Glossary 303

M

Mahabharata—the history of greater India compiled by Srila Vyasadeva. It
includes Bhagavad-gitd.

Mahd-mantra—the great chanting for deliverance: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna,
Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare
Hare.

Mahat-tattva—the total material energy before the manifestation of diverse
elements.

Manomaya—(lit., consisting of mind), consciousness absorbed in mental
activity.

Mantra—a sound vibration that can deliver the mind from illusion.

Mathura—Lord Krsna’s abode, surrounding Vrndavana, where He took
birth and later returned to after performing His Vrndavana pastimes.

Maya—(ma—not; yd—this), illusion; forgetfulness of one’s relationship
with Krsna.

Mayavadis—impersonalist philosophers who say that the Lord cannot have a
transcendental body.

Mrdanga—a clay drum used for congregational chanting.

P

Paramatma—Lord Visnu expanded into everyone’s heart.

Parampara—the chain of spiritual masters in disciplic succession.

Pranamaya—(lit., consisting of life), consciousness absorbed in maintaining
one’s bodily existence.

Prasdda—food spiritualized by being offered to the Lord.

Purdnas—Vedic supplements in the form of histories.

R
Rsi—sage or mystic.
S

Sac-cid-dnanda-vigraha—the Lord’s transcendental form, which is eternal,
full of knowledge and bliss.

Samadhi—fixed mind for understanding the self; trance; absorption in the
Supreme.
