Glossary
A
Ācārya —a spiritual master who teaches by example.
Ārati —a ceremony for greeting the Lord with offerings of food, lamps, fans, flowers and incense.
Arcanā —the devotional process of Deity worship.
Arghya —the ceremonious offering of water or of other auspicious items in a conchshell.
Artha —economic development.
Āśrama —the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder, retired life and renounced life.
Asuras —atheistic demons.
Avatāra —a descent of the Supreme Lord.
B
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.
Brahmacarya —celibate student life; the first order of Vedic spiritual life.
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.
D
Daityas —a race of demons descending from Diti.
Dama —control of the senses.
Dharma —eternal occupational duty; religious principles.
E
Ekādaśī —a special fast day for increased remembrance of Kṛṣṇa, which comes on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning moon.
283