Glossary
A
Ācārya —a spiritual master who teaches by example.
Ājagara-vṛtti —the life pattern of a python.
Antyajas —one of the seven mixed castes lower than  śūdra .
Ārati —a ceremony for greeting the Lord with offerings of food, lamps, fans, flowers and incense.
Arcanā —the devotional process of Deity worship.
Artha —economic development.
Āśrama —the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder, retired life and renounced life.
Aṣṭakā —the eighth day after the full moon.
Asuras —atheistic demons.
Avatāra —a descent of the Supreme Lord.
B
Bābāji —one who dwells alone in one place, performing severe austerities and penance.
Bahūdaka —the second stage of the  sannyāsa  order, in which one begs from door to door.
Bhagavad-gītā —the basic directions for spiritual life spoken by the Lord Himself.
Bhakta —a devotee.
Bhakti-yoga —linking with the Supreme Lord by devotional service.
Brahma-bandhu —one who has taken birth in a  brāhmaṇa  family but lacks brahminical qualifications.
Brahmacarya —celibate student life; the first order of Vedic spiritual life.
Brahma-jijñāsā —inquiry into the Absolute Truth.
Brahman —the Absolute Truth; especially the impersonal aspect of the Absolute.
Brāhmaṇa —one wise in the  Vedas , who can guide society; the first Vedic social order.
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