B4haspati
Lit. 'lord of prayer or devotion'
Deva-s;
Guru or preceptor of the Deva the name for planet Jupiter
vide also !nandamaya Vidy1
B4haspati V1caspati
Devas3-s
B4haspati the lord of speech and prayer; one of the eight Devas3 as an aspect of B4haspati
B4hat (from the root B4h i.e. to expand)
Lit. 'abundant, vast, large'
Veda-s
In the Veda a name for Brahman
Buddha (from the root Budh i.e. to wake up)
Lit. 'the enlightened one'
An spiritual liberated man, founder of Buddhism, who lived in the sixth century BCE
Avat1ra) Vi=9u.
Buddha is regarded in Hinduism as an incarnation (Avat1ra of Vi=9u
Avat1ra
Buddhi (from the root Budh i.e. to wake up)
Lit. 'intellect, reason'
The discriminating aspect of mind; intellect as a cognitive faculty
39

42. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
vide also !k10a
Buddhimaya Ko0a
vide Vij61namaya Ko0a
Buddhitattva
The Tattva of Buddhi
Buddhy1kar=i92
The attractive power of Buddhi
Cakra
vide Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
Budha
Navagraha-s
The planet Mercury, one of the Navagraha
40

43. C
C
Caitanya
Consciousness; the Universal Soul
vide also Cetana
Caitra
The month corresponding to parts of March/April
vide also M1sa
Cakra
Lit. 'wheel; circle'
Centre (vortex) of energy and level of awareness
Cakra-s M3l1dh1ra, Svadhi=7h1na, Ma9ip3ra,
In the human body there are seven major Cakra viz. M3l1dh1ra Svadhi=7h1na Ma9ip3ra
An1hata,
An1hata Vi0uddha (or Vi0uddhi !j61 and Sahasr1ra Known also as Padma (lotuses) the
Vi0uddhi), Sahasr1ra. Padma-s
Cakra-s )ar2ra-s.
Cakra are located in the S3k=ma )ar2ra body influencing also the other two )ar2ra Round
the centre of energy there are expansions producing the appearances of the petals of a lotus flower,
N182-s). When opened the Cakra become
N182
in fact they are starting points of energy channels (N182 Cakra-s
gates of connection between the three )ar2ra-s therefore the physical consciousness may thus have
ar2ra
Cakra-s
access to other planes. The Cakra represent also the cycle of creation, preservation and
destruction (absorption).
Pa6c1gni,
vide also Pa6c1gni Loka
Cakra K=etra
The horizontal projection of a Cakra trigger point in the spinal cord on the front surface of the body
Cakra-s
Only Svadhi=7h1na, Ma9ip3ra, An1hata, Vi0uddhi and !j61 Cakra have Cakra
K=etra-s.
K=etra
Cakra P3j1
Circle worship
Tantric rite of which Bhairav2 Cakra is the most important.
Cakrar1ja
Lit. 'royal wheel'
Another name for )r2 Cakra
Cakr1sana
vide Tantr1sana
Cakra )uddhi
Cakra-s
The process of purification of Cakra
Cakre0vara
The leader of a Cakra P3j1 as a Tantric Guru
vide also Cakre0var2
41

44. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Cakre0var2
A generic name for a )akti presiding over a Cakra P3j1
vide also Cakre0vara
Cak=u
)iva;
The third eye, the eye of )iva the physical eye
The opening of Cak=us is linked to the renunciation to desired (vide Ana^ga).
Ana^ga
Netra,
vide also Netra J61nendriya
C1mu981
A terrific aspect of Dev2 as destroyer of Ca98a and Mu98a
Ca982 (or Ca98ik1 )
Lit. 'an ardent, passionate woman'
A popular name of Dev2
Ca98id1s
Poet and initiate of 15th century Bengal
vide also R1mi
Ca98ik1
vide Ca982
Candra
Lit. 'shining; the moon'
Navagraha-s; I81 N182;
The moon or the lunar phase as one of the Navagraha the Devat1 of I81 N182 the feminine
kind of energetic; a Devat1
vide also Candrakha98a
Candradv1ra
The passage of the moon
Candrakal1
The increase/ decrease of the moon's disc in twenty-four hours, i.e. one sixteenth of the moon's disk
)akti-s
The moon is so personified as twenty-eight Nity1 )akti
Candrak1nti
Moonlight
Candrakha98a
Cakra-s
Group containing Vi0uddhi and !jn1 Cakra and Rudragranthi
Candra, Sattva,
The presiding deity is Candra the Gu9a is Sattva the corresponding cosmic planes are
Satyaloka.
Taparloka and Satyaloka
Candrama98ala
Moon's halo, a representation of )r2 Cakra
Candra N182
A synonym for I81 N182
42

45. C
Candra0ekhara
Lit. 'the one who has the moon as diadem'
A name of )iva
Caturtha Pr191y1ma
Lit. 'the fourth Pr191y1ma'
Catu=p27ha
Lit. 'the four P27ha-s'
P27ha-s K1mar3pa, P3r9agiri
iri,
The four P27ha are K1mar3pa P3r9agiri J1landhara and U882y1na.
Cakra, Cakra,
vide also Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra Sarv1nandamaya Cakra Siddhap27ha
Cau0atti Yogin2
Yogin2-s
The sixty-four Yogin2
Cela
Disciple
Cetana
Lit. 'the one that illuminates'
Consciousness
vide also Caitanya
Ch1ndogya Upani=ad
Vidy1-s
One of the most important Upani=ad from where many Veda Vidy1 are extracted
Ch1ya
)iva)
Shade, shadow; reflection; protection; giving protection (as a name of )iva
Ch1ya Puru=a
The consciousness beyond Buddhi
Ch1y1 Up1san1
Tr17aka technique when the practitioner does the gazing on own shadow (from sun or moon)
Cidagni
vide Cidvahni
Cidagniku98a
The altar of the fire of consciousness
It is from where Dev2 was born in Her physical form.
Cid1k10a
Lit. 'space of knowledge'
Mind space as space of consciousness; the cosmic universal mind
The dark colour space visualized in front of the closed eyes in which is experienced the visual
aspect of mental energy is the Cid1k10a experience. Only when Ku98alin2 reaches Sahasr1ra
Cid1k10a.
Cakra there is the full experience of Cid1k10a
Dh1ra91
Cid1k10a Dh1ra91
43

46. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
The practice of meditation on Cid1k10a
Cidr3pa
The pure consciousness as pure thought; consciousness with form
vide Cit
Cidvahni (also Cidagni
Cidagni)
H4d)
H4d
The celestial fire, the fire of consciousness corresponding to the heart (H4d in the human body
S3tra
)akti S3tra says: "Consciousness is fire because by its nature it consumes the universe".
vide also N1ciket1gni Vidy1
Cikits1
Science of medicine as kind of )1stra
Cinnamast1
The fifth of the ten Mah1vidy1-s
Mah1vidy1
It represents the end of ordinary existence, the essential step before the emergence of a new
consciousness.
Cint1ma9i
Lit. 'thought gem'
The gem which grants all wishes
The shinning "precious stone" is the pure mind covered by the veils of desire (that is to be removed
by various practices). It is well described in Brahm198a Pur19a and Rudra Y1mala.
Cit
Lit. 'to be conscious of, know, perceive'
The pure consciousness; the universal consciousness freed from any conditioning
vide also Sa%vit
Citr1
Lit. 'bright; excellent'
One of the Nity1 )akti-s
)akti
Citragupta
Lit. 'the hidden auditor'
The one recording every action
Various interpretations are given who is the one doing that. It can be regarded as the collector of
Cid1k10a.
information found in the Cid1k10a
Citra N182
A channel of energy within the Su=umn1 N182
Citri92
vide Padmin2
Citsvar3pa
The formless pure consciousness
Citta
44

47. C
(from the root Cit i.e. to be aware)
Lit. 'reflecting, thinking; aimed at'
The conscious, subconscious and unconscious layers of mind and their functions reflecting the Cit
Brahmak1ra,
The two active states of Citta are Vi=ayak1ra and Brahmak1ra its supporting organ is the
Manas. J6eya,
Manas From the point of view of J61t1 J61na J6eya Citta is the one who knows. As levels of
Citta-s
access to different planes there are three kinds of Citta namely Citta (as an individual natural
expression), Cid1k10a (as cosmic mind) and Nirmana Citta (as divine or causal mind).
vide also !k10a, Pari91ma
!k10a
Cittabh3mi
State of mental plane as kind of consciousness
Cittabh3mi-s Bh1=ya) K=ipta, M38ha, Vik=ipta
There are five Cittabh3mi (according to Vy1sa Bh1=ya namely K=ipta M38ha Vik=iptata,
Niruddha.
Ek1gra and Niruddha
Cittakar=i92
The attractive power of Citta
vide Sarv10aparipuraka Cakra
Citta Pras1dana
In Yoga the attitude towards obtaining purification of the mind
Pras1dana-s Maitr2, Karu91, Upek=a.
There are four Citta Pras1dana viz. Maitr2 Karu91 Mudit1 and Upek=a
Cittasa%vit
Cittasa%vit
Citta)
The experience of merging of Cit with its reflection (i.e. Citta acquired by practicing Sa%yama
on An1hata Cakra
Citta0uddhi
Purification of the mind
)uddhi,
vide also )uddhi Citta
Citta Vik=ep1
Antar1ya
The mental obstructive destruction in Yoga known also as Antar1ya (impediment)
There are nine Citta Vik=ep1-s namely Vy1dhi, Sty1na, Sa%0aya, Pram1da, !lasya, Avirati,
Vik=ep1 Vy1dhi Sty1na Sa%0aya Pram1da !lasya Avirati
Bhr1ntidar0ana, S3tra-s
Bhr1ntidar0ana Alabdhabh3mikatva and Anavasthitatva as described in Yoga S3tra (I.30).
Vik=epasahabh3,
vide also Vik=epasahabh3 Vik=epa
Cittav4tti
Citta
Activity in Citta as a cognitive experience, a superimposition on the true nature of the human being
Puru=a)
Puru=a
(Puru=a
Cittav4tti-s Pram1na, Viparyaya, Vikalpa,
There are five Cittav4tti according to Pata6jali namely Pram1na Viparyaya Vikalpa Nidr1
and Sm4ti, all as conscious experiences in Citta. For the condition of state of Yoga it is necessary
Sm4ti Citta
Vair1gya.
to restrict the activities in the mind by Abhy1sa and Vair1gya
Cittav4ttinirodha
Cittav4tti-s Pata6jali's S3tra-s.
Cessation of Cittav4tti as Pata6jali definition of Yoga in Yoga S3tra
C381ma9i
Dev2's
Crest jewel as Dev2 gem
45

48. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
D
D1haka
The J17har1gni (digestive fire) of burning (heating)
vide also Sarvaj61namay2
Dahar1k10a
Lit. 'small space'
Cakra-s
The space of the lower three Cakra in the human body
Dahar1k10a Dh1ra91
Cakra-s M3l1dh1ra, Ma9ipura
ra)
The practice of meditation on the lower Cakra (i.e. M3l1dh1ra Svadhi=7h1na and Ma9ipura
Dahara Vidy1
The knowledge of the small
Vidy1, Vidy1-s
A Veda Vidy1 one of the thirty-two Vidy1 which could be known by meditation into the heart
H4daya)
(H4daya as the open door for the inner !k10a leading to the full knowledge of !k10a
H4daya
vide also Dv1tri%0at Vidy1
Daiv2sampat
Daiv2sampat
Divine quality
In the Bhagavad G2t1 are mentioned twenty-six divine qualities namely Abhaya Abhaya,
Sattvasa%0uddhi, J61nayogavyavasthiti D1na, Dana, Yaj6a, Sv1dhy1ya, Tapas, !rjava,
Sattvasa%0uddhi J61nayogavyavasthiti, D1na Dana Yaj6a Sv1dhy1ya Tapas !rjava
Ahi%s1, Satya, Akrodha, Ty1ga, )1nti, Apai0una, Day1, Aloluptva, M1rdava, Hr2, Ac1pala,
Ahi%s1 Satya Akrodha Ty1ga )1nti Apai0una Day1 Aloluptva M1rdava Hr2 Ac1pala
Tejas, K=am1, Dh4ti, )auca, N1tim1nit1.
Tejas K=am1 Dh4ti )auca Adroha and N1tim1nit1
Daiv2 V1k
It is how was called the Sanskrit language during the Vedic period
*1kin2
The )akti residing in M3l1dh1ra Cakra
Dak=a
Lit. 'able, intelligent; strong'
Praj1pati-s Dev2's
One of the Praj1pati known also as Pracet1s considered to be Dev2 father; one of the twelve
!ditya-s
!ditya
Dak=i9a
Right side; having somebody to the right side as a mark of honour (as opposed to V1ma i.e. to the
Agni)
left); one of the sacrificial fires (vide Agni
Guru.
Dak=i9a is also a donation, fee or gift to a priest or Guru
Dak=i9a Agni
One of the three sacrificial fires, the southern fire of the altar of sacrifice
In the human body it is located in the heart area, esoterically is the level of consciousness of
Cakra.
An1hata Cakra
46

49. D
Agni
vide also Agni
Dak=i91c1ra
The right-hand division of Tantra also known as Dak=ina M1rga
Dak=i9a M1rga
Lit. 'path of the right'
vide Dak=i91c1ra
Dak=i91m3rti
The Guru of Gods
Dak=i91varta
A shell whose convolutions are oriented towards the right
Dak=i91yana
Sun's progress south of the equator (from 21 June to 21 Dec) expressing the southwards way to
Yama's
Yama quarter; the dark path
R1tri,
For the departed soul it offers the experience of Dh3mra and R1tri i.e. the consciousness will
return to the material plane in a new body.
vide also Uttar1yana
D1mara
Kind of spiritual writing work promulgated by )iva
Damaru
A hand drum traditionally the instrument of subduing of Lord )iva (vide)
Dana
Daiv2sampat-s
Control of senses as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
D1na
Daiv2sampat-s
Alms giving as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Da98a
Stick
Da98a Dhauti
Dhauti-s
Cleaning by a stick as one of the H4d Dhauti in order to cure the heart diseases
Danta Dhauti
Dhauti-s
Cleaning the teeth area as one of the four Dhauti
M3la Dhauti,
There are four yogic techniques under Danta Dhauti namely Danta M3la Dhauti Jihv1
)odhana, Dhauti.
)odhana Kar9a Dhauti and Kap1larandhra Dhauti
Danta M3la Dhauti
Dhauti-s
Washing of the teeth as one of the Danta Dhauti
Darbha
Dried Ku0a used in religious ceremonies
Dar0ana
47

50. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
Lit. 'vision, view; understanding; doctrine'
The cognitive principle; system of philosophy; meeting with a spiritual purpose; sight of a Deva or
Guru.
Guru
vide also +a8 Dar0ana
Da0a Mah1vidy1
The ten great sciences as deities
vide Mah1vidy1
Da0av1yu
The ten vital airs
vide V1yu
Dasn1mi
Lit. 'ten names'
)a^kara) N1ga-s
The ten orders of mendicants (founded by )a^kara protected by the N1ga (naked ascetics)
D1sya (also known as Kai%karya
Kai%karya)
A^ga-s
One of the nine A^ga of Bhakti Yoga as the devotional act of slavish devotion to the Lord, also
Rasa-s
one of the Rasa
R1ma's
The ideal service was done by Lak=ma9a to R1ma as R1ma servant.
Daurmanasya
The mental activity of being depressed
As one of the four Vik=epasahabh3-s it is connected to the Manomaya Ko0a.
Vik=epasahabh3 Ko0a
Day1
Daiv2sampat-s
Compassion as one of the twenty-six Daiv2sampat
Deha
Karma-s)
Karma
Body as vehicle and media of actions (Karma
De0a
Space; region; centre of concentration synonym to !dh1ra Padma
Deva (from the root Div i.e. to cast, throw, therefore expressing the action as manifestation of
gods)
A god, deity; spirit; spiritual being
Deva-s
Deva are manifestations and functions of Cit (Universal Consciousness) at various levels and as
Cit.
such they are creations of )akti as the kinetic aspect of Cit Their range of actions extend from the
Brahman. Deva-s
world of Manu=ya to Sagu9a Brahman The fundamental concept about Deva is that they
Manu=ya)
Manu=ya
manifest both externally and internally to the human being (Manu=ya and as such become
accessible through cognition and experience.
vide also )iva )akti
Deva Bh1=1
vide Sa%sk4ta
Devadar0ana
The seeing of Gods
48

51. D
Devadatta
Lit. 'the God-given'
The V1yu producing the function of yawning
Cakra,
vide also Sarv1rthas1dhaka Cakra Sarv1^gasundar2
Deva Deha
Divine body
Devaloka
Heaven, the world of Gods
Devamaithuna
The cohabitation of the Gods as expression of )iva )akti form of union
Devan1gari
Lit. 'divine writing'
The Sanskrit alphabet
vide also M1t4k1
Devas3
Ga9a Devat1-s)
The procreating Gods as one class of deities (Ga9a Devat1
Devas3-s, each having specific functions, namely Agni G4hapati Soma
There are eight Devas3 G4hapati,
Vanaspati, Satyaprasava, Pa0upati, V1caspati, Jye=7ha
7ha,
Vanaspati Savit4 Satyaprasava Rudra Pa0upati B4haspati V1caspati Indra Jye=7ha Mitra
Satya and Varuna Dharmapati. They all manifest within the human body.
Devasu=i
Lit. 'divine tube'
V1yu-s
The gates of the five major V1yu located in the centre of the lotus of the heart
The gates have to be seen as the openings in the K1ra9a )ar2ra through which the five major
V1yu-s
V1yu are born within the Suk=ma )ar2ra. The gates are located as four towards the four quarters
(Sam1na to the north, Vy1na to the south, Ap1na to the west, Pr19a to the east) and one upwords
Sam1na
Siddhi-s,
namely Ud1na. Each gate possesses specific Siddhi which have to be overcome. Beyond the
Para%jyoti=,
five gates it is Para%jyoti= the J2v1tm1 Itself.
vide also G1yatr2 Vidy1
Devat1
God or Goddess; Deity
vide Deva
Devay1na
The path of Gods
Brahman.
A spiritual path using Gods as vehicles to attain the knowledge of Sagu9a Brahman
Devayoni
Spirit, demigod
Meru.
Spirits said to people Mount Kail1sa and Mount Meru )r2 Gane=a after receiving the teaching of
Tantra-s )iva, Kail1sa.
the Tantra from his father Lord )iva preached them first to Devayoni on Mount Kail1sa
Dev2
49

52. A Sanskrit Dictionary of Spirituality
The Great Goddess
Sat2, Um1, )iva.
Dev2 as Sat2 Um1 P1rvat2 and Gaur2 is the spouse of )iva She is the ruler of all the Universes
Brahm198a-s)
Brahm198a
(Brahm198a having countless names according to Her different qualities and actions.
Ka71k=a, Devat1,
vide also K4p1 Ka71k=a !yudha Devat1 Lalit1
Dev2 Ku98alin2
)akti as Ku98alin2
Dev2p27ha
Dev2's
A symbol of creation as attribute of a part of Dev2 body as Sat2
vide also P27ha
Dev2 Up1sana
Dev2 worship
Dhairya
Fortitude
Dhairy1kar=i92
The attractive power of Dhairya
vide also Sarv101paripuraka Cakra
Dhairyat1
Calmness as a result of practicing Praty1h1ra
Dhana6jay1
The V1yu producing the function of distension
Cakra,
vide also Sarv1rthas1dhaka Cakra Sarvasaubh1gyad1yi92
Dhanur1sana
The bow !sana
Dhanu=
Bow
Ik=ukoda98a,
vide also Ik=ukoda98a Indradhanu=
Dh1ra91 (from the root Dh4 i.e. to hold, preserve, support) (also Dh1ra91
Dh1ra91)
Lit. 'the act of holding or maintaining'
Concentration
A^ga-s
In Yoga one of the eight A^ga of the A=71^ga Yoga of Pata6jali
Dh1ra9a Yantra
A kind of Yantra to be worn by the devotee as an amulet used for protection of all kinds or
acquisition of material gains or personal qualities
Dharma (from the root Dh4 i.e. to hold, preserve, support)
Lit. 'right conduct'
Pu9ya) Bh1va-s; Puru=1rtha-s;
Higher duty, virtue (or Pu9ya one of the eight Bh1va one of the Puru=1rtha inherent
property of time
50

53. D
Dharma-s At2ta,
As inherent properties of time Dharma are of three kinds viz. At2ta Vartam1na and An1gata An1gata,
Adhvabheda.
the process of time difference is called Adhvabheda They affect each other all the time as the
potential future time becomes present then past, and the past can influence the present and therefore
Karma,
generates a potential state. Dharma is a play of Karma in which both cause and effect are being
$ta) Karma).
present in every action, but Dharma emphasizes the order ($ta in action (Karma
$ta Karma
vide also Adharma
Dharm1dharma
Merit and demerit
Dharmam1rga
Dharmam1rga
The path of virtue
Dharmamegha Sam1dhi
The highest point of Sam1dhi in which the Yog2 gives up even the idea of reaching Kaivalya
V1san1-s Karma-s
At this point all V1san1 are buried and the Yog2 has access to a different reality. The Karma
Kle0a-s
(actions) and Kle0a (afflictions) do not create any effect i.e. the Yog2 is free from the
manifestations of Prak4ti and the products of the three Gu9a-s, the state of J2vanmukti is reached,
Gu9a
Siddha.
the Yog2 becomes a Siddha
!nanda,
vide also Sat Cit !nanda Mah1v1kya
Dharma Pari91ma
Citta) Pari91ma-s
Transformation of the nature of mind (as Citta accompanying the Pari91ma as a result of
Sa%yama
Dharma01l1
A resting place for pilgrims
Dh1tr2 (from the root Dh4 i.e. to hold, preserve, support)
Earth
Dh1tu
Lit. 'ingredient; element; primitive matter'
An essential element of the body
Dh1tu-s Sapta Dh1tu-s)
There are seven Dh1tu (Sapta Dh1tu viz. Asthi (bone), Meda (fat), M1%sa (flesh), Rakta
)akti-s
(blood), Tvak (skin), Majj1 (marrow) and )ukra (semen). They are the abodes of the seven )akti
Cakra-s
presiding over the seven Cakra and represented by the seven trunks of the elephant in M3l1dh1ra
Cakra as symbol of creativity.
Dhauti
+atkarma-s Dhauti-s Dhauti, Dhauti,
One of the +atkarma the Dhauti are of four kinds namely Antar Dhauti Danta Dhauti H4d
Dhauti and M3la )odhana
Dhenu
Veda-s
In the Veda the milch cow representing the power of creation complementing V4=abha (the bull)
V1k.
In the Vedic tradition Dhenu is the representation of V1k It has four udders representing the
Mantra-s Sv1h1, Va=a7, Svadh1.
Mantra Sv1h1 Va=a7 Hanta and Svadh1 Sv1h1 and Va=a7 feed the Deva Hanta feedsDeva-s,
Svadh1 Pit4-s.
the men and Svadh1 the Pit4 Dhenu has to be seen as symbol of female principle in the VedaVeda-s,
Yoga.
a parallel concept to Prak4ti in Yoga It is also relevant to know that the "moo" sound of a cow is
O%,
the opposite of Mantra O% i.e. the "moo" sound is the sound of the creation, the O% sound of the
absorption.
51