Heterodox Dictionary

heterodox: "Different opinion." Opposed to or departing from established doctrines or beliefs. Opposite of orthodox, "straight opinion."

See: nastika.

(See also: Heterodox , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

orthodox: "Straight opinion."

Conforming to established doctrines or beliefs. Opposite of heterodox, "different opinion."

See: astika.

(See also: Orthodox , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Ajapa (Sanskrit) (from a not + the verbal root jap to speak in a low voice)

One who does not use orthodox prayers; a reciter of heterodox mantras or works. Ajapa is the form of mantra called hamsa, consisting of a series of inhalations and exhalations.

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

Mahayana, Greater Vehicle Buddhism

A later, “heterodox” version of Buddhism which incorporates many Paleopagan deities from throughout Asia as Buddhas or Saints.

(See also: Mahayana, Greater Vehicle Buddhism , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Druze/Druse

Adherents of a heterodox Ismaili Shiite sect, called Duruz after Muhammad al-Darazi (d. ca. 1919), an Ismaili missionary.

Founded in 1017 in Egypt, the Druze community was oppressed by the larger group of Ismaili Shiites, the Muslim Fatimid dynasty that ruled Egypt and North Africa. The Druze sought refuge in the mountains of Syria-Lebanon, where they since have played a historic role. Professed monotheists, the Druze hold the Fatimid Caliph al- Hakim (r. 996-1021) to be the sole incarnation of divinity, appearing in all ages.

Al-Hakim is believed by the Druze to have created five cosmic principles or ranks: the Intellect, Universal Soul, Word, Preceder, and Follower, which were incarnated in five Druze missionaries.

Baha al-Din al-Muqtana (the Follower), who occupies the lowest rank in this cosmic hierarchy, was the author of most of the Druze scriptures, known as the Epistles of Wisdom. Faced with serious problems of schism led by ambitious missionaries, in 1333 Baha al-Din closed the door of initiation. The Druze have since remained a closed community. Below the five incarnate principles are the fully initiated leaders and then the larger community of ordinary Druze believers.

In opposition to these are evil principles representing the darker side of the cosmic order. At death, human souls are immediately reborn in human form. At the end of time al-Hakim, along with one of the incarnate principles (Hamza, who is in occultation), will return to usher in the end of this age and a new messianic era.

(See also: Druze , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism:

A general term for a variety of movements both organized and (usually) nonorganized, started since 1960 c.e. or so (though they had literary roots going back to the mid-1800’s), as attempts to recreate, revive or continue what their founders thought were the best aspects of the Paleopagan ways of their ancestors (or predecessors), blended with modern humanistic, pluralist and inclusionary ideals, while consciously striving to eliminate as much as possible of the traditional Western monotheism, dualism, and puritanism.

The core Neopagan beliefs include a multiplicity of deities of all genders, a perception of those deities as both immanent and transcendent, a commitment to environmental awareness, and a willingness to perform magical as well as spiritual rituals to help both ourselves and others.

Examples of Neopaganism would include the Church of All Worlds, most heterodox Wiccan traditions, Druidism as practiced by Ár nDraíocht Féin and the Henge of Keltria, some Norse Paganism, and some modern forms of Buddhism whose members refer to themselves as “Buddheo-Pagans.” Neopagan belief systems are not racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. There are hundreds of thousands of Neopagans living and worshiping their deities today. As “Neo-Paganism,” this term was popularized in the 1960’s and 1970’s by Oberon Zell, a founder of the Church of All Worlds.

(See also: Neopaganism, Neo-Paganism , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

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

Atheism is a Truly Divine Science

In 'The Song Divine', Krishna classifies nature as material nature and supernature. He says that supernature is incomprehensible to people who are not in tune with the subtlety of infinity. We think we choose to live, but the fact is we have no independent will to be born. Beyond food, sex and territory, animals are not aware of any other reality; they also do not have any aspirations towards immortality. Since there is no fear or idea of death in their lives, they have no concept of God or codified system of philosophy. They live by instinct and die without seeking to prolong their lives.

Read more here: » Atheism: Atheism is a Truly Divine Science

A clear understanding of mans relation to God is a matter of momentous importance to students of philosophy and to all aspirants. Philosophers, prophets, saints, sages, thinkers, Acharyas and great religious leaders of the world have tried to explain the relation of man to God and the universe. Various schools of philosophy and different kinds of religious beliefs have come into existence, on account of various explanations given by different philosophers.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Hindu Philosophy: Hindu Philosophy and its Various Schools and Systems