Glossary

A

Acarya—a spiritual master who teaches by example.

Ajagara-vrtti—the life pattern of a python.

Antyajas—one of the seven mixed castes lower than Sidra.

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

Arcana—the devotional process of Deity worship.

Artha—economic development.

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

Astaka—the eighth day after the full moon.

Asuras—atheistic demons.

Avatara—a descent of the Supreme Lord.

B

Babaji—one who dwells alone in one place, performing severe
austerities and penance.

Bahiidaka—the second stage of the sannydsa order, in which one begs
from door to door.

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

Bhakta—a devotee.

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

Brahma-bandhu—one who has taken birth in a braéhmana family but
lacks brahminical qualifications.

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

Brahman—the Absolute Truth; especially the impersonal aspect of the
Absolute.

Brahmana—one wise in the Vedas, who can guide society; the first
Vedic social order.

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