When you sit for meditation thoughts of your friends and office work, memory of conversation that took place in the previous evening with your friends and relatives will disturb your mind and cause distraction. You will have to withdraw the mind again and again, cautiously from these extraneous worldly thoughts and fix it again and again in your Lakshya or point.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation and Thought-culture

Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge - not knowledge in the intellectual sense-but the knowledge of Brahman and Atman and the realization of their unity. Where the devotee of God follows the promptings of the heart, the jnani uses the powers of the mind to discriminate between the real and the unreal, the permanent and the transitory.

Read more here: » Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge - Jnana Yoga

Hellenic polytheism - Naming. Modern revivalist or reconstructionist Hellenic polytheism exists in several forms, both in Greece and in other countries. There are no standardized naming practices for this religion, and individual practitioners and groups use a variety of names, often reflecting subtle differences in belief or practice. The Greek organization YSEE (Υπατο Συμβουλιο των Ελληνων Εθνικων, Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes) refers to the religion as the "Ethnic ...

See also:

Hellenic polytheism, Hellenic polytheism - Ancient Hellenic polytheism, Hellenic polytheism - Modern revivalist movements, Hellenic polytheism - Naming, Hellenic polytheism - Beliefs and practices, Hellenic polytheism - Discrimination and controversy, Hellenic polytheism - See Also, Hellenic polytheism - Notes

Read more here: » Hellenic polytheism: Encyclopedia II - Hellenic polytheism - Modern revivalist movements

The orthodox systems of philosophy believe in the authority of the Vedas. The heterodox systems of philosophy do not believe in the authority of the Vedas.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Orthodox And Heterodox Systems: Vedic Philosophy - The Orthodox And The Heterodox Systems Of Indian Philosophy

The word preteen describes a child a bit younger than a teenager; perhaps between the ages of about 8 and 12. The neologism tween has the same meaning, but isn't in general use as either a colloquial or scientific term. This word comes from the age being between that of a young child and a teenager. Preteens are increasingly a specifically targeted market segment by business, because they tend to maintain the preferences they develop at this age. Even mobile phones are targeted toward this group. Also, because pre ...

See also:

Adolescence, Adolescence - Puberty, Adolescence - Preteens, Adolescence - Teenagers, Adolescence - Emerging Adulthood, Adolescence - Discrimination against adolescents, Adolescence - Psychology of adolescents, Adolescence - Social significance, Adolescence - Legal issues, Adolescence - Fiction about teenagers, Adolescence - Nonfiction about teenagers, Adolescence - List of people who achieved fame in their teens, Adolescence - Historical significance, Adolescence - Literature, Adolescence - Entertainment, Adolescence - Sports, Adolescence - List of famous teenagers, Adolescence - Compare with

Read more here: » Adolescence: Encyclopedia II - Adolescence - Preteens

Commonly known as Devi (goddess), Vaishnodevi (देवी, Devī in Hindi and Sanskrit) is the Divine Mother of Hinduism. Some of her other names include Jai Mata Di and Mata Rani. She is known as the goddess of strength, the female aspect of divinity, usually considered to have an equal role with the male aspect as energy or the driving force (Shakti), without which the male aspect, which represents consciousness or discrimination, is impotent. Vaishnodevi's main temple is situated in Jammu regio ...

Including:

• Devi - Shakta
• Devi - Aspects

Read more here: » Devi: Encyclopedia - Devi

The NAACP's headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with additional regional offices in California, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Georgia, Texas, and Maryland. Each regional office is responsible for coordinating the efforts of state conferences in the states included in that region. Local, youth, and college chapters organize activities for individual members. The NAACP is governed nationally by a 64-member board of directors led by a chairman. The board elects one person as the president and chief executive officer for the organizat ...

See also:

NAACP, NAACP - Organization, NAACP - History, NAACP - Fighting Jim Crow, NAACP - Desegregation, NAACP - The 1990s: Crisis and restored strength, NAACP - Critics and supporters, NAACP - Bush declines to speak to the NAACP, NAACP - Timeline, NAACP - Influential court cases, NAACP - Sources and further reading

Read more here: » NAACP: Encyclopedia II - NAACP - Organization

Before the Edict of Milan, ancient Christianity was an illegal movement, which many considered anti-social for worshipping an executed criminal in place of the traditional deities of Rome. Many early Christians met their deaths through martyrdom, sometimes in the arena, after refusing to renounce their faith. Persecution of Christians is by no means a thing of the past, and today is generally associated with Muslim or Communist countries. For ex ...

See also:

Christianity, Christianity - Overview, Christianity - Denominations of Christianity, Christianity - History, Christianity - Beliefs, Christianity - The Trinity, Christianity - Jesus Christ as God, Christianity - Jesus Christ as Salvation, Christianity - Crucifixion and Resurrection, Christianity - The Second Coming, Christianity - The Afterlife, Christianity - Differences in Beliefs, Christianity - Nicene Creed, Christianity - Scriptures, Christianity - Worship and practices, Christianity - Weekly worship services, Christianity - Holidays, Christianity - Symbols, Christianity - Persecution, Christianity - History and denominations, Christianity - Notes, Christianity - References and select bibliography

Read more here: » Christianity: Encyclopedia II - Christianity - Persecution

Cat's-eye Chrysoberyl

Cat�s-eye is the gemstone recommended for Ketu; specifically Chrysoberyl cat's-eye. The finest quality is called "milk and honey", as the stone is a honey color, with the eye white, like milk. The darker varieties are generally a greenish body color and still very powerful in their effect.

Read more here: » Gemstones Crystals: Gemstones Crystals - Cat's-eye Chrysoberyl

Main article: History of Moldova Moldova's territory was inhabited in ancient times by Dacians. Strategical location due to the situation on a strategic route between Asia and Europe, Moldova has suffered from several invasions, including those of the Kievan Rus' and the Mongols. During the Middle Ages the territory of Republic of Moldova (including most of present-day Moldova but also including districts to the north and south, known as Northern Bukovina and Budjak) formed the eastern part of the principality of Moldavi ...

See also:

Republic of Moldova, Republic of Moldova - History, Republic of Moldova - National symbols, Republic of Moldova - Flag, Republic of Moldova - Currency, Republic of Moldova - Ştefan cel Mare, Republic of Moldova - Dimitrie Cantemir, Republic of Moldova - Politics, Republic of Moldova - Relations with Romania and the European Union, Republic of Moldova - Administrative divisions, Republic of Moldova - Geography, Republic of Moldova - Largest cities, Republic of Moldova - Economy, Republic of Moldova - Demographics, Republic of Moldova - Language, Republic of Moldova - Comparison with Romanian, Republic of Moldova - Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Republic of Moldova - Culture, Republic of Moldova - Tourism in Moldova, Republic of Moldova - Miscellaneous topics, Republic of Moldova - Maps, Republic of Moldova - Gallery, Republic of Moldova - International rankings

Read more here: » Republic of Moldova: Encyclopedia II - Republic of Moldova - History

In humans, sex is conventionally perceived as a dichotomous state or identity for most biological and social purposes, such that a person can only be female or male. However, when the criteria which are generally used to define femaleness or maleness are examined more closely, it becomes apparent that the assignment or determination of 'sex' occurs at multiple levels. Environmental, biological, social, psychological and other factors are all believed to have some role in this process, and the complex intera ...

See also:

Sex, Sex - Sex in non-animal species, Sex - Sex among humans, Sex - Discordance, Sex - Biological varieties of discordance, Sex - Psychological behavioral and cultural varieties of discordance, Sex - Social and legal considerations

Read more here: » Sex: Encyclopedia II - Sex - Sex among humans

Tracy Brookshaw grew up on a pig and chicken farm in St. Marys, Ontario. In 2000, she won the Toronto Sunshine Millennium Calendar contest which led to her being named Miss June 2000 and interviewed in the Toronto Sun. Brookshaw went on to engage in promotional modelling work with the Molson, Labatts and Budweiser beverage brewers. In her interview, Brookshaw said that she aspired to be "the next WWE Superstar". This led to her being introduced to Ron Hutchinson, a professional wrestler who operated the Sully's Gy ...

See also:

Tracy Brookshaw, Tracy Brookshaw - Career, Tracy Brookshaw - Independent circuit, Tracy Brookshaw - Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, Tracy Brookshaw - In wrestling, Tracy Brookshaw - Wrestlers managed by Brooks, Tracy Brookshaw - Finishing and signature moves, Tracy Brookshaw - Championships and accomplishments, Tracy Brookshaw - Movies

Read more here: » Tracy Brookshaw: Encyclopedia II - Tracy Brookshaw - Career

Michael Langone gives three different models regarding joining a cult 30: "The definitional ambiguity surrounding the term cult has fueled much controversy regarding why people join cults and other unorthodox groups. Three apparently conflicting models attempt to account for conversion to unorthodox groups. The deliberative model, favored by most sociologists and religious scholars, says that people join because of what they think about the group. The psychodynamic mod ...

See also:

Cult, Cult - Definitions of cult, Cult - Definition of cult in dictionaries, Cult - Definition by the Christian countercult movement, Cult - Definition by secular cult opposition, Cult - Points of view regarding definitions, Cult - Cult NRM and the sociology and psychology of religion, Cult - Christianity and Cults, Cult - Cults and terrorism, Cult - Theories about the reasons for joining a cult, Cult - Cult leadership, Cult - Development of cults, Cult - Relationships with the outside world, Cult - Cults: genuine concerns and exaggerations, Cult - Stigmatization and discrimination, Cult - Leaving a cult, Cult - Criticism by former members of purported cults, Cult - Allegations made by scholars and skeptics, Cult - Other allegations, Cult - Prevalence of purported cults, Cult - Cults and governments, Cult - Bibliography, Cult - Books, Cult - Articles

Read more here: » Cult: Encyclopedia II - Cult - Theories about the reasons for joining a cult

Shiva (Sanskrit: शिव or श्रीशिव (when used to distinguish lordly status), and written Śiva in the official IAST transliteration, pronounced as "shιvə") is a form of Ishvara or God in the later Vedic scriptures of Hinduism. Adi Sankara interprets the name Śiva to mean "One who purifies everyone by the utterance of His name" or the Pure One. That is, Śiva is unaffected by the three gunas (characteristics) of Prakrti (matter): Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Śiva is "the destroyer", ...

Including:

• Shiva - Introduction
• Shiva - Consorts and the Burning of Kamadeva
• Shiva - Other Legends
• Shiva - The Sons of Shiva
• Shiva - Attributes of Lord Shiva
• Shiva - Other Forms and Legends
• Shiva - Schools and Views of Śivaism
• Shiva - Origin Theories
• Shiva - Names of Śiva

Read more here: » Shiva: Encyclopedia - Shiva

The mind is bigger than the brain. When people say "my mind," they are most likely referring to their intellect. The intellect is a process of the brain and, much of the time, along with our emotions, acts as part of our ego's defense system. The intended function of the intellect was to assess our immediate environment and communicate the information to the body so it could respond in whatever manner was appropriate to protect our physical being.

Read more here: » The Mind: Mind vs. Intellect

History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Background. For a discussion of the period of history leading up to apartheid, see History of South Africa. The first recorded use of the word "apartheid" (International Phonetic Alphabet [əˈpɑː(r)teɪt] or [-taɪt] in English and [aˈpartheid] in Afrikaans) was in 1917 during ...

Including:

• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Creation of apartheid
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Background
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Legal system created
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - The apartheid system
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Apartheid in South Africa from day to day
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - The homeland system
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Forced Removals
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Black White Indian and coloured
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Apartheid in international law
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Resistance
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - The ANC and the Pan African Congress
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - The Sharpeville Massacre
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Resistance goes underground
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - The Black Consciousness Movement and the Soweto riots
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - White resistance
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - International relations
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - UN arms embargo
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Total onslaught
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Destabilisation and sabotage
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Conservatism
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - State security
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - HIV/AIDS epidemic
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Winds of change
• History of South Africa in the apartheid era - Notes

Read more here: » History of South Africa in the apartheid era: Encyclopedia - History of South Africa in the apartheid era

A dictionary Of Commonly Used Sanskrit terms. From Tada to Yukta.

Please note that all words in grey, like "yoga", "enlightenment" or "kundalini" are hyperlinked to archives further explaining the term. At the corresponding archive you will also find articles related to the term.

For more dictionary entries, see » Discrimination Dictionary

The mark of Dharma is Achara or good conduct. Achara is the mark of the good. From Achara is Dharma born. Dharma enhances life. Man attains prosperity and fame, here and hereafter, through the practice of Dharma.

Good conduct is the highest Dharma. It is the root of all Tapas or austerities. Righteousness, truth and good works, power and prosperity - all originate from conduct.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Hindu Ethics: Ethics in Hindu Darma

Gerald Gardner is credited with re-introducing the word 'Wicca' into the English language, although he himself used the spelling 'Wica' in his published work of 1954. The spelling 'Wicca' is now used almost exclusively, (Seax-Wica being the only major use of the four-letter spelling). In Old English, wicca meant "A wizard, soothsayer, sorcerer, magician" (Bosworth, 1898 [1]). Its modern English descendant is the word witch, now used almost exclusively to describe women sorcerors, but formerly used for both sexes. Other ( ...

See also:

Wicca, Wicca - Definition, Wicca - History of Wicca, Wicca - Origins, Wicca - Later developments, Wicca - Beliefs and practices, Wicca - Morality, Wicca - Discrimination and persecution of Wiccans, Wicca - United States, Wicca - Wiccan traditions, Wicca - Notes

Read more here: » Wicca: Encyclopedia II - Wicca - Definition

With the possible exception of some manual labor jobs and most professional sports, a person's height would not seem to have an effect on how well they are able to perform their job. Nevertheless, studies have shown that short people are paid less than taller people, with disparities similar in magnitude to the race and gender gaps. [2] [3]. This disparity applies to both women and men, but since women are on average shorter it raises the question of whether part of the wage gap between men and women may in fact be explained by heightism. Al ...

See also:

Heightism, Heightism - Heightism and bullying, Heightism - Heightism in employment, Heightism - Heightism in politics, Heightism - Heightism in dating and marriage, Heightism - Heightism in the media, Heightism - Resources for short adults

Read more here: » Heightism: Encyclopedia II - Heightism - Heightism in employment

Like racism, classism can be divided into (at least) individual classism and structural classism. Individual classism is a matter of the prejudices held and discrimination practiced by individual people (such as making jokes or stereotypes at the expense of the poor, or treating workers in menial jobs as stupid or unworthy of respect). Structural or institutional classism is a passive form of classism that occurs when institutions or common practices are structured in such a way as to effectiv ...

See also:

Classism, Classism - Individual versus structural, Classism - Classism and racism

Read more here: » Classism: Encyclopedia II - Classism - Individual versus structural

The following is a list of strategies that can be used to create a rich educational context that explores issues around gender, race/ethnicity, and physical ability. This list was modified from Derman-Sparks (1989). Anti-bias curriculum - The Visual/Aesthetic Environment. The educational environment should be welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly make all children and families feel included and comfortable. Attractively display pictures of all the children, families, and staf ...

See also:

Anti-bias curriculum, Anti-bias curriculum - Anti-Bias Education, Anti-bias curriculum - Implementation, Anti-bias curriculum - Strategies for Implementation, Anti-bias curriculum - The Visual/Aesthetic Environment, Anti-bias curriculum - Toys and Materials, Anti-bias curriculum - Examples of bias, Anti-bias curriculum - Some examples of reform movements, Anti-bias curriculum - Pioneers in activism and education, Anti-bias curriculum - Educating and teaching children

Read more here: » Anti-bias curriculum: Encyclopedia II - Anti-bias curriculum - Strategies for Implementation