Sanskrit Glossary

संस्कृत

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A

अभिधाAbhidhāDirect denotation; the act of naming or expressing the primary meaning of a wordL3

अभिनयAbhinayaCarrying towards; leading (the audience) to the intended meaning or emotional experienceL2

अभिनिवेशAbhiniveśaClinging to existence; a deep-seated settling into or attachment toward continued living.L3

अभिषेकAbhiṣekaSprinkling or pouring over; anointing; consecration by bathingL2

अभीष्टAbhīṣṭaThat which is intensely desired or wished for; the cherished goal or aspiration.L2

अभ्यासAbhyāsaRepeated application; throwing oneself towards something again and againL2

Ā

आचारĀcāraThe way one moves through life; right conduct; established practice or custom.L2

A

अचिन्त्य भेदाभेदAcintya BhedābhedaInconceivable simultaneous oneness and differenceL4

अद्भुतadbhutaThat which has never been before; the unprecedented, the marvelous, the wonderstruckL3

अध्यासAdhyāsaSuperimposition; placing or throwing something upon another thing erroneously.L4

अद्वैतAdvaitaNot two; non-dualL4

Ā

आगमĀgamaThat which has come down; arrival; traditional doctrine transmitted from teacher to studentL3

A

अग्निहोत्रagnihotraOblation into fire; the act of offering sacrifice to Agni (the sacred fire)L3

अहं ब्रह्मास्मिAhaṁ BrahmāsmiI am Brahman; I am the Absolute; the individual self is identical with the infinite, all-pervading realityL4

अहंकारAhaṃkāraThe maker of 'I'; that which produces the sense of individual identityL3

अहिंसाahiṃsāNon-injury, non-harming — the complete absence of the desire to cause pain, suffering, or harm to any living being through thought, word, or deed.L1

Ā

आहुतिĀhutiAn oblation or offering poured into the sacred fireL2

आज्ञाĀjñāCommand; authority; perception beyond ordinary knowingL3

आख्यानĀkhyānaA narration; a complete telling or recounting of eventsL3

A

अल्पalpaSmall, little, few, insignificant, limited in quantity or degreeL2

Ā

आमĀmaUncooked, undigested, raw, immatureL2

A

अमावास्याAmāvāsyāThe dwelling together [of the Sun and Moon]; the day on which the Sun and Moon cohabit the same portion of the sky.L2

अनाहतAnāhataUnstruck, unbeaten — referring to a sound that arises without any two objects striking togetherL3

Ā

आनन्दĀnandaComplete bliss; absolute rejoicing; that joy which is full in itselfL2

आनन्दमयĀnandamayaMade of bliss; consisting of supreme joyL4

A

अन्नमयAnnamayaMade of food; consisting of physical nourishmentL1

अन्तःकरणAntaḥkaraṇaThe inner instrument; the internal organ of cognition and experienceL3

अन्तर्यामीAntaryāmīThe Inner Controller; one who regulates or governs from within.L3

अन्त्येष्टिAntyeṣṭiThe last sacrifice or final offeringL3

अनुभवAnubhavaThat which follows from being; direct perception or lived experienceL3

अनुग्रहAnugrahaGrasping towards; reaching out in favor; the act of showing kindness or bestowing graceL3

अनुमानAnumānaThat which is known after (observation); reasoning that follows from a mark or signL3

अनुपलब्धिAnupalabdhiNon-apprehension; the absence of perceptionL4

Ā

आन्वीक्षिकीĀnvīkṣikīThe science of seeing after — that is, the discipline of subsequent examination or reflective investigationL4

आपद्धर्मĀpaddharmaDuty or righteous conduct during times of distress, calamity, or emergency.L3

A

अपानApānaThe downward-moving breath; the vital air that flows away and downwardL3

अपरaparaNot the highest; the nearer, lower, or inferior; that which does not transcendL2

अपरिग्रहAparigrahaNon-grasping; the absence of seizing or accumulating from all sidesL2

Ā

आराधनाĀrādhanāThe act of propitiating completely; devoted supplication or adoration directed toward a higher power or ideal.L2

आरतीĀratīThat which dispels the darkness (of night and ignorance); or, the highest form of loving devotion directed towards the Divine.L1

A

अर्चनाArcanāThe act of honoring, praising, or worshipping through radiant devotion; literally 'that which makes one shine forth' — connecting the ideas of luminous praise and reverential offering.L1

Ā

आर्जवĀrjavaStraightness, uprightness, directnessL2

A

अर्थArthaThat which is sought; purpose, aim, meaning, or object of pursuit. The word simultaneously carries the senses of 'wealth,' 'meaning,' and 'purpose'—reflecting the Vedic insight that material sustenance and semantic significance are inseparable from purposeful living.L2

अर्थापत्तिArthāpattiPostulation; the necessary presumption of an unperceived fact to reconcile two known facts that would otherwise be contradictory.L4

Ā

आर्यावर्तĀryāvartaThe abode (āvarta) of the noble ones (ārya)L3

आसनĀsanaSeat; the act of sitting down; a place or manner of sittingL2

A

असत्कार्यवादAsatkāryavādaThe doctrine that the effect does not pre-exist in its causeL4

अस्मिताAsmitāI-am-ness; the state of being 'I am'L3

Ā

आश्रमĀśramaA place or stage of exertion; that where one strives or labors toward a purpose.L2

A

अष्टाङ्गAṣṭāṅgaEight-limbed; that which consists of eight partsL2

अस्तेयAsteyaNon-stealing; the absence or renunciation of theftL2

अस्थिasthiThat which endures; that which persists or remainsL3

Ā

आत्मनिवेदनĀtma NivedanaThe offering or dedication of the selfL4

आत्मन्ĀtmanThe breathing one; that which pervades and moves through all; the essential self or inner essence of a beingL3

A

अवयवavayavaA part, limb, or member separated from a wholeL3

अविद्याAvidyāNot-knowledge; the absence or negation of true knowledge (vidyā)L3

अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्मAyam Ātmā BrahmaThis Self is Brahman — the individual Self (Ātman) that is immediately present and self-evident is identical with the ultimate, all-pervading Absolute (Brahman).L4

अयनAyanaGoing, course, path, or journey — specifically the sun's half-yearly passageL2

अयनांशAyanāṃśaThe portion (degree) of the solsticial movement — the angular measure of the shift in the celestial reference point.L4

B

बगलामुखी तत्त्वBagalāmukhī TattvaThe essential truth of the One whose face is a bridle — the principle of divine stambhana (paralysis/cessation) that arrests all opposing forces.L4

बलिBaliThe mighty one; the powerful one; one who offersL3

बन्धBandhaBinding, tying, fettering; a bond or restraint that holds something in place.L3

भैरवी तत्त्वBhairavī TattvaThe essential principle (tattva) of the Terrific Goddess (Bhairavī) — the reality of the fierce divine feminine powerL4

भक्तिBhaktiA share, a portion; by extension, loving attachment, devotion, or loyal participation in the divine.L2

भारतवर्षBhāratavarṣaThe land (continent) of Bharata — the region sustained by or belonging to King Bharata.L2

भाष्यBhāṣyaThat which speaks about [a text]; an exposition or detailed explanation.L3

भावBhāvaA state of being or becoming; an emotional condition that arises in the heart and manifests through expressionL3

भावBhāvaBeing, becoming, or coming into existence; the state or condition of a thing as it arises and manifests.L3

भयानकBhayānakaThat which evokes or is characterized by fear; the terrible, the fearsomeL3

भूलोकBhūlokaThe Earth-world; the plane of material being and physical existenceL2

भूमाBhūmāThe Infinite, the Unlimited, the Vast, that which is abundant beyond all measure.L3

भुवनेश्वरी तत्त्वBhuvaneśvarī TattvaThe essential principle (tattva) of She who is the sovereign ruler (īśvarī) of all worlds (bhuvana) — the cosmic truth of divine feminine sovereignty over the manifested universe.L4

बीभत्सBībhatsaThat which causes one to wish to turn away; the desire to shun or avoidL3

बिन्दुBinduA dot, point, or drop — the smallest indivisible mark from which extension arises.L3

ब्रह्मा दिनBrahmā DinaThe Day of Brahmā — one complete cycle of cosmic manifestation presided over by the creator godL3

ब्रह्मचर्यBrahmacaryaMoving or conducting oneself towards Brahman; living in the pursuit of the Absolute.L2

ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमBrahmacaryāśramaThe stage of life dedicated to walking in sacred knowledgeL1

ब्रह्मन्BrahmanThat which expands infinitely; the ever-growing, boundless vastnessL3

बुद्धिBuddhiThe awakening faculty; the power of discernment or determination that arises from awakened awareness.L3

C

चक्रCakraWheel, circle, or that which revolvesL2

चार धामCār DhāmFour Divine AbodesL2

चरित्रCaritraThat by which one moves or conducts oneself; the manner of one's movement through life.L2

छिन्नमस्ता तत्त्वChinnamastā TattvaThe essential truth or principle embodied by the self-decapitated goddess — the reality of self-sacrifice, self-sustaining prāṇa, and the transcendence of bodily identification.L4

चित्CitPure consciousness; the faculty of awareness or knowing; that which illuminates or makes perception possible.L4

चित्तCittaThe perceiving substance; mind-stuff; the accumulated field of consciousness.L3

चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधःCitta Vṛtti NirodhaḥThe cessation (nirodha) of the turnings or fluctuations (vṛtti) of the mind-stuff (citta).L3

D

दक्षिणाDakṣiṇāThat which is given from the right side; the auspicious gift or offering that empowers and satisfies the recipient.L2

दक्षिणायनDakṣiṇāyanaThe southward journey — specifically the apparent southward movement of the sun along the ecliptic.L3

दमdamaTaming, subduing; specifically the restraint or control of the external sense organs (indriyas).L3

दण्डDaṇḍaRod, staff, or stick; by extension: punishment, discipline, restraint, and the coercive power of authority.L3

दशाDaśāState, condition, or period of life; a phase of time that grips or governs one's circumstances.L3

दशांशDaśāṃśaThe tenth part; a division into ten equal segments.L3

दास्यDāsyaServitude; the condition or attitude of being a devoted servantL2

दयाDayāThe act of feeling another's pain as one's own; literally 'sharing in suffering' or 'the impulse that moves toward another's distress.'L2

धारणाDhāraṇāThe act of holding steady; fixing or binding the mind to a single point or object.L3

धर्मdharmaThat which holds, supports, or sustains — referring to the underlying order that upholds beings, society, and the cosmos.L1

धर्ममेघDharmameghaCloud of righteousness; a cloud that rains down dharmaL4

धातुDhātuThat which holds, supports, or forms the basis; a foundational element or constituent.L3

धृतिDhṛtiThe act or quality of holding firm; steadfastness, constancy, resolution.L2

धूमावती तत्त्वDhūmāvatī TattvaThe essential principle of the Smoky One — the philosophical truth embodied by the goddess of smoke, void, and dissolution.L4

धूपDhūpaThat which fumigates; incense; aromatic smoke produced by burning fragrant resins, herbs, or gums as a sacred offering.L1

ध्वजस्तम्भDhvajastambhaFlag-pillar; the pillar that bears the divine bannerL2

ध्वनिdhvaniSound, resonance, reverberation; that which echoes or suggests beyond itself.L4

ध्यानDhyānaSustained, unbroken contemplation; the continuous flow of awareness directed toward a single object or principle.L3

दीक्षाDīkṣāConsecration; spiritual initiation; the act of dedicating or preparing oneself for sacred knowledgeL3

दीक्षाDīkṣāConsecration; initiation; the act of dedicating or preparing oneself for a sacred undertakingL3

दिनचर्याDinacaryāThe conduct or practice belonging to the day; daily routine.L2

दीपDīpaThat which shines; a lamp, light, or luminous source.L1

दिव्य देशम्Divya DeśamDivine place; sacred celestial abodeL3

दोषDoṣaFault, defect, blemish, or that which vitiates and causes imbalanceL2

द्रेक्काणDrekkāṇaA division of ten degrees; a decanate or one-third portion of a zodiacal signL3

दृष्टान्तdṛṣṭāntaAn observed instance; that which brings the conclusion into sight through a seen example.L3

द्वैतDvaitaTwoness; the state or condition of being dual; duality.L4

द्वैताद्वैतDvaitādvaitaDuality and non-duality; the coexistence of difference and non-difference between God, soul, and world.L4

द्वापर युगDvāpara YugaThe Age of Two — referring to the side of a die showing two pips, symbolizing the age in which dharma stands on only two of its four legsL2

द्वेषDveṣaAversion, hatred, repulsion — the act of pushing away or feeling hostility toward something.L2

E

एकादशी व्रतEkādaśī VrataThe sacred vow of the eleventh (lunar day)L2

G

गन्धGandhaSmell, odor, fragrance; the quality of scent that pervades and is carried through the air.L2

गर्भगृहGarbhagṛhaWomb-house or womb-chamber — the innermost room that contains the seed-essence of the temple, just as a womb contains the embryo of life.L3

गायत्रीGāyatrīShe who protects the singer; the sacred verse that delivers and safeguards the one who chants it.L2

गोचरGocaraThe grazing ground of cows; by extension, the range or field accessible to the senses — that which falls within the reach of perception or movement.L3

गोलोकGolokaThe world of cows; the realm where divine cows dwellL3

गोपुरम्GopuramGateway of the sacred city; the cow-city gateL2

गोत्रGotraCow-shed; that which protects or shelters cowsL3

ग्रहGrahaThat which seizes, grasps, or holds; a seizer or capturer of influence.L2

गृहस्थGṛhasthaOne who dwells in a house; the householderL2

गुणGuṇaStrand, thread, rope, quality, or attribute — originally referring to the individual strands that are twisted together to form a single cord.L2

गुणातीतguṇātītaOne who has transcended or gone beyond the three guṇas (qualities of material nature)L4

गुरुGuruDispeller of darkness; one who is heavy with knowledge and wisdomL1

H

हास्यHāsyaThat which causes laughter; the laughable; humor or mirth.L2

हवनHavanaThe act of making an oblation; pouring offerings into the sacred fireL2

हेतुHetuThat which impels; the impeller; cause or reasonL3

हेत्वाभासHetvābhāsaSemblance of a reason; the mere appearance of a valid logical groundL4

हिरण्यगर्भHiraṇyagarbhaThe Golden Womb or Golden Embryo — the luminous cosmic egg from which all creation emerges.L4

होमHomaThe act of pouring or offering oblations into a consecrated fireL2

होराHorāA division of the day-night cycle; an hour or half-portion of a zodiacal signL3

I

इडाIḍāThat which refreshes, comforts, or enlivens; the channel of revitalizationL3

इष्ट देवता उपासनाIṣṭa Devatā UpāsanāThe devoted worship (upāsanā) of one's desired or chosen (iṣṭa) deity (devatā)L2

इष्टदेवताIṣṭadevatāThe chosen deity; the desired or cherished divine form; the personally elected god or goddessL2

Ī

ईश्वरĪśvaraThe Supreme Ruler; the one who possesses lordship and sovereign power over all.L2

ईश्वरप्रणिधानĪśvarapraṇidhānaSurrender to God; the act of dedicating or placing all actions, thoughts, and their fruits before the Supreme LordL3

I

इतिहासItihāsaSo indeed it was; thus it happenedL2

J

जगत्JagatThat which moves; that which is in constant motion or fluxL3

जाग्रत्JāgratThe state of being awake; wakefulness; vigilance.L3

जम्बुद्वीपJambudvīpaThe island (continent) of the Jambu (rose-apple) treeL3

जठराग्निJaṭharāgniThe fire residing in the stomach; the belly-fire that transforms food into life-sustaining energy.L2

जीवJīvaThe living one; that which possesses life or vitality; the animate principle in a being.L2

जीवन्मुक्तिJīvanmuktiLiberation while living; freedom of the one who is aliveL4

ज्योतिर्लिङ्गJyotirliṅgaPillar of radiant light; the luminous emblem of ŚivaL2

K

कैलासKailāsaThe crystalline one; the bright, shining peakL2

कैवल्यKaivalyaThe state of absolute aloneness; complete isolation of pure consciousness from matter.L4

कैवल्य पादKaivalya PādaThe chapter on absolute aloneness; the section concerning the state of pure isolation of consciousnessL5

कालKālaThat which counts, calculates, or impels — hence 'Time,' and by extension 'Death' as the ultimate reckoning of time upon all beings.L3

कला तत्त्वKalā TattvaThe principle of limited creative power; a portion or fragment of agencyL4

कलशKalaśaA water pot, vessel, or pitcher; that which contains or holds.L2

काली तत्त्वKālī TattvaThe essential principle of She who is Time — the truth of the dark, dissolving power of consciousnessL4

कलियुगKaliyugaThe Age of Strife; the era of discord and spiritual decline.L2

कल्पKalpaThat which is ordained or properly arranged; a complete cycle of creationL3

कामKāmaDesire, wish, longing; that which is desired or wished for.L2

कमल तत्त्वKamala TattvaThe Lotus Principle — the essential truth or nature embodied by the lotus, which is born from muddy water yet remains pristine and unsoiledL3

कामेश्वरीKāmeśvarīThe Sovereign Goddess of Desire; She who is the supreme ruler over all forms of love and longing.L4

कफkaphaThat which is produced from or flourishes by water; that which holds things togetherL2

करणKaraṇaInstrument, means, cause; that by which an action is accomplishedL3

कर्मkarmaAction, deed, or work — referring to any volitional act of body, speech, or mind, and by extension, the causal chain that such action sets into motion.L1

करुणाKaruṇāThat which moves one to act on behalf of the suffering; the heartfelt response that arises when witnessing another's pain — literally 'that which is done (from the heart) toward the distressed.'L2

करुणाKaruṇāCompassion; the trembling or melting of the heart in response to another's suffering, accompanied by the impulse to alleviate itL2

कथाKathāA telling; a narration; that which is spoken or relatedL2

काव्यKāvyaThat which originates from a kavi (poet-seer); a composition of inspired speechL3

केवलKevalaAlone, sole, entire, pure, absolute — that which exists by itself without admixture or dependence on anything else.L4

कीर्तनKīrtanaThe act of praising, glorifying, or singing the renown ofL2

क्लेशKleśaThat which causes torment, affliction, or pain; a source of suffering and mental disturbance.L3

कोशKośaSheath, covering, envelope, or container — that which wraps around and conceals what lies within.L3

क्रियाKriyāAction, deed, performance, or the act of doing. Literally 'that which is done' or 'the process of doing.'L2

कृपाKṛpāCompassion, tenderness, or pity; the spontaneous stirring of the heart moved by the condition of another.L2

कृष्ण पक्षKṛṣṇa PakṣaThe dark half — the fortnight of the waning moonL2

क्षमाKṣamāThe capacity to endure or bear with patience; the act of forgiving by releasing resentment toward one who has caused harm.L2

क्षेत्रKṣetraField, ground, or domain — a bounded area in which activity, growth, or experience takes place.L3

कुलKulaThat which is gathered together; family, clan, lineage, or collective unit bound by common descent.L2

कुम्भकKumbhakaThat which is like a pot — the act of holding breath as a vessel holds waterL3

कुण्डलिनीKuṇḍalinīThe coiled one — the feminine power that lies coiled like a sleeping serpentL4

कुण्डलिनी शक्तिKuṇḍalinī ŚaktiThe coiled power; the spirally dormant divine energy residing at the base of the spineL4

कूटस्थKūṭasthaThat which remains fixed like an anvil; the immovable, the unchanging witness standing at the summit.L4

L

लग्नLagnaAttached, fixed, adhered — that which clings to or is joined at a specific point.L2

लक्षणLakṣaṇaA distinguishing mark, sign, or characteristic; that by which something is defined or recognizedL3

ललिताLalitāThe playful one; she who sports gracefully; the beautiful and charming one.L3

लीलाLīlāPlay, sport, amusement, or divine pastime — an action performed spontaneously out of joy rather than necessity or compulsion.L3

लोकLokaThat which is seen; a visible realm or world; a place that can be perceived or beheldL3

M

माधुर्यMādhuryaThe quality of sweetness; the essence of that which is delightful, tender, and irresistibly attractive.L4

मध्याह्नMadhyāhnaThe middle of the day; midday or noon.L1

महालयMahālayaThe great abode; the great place of rest or dissolutionL3

महामायाMahāmāyāThe Great Illusion; the supreme creative and delusive power that projects multiplicity over the one undivided Reality.L4

महाप्रलयMahāpralayaThe Great Dissolution — the complete absorption of all manifested existence back into its unmanifest source.L4

माहात्म्यMāhātmyaGreatness, glory, or majesty — literally 'the state or quality pertaining to a mahātman (great soul).'L2

महाविद्याMahāvidyāThe Great Knowledge; Supreme WisdomL4

मैत्रीMaitrīThe state or quality of being a friend; friendliness, benevolence, goodwill toward all.L2

मज्जाMajjāL3

मालाMālāGarland, wreath, string, or row; a continuous series strung togetherL1

मांसMāṃsaFlesh; meat; muscular tissue of a living body. The folk etymology carries a karmic warning: 'that which will eat me back.'L3

मनस्ManasThat which thinks; the instrument of thought and deliberation.L3

मण्डपMaṇḍapaAn adorned or decorated space; a pavilion that contains or protects the sacred essenceL2

मणिपूरMaṇipūraCity of jewels; the place filled with lustrous gemsL3

मनोमयManomayaMade of mind; consisting of thoughtL3

मन्त्रmantraInstrument of thought; that by which one thinks, contemplates, or protects the mind.L2

मन्वन्तरManvantaraThe period or age belonging to a Manu; the interval between two successive Manus.L4

मासMāsaA measure of time; a month; a lunar or solar period used to reckon the passage of timeL2

मातङ्गी तत्त्वMātaṅgī TattvaThe essential nature or principle of the goddess Mātaṅgī — she who descends from the lineage of the sage MatangaL4

मायाMāyāThat which measures out; the power of delimiting or giving form to the formless; the capacity to create appearances.L3

मेदस्MedasFat, adipose substance; that which is unctuous, greasy, or marrow-likeL3

मिथ्याMithyāThat which appears other than what it truly is; falsely or invertedly perceived.L4

मोक्षMokṣaRelease; liberation; setting free — as in the loosening of bonds or the freeing of that which was bound.L2

मुदिताMuditāGladness; the state of rejoicing, especially joy felt at the happiness or success of others.L2

मुद्राMudrāThat which gives joy; a seal or stamp; that which seals energy within the bodyL2

मुहूर्तMuhūrtaA measured unit of time; an auspicious moment or intervalL2

मूलाधारMūlādhāraRoot support; the foundation or base that supports all elseL2

मुमुक्षुत्वmumukṣutvaThe state of intensely desiring liberation; the quality of yearning to be free.L3

मूर्तिMūrtiThat which has taken form; embodiment; solid manifestationL2

N

नादNādaSound, vibration, or resonance — specifically the primal vibratory hum that underlies all audible and inaudible phenomena.L3

नाडीNāḍīA channel, tube, or conduit through which something flows — originally referring to a hollow reed or river, and by extension, any subtle or gross pathway of movement within the body.L3

नैवेद्यNaivedyaThat which is presented or offered — specifically, food consecrated and submitted to a deity.L2

नक्षत्रNakṣatraThat which does not decay; star or lunar mansion; guardian of the night skyL3

नाट्यNāṭyaThat which belongs to or arises from the actor (naṭa); the art of dramatic representation encompassing dance, music, speech, and emotion.L2

नवधा भक्तिNavadhā BhaktiDevotion in nine forms; ninefold worship or love directed toward the Divine.L3

नवांशNavāṃśaThe ninth division or ninth portion — referring to the one-ninth subdivision of a zodiacal sign (rāśi), each spanning 3°20' of arc.L3

नेति नेतिneti netiNot this, not this; or 'neither this, nor that'L3

निद्राNidrāSleep; the state of sinking inward or flowing downward into unconsciousnessL2

निगमNigamaThat which has come down; that which leads into knowledgeL3

निगमनNigamanaArriving at; reaching a conclusion; that which is finally ascertainedL3

निराकारNirākāraWithout form; that which has no shape, outline, or visible appearanceL3

निर्गुणNirguṇaWithout qualities; without attributes; beyond the three guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas)L4

निर्वाणNirvāṇaBlown out; extinguished — as a flame is extinguished when its fuel is exhaustedL3

निर्विकल्पnirvikalpaWithout thought-constructs; free from mental modifications or conceptual distinctionsL4

नीतिNītiThat which leads or guides; the principle of right conduct and wise guidanceL2

निवृत्तिNivṛttiTurning back; withdrawal; cessation; return inwardL3

नियमNiyamaInner observance; self-regulation; a fixed rule or discipline directed inwardL2

नियतिNiyatiThat which is fixed or restrained; the established order; necessity; cosmic regulation.L4

नृत्यNṛtyaThat which is danced; the art or act of expressive dance combining rhythmic movement with emotional narrative.L2

O

ओजस्ojasVital vigor, bodily strength, essential energyL3

ॐOṃThe primordial sound of affirmation and divine resonance; literally 'that which is sounded forth' or 'the sound of assent to the ultimate.'L1

P

पादसेवनPāda SevanaService at the feet; attending to or worshipping the feet (of the Lord)L2

पद्मPadmaLotus; that which unfolds or moves forth — referring to the lotus flower that rises through water to bloom at the surface.L1

पक्षPakṣaWing, side, or half — referring to one of the two halves (fortnights) of a lunar month, or more broadly, a flank, faction, or position in an argument.L2

पञ्च भूत क्षेत्रPañca Bhūta KṣetraThe five sacred sites of the great elementsL3

पञ्च केदारPañca KedāraThe Five Fields (of Śiva) — five sacred meadow-shrines where Śiva's divine form manifested across the Himalayan landscape.L3

पञ्चकर्मPañcakarmaFive actions or five therapeutic proceduresL3

पञ्चाङ्गPañcāṅgaFive limbs — referring to the five elements of the Hindu calendar system: Tithi (lunar day), Vāra (weekday), Nakṣatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (luni-solar combination), and Karaṇa (half-tithi).L3

पञ्चीकरणPañcīkaraṇaMaking fivefold; the process of quintuplicationL4

पराParāBeyond, supreme, highest, transcendent — that which surpasses or lies beyond all else.L3

परधर्मparadharmaThe duty or righteous path belonging to anotherL2

परमार्थParamārthaThe highest meaning; the supreme truth or ultimate realityL4

पारमार्थिकPāramārthikaPertaining to the highest truth; relating to the supreme realityL4

परम्पराParamparāThat which goes from one to another in unbroken succession; an uninterrupted series or chain of transmission.L2

परिक्रमाParikramāWalking around; going about; circumambulationL1

परिणामवादPariṇāmavādaThe doctrine (vāda) of real transformation (pariṇāma)L4

पातालPātālaThe region beneath the feet; the netherworld below the earth's surfaceL3

पौर्णमासीPaurṇamāsīThe day belonging to the full moon; the night of complete fullness of the lunar cycleL2

पिण्डPiṇḍaA rounded lump, ball, or mass; an aggregate of matter rolled togetherL3

पिङ्गलाPiṅgalāThe tawny one; the golden-reddish channelL3

पितृ पक्षPitṛ PakṣaThe fortnight (half lunar month) of the fathers/ancestorsL3

पित्तpittaThat which generates heat; the principle of combustion and transformationL2

प्रभातPrabhātaThat which has shone forth; the becoming bright; the emergence of light.L1

प्रदक्षिणाPradakṣiṇāMoving towards the right; circumambulating with the right side facing the centerL1

प्रज्ञाPrajñāHigher knowing; wisdom that comes forth before or beyond ordinary knowledgeL3

प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्मPrajñānam BrahmaConsciousness is Brahman — supreme knowing itself is the infinite, absolute reality.L4

प्रकृतिPrakṛtiThe original or natural form; the primary productive cause; that which brings forth creation.L3

प्रलयPralayaComplete dissolution; the melting away or reabsorption of all manifest existence back into its unmanifest source.L4

प्रमाणPramāṇaMeans of correct measurement; instrument of valid knowledgeL4

प्राणPrāṇaBreathing forth; the vital breath that sustains lifeL2

प्राण आयुर्वेदPrāṇa ĀyurvedaThe science of life-force; knowledge of vital breath as medicineL3

प्राण प्रतिष्ठाPrāṇa PratiṣṭhāThe installation or establishment (pratiṣṭhā) of the vital life-breath (prāṇa)L3

प्राणमयPrāṇamayaMade of vital breath; consisting of life-forceL2

प्रणवPraṇavaThat which praises the Divine forth; the primordial sacred sound; the cosmic humming.L2

प्राणायामPrāṇāyāmaExtension and regulation of the life force (prāṇa)L2

प्रपत्तिPrapattiFalling forward toward; throwing oneself at the feet of; complete surrender or self-resignation to a higher powerL4

प्रसादPrasādaClarity, brightness, graciousness; that which brings serenity and luminous calmL1

प्रसादPrasādaThat which settles forth into clarity; a state of luminous serenity, gracious favor, or purified offering.L2

प्रातिभासिकPrātibhāsikaPertaining to reflected appearance; that which exists only as subjective semblanceL4

प्रतिमाPratimāA likeness, image, or measured representation of somethingL2

प्रत्यभिज्ञाPratyabhijñāRe-cognition; knowing again what was already known but forgotten — specifically, the direct re-recognition of one's own true Self.L4

प्रत्याहारPratyāhāraDrawing back; withdrawal; gathering inward — specifically the act of pulling the senses back from their external objects toward their inner source.L3

प्रत्यक्षPratyakṣaThat which is before the eyes; direct perception through the sensesL2

प्रवृत्तिPravṛttiTurning forth; forward movement; active engagement; inclination toward activityL2

प्रायश्चित्तPrāyaścittaSettling or resolving the mind; that which restores the mind to a state of clarity through atonementL3

प्रेयस्preyasThat which is more pleasing or agreeable; the more pleasant optionL2

पूजाPūjāAct of reverence, honor, or adoration; the formal expression of worship through offerings and invocation.L1

पूरकPūrakaThat which fills; the act of filling upL2

पुरुषPuruṣaThe one who fills or pervades; the indweller of the body-cityL3

पुरुष (वैराज)Puruṣa (Vairāja)The one who fills or pervades everything; the all-pervading Cosmic Person or Universal BeingL4

पुष्पPuṣpaThat which has blossomed; a flower or blossom produced through flourishingL1

R

रागRāgaColor, hue, tint; passion, attachment, desire; that which dyes or colors the mind and emotions.L3

राग संगीतRāga SaṅgītaThe music (saṅgīta) of that which colors the mind (rāga) — melodic frameworks designed to evoke and sustain specific emotional and spiritual states.L3

राजधर्मRājadharmaThe duty, law, or righteous conduct belonging to a king or rulerL3

रजस्rajasDust, pollen, impurity; that which colors or agitates the mind; the quality of motion, passion, and restless activity.L2

रक्तRaktaColored, dyed, reddened; by extension: blood, passion, attachmentL2

रसRasaJuice, sap, essence, taste, or flavor — the vital extract of an experience.L4

रसRasaJuice, sap, essence, flavor, taste. Originally referred to the vital fluid or extract of plants, extended metaphorically to mean the essential quality or emotional flavor of any experience.L3

रसायनRasāyanaThe path or course of vital essence; that which replenishes and revitalizes the fundamental bodily fluids and tissues.L3

राशिRāśiA heap, mass, or collection — referring to a cluster or grouping of stars forming a zodiacal division.L2

रौद्रraudraThat which belongs to or arises from Rudra; the fierce, wrathful, or terribleL3

रेचकRecakaThat which empties or expels; the act of evacuation or release.L2

Ṛ

ऋतṚtaThat which is properly joined or rightly ordered; the fixed or settled order of things; cosmic truth and regularity.L3

ऋतुचर्याṚtucaryāSeasonal conduct; the practice or regimen aligned with the natural rhythm of the seasons.L2

Ś

शब्दŚabdaSound, word, or verbal expression — that which is heard or can be heard.L2

S

सच्चिदानन्दSaccidānandaExistence-Consciousness-Bliss — the threefold nature of ultimate reality as pure being, pure awareness, and pure joy.L3

साधनाSādhanāThe means of accomplishing; the instrument or practice through which one achieves or realizes a goal.L2

साधारण धर्मSādhāraṇa DharmaThe duty or moral law that rests on a common foundation — universal ethical obligations shared by all human beings.L2

सगुणSaguṇaWith qualities; possessing attributesL3

सहजSahajaBorn together with; innate; natural; spontaneousL4

सहस्रारSahasrāraThousand-petaled or thousand-spokedL3

सहस्रार पद्मSahasrāra PadmaThe thousand-petaled lotus — the supreme lotus of a thousand radiant spokes or raysL4

Ś

शैव सिद्धान्तŚaiva SiddhāntaThe established and final doctrine of ShivaL4

S

साकारSākāraWith form; having shape or embodimentL3

सख्यSakhyaFriendship; the state or quality of being a sakhi (friend)L2

साक्षीSākṣīThe one who sees directly; the direct witness or observerL3

Ś

शक्तिŚaktiPower, ability, capacity, energy — the inherent potency that enables action and manifestation.L3

शक्तिपीठŚakti PīṭhaSeat or throne of the divine feminine power (Shakti)L3

शक्तिपातŚaktipātaThe descent or falling of divine power/energyL4

शमŚamaCalmness, tranquility, cessation of mental agitationL3

S

समाधानSamādhānaComplete placing or fixing; total concentration; the act of bringing the mind to rest in one place.L3

समाधिSamādhiComplete placing together; total absorption or union of the mind with its object of meditation.L5

समानSamānaThe equalizing breath; that which brings balance or equilibriumL3

समष्टिSamaṣṭiAggregate; collective totality; the whole taken together as one undivided unit.L3

समष्टि प्राणSamaṣṭi PrāṇaThe aggregate or cosmic vital breath — the total life force considered as a unified whole rather than as individual portions.L4

संहारSaṃhāraComplete withdrawal; the act of drawing back or gathering together entirelyL3

संन्यासSaṃnyāsaComplete laying down; the act of putting aside or renouncing everything entirely.L3

सम्प्रदायSampradāyaThat which is fully handed down; a complete transmission or tradition passed forward.L3

संसारSaṃsāraFlowing together; continuous movement or wandering through successive states of existenceL2

संस्कारSaṃskāraA making well, perfecting, refining; that which is thoroughly done or preparedL3

संवत्सरSaṃvatsaraA complete cycle of dwelling; a full year in which all seasons have been lived through.L3

संयमSaṃyamaComplete restraint; holding together; total self-controlL3

संध्याSandhyāJunction; the meeting point of two periods of time, especially the twilight where night and day converge.L2

सन्ध्या वन्दनाSandhyā VandanāAdoration at the twilight junctions — the act of reverential worship performed at the meeting points of day and night.L3

संकल्पSaṅkalpaA conception or idea that is completely formed; a resolve or determination that arises when the mind is brought together with purpose.L2

Ś

शान्तŚāntaPacified, stilled, calmed — that which has come to rest; one in whom agitation has ceased.L2

S

संतोषSantoṣaComplete contentment; being entirely satisfied with what is present.L2

सन्तोष नियमSantoṣa NiyamaThe disciplined observance of complete inner satisfaction; the practice of wholehearted contentment.L2

सप्त पुरीSapta PurīThe Seven CitiesL2

सप्त सिन्धुSapta SindhuThe Seven Rivers — referring to the sacred geographical region of seven great rivers celebrated as the homeland of Vedic civilization.L2

Ś

शरणागतिŚaraṇāgatiThe act of coming to or seeking shelter; approaching a protector for refuge.L3

S

सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्मSarvaṁ khalvidaṁ brahmaAll this is indeed Brahman — everything that exists in the manifest and unmanifest universe is nothing other than the one infinite, all-pervading Absolute Reality.L4

सत्SatThat which exists; being; truth; the real.L2

Ṣ

षट्चक्रṢaṭcakraSix wheels (or six circles) — referring to the six primary vortices of prāṇic energy in the subtle body.L4

S

सत्कार्यवादSatkāryavādaThe doctrine (vāda) that the effect (kārya) already exists (sat) within its cause prior to its manifestation.L4

Ṣ

षट्सम्पत्तिṢaṭsampattiThe six-fold wealth or six treasures of inner attainmentL3

S

सत्त्वSattvaThe quality or state of being; beingness; the essence of existence and truth.L2

सत्यSatyaThat which is; that which exists in reality; the state of being real or true.L2

सत्य धर्मSatya DharmaThe duty of truth; the cosmic law rooted in what truly existsL2

सत्ययुगSatya YugaThe Age of Truth; the epoch in which reality, righteousness, and being are fully manifest.L2

Ś

शौचŚaucaPurity, cleanliness, clearness — the state of being free from impurity or contamination, both physical and mental.L2

S

सविकल्पSavikalpaWith distinction; with mental modification or conceptual differentiationL4

सेवाSevāService, attendance, devotion through action; the act of waiting upon or honoring another.L1

शीघ्रम्ShīghramSoonL1

सिद्धिSiddhiAccomplishment, attainment, success, perfection, fulfillment of purpose.L3

Ś

शिखरŚikharaPeak, summit, or mountain top; that which culminates in a pointed crestL3

शिष्यŚiṣyaOne who is to be instructed; one deserving of discipline and teachingL1

S

स्मरणSmaraṇaThe act of remembering; continuous recollection or calling to mind.L2

स्मृतिSmṛtiThat which is remembered; memory; recollectionL2

स्मृति योगSmṛti YogaThe discipline of remembrance; union through mindful recollectionL3

Ṣ

षोडशीṢoḍaśīShe Who Is Sixteen; The Sixteen-Syllabled OneL4

S

सोमSomaThat which is pressed or extracted; the pressed juiceL3

स्पन्दSpandaVibration, throb, pulsation — the primordial quivering or tremor of consciousness.L4

स्फोटSphoṭaThat which bursts forth or is revealed; the flash of meaning that erupts from language.L4

स्फुरणSphuraṇaThrobbing, vibration, pulsation; a sudden flashing forth or shining; the spontaneous quivering or stirring of consciousness.L4

Ś

श्रद्धाŚraddhāThat which places or establishes the heart in truth; the act of setting one's conviction upon what is real.L2

श्राद्धŚrāddhaAn act performed with sincere faith and devotion, specifically directed toward the departed ancestors (pitṛs).L3

श्राद्धŚrāddhaThat which is performed with faith and devotion — a sacred offering placed from the heart for the departed ancestors.L3

श्रवणŚravaṇaThe act of hearing; attentive listening; that by which one hears or receives knowledge through the ear.L2

श्रेयस्ŚreyasThe greater good; that which is more excellent, more auspicious, or ultimately beneficialL2

शृङ्गारŚṛṅgāraThat which adorns or brings to a peak; the essence of beauty and erotic sentimentL3

S

सृष्टिSṛṣṭiThe act of emitting forth; a pouring out or letting loose of that which was held within. Literally 'that which is released or projected outward.'L3

सृष्टि चक्रSṛṣṭi CakraThe revolving wheel of emanation — the cyclical process by which existence is projected forth, sustained, and withdrawn back into its source.L3

Ś

श्रुतिŚrutiThat which is heard; the smallest interval of sound perceptible to the trained human ear.L3

श्रुतिŚrutiThat which is heard; divine revelation received through listeningL3

S

स्थलपुराणSthala PurāṇaAncient chronicle of a sacred placeL3

स्थितप्रज्ञSthitaprajñaOne of steady wisdom; one whose discernment is firmly establishedL3

स्थितिSthitiStanding firm; the state of remaining, staying, or being established in a stable position.L2

स्त्रीधर्मStrīdharmaThe sustaining duty or righteous conduct of women; that which upholds the feminine role in cosmic and social order.L3

Ś

शुद्धाद्वैतŚuddhādvaitaPure non-dualism — a non-duality that is untainted by māyā as an independent principleL4

शुक्ल पक्षŚukla PakṣaThe bright wing or luminous half — referring to the waxing phase of the moon from new moon (Amāvasyā) to full moon (Pūrṇimā).L1

शुक्रŚukraThe bright one; the pure or radiant one; that which shines with clarity and brilliance.L3

S

सुषुम्णाSuṣumnāThe most gracious or supremely kind channelL4

सुषुप्तिSuṣuptiDeep sleep; the state of sleeping well or profoundly, where all mental activity ceasesL3

सूत्र साहित्यSūtra SāhityaA threaded collection — a body of texts composed as tightly strung aphorisms, each sentence a 'thread' binding vast knowledge into minimal words.L3

स्वधर्मSvadharmaOne's own duty; one's own righteous path or lawL2

स्वधर्मSvadharmaOne's own duty, law, or essential natureL3

स्वाधिष्ठानSvādhiṣṭhānaOne's own dwelling place; the seat where the self residesL3

स्वाध्यायSvādhyāyaSelf-study; the act of studying by oneself or studying the SelfL2

स्वप्नSvapnaThe state of sleeping; a dream or vision experienced during sleep.L3

स्वर्गSvargaThe realm of light; the place reached through luminous meritL2

T

तैजसTaijasaThe luminous one; that which is made of or pertains to light (tejas)L4

तालTālaA clap or striking of the hands; a fixed rhythmic pattern or cycleL2

तमस्tamasDarkness, gloom, or that which obscures and stifles.L2

ताम्बूलTāmbūlaThat which produces a copper-red color; the betel leaf preparationL2

तन्त्रTantraLoom, warp, framework; an instrument of expansion or systematic methodologyL4

तपस्tapasHeat, warmth, burning. By extension: the inner fire generated through disciplined effort, austerity, or intense focus.L2

तपस्याTapasyāThe practice of generating inner heat; austerity; disciplined self-mortification or spiritual exertion.L2

तर्कTarkaReasoning, conjecture, hypothetical argument; the act of deliberating by considering consequences.L3

तर्पणTarpaṇaThe act of satiating; an offering that satisfies or gratifiesL2

तत् त्वम् असिTat Tvam AsiThat Thou Art — 'You are That,' where 'That' refers to Brahman, the ultimate reality, and 'Thou' refers to the individual self (Ātman).L4

तेजस्TejasSharpness, brilliance, radiant energy; the inherent luminous power that makes something blaze forth and be perceived.L2

Ṭ

टीकाṬīkāA marking, annotation, or explanatory gloss upon a textL3

T

तिरोधानTirodhānaThe act of placing into concealment; hiding or veiling from sightL4

तीर्थTīrthaA ford or crossing place; a point where one can traverse from one bank to anotherL2

तिथिtithiA measured unit of lunar time; a reckoning or counted portion of the Moon's journey relative to the Sun.L2

तितिक्षाTitikṣāThe desire or willingness to endure; patient forbearanceL3

त्रेतायुगTretā YugaThe Age of Three; the epoch in which Dharma stands on three of its four feet, with one quarter of righteousness having diminished.L2

त्रिकTrikaThe Triad; The ThreefoldL4

त्रिकालTrikālaThe three times; the threefold division of temporal existence into past, present, and future.L3

त्रिपुरसुन्दरीTripura SundarīThe Beautiful One of the Three Cities (or Three Worlds)L4

त्रिवृत्करणTrivṛtkaraṇaThe process of making threefold; triplication.L4

तुरीयTurīyaThe fourthL4

U

उदानUdānaUpward-moving breathL3

उपाधिUpādhiThat which is placed near or upon; a limiting adjunct; something superimposed that conditions or delimits the nature of another thing.L4

उपमानUpamānaThat by which something is measured alongside another; comparison or analogy as a means of knowing.L3

उपनयनUpanayanaLeading near — referring to bringing a student near the guru for the commencement of sacred learning.L2

उपरतिuparatiCessation; withdrawal; coming to restL3

उपासनाUpāsanāSitting near; drawing close to; being in the presence ofL3

उपेक्षाUpekṣāLooking upon with equanimity; observing without interferenceL3

उत्तरायणUttarāyaṇaThe northward journey or path — referring to the sun's apparent movement toward the north from the winter solstice to the summer solstice.L2

V

वैकुण्ठVaikuṇṭhaThe place or state that is without obstruction, anxiety, or limitationL3

वैराग्यVairāgyaThe state of being without rāga (coloring/passion/attachment); complete absence of mental coloring or emotional clinging.L3

वैराग्य योगVairāgya YogaThe path (yoga) of being without coloring or passion (vairāgya) — the disciplined practice of detachment from sensory and worldly attractions.L3

वाजीकरणVājīkaraṇaThat which produces the vigor and vitality of a horse (stallion)L3

वानप्रस्थVānaprasthaOne who departs for the forest; a forest-dwellerL2

वन्दनाVandanāThe act of bowing down in praise; reverential salutation or adoration.L1

वरVaraA choice; that which is selected or wished for; a boon.L2

वर्णVarṇaColor, hue, appearance, outward form; by extension, a category or class distinguished by its defining quality.L3

वार्तिकVārtikaThat which relates to what has been stated; a critical annotation or supplementary explanation.L4

वास्तुVāstuDwelling place; the ground or site upon which something stands or residesL3

वातVātaWind; that which moves or blows; the principle of motionL2

विभूतिVibhūtiExtraordinary manifestation; that which has become supremely expansive or gloriousL3

विदेहमुक्तिVidehamuktiBodiless liberation; freedom attained upon the dissolution of the physical body.L4

विद्याVidyāKnowledge; that by which one knows or perceives reality.L2

विज्ञानमयVijñānamayaComposed of higher discerning knowledge or wisdom-intelligenceL4

विकल्पVikalpaAn 'alternative imagining' or 'construction set apart from reality' — a mental formation that follows from words and concepts but lacks a corresponding object in the real world.L3

विमानVimānaThat which traverses or measures across; a conveyance that moves through measured spaceL3

वीरVīraHero; one who possesses vīrya (valor, strength, potency); the mighty or courageous one.L2

विराट्VirāṭThe one who shines forth in diverse ways; the resplendent, all-pervading cosmic formL3

विशेष धर्मViśeṣa DharmaParticular duty; specific or distinguished righteousnessL3

विशिष्टाद्वैतViśiṣṭādvaitaNon-duality of that which is qualified or distinguished — oneness that includes real internal differentiation.L4

विशुद्धViśuddhaEspecially pure; completely purified; purification to the highest degreeL3

विषुवViṣuvaEqual on both sides — denoting the state of balance between day and night.L2

विश्वViśvaThat which pervades everything; the all-encompassing totality; the entire or whole universe.L2

विवाह संस्कारVivāha SaṃskāraThe sacramental rite of carrying away; the sacred refinement through the act of marriageL3

विवर्तवादVivartavādaThe doctrine (vāda) of apparent modification (vivarta) — the teaching that what appears as change is not a real transformation of the underlying reality.L4

विवेकVivekaThe act of separating apart; sifting one thing from another; distinguishing or discriminating between two categories.L2

वृत्तिVṛttiA turning, whirling, or revolving; a wave-like modification or fluctuation of consciousness.L2

व्याख्यानVyākhyānaThe act of making something thoroughly and distinctly known; a complete telling-forth or detailed exposition.L3

व्यानVyānaThe all-pervading breath; the vital air that diffuses outward in every direction throughout the body.L3

व्यञ्जनVyañjanaThat which manifests, reveals, or makes apparent; an instrument of expression or suggestion.L3

व्याप्तिVyāptiPervasion; the state of being pervaded throughout; invariable concomitanceL4

व्यष्टिVyaṣṭiThe individual entity; that which exists distinctly or separately from the whole.L3

व्यवहारVyavahāraCarrying out; conducting; that which is transacted or practiced in the worldL3

व्यावहारिकVyāvahārikaThat which belongs to or pertains to practical transaction and everyday dealingL4

Y

यज्ञyajñaAn act of offering, worship, or sacrifice — the ritual giving of oblations into a consecrated fire as an act of devotion and cosmic exchange.L2

यमYamaRestraint, self-control, discipline; that which holds back or regulates conduct.L2

यन्त्रYantraAn instrument for restraining, holding, or controlling; a device or supportL3

योग ज्योतिषYoga JyotiṣaThe science of light (jyotiṣa) as revealed through planetary unions (yogas) — the luminous knowledge arising from celestial combinations.L3

योग पञ्चाङ्गYoga PañcāṅgaThe five-limbed [calendar reckoning based on] celestial conjunctionL3

योगमायाYogamāyāThe mystical illusive potency born of divine unionL4

युगYugaAn age, epoch, or era; literally 'a joining' — a span of time yoked together as one complete cycle.L3

युक्तिYuktiThe act of joining or yoking together; that which connects premises to conclusions; a device, contrivance, or method of reasoning.L3