Sit Dictionary

Kusha grass:

Kusha grass: Grass that is considered sacred. Sages often sit on Kusha grass mats when they do their meditation.

(See also: Kusha grass , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Upanishad

(Sanskrit) "Near down sit (at the foot of the teacher)", Indian scripture teaching the mystical identity of Atman and Brahman; 108 in number

(See also: Upanishad , Body Mind and Soul)

Sarartha-darsini - commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura gives the following commentary on slokas 11.20.27-30, 32-33: "In the first two slokas quoted above, the nature of a person who is in the beginning stage of eligibility for bhaktiis described.

By the association of sadhus one develops a taste for hearing hari-katha. At that time he loses interest in all other activities, and begins to chant sri-nama with firm determination. However, due to his previous habits and conditioning, he is unable to give up material enjoyment and the desire for such enjoyment. Yet even while engaged in such enjoyment he knows that it is offensive and he condemns it.

"What is meant by drsha-niscaya, firm determination? ‘Whether my attachment for family, home, and so on is destroyed or increased, whether I experience ten million impediments in bhajana or none, even if I am impelled to lust, or must go to hell for my offenses, I will never give up bhakti. I will not agree to adopt karma or jnana, even if Brahma himself comes to recommend it.’ This is known as drshaniscaya. From the outset, the more one’s bhajana is firmly resolved for bhakti, the less it will be distracted by unfavorable things. "Will the bhakta remain obstructed by desires for material enjoyment? No. This is answered by Sri Bhagavan in the next two slokas. ‘By hearing and repeating hari-katha, all desires for material enjoyment within the bhaktas heart are gradually destroyed. When the sadhaka worships Me, I come and sit in his heart, at which time his faults can no longer remain. Why? Because it is not possible for material desires to sit in the same heart with Me, just as it is impossible for the sun and darkness to be present in the same place. The knot of the false ego is pierced without delay, all doubts are dispersed, and the desires for karma are annihilated. This is My eternal edict.’

"A bhakta thus develops faith in hearing hari-katha, and having abandoned faith in the pursuits of karma and jnana, he loses interest in such activities. But suppose for some improbable reason he were to desire the fruits of such activities - then what? This is answered in the next two slokas. ‘The benedictions of elevation to the celestial planets, liberation, the attainment of My supreme abode, as well as whatever else is obtained by fruitive activities, austerity, knowledge, renunciation, yoga practice, charity, religiosity, or other beneficial methods of sadhana, are easily obtained by My bhaktas through the power of bhakti-yoga.‘”

(See also: Sarartha-darsini , Bhakti, Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Window

• To see windows in your dreams, is an augury of fateful culmination to bright hopes. You will see your fairest wish go down in despair. Fruitless endeavors will be your portion.
• To see closed windows is a representation of desertion. If they are broken, you will be hounded by miserable suspicions of disloyalty from those you love.
• To sit in a window, denotes that you will be the victim of folly. To enter a house through a window, denotes that you will be found out while using dishonorable means to consummate a seemingly honorable purpose.
• To escape by one, indicates that you will fall into a trouble whose toils will hold you unmercifully close.
• To look through a window when passing and strange objects appear, foretells that you will fail in your chosen avocation and lose the respect for which you risked health and contentment.

Source: 10 000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Window , Meaning of Dreams about Window , Dream Interpretation Window )

 Upanishads:

the philosophical parts of the Vedas. 'upa' (near) 'ni' (down)  sad (to sit) - the act of sitting down by one's Guru to receive instruction.

(See also:  Upanishads , Body Mind and Soul)

A Theosophical definition of Asana :

Asana according to Theosophy

(Sanskrit) "A word derived from the verbal root as, signifying "to sit quietly." Asana, therefore, technically signifies one of the peculiar postures adopted by Hindu ascetics, mostly of the hatha yoga school. Five of these postures are usually enumerated, but nearly ninety have been noted by students of the subject.

A great deal of quasi-magical and mystical literature may be found devoted to these various postures and collateral topics, and their supposed or actual psychological value when assumed by devotees; but, as a matter of fact, a great deal of this writing is superficial and has very little indeed to do with the actual occult and esoteric training of genuine occultists. One is instinctively reminded of other quasi-mystical practices, as, for instance, certain genuflections or postures followed in the worship of the Christian Church, to which particular values are sometimes ascribed by fanatic devotees.

Providing that the position of the body be comfortable so that the mind is least distracted, genuine meditation and spiritual and actual introspection can be readily and successfully attained by any earnest student without the slightest attention being paid to these various postures. A man sitting quietly in his armchair, or lying in his bed at night, or sitting or lying on the grass in a forest, can more readily enter the inner worlds than by adopting and following any one or more of these various asanas, which at the best are physiological aids of relatively small value." (See also Samadhi)

See also: Asana , Mysticism, Body Mind and Soul

A dictionary of parapsychology. Please note that words in grey are hyperlinked to a corresponding archive with articles related to that particular topic.

Asana: Posture: is to be seated in a position which is firm but relaxed. Asana means two things: the place on which the yogi sits and the manner in which he sits there. To take a position in which one can sit absolutely still and erect holding the chest, neck and head in a straight line but without strain. Holding the body erect helps in keeping the mind clear and present so that as the prana begins to flow more freely it is not stop by restrictions in the posture. Atman: God-within-the-creature is known; the Real Self; the Godhead within man; the Reality

(See also: Asana , Hinduism, Yoga, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Stairs

• To dream of passing up a stairs, foretells good fortune and much happiness.
• If you fall down stairs, you will be the object of hatred and envy.
• To walk down, you will be unlucky in your affairs, and your lovemaking will be unfavorable.
• To see broad, handsome stairs, foretells approaching riches and honors.
• To see others going down stairs, denotes that unpleasant conditions will take the place of pleasure.
• To sit on stair steps, denotes a gradual rise in fortune and delight.

Source: 10 000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Stairs , Meaning of Dreams about Stairs , Dream Interpretation Stairs )

Window

• To see windows in your dreams, is an augury of fateful culmination to bright hopes. You will see your fairest wish go down in despair. Fruitless endeavors will be your portion.
• To see closed windows is a representation of desertion. If they are broken, you will be hounded by miserable suspicions of disloyalty from those you love.
• To sit in a window, denotes that you will be the victim of folly. To enter a house through a window, denotes that you will be found out while using dishonorable means to consummate a seemingly honorable purpose.
• To escape by one, indicates that you will fall into a trouble whose toils will hold you unmercifully close.
• To look through a window when passing and strange objects appear, foretells that you will fail in your chosen avocation and lose the respect for which you risked health and contentment.

Source: 10 000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Window , Meaning of Dreams about Window , Dream Interpretation Window )

Tapas (Sanskrit) Warmth, fire, heat; abstraction, meditation. To perform tapas is to sit for contemplation or undergo some special observance. Occultly the inner fire or spiritual flame aroused by intense abstraction of thought or meditation.

The Laws of Manu says tapas with the Brahmins is sacred learning; with the Kshatriyas, protection of subjects; with the Vaisyas, giving alms to Brahmins; with the Sudras, service.

(See also: Tapas , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

Ice:

1. To put ice into a drink indicates that perhaps the dreamer is spending too much time indulging in pleasures and not enough on practical matters. However, to be surrounded by ice, or to sit on it, implies comfortable living ahead that has been well earned.

2. Slipping on ice or falling through thin ice implies difficulties and obstacles ahead, while deliberately breaking through ice indicates new friendships. Remember the metaphor, "breaking the ice"?

3. Skating on ice alone indicates success ahead, but skating with a partner COULD mean that someone is sabotaging your efforts. Or it could mean a successful partnership. To judge which it is, look to other symbols in the dream.

Source: Astrocenter, http://astrocenter.astrology.msn.com/msn/DreamDictionary.aspx

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Ice , Meaning of Dreams about Ice , Dream Interpretation Ice )

Alexander Technique: A posture, movement, and massage system designed to improve the way we sit, stand, and move in our daily routine, in order to relieve and prevent pain and stress.

(See also: Alexander Technique , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Upanishads:

Upanishads - the philosophical parts of the Vedas. 'upa' (near) 'ni' (down) sad (to sit) - the act of sitting down by one's Guru to receive instruction.

(See also: Upanishads , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Eisteddfod (Welsh) (from eistedd to sit)

A session; a festival of competitions in music and poetry, presided over and organized by the Gorsedd of the Bards.

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

A Theosophical definition of Clairvoyance :

Clairvoyance

In its largest sense Clairvoyance simply means "clear-seeing," insight behind the veils, inner visioning. Genuine clairvoyance is a spiritual faculty and is the ability to see and to see aright; and in seeing to know that your seeing is truth. This is no psychical faculty.

The clairvoyance commonly called the psychical clairvoyance is very deceptive, because it is a mere moonlight reflection so to speak, and this moonlight reflection is uncertain, deceiving, and illusory. Genuine spiritual clairvoyance, of which the psychical clairvoyance so called is but a feeble ray, will enable one to see what passes at immense distances.

You can sit in your armchair and see, with eyes closed, all that you care to see, however far away. This can be done not only in this exterior world, but one can penetrate into the interior and invisible worlds with this spiritual vision, and thus know what is going on in the worlds spiritual and ethereal.

This vision is not physical vision, nor that which, on the astral plane, manifests itself as psychical clairvoyance; but true vision is spiritual clairvoyance  - seeing through the inner spiritual eye.

See also: Clairvoyance , Mysticism, Body Mind and Soul

A Theosophical definition of Ring-Pass-Not :

Ring-Pass-Not

A profoundly mystical and suggestive term signifying the circle or bounds or frontiers within which is contained the consciousness of those who are still under the sway of the delusion of separateness  - and this applies whether the ring be large or small. It does not signify any one especial occasion or condition, but is a general term applicable to any state in which an entity, having reached a certain stage of evolutionary growth of the unfolding of consciousness, finds itself unable to pass into a still higher state because of some delusion under which the consciousness is laboring, be that delusion mental or spiritual. There is consciously a ring-pass-not for every globe of the planetary chain, a ring-pass-not for the planetary chain itself, a ring-pass-not for the solar system, and so forth. It is the entities who labor under the delusion who therefore actually create their own rings-pass-not, for these are not actual entitative material frontiers, but boundaries of consciousness.

A ring-pass-not furthermore may perhaps be said with great truth to be somewhat of the nature of a spiritual laya-center or point of transmission between plane and plane of consciousness.

The rings-pass-not as above said, however, have to do with phases or states of consciousness only. For instance, the ring-pass-not for the beasts is self-consciousness, i.e., the beasts have not yet been enabled to develop forth their consciousness to the point of self-consciousness or reflective consciousness except in minor degree. A dog, for example, located in a room which it desires to leave, will run to a door out of which it is accustomed to go and will sit there whining for the door to be opened. Its consciousness recognizes the point of egress, but it has not developed the self-conscious mental activity to open the door.

A general ring-pass-not for humanity is their inability to self-consciously participate in spiritual self-consciousness.

See also: Ring-Pass-Not , Mysticism, Body Mind and Soul

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

The Alexander Technique is movement education in which the student is taught to sit, stand, and move in ways that reduce physical stress on the body.

Alexander Technique teachers use gentle manual guidance and verbal cues to improve students’ posture and movement patterns. A lesson or group class typically involves basic movements such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, carrying, and lying down. It may also involve more specialized activities such as playing a musical instrument, working at a computer, etc. T

he teacher’s manual guidance stresses the adjustment of the head, neck, and torso relationship. In beginning lessons, the teacher closely monitors the student. Later, the student learns to monitor herself, ultimately learning a unique self-management process - an understanding of balance and dynamic postural control. F. M. Alexander, an Australian actor, developed the technique in the late 1800s as a result of attempting to solve his own physical problem of losing his voice on stage.

He discovered that misuse of the neuromuscular activity of the head, neck, and spine caused maladaptive functioning and that this movement could be corrected. As he began to teach his technique, he found that his students’ overall health improved and that the technique could be used to address a wide array of problems.

(See also: ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Birds : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Various Bird Symbology:

Various Bird Symbology:

White Dove: well known symbol of peace; a symbol of the Holy Spirit descending on Christ, as depicted in many artistic works.  A pair of white doves is a common symbol of love and devotion.

Mourning Dove:  commonly thought of as a potential symbol of upcoming death to someone you know, but only if it is seen in unusual circumstances and not just eating at the bird feeder or sitting on a telephone line.

Eagle: Among the 7 mortal sins, depicts pride; among the 4 cardinal virtues, justice.  Symbol of John the Evangelist, depicting spiritual cognition, faith, healing and ascension.  Similar powerful symbol of the Great Spirit to the American Indians, who use it's feathers in many ceremonial dress & implements.

Goose: symbol of fidelity and loyalty.  Could also be a metaphor for

"being goosed" or "acting like a goose."

Ostrich:  closing eyes to unpleasant facts.  Just mentioning "Y2K" will make many ostriches out of you! <smile>  Also a symbol of meditation, since the Ostrich parent does not sit and hatch it's eggs, but lets the sun do it's work while it guards them vigilantly.

Owl: wisdom, as portrayed in so many children's stories and cartoons.

Peacock:  pride, vanity and showing off due to the male's proud strut; but the male does this as part of his mating ritual to get the attention of the female, so I would apply this as such.  It is used to symbolize the American CBS network, and a metaphor could be "showing your true colors."  The peacock also symbolizes joy in the afterlife.  True story:  my mother & I visited my grandmother's grave one afternoon to find a living, breathing peacock standing there staring at us.  When I found out that it symbolized "joy in the afterlife," you can imagine how special that was.   How often does one find a peacock standing on a grave?  Coincidence, my foot!

Nightingale:  symbolizes yearning and pain; in Christianity it

symbolizes the longing for heaven.

Raven: intelligence; oftentimes depicting things we really prefer not to hear.

Stork:  instantly recognizable in our culture as a symbol that a baby has been delivered or is due, possibly due to the young stork's habit of gratefully feeding it's parents when it becomes a fledgling; or due to the stork's return after winter migration, when nature begins anew.

Swan: transformation, as in from "ugly duckling" into a beautiful swan.  Also symbolizes loyalty and fidelity.

Turkey:  Is any American unfamiliar with the symbology of "Turkey Day?"  Also referred to as a metaphor often used to describe something as being silly, or an embarrassing failure or dud.

Vulture: impending death, or a metaphor for waiting to take advantage of someone in dire trouble, as in "the vultures are circling."

Egg: symbolizes primal beginnings from which all life springs forth;

also in Christianity this is a symbol of resurrection (ever wonder where the thought of Easter Eggs came from?), as in Christ breaking out of his tomb similar to a chick breaking free from it's egg.  Could also have metaphorical influence, such as the age-old question, "Which came first--the chicken or the egg?"  In this manner it could be saying, "Some questions can never be answered by mere humans, so quit agonizing over a problem without solutions and deal with what-is, as it is."

Other types of symbology involving birds:  metaphors such as

"bird-brain", "You eat like a bird", "birds of a feather flock

together," "that's for the birds", "A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the

bush", "feathered friends", etc.  Just apply the metaphor to the context of your dream to get the gist of what the symbology entails.  Also helpful is relating bird dream symbols to song lyrics.  Think of how many different songs mention birds in one way or another.

Courtesy to: http://www.readersdigest.ca

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Birds , Dream Dictionary Birds )

Organic Gardening

What has organic gardening to do with spiritual healing? Allow me a few moments of your time and I shall tell you. A centre such as we are developing will be a place of tranquillity, comfort and revival, both spiritual and physical. I suppose this could be achieved without the benefit of nature on the doorstep but nature itself is a healer, and can offer so much to the troubled spirit. Let us take a stroll through a year in the garden of our healing centre, where visitors will be encouraged to enjoy their surroundings as much, or as little, as they so desire.

Read more here: » Organic Gardening: What has organic gardening to do with spiritual healing?

Upanishad (Sanskrit) [from upa according to + ni down + the verbal root sad to sit]

Following or according to the teachings which were received when sitting down; esoteric doctrine. "Literary works in which the rahasya -- a Sanskrit word meaning esoteric doctrine or mystery -- is imbodied. The Upanishads belong to the Vedic cycle and are regarded by orthodox Brahmans as a portion of the Sruti or 'Revelation.' It was from these wonderful quasi-esoteric and very mystical works that was later developed the highly philosophical and profound system called the Vedanta" (OG 179).

The Upanishads belong to the third division of the Vedas and are appended to the Brahmanas. The number of Upanishads hitherto known is about 170, though probably only a score are now complete without evident marks of excision or interpolation. These Upanishads belong to different periods of antiquity, some being of a much later date than others. Although the Upanishads are usually considered by modern scholars to be as a whole of later date than the Brahmanas, the original Upanishads were composed in an antiquity which anteceded that of the Brahmanas, and are probably coeval with the composition of the Vedas themselves.

"The Upanishads must be far more ancient than the days of Buddhism, as they show no preference for, nor do they uphold, the superiority of the Brahmans as a caste. On the contrary, it is the (now) second caste, the Kshatriya, or warrior class, who are exalted in the oldest of them. As stated by Professor Cowell in Elphinstone's History of India -- 'they breathe a freedom of spirit unknown to any earlier work except the Rig-Veda . . . The great teachers of the higher knowledge and Brahmans are continually represented as going to Kshatriya Kings to become their pupils.' The 'Kshatriya Kings' were in the olden times, like the King-Hierophants of Egypt, the receptacles of the highest divine knowledge and wisdom, the Elect and the incarnations of the primordial divine Instructors -- the Dhyani Buddhas or Kumaras. There was a time, aeons before the Brahmans became a caste, or even the Upanishads were written, when there was on earth but one 'lip,' one religion and one science, namely, the speech of the gods, the Wisdom-Religion and Truth. This was before the fair fields of the latter, overrun by nations of many languages, became overgrown with the weeds of intentional deception, and national creeds invented by ambition, cruelty and selfishness, broke the one sacred Truth into thousands of fragments" (TG 354).

Thirteen of the principal Upanishads are: Aitareya, Kaushitaki, Kena, Taittiriya, Maitri, Katha, Brihadaranyaka, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Isa, Chhandogya, and Svetasvatara.

(See also: Upanishad , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

 Instructions on Meditation.

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

Read more here: » Meditation: Special Instructions on Meditation