classical Indian medicine (ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, classical Ayurveda, classic Hindu medicine, traditional Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine): A group of certain of the ancient indigenous medical ways of India that stems principally from two ancient treatises - the Caraka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita. Both describe Ayurveda's source as divine.

(See also: Classical Indian medicine, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Humors In medieval European medical thought, a fluid or juice, applied especially the four fluids -- blood, phlegm, choler (yellow bile), and melancholy (black bile) -- which were thought to determine a person's health and temperament. This theory derived from classical sources.

"These vital spirits and humors corresponded, however imperfectly, to the pranic fluids of ancient Hindu teaching -- considered to be both ethereal essences and physical humors. From early mediaeval times up to the recent present, medicine consistently taught that normal physical health in the human body was maintained when these vital spirits and humors were operating in equilibrium, and that disease and even death were products of their malfunctioning. The archaic ages were unanimous in their agreement on these points" (FSO 556).

(See also: Humors, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Humors In medieval European medical thought, a fluid or juice, applied especially the four fluids -- blood, phlegm, choler (yellow bile), and melancholy (black bile) -- which were thought to determine a person's health and temperament. This theory derived from classical sources.

"These vital spirits and humors corresponded, however imperfectly, to the pranic fluids of ancient Hindu teaching -- considered to be both ethereal essences and physical humors. From early mediaeval times up to the recent present, medicine consistently taught that normal physical health in the human body was maintained when these vital spirits and humors were operating in equilibrium, and that disease and even death were products of their malfunctioning. The archaic ages were unanimous in their agreement on these points" (FSO 556).

(See also: Human Soul, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Dharma (Sanskrit, roughly law or way) is the way of the higher Truths. Dharma forms the basis for philosophies, beliefs and practices originating in India. The oldest of these, widely known as Hinduism, is Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Dharma. Buddhism, Ayyavazhi, Jainism and Sikhism also retain the centrality of Dharma. In these traditions, beings that live in harmony with Dharma proceed more quickly towards moksha, nirvana, or personal liberation. Dharma also refers to the teachings and doctrines of t ...

Including:

• Dharma - Meanings and origins of the word Dharma
• Dharma - Dharma in Hinduism
• Dharma - Proto-dharma: rta in the Vedas
• Dharma - Developing conceptions
• Dharma - Dharma as a Purushartha
• Dharma - Kane's view
• Dharma - In Jainism
• Dharma - The two Dharmas
• Dharma - In Buddhism
• Dharma - The teachings of the Buddha
• Dharma - Qualities of Buddha Dharma
• Dharma - Dharmas in Buddhist phenomenology
• Dharma - Dharma as righteousness

Read more here: » Dharma

The Sanskrit word guna (guṇa) has the basic meaning of "string" or "a single thread or strand of a cord or twine". In more abstract uses, it may mean "a subdivision, species, kind", and generally "quality". Guna - In Classical literature. In Classical literature (e.g. Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana), a Guna is an attribute of the 5 elements (each with an associa ...

Including:

• Guna - In Classical literature
• Guna - In Samkhya philosophy
• Guna - In Nyaya philosophy
• Guna - In grammar

Read more here: » Guna: Encyclopedia - Guna

Hinduism Lexicon on A

From aadheenam to axis.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Hinduism Lexicon on A

There are a great variety of Buddhist texts. Buddhists place varying value on them: attitudes range from worship of the text itself, to dismissal of some texts as falsification of the ineffable truth. They therefore cannot be called "scripture" in the sense of other religions. The texts can be categorized in a number of ways, but the most fundamental division is that between canonical and non-canonical texts. The former, also called the Sutras (Sanskrit) or Suttas (Pali), are held to be, literally or metaphoricall ...

Including:

• Buddhist texts - Canonical texts
• Buddhist texts - Non-canonical texts
• Buddhist texts - Texts of the Nikaya Schools
• Buddhist texts - Sutta
• Buddhist texts - Abhidharma
• Buddhist texts - Non-canonical texts
• Buddhist texts - Mahayana texts
• Buddhist texts - Perfection of Wisdom Texts
• Buddhist texts - Saddharma-pundarika
• Buddhist texts - Pure Land Sutras
• Buddhist texts - The Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutra
• Buddhist texts - Samadhi Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Confession Sutras
• Buddhist texts - The Avatamsaka Sutra
• Buddhist texts - Third Turning Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Tathagatagarbha class sutras
• Buddhist texts - Collected Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Transmigration Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Discipline Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Sutras Devoted to Individual Figures
• Buddhist texts - Proto-Mahayana Sutras
• Buddhist texts - Non-canonical texts
• Buddhist texts - References
• Buddhist texts - Vajrayana Texts
• Buddhist texts - Buddhist tantras
• Buddhist texts - Other products of the Vajrayana literature

Read more here: » Buddhist texts

Kundalini Awakening

When Rob told me my Kundalini had been awakened, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. The awakening of Kundalini is a spiritual awakening, a major step towards realization of the divine. It is, in fact, a great boon, a great blessing and a magical gift. According to Swami Prajananda,

"The main purpose of its awakening in a seeker is to enable him to attain Godhood" (Muktananda, Kundalini 9).

Read more here: » Kundalini Awakening: Kundalini Awakens

Please remove this notice after the article has been expanded. Details are on this talk page or at Wikipedia:Requests for expansion. Hinduism (सनातन धर्म; also known as Sanātana Dharma, and Vaidika-Dharma) is a worldwide religious tradition that is based on the revealed knowledge of the Veda and the direct descendant of the Vedic religion. It encompasses many religious traditions that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. It is the world's ...

Including:

• History of Hinduism - Origins
• History of Hinduism - Analyzing the History
• History of Hinduism - Literature
• History of Hinduism - Archaeology
• History of Hinduism - Hindu Mythology
• History of Hinduism - Early Hinduism
• History of Hinduism - Influences of the Indus Valley and Dravidian Peoples
• History of Hinduism - Evolution of Hindu Philosophy
• History of Hinduism - Socio-Religious Reform Movements
• History of Hinduism - Hinduism and Jainism
• History of Hinduism - Hinduism and the rise of Buddhism
• History of Hinduism - Hinduism during the Golden Age in Bharat
• History of Hinduism - Shankaracharya and the revival of Hinduism
• History of Hinduism - Cultural expansion in South-East Asia
• History of Hinduism - Hinduism in Medieval Ages
• History of Hinduism - Islamic Invasion
• History of Hinduism - Goa Inquisition
• History of Hinduism - Bhakti Movement
• History of Hinduism - The Reign of Shivaji
• History of Hinduism - Modern Hinduism
• History of Hinduism - Reform Movements
• History of Hinduism - Converts

Read more here: » History of Hinduism: Encyclopedia - History of Hinduism

Hatha yoga, pronounced /ˈhʌtə/ or /ˈhæθə/, is also known as Hatha vidya. It is a particular system of Yoga propagated by Swami Swatmarama, a yogic sage of the 15th century in India. It is part of the Hindu traditions of Yoga and Tantra, and is a path of spiritual realization leading to the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga, or contemplation of the One Reality. It is what most people associate with the word "Yoga" and is mainly practiced for mental, physical health and vitality outside of India. Hatha yoga - Origins. < ...

Including:

• Hatha yoga - Origins
• Hatha yoga - Concept
• Hatha yoga - Yama
• Hatha yoga - Asanas Postures
• Hatha yoga - Pranayama - The science of breathing
• Hatha yoga - General Directions for Yogasana
• Hatha yoga - Health Benefits ascribed to Yogasana practice
• Hatha yoga - Etymology
• Hatha yoga - In the West

Read more here: » Hatha yoga: Encyclopedia - Hatha yoga

Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of medicine, more than 5,000 years old and based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. Its conspicuous use of the word veda, or knowledge, reveals its role in early Hinduism and describes its hallowed place in India. Ayurveda also had a tradition of surgery. Two early texts of Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The great ...

Including:

• Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad
• Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology
• Ayurveda - Qualities
• Ayurveda - The Five Elements
• Ayurveda - Doshas
• Ayurveda - Vata
• Ayurveda - Pitta
• Ayurveda - Kapha
• Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine
• Ayurveda - Historically
• Ayurveda - Today
• Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine
• Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia - Ayurveda

In Hinduism and its spiritual systems of yoga and in some related eastern cultures, as well as in some segments of the New Age movement -- and to some degree the distinctly different New Thought movement -- a chakra is thought to be an energy node in the human body. The word comes from the Sanskrit cakra चक्र meaning "wheel, circle", and sometimes also referring to the "wheel of life". The pronunciation of this word can be approximated ...

Including:

• Chakra - Introduction
• Chakra - The Seven Basic Chakras
• Chakra - Origins and Development
• Chakra - Chakras and the endocrine system
• Chakra - Various models
• Chakra - The Tantric Chakras
• Chakra - Hesychastic centres of prayer
• Chakra - Scientific basis
• Chakra - References in Fiction
• Chakra - Reference Material and Books

Read more here: » Chakra: Encyclopedia - Chakra

In Hinduism, a mudra (Sanskrit, literally "seal") is a symbolic gesture made with the hand or fingers. Along with asanas (postures), they are employed in yoga meditation practice. Each mudra has a specific meaning, and they are a central part of Hindu iconography. With the onset of Buddhism, many mudra practices were absorbed into the culture. Common hand gestures are to be seen in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhay (without fear) mudra, a gesture meant to ...

Including:

• Mudra - Abhaya Mudra
• Mudra - Bhumisparsa Mudra
• Mudra - Dharmacakra Mudra
• Mudra - Dhyana Mudra
• Mudra - Varda Mudra
• Mudra - Vajra Mudra
• Mudra - Vitarka Mudra

Read more here: » Mudra: Encyclopedia - Mudra

Shruti Vedas Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda Brahmanas Aranyakas Upanishads Smriti Itihāsas Mahābhārata Bhagavad Gītā Ramayana Puranas (List) Tantras Sutras (List) Stotras Ashtavakra Gita

Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In the West, yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga, which are popular as fitness exercises. Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and has influenced other religious and spiritual pr ...

Including:

• Yoga - Yoga practice and intention
• Yoga - The word yoga
• Yoga - Diversity of yoga
• Yoga - Yoga and religion
• Yoga - Common themes
• Yoga - Origins
• Yoga - Hindu yoga
• Yoga - Bhagavad Gita
• Yoga - Patanjali
• Yoga - God in Yoga philosophy
• Yoga - Hatha yoga
• Yoga - Natya yoga
• Yoga - Buddhist yoga
• Yoga - Yoga and tantra
• Yoga - Notable Yogis

Read more here: » Yoga: Encyclopedia - Yoga

Dharma (Sanskrit, roughly law or way) is the way of the higher Truths. Beings that live in harmony with Dharma proceed more quickly towards moksha, nirvana, or personal liberation. Dharma forms the basis for philosophies, beliefs and practices originating in India. The oldest of these, widely known as Hinduism, is Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Dharma. Buddhism, Ayyavazhi, Jainism and Sikhism also retain the centrality of Dharma. For the followers of these traditions, Dharma also refers to the teachings ...

Including:

• Dharma - Meanings and origins of the word Dharma
• Dharma - Dharma in Hinduism
• Dharma - Origin and development in Hinduism
• Dharma - Proto-dharma: rta in the Vedas
• Dharma - Developing conceptions
• Dharma - Dharma as a Purushartha
• Dharma - Kane's view
• Dharma - In Jainism
• Dharma - The two Dharmas
• Dharma - In Buddhism
• Dharma - The teachings of the Buddha
• Dharma - Qualities of Buddha Dharma
• Dharma - Dharmas in Buddhist phenomenology
• Dharma - Dharma as righteousness

Read more here: » Dharma: Encyclopedia - Dharma

In Hinduism, Agastya (अगस्त्य in devanagari, pronounced as /ə gəs tyə/; also transliterated as Agathiar, Agasthiar, Agastyar and in other ways) is a legendary Vedic sage or rishi. He is in some ways regarded as the patron saint of much of the south India. Some say that it was the sage Agastya who first brought and popularized the Vedic religion to south India. Agastya and his clan are also credited to have "authored" many mantras of the Rig Veda, the earliest and most revered Hindu scripture, in t ...

Including:

• Agastya - Humbling the Vindhya mountains
• Agastya - Agastya and the Tamil language
• Agastya - Agastya and Lopāmudrā
• Agastya - Legends about Agastya
• Agastya - Other facets of Agastya
• Agastya - Unity of Vishnu and Shiva
• Agastya - Agastya In Ayyavazhi
• Agastya - Certain important Stotrams

Read more here: » Agastya: Encyclopedia - Agastya

A bhajan or kirtan is a Hindu devotional song, often but not necessarily of ancient origin. Great importance is attributed to the singing of bhajans within the Bhakti movement. It is also one of the pillars of Sikhism and in that context refers to the singing of the Sacred Hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or "SGGS". The Sikhs place huge value on this type of singing and a Sikh is duty bound to listen to and/or sing Guru-Kirtan as frequently as possible. In Surat Shabd Yoga, bhajan means listening to the i ...

Including:

• Bhajan - History and Origin
• Bhajan - Types of Bhajans
• Bhajan - Kirtan in Sikhism
• Bhajan - Ragas in Sikh Kirtan
• Bhajan - Tala in Sikh Kirtan
• Bhajan - Meaning According to the SGGS
• Bhajan - Great Exponents
• Bhajan - Popularity with the Masses
• Bhajan - Modern Forms
• Bhajan - Usage in Surat Shabd Yoga

Read more here: » Bhajan: Encyclopedia - Bhajan

Thiruvananthapuram (Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം), formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. The city is surrounded by seven hills, which in some way or the other acts as a protective cover. It is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills with narrow winding lanes and busy commercial alleys. With a population of 889,191 (as of 2001) it is the second biggest cit ...

Including:

• Thiruvananthapuram - Origin of name
• Thiruvananthapuram - History
• Thiruvananthapuram - Geography
• Thiruvananthapuram - Climate
• Thiruvananthapuram - Economy
• Thiruvananthapuram - Government and politics
• Thiruvananthapuram - Transport
• Thiruvananthapuram - Demographics
• Thiruvananthapuram - Culture
• Thiruvananthapuram - Education
• Thiruvananthapuram - Media
• Thiruvananthapuram - Sports
• Thiruvananthapuram - Science and Technology

Read more here: » Thiruvananthapuram: Encyclopedia - Thiruvananthapuram

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease of cattle, which infects by a mechanism that shocked biologists on its discovery in late 20th century and appears transmissible to humans. While never having killed cattle on a scale comparable to other dreaded livestock diseases, such as foot and mouth and rinderpest, BSE has attracted wide attention because people assume humans can contract the disease, but it has never been proven that BSE has any link to v ...

Including:

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - Infectious agent
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - The BSE epidemic in British cattle
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - UK epidemic and UK licensed medicines
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - BSE in North America
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - Husbandry practices in the United States relating to BSE
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy - BSE statistics by country

Read more here: » Bovine spongiform encephalopathy: Encyclopedia - Bovine spongiform encephalopathy