Glossary 331
M
Mahajanas—great souls, spiritual authorities.
Maha-mantra—the great chanting for deliverance:
Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Mahat-tattva—the total material energy.

Mantra—a sound vibration that can deliver the mind from illusion.

Manvantara-avataras—the Manu incarnations, administrators of the
universe.

Mathura—Lord Krsna’s abode, surrounding Vrndavana, where He took
birth and later returned to after performing His Vrndavana
pastimes.

Maya—(md—not; ya—this), illusion; forgetfulness of one’s relation-
ship with Krsna.

Mayavadis— impersonal philosophers who say that the Lord cannot have
a transcendental body.

Mrdanga—a clay drum used for congregational chanting.

Muni—a great thinker.

N

Nirguna—transcendental to the modes of material nature; free from all
material contamination.

P

Padma—the lotus flower held by Lord Visnu.

Paramaharnsa—the highest stage of the sannydsa order; a topmost de-
votee of the Lord.

Parampara—the chain of spiritual masters in disciplic succession.

Prajapatis—the demigods in charge of populating the universe.

Prasida—the Lord’s mercy; anything first offered to the Lord and then
utilized by His devotees.

Purusa—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the supreme enjoyer.

R

Rsis—great sages.
