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.
Āśrama —(1) the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder, retired life and renounced life. (2) the residence of a saintly person.
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.
C
Caṇḍāla —a lowborn person accustomed to filthy habits such as dog-eating.
D
Dakṣiṇā —a disciple's gift to his spiritual master, collected by begging and given as a token of gratitude.
Dharma —eternal occupational duty; religious principles.
Dvi-parārdha —the duration of Brahmā's life.
271