Glossary
A
Acarya—a spiritual master who teaches by example.
Agnihotra-yajiia—a sacrificial ceremony in which a sacred fire is
kindled.
Apsara—beautiful female demigoddesses residing on the heavenly
___ planet Apsaroloka.
Arati—a ceremony for greeting the Lord with offerings of food, lamps,
fans, flowers and incense.
Arcana—the devotional process of Deity worship.
Asrama—the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder,
retired life and renounced life.
Asta-siddhi—the powers attainable by mystic yogis.
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
Candala—a lowborn person accustomed to filthy habits such as dog-
eating.
D
Deva-gana—a type of demigod.
Dharma— eternal occupational duty; religious principles.
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