Glossary
A

Acamana— purification by sipping water and chanting the names of the
Lord.

Acarya—a spiritual master who teaches by example.

Acit—without life or consciousness.

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.

Asat—not eternal.

Aérama— (1) the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, house-
holder, retired life and renounced life. (2) the residence of a saintly
person.

Asuras —atheistic demons.

Avatara—a descent of the Supreme Lord.

B

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.

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.

Brahmastra—a nuclear weapon produced by chanting mantras.

C

Chandas—the different meters of Vedic hymns.

Cit—alive and conscious.

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