General Glossary

A

Acarya—a spiritual master who teaches by example.

Adhibhautika klesa— misery caused by other living beings.

Adhidaivika klesa—misery caused by natural disturbances.

Adhoksaja—the Supreme Lord, who is beyond material sense percep-
tion.

Adhyatmika klesa— misery caused by the body and mind.

Adi-puruga—the Supreme Lord, the original person.

Ahankara—false ego.

Ananda-cinmaya-rasa-vigraha—the personal, spiritual form of bliss
and knowledge.

Anima—the mystic perfection of becoming very small.

Arati—a ceremony for greeting the Lord with offerings of food, lamps,
fans, flowers and incense.

Arcana—the devotional process of Deity worship.

Asana—a sitting posture in yoga practice.

Aérama—the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder,
retired life and renounced life.

Asuras —atheistic demons.

Atmarama—one who is self-satisfied, free from external, material
desires.

Avaisnavas — nondevotees.

Avatara—a descent of the Supreme Lord.

B

Babas —ascetics.

Bhagavad-gita—the basic directions for spiritual life spoken by the
Lord Himself.

Bhakta—a devotee.

Bhakti—devotional service to Lord Krsna.

Bhakti-yoga—linking with the Supreme Lord by devotional service.

Brahmacarya—celibate student life; the first order of Vedic spiritual
life.

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