Glossary

A

Acarya—a spiritual master who teaches by example.

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

Arcana—the devotional process of Deity worship.

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.

C
Candala—a lowborn person accustomed to filthy habits such as dog-
eating.
D

Daksina—a disciple’s gift to his spiritual master, collected by begging
and given as a token of gratitude.

Dharma—eternal occupational duty; religious principles.

Dvi-parardha—the duration of Brahma’s life.

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