Dictionary - Enlightenment: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Enlightenment
enlightenment: For Saiva monists, Self Realization, samadhi without seed (nirvikalpa samadhi); the ultimate attainment, sometimes re...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Mysticism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Mysticism
mysticism: Spirituality; the pursuit of direct spiritual or religious experience. Spiritual discipline aimed at union or communion wit...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Buddhism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Buddhism
Buddhism: The religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (ca 624544 bce). He refuted the idea of man's...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Cosmos: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Cosmos
cosmos: The universe, or whole of creation, especially with reference to its order, harmony and completeness. See: Brahmanda, loka, t...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Oneness: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Oneness
oneness: Quality or state of being one. Unity, identity, especially in spite of appearances to the contrary - e.g., the oneness of sou...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Bhuloka: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Bhuloka
Bhuloka: "Earth world."   The world perceived through the five senses, also called the gross plane, as it is the most ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Rites Of Passage: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Rites Of Passage
rites of passage: Sacraments marking crucial stages of life. See: samskara. (See also: Rites of passage , Hinduism, Body Mind and S...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Reincarnation: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Reincarnation
reincarnation: "Re-entering the flesh." Punarjanma; metempsychosis. The process wherein souls take on a physical body throug...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Ultimate: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Ultimate
ultimate: Final, last. - Ultimate Reality: Final, highest Truth. God Siva's Absolute Reality, Parasiva. (See also: Ultimate , Hindu...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Temple: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Temple
temple: An edice in a consecrated place dedicated to the worship of God or the Gods. From the Latin templum, "temple, sanctuary; ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Siddhi: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Siddhi
siddhi: (Sanskrit) "Power, accomplishment; perfection."   Extraordinary powers of the soul, developed through consiste...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Chakra: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Chakra
chakra: (Sanskrit) "Wheel."   Any of the nerve plexes or centers of force and consciousness located within the inner b...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Faith: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Faith
faith: Trust or belief. Conviction. From the Latin fides, "trust." Faith in its broadest sense means "religion, dharma....   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yajna: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Yajna
yajna: (Sanskrit) "Worship; sacrifice."   One of the most central Hindu concepts - sacrifice and surrender through act...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Deeksha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Deeksha
deeksha: (Sanskrit) "Initiation."   Solemn induction by which one is entered into a new realm of awareness and practic...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Culture: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Culture
culture: Development or refinement of intellect, emotions, interests, manners, and tastes.   The ideals, customs, skills and art...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Consciousness: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Consciousness
consciousness: Chitta or chaitanya.   1)    A synonym for mind-stuff, chitta; or 2)    the condit...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Gayatri Mantra: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri Mantra: (Sanskrit) 1) Famous Vedic mantra used in puja and personal chanting. Om (bhur bhuvah svah) tat savitur varenyam, bha...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sanskrit: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sanskrit
Sanskrit (Sanskrita): (Sanskrit) "Well-made; refined, perfected."   The classical sacerdotal language of ancient India...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Precede: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Precede
precede: To come before in time, importance, influence or rank. (See also: Precede , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Chalukya: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Chalukya
Chalukya: (Sanskrit) Indian dynasty (4501189) in the Punjab area. Buddhism and Saivism were prominent. This dynasty completed the Budd...   » Read the article

Dictionary - çhandogya Upanishad: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On çhandogya Upanishad
Çhandogya Upanishad: (Sanskrit) One of the major Upanishads, it consists of eight chapters of the Çhandogya Brahmana of ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Saiva: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Saiva
Saiva: (Sanskrit) "Auspicious." Of or relating to Saivism or its adherents, of whom there are about 400 million in the world...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Cosmic: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Cosmic
cosmic: Universal; vast. Of or relating to the cosmos or entire universe. (See also: Cosmic , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)  ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Garbhadhana: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Garbhadhana
garbhadhana: (Sanskrit) "Womb-placing." The rite of conception. See: reincarnation, samskaras of birth. (See also: Garbha...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Vedanta: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Vedanta
Vedanta: (Sanskrit) "Ultimate wisdom" or "final conclusions of the Vedas." Vedanta is the system of thought embodi...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Rudraksha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Rudraksha
rudraksha: (Sanskrit) "Eye of Rudra;" or "red-eyed." From rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye.&q...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Death: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Death
death: Death is a rich concept for which there are many words in Sanskrit, such as: mahaprasthana, "great departure;" samadh...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Guru-shishya System: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Guru-shishya System
guru-shishya system: (Sanskrit) "Master-disciple" system. An important education system of Hinduism whereby the teacher conv...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Anugraha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Anugraha
anugraha: revealing grace - which grants knowledge and severs the soul's bonds - represented by Siva's raised left foot, and by His lo...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Spiritual Unfoldment: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Spiritual Unfoldment
spiritual unfoldment: Adhyatma vikasa.   The unfoldment of the spirit, the inherent, divine soul of man. The very gradual expans...   » Read the article

Dictionary -  : Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On  
  (See also:   , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Path: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Path
path: Marga or pantha. A trail, road or way. In Hinduism there are various ways that the term path is used. -    ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Conception: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Conception
conception: Power to imagine, conceive or create. Moment when a pregnancy is begun, a new earthly body generated.   the point of...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sivalinga: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sivalinga
Sivalinga: (Sanskrit) "Mark, or sign, of Siva."   The most prevalent icon of Siva, found in virtually all Siva temples...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Ether: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Ether
ether: Akasha. Space, the most subtle of the five elements. See: akasha, tattva. (See also: Ether , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul) ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Obstinate (obstinacy):: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Obstinate (obstinacy):
obstinate (obstinacy): Overly determined to have one's own way. Stubborn. (See also: Obstinate (obstinacy): , Hinduism, Body Mind a...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Tattva: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Tattva
tattva: (Sanskrit) "That-ness" or "essential nature." Tattvas are the primary principles, elements, states or cate...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Samskaras Of Birth: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Samskaras Of Birth
samskaras of birth: From the rite of conception to the blessings of the new-born child. -       garbhad...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga Vasishtha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Yoga Vasishtha
Yoga Vasishtha: (Sanskrit) Poetic work of over 29,000 verses attributed to Valmiki. It is a dialog between Prince Rama and his teacher...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Creator: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Creator
creator: He who brings about creation. Siva as one of His five powers. See: creation, Nataraja, Parameshvara. (See also: Creator , ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Congregational Worship: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Congregational Worship
congregational worship: Worship done as a group, such as synchronized singing, community prayers or other participatory worship by ind...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Concentration: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Concentration
concentration: Uninterrupted and sustained attention. See: raja yoga. (See also: Concentration , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul) &n...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Light: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Light
light: In an ordinary sense, a form of energy which makes physical objects visible to the eye. In a religious-mystical sense, light al...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Commitment: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Commitment
commitment: Dedication or engagement to a long-term course of action. (See also: Commitment , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)  ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Epic History: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Epic History
epic history: Long narrative poem in a high style about grand exploits of Gods and heroes. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are India's tw...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Aum: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Aum
Aum: (Sanskrit) or (Sanskrit) Often spelled Om. The mystic syllable of Hinduism, placed at the beginning of most sacred writings. As a...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Lekhaprartha Havana: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Lekhaprartha Havana
lekhaprartha havana: (Sanskrit) "Written-prayer-burning rite."   A coined term for the ancient practice of sending wri...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Murti: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Murti
murti: (Sanskrit) "Form; manifestation, embodiment, personification." An image or icon of God or one of the many Gods used d...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sin: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sin
sin: Intentional transgression of divine law. Akin to the Latin sons, "guilty."   Hinduism does not view sin as a crim...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sannyasa Diksha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sannyasa Diksha
sannyasa diksha: (Sanskrit) "Renunciate initiation."   This diksha is a formal rite, or less often an informal blessin...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Purushartha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Purushartha
purushartha: (Sanskrit) "Human wealth or purpose."   The four pursuits in which humans may legitimately engage, also c...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Joint Family: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Joint Family
joint family: Kutumba or kula.   The Hindu social unit consisting of several generations of kindred living together under the sa...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Bhaskara: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Bhaskara
Bhaskara: n (Sanskrit) Philosopher (ca 950). His Bhaskarabhashya, a commentary on the Brahma Sutras, was the first elaborate criticism...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Samskara: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Samskara
samskara: (Sanskrit) "Impression, activator; sanctification, preparation." 1)    The imprints left on the su...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Three Worlds: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Three Worlds
three worlds: The three worlds of existence, triloka, are the primary hierarchical divisions of the cosmos. -    ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Chandra: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Chandra
chandra: (Sanskrit) "The moon."   Of central importance in Hindu astrology and in the calculation of the festival cale...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Existence: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Existence
existence: "Coming or standing forth." Being; reality; that which is. (See also: Existence , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Celestial: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Celestial
celestial: "Of the sky or heavens." Of or relating to the heavenly regions or beings. Highly refined, divine. (See also: ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Reality: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Reality
reality: See: Absolute Reality, relative reality. (See also: Reality , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Manifest: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Manifest
manifest: To show or reveal. Perceivable or knowable, therefore having form. The opposite of unmanifest or transcendent. See: formless...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Mantra: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Mantra
mantra: (Sanskrit) "Mystic formula."   A sound, syllable, word or phrase endowed with special power, usually drawn fro...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Preside: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Preside
preside: To be chairman at a gathering, in a position of authority within a group. To have charge of; to dominate. (See also: Presi...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Transfix: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Transfix
transfix: To render motionless. (See also: Transfix , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Vedanta: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Vedanta
Vedanta: (Sanskrit) "Ultimate wisdom" or "final conclusions of the Vedas."   Vedanta is the system of though...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Pashupatinatha Mandira: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Pashupatinatha Mandira
Pashupatinatha mandira: (Sanskrit) Foremost temple of Nepal, linked to the ancient Pashupata sect of Saivism. (See also: Pashupatin...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Gautama: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Gautama
Gautama: (Sanskrit) The name of the founder of the Nyaya school of Saivism, author of the Nyaya Sutras. Also, the Buddha (Siddhartha G...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Shad Darshana: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Shad Darshana
shad darshana: (Sanskrit) "Six views or insights; six philosophies."   Among the hundreds of Hindu darshanas known thr...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Dharma: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Dharma
dharma: (Sanskrit) "Righteousness." From dhri, "to sustain; carry, hold."   Hence dharma is "that which...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sthapatyaveda: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sthapatyaveda
Sthapatyaveda: (Sanskrit) "Science of architecture."   A class of writings on architecture, sometimes classed as one o...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Fast: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Fast
fast: Abstaining from all or certain foods, as in observance of a vow or holy day.   Hindus fast in various ways. A simple fas...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Soundless Sound: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Soundless Sound
Soundless Sound: Paranada. See: nada. (See also: Soundless Sound , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Mahavakya: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Mahavakya
mahavakya: (Sanskrit) "Great saying."   A profound aphorism from scripture or a holy person. Most famous are four Upan...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Tiruvasagam: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Tiruvasagam
Tiruvasagam: (Tamil) "Holy Utterances."   The lyrical Tamil scripture by Saint Manikkavasagar (ca 850). Considered one...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Ethics: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Ethics
ethics: The code or system of morals of a nation, people, religion, etc. See: dharma, pancha nitya karmas, punya, purity-impurity. (...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Apprehend: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Apprehend
apprehend: To mentally seize and hold, to see or understand; to physically detain. (See also: Apprehend , Hinduism, Body Mind and S...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Appaya Dikshita: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Appaya Dikshita
Appaya Dikshita: (Sanskrit) Philosophical genius of South India (1554-1626) who worked to reconcile Vaishnavism and Saivism, advancing...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Ananda Tandava: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Ananda Tandava
ananda tandava: (Sanskrit) "Violent dance of bliss." See: Nataraja, tandava. (See also: Ananda tandava , Hinduism, Body M...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Murugan: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Murugan
Murugan: (Tamil) "Beautiful one," a favorite name of Karttikeya among the Tamils of South India, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Se...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yama-niyama: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Yama-niyama
yama-niyama: (Sanskrit) "Restraints-observances."   The first two of the eight limbs of raja yoga, constituting Hindui...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Extended Family: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Extended Family
extended family: Brihatkutumba or mahakutumba.   One or more joint families plus their broader associations and affiliations. Un...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Trance: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Trance
trance: In general, a condition of altered consciousness, accompanied by a lack of awareness to physical surroundings, neither a state...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Prarabdha Karma: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Prarabdha Karma
prarabdha karma: (Sanskrit) "Action that has been unleashed or aroused." See: karma. (See also: Prarabdha karma , Hinduis...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Dhanurveda: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Dhanurveda
Dhanurveda: (Sanskrit) "Science of archery."   A class of ancient texts on the military arts, comprising the Upaveda o...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Shikhara: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Shikhara
shikhara: (Sanskrit) "Summit or crest."   The towering superstructure above the garbhagriha in North Indian style temp...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Durga: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Durga
Durga: (Sanskrit) "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach."   A form of Shakti worshiped in Her gracious as...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Heaven: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Heaven
heaven: The celestial spheres, including the causal plane and the higher realms of the subtle plane, where souls rest and learn betwee...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Shiksha Vedanga: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Shiksha Vedanga
Shiksha Vedanga: (Sanskrit) Auxiliary Vedic texts on Sanskrit phonetics, among four linguistic skills taught for mastery of the Vedas ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Himalayas: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Himalayas
Himalayas: (Sanskrit) "Abode of snow." The mountain system extending along the India-Tibet border and through Pakistan, Nepa...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Dhoti: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Dhoti
dhoti: (Sanskrit) (Hindi) A long, unstitched cloth wound about the lower part of the body, and sometimes passed between the legs and t...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Hindu Cosmology: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Hindu Cosmology
Hindu cosmology: See: loka, three worlds. (See also: Hindu cosmology , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)      » Read the article

Dictionary - Dosha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Dosha
dosha: (Sanskrit) "Bodily humor; individual constitution."   Three bodily humors, which according to ayurveda regulate...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Punjab: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Punjab
Punjab: (Sanskrit) The area of ancient India between the Indus and Sutlej, below Kashmir. It is now divided between India and Pakistan...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Dr S Radhakrishnan: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Dr S Radhakrishnan
Radhakrishnan, Dr. S.: (Sanskrit) (1888-1975) A President of India (1962 to 1967), an outstanding philosopher, prolific writer, compel...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Shruti: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Shruti
shruti: (Sanskrit) "That which is heard."   Hinduism's revealed scriptures, of supreme theological authority and spiri...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Purgatory: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Purgatory
purgatory: A state or place of temporary punishment or expiation. A hellish condition that is not eternal. Purgatory is actually more ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sanchita Karma:: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sanchita Karma:
sanchita karma: (Sanskrit) "Accumulated action."   The accumulated consequence of an individual's actions in this and ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Jainism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Jainism
Jainism: (Jaina) (Sanskrit) An ancient non-Vedic religion of India made prominent by the teachings of Mahavira ("Great Hero"...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Subramuniyaswami: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Subramuniyaswami
Subramuniyaswami: Current and 162nd satguru (1927-) of the Nandinatha Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara. He was ordained Sivaya Subramuni...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Meritorious: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Meritorious
meritorious: Having merit, deserving of praise or reward. See: punya. (See also: Meritorious , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)  ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Veda: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Veda
Veda: (Sanskrit) "Wisdom." Sagely revelations which comprise Hinduism's most authoritative scripture. They, along with the A...   » Read the article