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.
Asrama—the four spiritual orders of life: celibate student, householder,
retired life and renounced life.
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-marga—the path of developing devotion to Krsna.
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
Cakra—the wheel held by Lord Visnu.
D
Devas—demigods.
Dharma—eternal occupational duty; religious principles.
Dvijas— brahmanas.
E
Ekadasi—a special fast day for increased remembrance of Krsna, which
comes on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning moon.
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