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Spiritual Dictionary: Dictionary of Spiritual Terms

A Dictionary of Spiritual Terms. From Acupuncture to Zoroaster.

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.

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Spiritual Dictionary: Dictionary of Spiritual Terms

By Sir Monier Monier-Williams'

Dictionary of Spiritual Terms

A
Acupuncture	An ancient form of Chinese medicine where needles are inserted at meridian points in the body to release energy blockages.
Agni yoga	A sanskrit word meaning fire. A synthesis of all yogas, especially Karma, Bahkti and Raja yoga.
Agna centre	The sixth chakra, (also known as the 3rd eye) energizes the pineai gland which when open, becomes the organ of clairvoyance and higher vision.
Akasha	A sanskrit word. The "Akashic records" are a recording of everything that has aver happened. The akasha is a substance which records the cosmic records of God.
Amrita	A sanskrit word meaning "nectar of immortality". The substance that gives the immortal life and purifies the human body in preparation for realization of the Immortal Body. Also called Soma. Amrita / Soma is secreted by the human glandular system.
Ananda	A sanskrit word meaning "supreme bliss", "unending joy". Indian swamis often use this a a suffix for their names, Examples are Yogananda and Vivekananda.
Angel of the Presence	Also known as "Solar Angel". The solar level of a human being, holding the presence of God, and at one with the angelic kingdom.
Aphrodite	The Greek Goddess of love and beauty, Roman Goddess Venus.
Antahkarana bridge	Also know as the "Rainbow Bridge", this is the personal Divine Corridor, the pathway to expansion of consciousness, moving into higher dimensions.
Apollo	Both a Greek god and a Roman god. Apollo was the God of the sun. Each day he rode his chariot led by fiery horses across the sky to give light to the world. He was the most beautiful god. Apollo is also the God of healing. of prophecy, of musical and artistic inspiration, and of archers. The Goddess Diana was his twin sister.
Archetype	A form or template emanating directly from the mind of God, which represents one of the twelve attributes of God. Each person has one primary archetype for a particular incarnation. Examples are the Creator, the Teacher and the Healer.
Ares	The Greek God of war (Roman God Mars).
Artemis	The Greek Goddess of the hunt and the protector of children (Roman Goddess Diana).
Arunachala	A sacred mountain at Tiruvannamalai in southern India where Sri Ramana Maharshi spent most of his life.
Asanas	Yoga body postures.
Ascended Masters	A highly evolved non-physical being who has achieved "ascension", in that he no longer is obliged to incarnate in earthly form. Ascended Masters continue to help humans evolve in consciousness from their abode in the higher realms. Examples of ascended masters are St. Germain, Master Kuthumi (St. Francis), Lord Sananda (Jesus) and Lord Maitreya (Buddha)
Ashram	Hermitage, residence for saints and spiritual aspirants. A spiritual school.
Athena	The Greek Goddess of wisdom. A virgin goddess, gentle, fair and thoughtful, Athena was the Goddess of wisdom, skill, and contemplation. She was also the Goddess of storms and the thunderbolt, spinning and weaving, of horticulture and agriculture. Roman Goddess Minerva.
Ashtanga yoga	Eignt-fold discipline of yoga to destroy ignorance and reach the state of communion with Self. As taught by Patanjali.
Atma	The real Self, one's Divinity. God, the substance of everything, the spark of God within. The Atma is unchanging, immortal.
Aura	A field of energy surrounding all living things. Invisible to the naked eye, it can be photographed with Kirlean photography.
Avatar	A sanskrit word meaning "descent". It is a coming down of the Divine to earth. An incarnation, or manifestation of God on earth, taking a form according to the age in which the incarnation occurs. Sathya Sai Baba is the World Avatar for Earth. There can be full and partial embodiments of God. A full avatar is also known as a poorna avatar.
Ayurveda	Science of health and long life. A classical Indian system of medical knowledge

B
Bacchus	The Roman God of wine and mysteries (Greek God Dionysos).
Bhajan	Devotional song or chant, to God
Bhakti yoga	A form of yoga based upon love and devotion to God. Devotional chants are often either mantras, or the various names of Hindu gods are repeated, such as Hari Krishna..
Brahmin	A priest or teacher. First of four castes of Indian social order.
Brahma	A hindu deity, the Creator aspect of God. Part of the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer).
Brotherhood of Light	A vast host of light beings, including all of the Ascended Masters, who guide humanity along its evolution.
Buddha	Prince Gauthama. circa 556-480 BC. Founder of Buddhism after attaining enlightenment
Buddhic plane	The fifth dimension, the level of consciousness where the oneness of all life becomes apparent, and where ascension starts. Buddhic substance in unconditional love.
Buddhism	Religion which holds that life is full of suffering caused by desire and that the way to end suffering is to end the birth-death cycle through enlightenment. There are now many "flavours" of Buddhism, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Thai etc.

C
Causal Body	The vehicle of consciousness that holds the Jiva soul. in bondage until it is cracked open and transcended. The Causal body literally "causes" incarnation after incarnation, because it holds the accumulated misperceptions of our evolving consciousness, as well as the wisdom of the lessons learned
Ceres	The Roman Goddess of agriculture and fertility (Greek Goddess Demeter).
Chakra	A sanskrit word which literally means "wheel". Chakras are energy centres, which spin, and distribute energy throughout the body. They cannot be seen physically, but can be seen via etheric vision, and they have been proven scientifically to exist. There are seven principal chakras, each associated with a colour. These are the same seven colours which make up a rainbow, and which together constitute light. See the page on chakras on this web site for more complete information.
Chela	A sanskrit word referring to a student on the spiritual path. or a spiritual aspirant in an Ashram.
Chi	A Chinese word meaning energy, the vital energy of which all things are formed. Also known as prana. See also Tai-chi, and Qi-Gong.
Chit	A sanskrit word meaning consciousness, knowledge or awareness.
Chohan	An office in the Hierarchy, relative to one of the Rays or creation, eg Chohan of the Violet Ray. Each ray has qualities and specialties which are coordinated by the Chohan of that ray.
Christ	The Christ is the Worlds Teacher, the Divine Template for Humanity and stands at the head of the world Hierarchy. See also the Universal Christ, and Cosmic Christ.
Christ Overshadowing	When a disciple is ready for greater world service, the Christ may "overshadow" the entire auric field, or at least the upper chakras. Jesus was overshadowed by the Christ during the last three years of his life.
Christed Being	One who has realized Christ Consciousness.
Cupid	The Roman God of love. He carried a bow and arrows. Anyone touched by one of his arrows fell madly in love. Greek God Eros.

D
Darshan	An audience, seeing, or teaching with a spiritual teacher. This can be a private audience or, in the case of Sathya Sai Baba, may be attended by many thousands of people. It may also be silent, as in the case of Mother Meera.
Demeter	The Roman Goddess of agriculture and fertility (Greek Goddess Ceres)
Deva	Deity or celestial being. On earth there is a Deva for every form in nature.
Dharma	Right action, truth in action, righteousness, morality, virtue.
Diana	The Roman Goddess of the hunt and the protector of children. Daughter of Jupiter, her twin brother was Apollo. Greek Goddess Artemis.
Dwapara-yuga	Third in the cycle of four ages or yugas.

E
El Morya	Ascended Master overseeing the awakening of Humanity in the New Age. Works with the Red Ray of Power and oversees spiritual schools, working with structure and finances. .
Enlightenment	Realization of the light of the soul. Stabilization of God Consciousness in the physical body.
Eros	The Greek of love. He carried a bow and arrows. Anyone touched by one of his arrows fell madly in love. Roman God Cupid.
Evolution	Forward progression of consciousness in its journey back to God/Source.

G
Ganesh	Hindu deity usually represented as an elephant. Ganesh is the overcomer of obstacles, and the son of Shiva. Probably the most popular of Hindu Gods in India today.
Govindha	Another name for Krishna, a Hiindu deity.
Guru	Teacher or guide to spiritual liberation.

H
Hades	The Greek God of the dead. Roman God Pluto.
Hanuman	Hindu deity usually represented as a monkey.
Hari	Another name for Vishnu. Hindu God, destroyer of sins.
Hatha yoga	The yoga of body postures. A form of yoga based upon physical contortions of the body aimed at increasing strength, suppleness, and stamina. Its aim is to prepare the body to receive the stronger, higher vibrations experienced during Samaddhi, and ultimately achieve union with God.
Hephaistos	The Greek god of smiths and metal-workers. He was the craftsman that forged the armor of the gods, their drinking vessels, and many of their objects of ornamentation. He also forged the thunderbolts of Zeus. Cyclops assisted him in his work. It is said he built metal robots that carried out his every order. Roman God Vulcan.
Hera	The Greek Goddess of marriage (Roman Goddess Juno).
Hermes	The Greek God commerce. the messenger of the Gods. Hermes was represented as a beardless youth with winged shoes fastened to his ankles, and a winged cap on his head. Roman God Mercury.
Hindu	Person who adheres to Hinduism, the religion based upon the Vedas. You cannot elect to become a Hindu. You must be born a Hindu.

J
Jain	An adherent of Jainism, an Indian religion traceable to Mahaaveera of the 6th century BC. Jains will not kill a living thing, not even an insect, believing fervently that all life is God. Jainism is still a minor religion in India today.
Jiva	A sanskrit word meaning an individual soul with ego.
Jiva-atma	Soul, or true self.
Jnana-yoga	Yoga path of inner contemplation, wisdom.
Juno	The Roman Goddess of marriage (Greek Goddess Hera).
Jupiter	The Roman God of the sky. The king of the gods (Greek God Zeus).

L
Leela	A sanskrit word meaning Divine sport or play.
Lingam	A symbol of Shiva. The merging of the form with the formless.

M
Mahatma	A sanskrit word meaning "great soul".
Manas	A sanskrit word meaning feeling, mind.
Mandala	A sanskrit word meaning "section". A symmetrical design used for meditational, or spiritual purposes. Tibetan Buddhists are known for the mandalas they take months to make from colored grains of sand. When complete, they blow the mandala away to demonstrate the impermanence of all things.
Mandir	A sanskrit word meaning "temple".
Mantra	A word or phrase which has a sacred meaning, and is often repeated over and over with a view to achieving greater spiritual understanding and growth. Often a mantra will be a phrase in Sanskrit, or the name of a Hindu deity such as Krishna or Shiva. An example of a mantra is:" Om Namaha Shivaya"..
Mars	The Roman God of war. Son of Jupiter. (Greek God Ares).
Matha	A sanskrit word meaning Mother.
Maya	A sanskrit word meaning "worldly illusion". Mistaking the transient for the real. Non-awareness what is true, what is real.
Mercury	Mercury, the messenger of the Gods, was the Roman God of business, science and thievery. Mercury was represented as a beardless youth with winged shoes fastened to his ankles, and a winged cap on his head. He could fly. He carried a staff with two snakes winding around it. Greek God Hermes.
Metatron	The Archangel at the head of the Archangelic hierarchy.
Minerva	The Roman Goddess of wisdom. A virgin goddess, gentle, fair and thoughtful, Minerva was the Goddess of wisdom, skill, and contemplation. She was also the Goddess of storms and the thunderbolt, spinning and weaving, of horticulture and agriculture. Her symbol was the owl. Greek Goddess Athena.
Miasm	Astral glamours and illusions and whole patterns of misperception that cloud the auric field.
Monad	The One created by the Logos. At the Monadic level of consciousness one is fully aware of the oneness of all things, but is not yet receiving Logoic light directly.
Mukthi	A sanskrit word meaning liberation. The final emancipation from the cycle of birth and death.
Muni	A sanskrit word meaning "sage".

N
Neptune	The Roman God of the sea and earthquakes. He carried a trident, which had three prongs. He rode a dolphin or a horse. When the sea is rough enough to show white tops to the waves, these are called sea horses. Greek God Poseidon.
Nirmankayas	Beings who hold the Divine Plan in constant focus at home in Shamballa. Also called Divine Contemplatives. The Oath of the Nirmankaya is the pledge to serve as a Nirmankaya and to help bring Enlightenment to Humanity and Earth
Nirvana	A blissful state associated with having achieved unity with the Divine. See also Samaddhi.

P
Para	A sanskrit word meaning higher, beyond, supreme, best. Often used as a prefix, for example: Paramahansa (realised sage), Paramananda (highest bliss), Paramarthika (highest truth).
Paramapada	Highest stage of spirituality, final emancipation.
Parashakti	Universal Cosmic Energy, highest energy.
Pluto	the Roman God of the dead. Greek God Hades.
Poseidon	The Greek God of the sea and earthquakes. He carried a trident, which had three prongs. He rode a dolphin or a horse. When the sea is rough enough to show white tops to the waves, these are called sea horses. Roman God Neptune.
Prana	A sanskrit word meaning "breath". Prana is the vital energy which keeps all living things alive. Also known as Chi.
Pranayama	Breath control. Used in certain yoga practices.
Prashanti	Supreme peace, equanimity.
Prema	Divine or supreme love.
Puja	A sanskrit word meaning "worship". A ceremony performed before sacred wisdom is to be received or imparted. Puja ceremonies are common ways or worshipping God, and often involve fires (purification), and reciting the 100 names of God in sanskrit (devotion).

R
Raja yoga	Literally "Royal Yoga". The path of concentration, meditation, of detachment.
Rishi	Sage, wise man.

S
Sadhana	Spiritual practice, discipline and effort. Part of the daily way of life for serious spiritual aspirants. Will often involve daily devotion, meditation and sacred mantras.
Sadhu	A renunciate spiritual seeker, usually seen in India. Saddhus have no possessions having given up everything in the material world in search of personal spiritual growth. The ultimate goal of which is Enlightenment.
Samadhi	A blissful physical state experienced when one is in union with God, and therefore receiving the impulse of Divine energy. This is the state of bliss, also called Nirvana, much sought by all of the saddhu's, mystics and spiritual seekers. A state of superconsciousness.
Samsara	The objective world, sea of change, cycle of birth and death.
Samskara	Inborn desire. Mental impression of acts done in former state of existence. Purification ceremony or sacrament.
Samthusthi	Total contentment.
Sannyasin	One who, having had his fill of the material world, having fulfilled his family duties, turns to the spiritual path, and dedicates his life to the spiritual growth of himself and those he teaches. There is a Holy Order of Sannyasa whose members don the saffron robes and take vows of renunciation, and allegiance to God.
Satguru	Virtuous teacher.
Sathya	Truth. (Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
Shakti	Divine energy.
Shanti	Sanskrit word meaning peace.
Shiatsu	A Japanese system of health treatment based on applying pressure to meridian points around the body, particularly the soles of the feet.
Shiva	A Hindu Deity. Part of the Trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.
Siddhi	A Divine power, or ability. Examples are omnipresence (as demonstrated regularly by Sathya Sai Baba), and levitation.
Sri	Prefix to the name of venerated persons. (Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
Sutras	A sanskrit word meaning "thought threads".

Tantra	A sanskrit word meaning "rhythm".
Thretha yuga	The second in the cycle of the four Ages or yugas.

U
Upanishads	Ancient Hindu text. Part of the Vedas.
Upasana	Worship, devotion, meditation practice. Acquisition of the presence of God.
Uparathi	Control of the mind by the withdrawal of the senses.

V
Vedas	An ancient sanskrit text. The entire body of ancient, sacred revelations of truth. Chief amongst which are the Rigveda, Saamaveda, Yajurveda and the Athharvanaveda. The basis for the Hindu religion, as well as ayurvedic medicine, health etc...
Vedic	Of, or pertaining to the Vedas.
Venus	The Roman Goddess of love and beauty. Greek Goddess Aphrodite.
Vibhutti	Sacred ash.
Vishnu	A Hindu deity, the Preserver. Part of the trinity of Brahma (the creator), Shiva (the destroyer) and Vishnu (the Preserver).
Vulcan	The Roman smith god. A son of Jupiter and Juno. He was also called Mulciber. He was the craftsman that forged the armor of the gods, their drinking vessels, and many of their objects of ornamentation. He also forged the thunderbolts of Jupiter.The Cyclops assisted him in his work. It is said he built metal robots that carried out his every order. Greek God Hephaistos.

Y
Yama	Control of inner senses. See also pranayama.
Yantra yoga	The path of union with God through geometric visualisation. A Yantra is a geometric design.
Yoga	Union of the individual self, or Atma, with the Supreme Being, or Universal Self. There are many forms of Yoga, all of which are spiritual disciplines aimed at attaining union with God.
Yogi	One who practises Yoga.
Yuga	A sanskrit term meaning Era or Age. There is a cycle of four yugas: Kritha, Thretha, Dhvapara and Kali. Together the four yugas comprise 4,320,000 years. The present age is the Kali-yuga.

Z
Zeus	The Greek God of the sky. The king of the gods (Roman God Jupiter).
Zoroaster	A name for God, or the sacred fire, used by the ancient Persians, hence their religion was called Zoroasterism. A german for of the name is Zarathustra.