Glossary
A
Ācārya —a spiritual master who teaches by example.
Agnihotra-yajña —a sacrificial ceremony in which a sacred fire is kindled.
Apsarā —beautiful female demigoddesses residing on the heavenly planet Apsaroloka.
Ārati —a ceremony for greeting the Lord with offerings of food, lamps, fans, flowers and incense.
Arcanā —the devotional process of Deity worship.
Āśrama —the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder, retired life and renounced life.
Aṣṭa-siddhi —the powers attainable by mystic  yogīs .
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.
Brahmāstra —a nuclear weapon produced by chanting  mantras .
C
Caṇḍāla —a lowborn person accustomed to filthy habits such as dog-eating.
D
Deva-gaṇa —a type of demigod.
Dharma —eternal occupational duty; religious principles.
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