Agnihotra The healing fire ceremony conducted precisely at the sunrise and sunset timings. Agnihotra purifies the surrounding environment and also the mind simultaneously. angushta The Thumb Anthahkarana The inner organ made up of 4 elements. They are manah or mind which is the conduit between physical body and the subtle body, buddhi or the intellect, chitta or the soul consciousness and ahankaar or ego. Ashtanga Yoga The yoga that has eight limbs as outlined by Patanjali maharishi in his yogic text called Yoga Sutras. 1. Yama: are the behavioural standards and ethics required for an aspirant. Yama has five aspects to it. a. Ahimsa: Non violence b. Satya: Truthfulness c. Asteya: Refrain from stealing d. Bramhacharya: Continence e. Aparigraha: Non covetousness 2. Niyama: these are the rules of self-discipline a. Saucha: internal and external cleanliness b. Santosha: Joy and being content c. Tapas: Penance and austerities d. Swadhyaya: Study of the Self e. Ishvara pranidhana: Total unconditional surrender to God 3. Asana: Yogic postures to develop heath and concentration 4. Pranayama: techniques of breath control to control the mind and rejenuate the body 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses from the external, material world to within. 6. Dharana: Single focused concentration on the object of meditation and withdrawl from distractions. 7. Dhyana: uninterrupted, continuous concentration on the object of meditation. The mind is quiet and still. 8. Samadhi: is the state of enlightenment and bliss brought by the realization of “I am THAT” or “My father and I are ONE.” Asana Yogic postures to develop heath and concentration Atma Tatva The nature of the soul. Annamaya kosha The Annamaya kosha means the food envelope or the sheath made from or nourished by food and drink that a person takes and this comes from 5 primordial elements of earth, water, air, Fire (or light) and space (or ether). In other words, this sheath is the physical body. You are what you eat. The food that we eat gets broken down into nutrients to be absorbed by the body. It becomes the energy, the vitality, the aura and the strength to achieve our spiritual goal. The body needs to be nourished, trained and tamed to peel away this layer or envelope. Anandamaya Kosha This is the sheath of bliss. It is a state of being where one is in a state of joy or in a state of equilibrium no matter what situation one faces. When this layer is peeled away, one reaches the soul or state of soul consciousness. Anandamaya kosha can be experienced in moments when we so enjoy what we do and do not separate ourselves from the experience. It is like the state of bliss that a child feels when it is totally happy and engrossed in its play. It is not a creation or a state of the mind. It is a state of being and is felt only when we let go of all control by the mind. No words can describe the state. It needs to be experienced to be comprehended. Asmita Expression of the subtle Self. Apana Apana means outward moving force. It ejects and eliminates any waste (excretion, exhalation, child birth etc) or anything not needed by the body. It is responsible for will power and motivation. When unregulated, apana creates a dull, lazy and confused state in human beings. It also controls the survival instincts in living things. Physical presence- Excretory system (kidneys, colon, rectum, genitals and sweat glands). Element - Earth Presence in subtle body- Mooladhara Chakra or Root chakra Movement- It moves downward in a loop from the navel (Manipura Chakra) to the perinium (Mooladhara Chakra) and back. Yogic control- Moola Bandha, Nauli, Agnisara Kriya and Ashwini Mudra. *Spiritual evolution starts only when Prana and Apana are merged into one another. These 2 forces are oppose one another. i.e., during inhalation, prana moves upward from manipura chakra to vishuddha chakra while apana moves downward from manipura chakra to mooladhara chakra. On Exhalation, prana moves downward from vishuddha chakra to manipura chakra, while apana moves upward from mooladhara chakra to manipura chakra. Apane juhvati pranam pranepanam tathapare; Pranapanagatee ruddhva pranayamaparayanah (Gita, Ch. IV-29.) Meaning- Others offer Prana (outgoing breath) in Apana (incoming breath) and Apana in Prana, restraining the passage of Prana and Apana, absorbed in Pranayama. AUM The premordial sound from which this universe is originated. Also referred to as Om Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya ! caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah!! - (Shree Guru Gita) I bow to my spiritual master, who opened my eyes that were blinded by the darkness of ignorance with the light of the Absolute truth or the supreme knowledge. According to the bible, the characteristics of a Sadguru or spiritual masters are- "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." - Luke 6:40 "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."- Matthew 28:20 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am." - John 13:13 "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:26 - 28 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 Mahamantra: The chant or incantation that is unique to every being and blessed by the Sadguru during initiation. This Mahamantra is like a particular prescription for that particular soul because here in spirituality each human being is an independent being and has their own baggage and creates their own footprints.

Brahma The progenitor of all creation in the Hindu belief. Brahmarandra Brahman means the cosmic consciousness or the Absolute truth. Randra means hole. It is also called as Sookshma randhra or very subtle, fine hole.There exists a very fine, tiny hole in the crown or top of the head. This is the soft spot on a baby's head or fontanel that closes as the baby grows up. The cosmic consciousness is believed to have breathed the life force or prana into the human body through this hole. When the pranic force or the kundalini shakti is awakened and is pushed through the sushumna nadi, then at the time of death, the soul escapes through the brahmarandra to unite with the cosmic consciousness, breaking the cycle of birth and death and never to be born again. This type of liberation or moksha is called Kapala moksha. Bhrumadya In between the eyebrows.

Chitta Chitta is part of human mind, and is a very, very subtle part. And this chitta connects the casual body to the subtle body. The nature, the personality of a human being is exposed or made known or is nourished through this chitta. It is here, in the chitta that a thought emerges, and this emergence of thought is nothing different from a word called pravrutti. So there are pent up desires in your casual body, they impact the chitta. That's where, these constant impacts on the chitta, translate into a mental wave that the mind together with the intellect reads as a desire. Trirunnatam sthapyasamam shariram Hrideendriyani manasa sanniveshya Brahmodupena pratareta vidwan Srothamsi sarvani bhayavahani (Swethasara Upanishad 2-8) Word by word meaning- Trirunnatam- stretching three parts of the body (i.e, head, neck and chest) upwards; sthapyasamam- positioned erect; shariram- the body; Hruda- heart; Indriyani- the five senses; manasa- with the mind; sanniveshya-to be put or drawn; brahma- the cosmic consciousness or the supreme truth; udupa- raft; pratareta- crossing over; vidwan- wise ones; srota- ocean; sarvani- all; bhaya-fearful; vahani-flowing Translation- Keeping chest neck and head in a straight line, sitting with an erect body, drawing the senses and the mind within, while focusing or concentrating on Almighty God in the heart (or heart chakra), the wise ones tide across the ocean of fear (implies the cycle of birth and death), with the help of the raft of Brahman or the supreme knowledge of the cosmic consciousness. Chaitanya It is the cosmic consciousness or the Universal Soul or the pure consciousness or the pranic life force or the universal power that prevails in the entire creation. Chakra Energy centers in the sushumna nadi located in the subtle body

Deva Loka Heaven or the world of demi-gods. Devo Lord or Deity Div Light Devadutta It is a upa prana or a supporting pranic force that rejenuates the astral/ subtle bodies. Physical expression- Yawning Function- reduces tiredness after eating, reduces lethargy and sustains vitality Yogic control- Uddiyana Bandha, nauli. Dharana Single focused concentration on the object of meditation and withdrawl from distractions. Dhananjaya It is a upa prana or a supporting pranic force that regulates the heart valves and the musculature of the body. Unbalanced Dhanajaya causes stiffness of muscles, Rheumatoid arthritis and heart attack. Physical expression- opening and closing of heart valves Function- clears blockages in the nasal passage, head and throat Yogic control- Anuloma vinuloma, Anthar Bahya Kumbhaka. Dhyana uninterrupted, continuous concentration on the object of meditation. The mind is quiet and still. Drushtanta Vision

Eka Lakshya Single minded focus on the goal

Gnana indriya Subtle organs of intelligence or information or knowledge. They are the ears to hear, the tongue to taste, the skin for touch, the eyes to see, and the nose to smell. Guru The spiritual master, one who dispels ignorance and darkness. Guru is made of 2 sanskrit syllables- "Gu" and "Ru". "Gu" is all the darkness of ignorance within. "Ru" is the radiance of the Absolute Truth or supreme knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance forever, beyond any doubt. Guru Loka World or planet of saints or realized masters. Goloka It is believed to be the supreme abode of Lord Shri Krishna and all his true devotees reach there after death. Gandharva loka World of angels

Hrudaya This is also called the Anahata chakra or heart chakra.The awareness of the Self - that is the seat where the Soul sits. In tantric texts, this chakra is represented by a 12 petaled lotus with the Bija mantra or seed mantra of "yam". This energy center is located on the spinal cord and diametrically opposite to the sternum, next to heart. Anahata means unstruck. It is so called because when this chakra opens up during the Kundalini awakening, a pleasing sound is constantly heard. This sound is called unstruck sound as there is no agent causing this sound. Anahata is the seat of emotions, love, joy and compassion. Hari Om Sanskrit phrase of Salutation representing Amen. Hrudaya chara This is also called the Anahata chakra or heart chakra.The awareness of the Self - that is the seat where the Soul sits. In tantric texts, this chakra is represented by a 12 petaled lotus with the Bija mantra or seed mantra of "yam". This energy center is located on the spinal cord and diametrically opposite to the sternum, next to heart. Anahata means unstruck. It is so called because when this chakra opens up during the Kundalini awakening, a pleasing sound is constantly heard. This sound is called unstruck sound as there is no agent causing this sound. Anahata is the seat of emotions, love, joy and compassion. Hrudaya aakash The hrudaya aakash is in the hrudaya chakra. This is where the "angushta matra" Self or the subtle Self dwells as the Jeevatma. When meditating on the Self, the Self expands into infinite consciousness. The Self envelopes all space and everything within that space; which includes the various worlds and the entire celestial creation. There is nothing beyond there. All that exists in the outer space is also within the hrudaya aakash. This hrudaya space is so great, that this space even consumes the entire space of phenomenal world, in the skies above and all the worlds that are there- the 7 above, the 7 below and all that there is. The hrudaya aakash, the sky, the vaccum, the ether or whatever you may call it, it can envelope all the creation. In that sense, that entire creation is nowhere outside, but it is within you itself.

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Jagruti or the awakened state. In this state, one identifies oneself as the physical body and with the material world. Here the consciousness is outwardly focused on the physical needs, sensory stimulus and experiences in the material world. Jeevatma This is the conditioned Self or the soul that is wrapped up or encapsulated in the three bodies .i.e., sthoola shareer (the physical body), sookshma shareer (the subtle body), and karana shareer (the causal body). This encapsulated soul also identifies itself with the experiences of the three bodies and thinks that it is the body and not the soul. For example. When the physical body ages, the encapsulated soul identifies itself as this old man or woman, rather than this immortal soul.

Kathopanishad The Katha Upanishad or Kaathakopanishad belongs to yajur veda. This Upanishad narrates eternal truth through a story. The story is of a young Brahmin (the priest sect in India) boy, Nachiketas. Vaajasravaasa, Nachiketas's father, was performing a yagnya or fire ritual. As per the norm of the ritual, the father is supposed to give away his most precious treasure in charity. However, the father gave away cows that were lean and do not yield any milk. It occurred to Nachiketas that he was his father's precious treasure and his father loved him deeply. So in order for his father to get the complete fruits of his penance, Nachiketas should be given away in charity. Nachiketas constantly pestered his father. He kept asking his father- "To whom are you going to give me away?" Unable to concentrate on the yagnya, the father said absent mindedly- "I give you away to Yama, the Lord of Death". Consequently Nachiketas goes to the abode of Yama. Yama was away and he came only three days later. Nachiketas waited without food and water for three days at the doorstep. It is a sin to let anybody wait at the doorstep. So Yama on his arrival, granted three wishes to Nachiketas. Nachiketas's first wish was that his father should forgive him and welcome him with joy when he goes back home. His second wish was that his good deeds never be exhausted. His third wish was that the Lord of Death reveal the secret of death to him. i.e. what happens to a person and the soul after death? Lord Yama grants him the three wishes and enlightens Nachiketas about the secret of death. This conversation that imparts the knowledge of the Self or reveals the secret of death and the knowledge of the Absolute Truth, is the essence and content of Kathopanishad. Karma Actions committed by a person during his life on earth. Karma Indriya Physical organs of action. They are tongue for speech, hands for action, the feet for motion (walking, running etc), the organs of procreation, and the organs of excretion. Kosha This mean envelopes. There are five envelopes surrounding the human body. They are- Annamaya kosha- The Annamaya kosha means the food envelope or the sheath made from or nourished by food and drink that a person takes and this comes from 5 primordial elements of earth, water, air, Fire (or light) and space (or ether). In other words, this sheath is the physical body. You are what you eat. The food that we eat gets broken down into nutrients to be absorbed by the body. It becomes the energy, the vitality, the aura and the strength to achieve our spiritual goal. The body needs to be nourished, trained and tamed to peel away this layer or envelope. Pranamaya kosha: The envelope of prana. See Pranic force Manomaya kosha: The mental body or sheath with the mind, buddhi, chitta, ego and the five inner organs of intelligence. All expressions are through vrutti or thought waves. Ujjayi pranayama helps silence the thought waves. Vigyanamaya kosha: The sheath of wisdom or superior intelligence. This kosha is the seat of intuition, will power and inner strength. It is peeled after the Manomaya Kosha is peeled away. Peeling this layer gives total freedom from thoughts leading the person to a state of pure awareness. Awareness in and of every action, every word, thought and deed. Anandamaya Kosha: This is the sheath of bliss. It is a state of being where one is in a state of joy or in a state of equilibrium no matter what situation one faces. When this layer is peeled away, one reaches the soul or state of soul consciousness. Anandamaya kosha can be experienced in moments when we so enjoy what we do and do not separate ourselves from the experience. It is like the state of bliss that a child feels when it is totally happy and engrossed in its play. It is not a creation or a state of the mind. It is a state of being and is felt only when we let go of all control by the mind. No words can describe the state. It needs to be experienced to be comprehended. Kurma It is a upa prana or a supporting pranic force in the eyes and the region surrounding the eyes. Physical expression- Blinking Function- Protects eyes from foreign bodies and diseases. It is active when awake and rejenuated when asleep. Yogic control- Tratak, Pashchimottanasana, yoga mudra, Jalandhara bandha. Krikala It is a upa prana or a supporting pranic force that rejenuates the respiratory system. Physical expression- Sneezing Function- clears blockages in the nasal passage, head and throat Yogic control- Kapalabhati, Bhrammari pranayama and bhastrika pranayama, Neti Kriya. It is the same as the prana shakti or life force and it is a dormant force. It is an indwelling energy that can be awakened to the physical body, the subtle body and the causal body, to elevate a human being to realize the supreme union with the cosmic consciousness or the realization that "My Father and I are ONE". Kundalini in Sanskrit means coiled or circular or annular. Kundalini is considered as a dormant, feminine energy that is metaphorically stated as a serpent with its tail in the mouth, sleeping in three and a half coils, at the base of the Mooladhara or the root chakra between the tailbone and the genitals, which is at the base of the spine. This serpentine power of Kundalini can be raised by Shaktipat or transmission of power from the Sadguru (also called as initiation or Deeksha) to the disciple or by regular, continuous practice of yoga, kriya, bandha and meditation, by mantra sadhana or by intense personal experiences like accidents, emotional trauma, childbirth or near death experiences. Spontaneous awakenings also happen due to possible spiritual practice in past lives and by the grace of God. Kundalini is a spiritual energy that is to be approached with complete surrender and unconditional love. It should not be manipulated with ego. Uncontrolled kundalini leads to many unpleasant and irreparable complications. In the yogic tradition, it is said that the kundalini power when awakened, tries ceaselessly to ascend from the Mooladhara, travelling across the chakras (Swadhistana, Manipura, Anahata, Visshudda and Ajna), while dissolving the attachments and purifying the chakras, to finally unite with the cosmic consciousness in the Sahasrara Chakra or the 1000 petal lotus on the crown of the head, through the energy channel or nadi, called Sushumna. The mouth of sushumna through which the kundalini ascends, has its opening in the mooladhara chakra. This union is also called Shiva-Shakthi union, where the cosmic consciousness is the Shiva and the kundalini is the Shakti. Kundalini awakening is also called pranic awakening. As the kundalini rises and moves through the sushumna, the seeker is endowed with supernatural powers and siddhis. Under the able guidance of a Sadguru, the seeker realizes the Self. Unrestrained or uncontrolled kundalini shakti can produce serious psychological and physical effects.

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Manu Smruti is a scripture written by Manu, the first man to appear on Earth and created by the creator Lord Brahma. Manu Smruti means Laws of Manu. This scripture details the rules and conditions that each human being must adhere to lead a fulfilling life. Manomaya kosha The mental body or sheath with the mind, buddhi, chitta, ego and the five inner organs of intelligence. All expressions are through vrutti or thought waves. Ujjayi pranayama helps silence the thought waves. Maheshwarah The Destroyer of all creation in the Hindu belief Madhyama japa The second level of speech is where the lips are moving, no sound is uttered, nobody hears but the disciple hears the Mahamantra (महामन्त्र) going on and can turn up the volume and hear it mentally by himself. This sound of the mahamantra comes from the Anahata (or heart chakra) and exists in between Jagrut (wakeful state) and shushupti (deep sleep state) state of being. Madhyama vani represents mental consciousness. Mahamantra The chant or incantation that is unique to every being and blessed by the Sadguru during initiation. Maya Illusion. Commonly referred to as the phenomenal world around us. maatrah The Size of Martyaloka Translates as the place of death. The Hindu scriptures state that each soul has to be born on Earth (or Martyaloka) as a human being to exhaust all their karmas and transcend to unite with the cosmic consciousness. This can be achieved in one birth or in multiple births. That choice is exercised by each soul through its free will. That is why, any being that is born on the earth, faces death, unless it is liberated or attains salvation. Mantra Chant

Namaste It is a social greeting in Sanskrit. Namaste is made of 2 words- "Namah" and "te" which means "I bow to you". Namaste recognizes the supreme truth that all beings are embodiment of God. As the Bible says - "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21, King James Bible). The Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) says -"Aham Brahmasmi"- meaning "I am the Brahman or the Absolute truth or Almighty God." While the Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7) says "Tat Tvam Asi" which means "You are THAT", referring again to the oneness with the Absolute truth. Hence, Namaste also means- "The God in me bows to the God in you." Namaste is said to a person along with Anjali Mudra or Pranamasana. Anjali Mudra is done by bringing both the palms together touching each other in front of the heart chakra, finger to finger and mound to mound with a slight gentle pressure between the palms. The elbows are held parallel to the ground in line with the wrists. The eyes are closed in inner awareness, the breath (both inhalation and exhalation) is even, smooth and long and the head bows down slightly with reverence and love. If done correctly, the touching of the palms charges the right and left hemispheres of the brain and connects the brain waves. This elevates a person to the most receptive alpha state of awareness, and thus centering the person with calmness and peace. Namah I bow Modakam An Indian sweet or delicacy Mounam Silence Nabhi Navel Nakshatra Loka The world of celestials Naga It is a upa prana or a supporting pranic force. Physical expression- Burping Function- Removes blockages between Prana and Apana by preventing gas formation in the digestive system. Removes Samana blockages by inducing vomit reflux to throw up undigested food. Yogic control- Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Dhanurasana, Kapalabhati pranayama. Niyama these are the rules of self-discipline a. Saucha: internal and external cleanliness b. Santosha: Joy and being content c. Tapas: Penance and austerities d. Swadhyaya: Study of the Self e. Ishvara pranidhana: Total unconditional surrender to God.

Om The premordial sound from which this universe is originated.All referred to as Aum. AUM The premordial sound from which this universe is originated. Also referred to as Om

Pranayama Techniques of breath control to control the mind and rejenuate the body. Pratyahara Withdrawal of senses from the external, material world to within. Prarabda Prarabda is the fate that unfolds in this life. Karma are of three types- Sanchita, Prarabda and Aagami. Sanchita Karma is the total bank balance of all the karma acquired in the past births of a soul. Prarabda Karma is a portion of the sanchita karma that is ripe or ready to be experienced now. Prarabda karma is the reason for the present birth. It can be exhausted only by experiencing it. In each human birth, the portion of Sanchita karma which is most suited for spiritual evolution and ripe for experience is selected as Prarabda. The third type is Aagami karma which is the karma that is being generated in the present birth to mature in the future. Prarabda karma Prarabda is the fate that unfolds in this life. Karma are of three types- Sanchita, Prarabda and Aagami. Sanchita Karma is the total bank balance of all the karma acquired in the past births of a soul. Prarabda Karma is a portion of the sanchita karma that is ripe or ready to be experienced now. Prarabda karma is the reason for the present birth. It can be exhausted only by experiencing it. In each human birth, the portion of Sanchita karma which is most suited for spiritual evolution and ripe for experience is selected as Prarabda. The third type is Aagami karma which is the karma that is being generated in the present birth to mature in the future. Pravrutti Emergence or unfolding of thought Pancha tanmatra The 5 upa prana that are Naga, Kurma, Devadutta, Krikala and Dhananjaya. Panchatanmatra The 5 upa prana that are Naga, Kurma, Devadutta, Krikala and Dhananjaya. Pranic force This is the all pervading life force that permeates every living unit of the cosmos, regulating all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the living entity. The pranic force is also called prana vayu. Vayu means that which flows. Hence the prana vayu moves and expresses itself in the body like a wind. There are 49 different types of prana vayu in the body. But the important ones are prana, apana, vyana, udana and samaana. Each of these pancha prana controls specific physical, mental and spiritual centers in the body, and they work together in perfect harmony resulting in a healthy, holistic human being. Paddati Style of chanting Prana Prana means forward moving force. It is responsible for assimilating energy from any input (breathing, eating, drinking, sensory stimulus and mental perceptions) into the body. It controls homeostasis and vital organ functions in the body. Prana is the king of all the vayus (life forces) in the body. It controls, regulates and directs all the other prana vayus. Physical presence- base of the throat to diaphragm Element- Air Presence in subtle body- Anahata Chakra or heart chakra Movement- It moves downward in a loop from the base of the throat (Vishudda Chakra) to the navel (Manipura Chakra) and back. Yogic control- Jalandhara Bandha, Bhastrika pranayama, Nadi Shodana and Ujjayi pranayama Prana Tatwa The principle of Prana Pranamaya kosha The envelope of prana. See Pranic force. Parabrahma Supersoul or Almighty God or the Absolute truth. Prakruti Nature Pashyanti Pashyanti level of speech is deep-seated conversation, the vibrations, the resonance of the Mahamantra (महामन्तर्) going within your physical body, within your subtle body and also within your causal body. Pashyanti literally means “that which can be seen.” Pashyanti vani or Pashyanti sound comes from the Manipura or navel chakra and has color, form or vibrations associated with it. There is no duality between object and sound. Pashyanti vani represents intellectual consciousness. Pranam It is a social greeting in Sanskrit. Namaste is made of 2 words- "Namah" and "te" which means "I bow to you". Namaste recognizes the supreme truth that all beings are embodiment of God. As the Bible says - "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21, King James Bible). The Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) says -"Aham Brahmasmi"- meaning "I am the Brahman or the Absolute truth or Almighty God." While the Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7) says "Tat Tvam Asi" which means "You are THAT", referring again to the oneness with the Absolute truth. Hence, Namaste also means- "The God in me bows to the God in you." Namaste is said to a person along with Anjali Mudra or Pranamasana. Anjali Mudra is done by bringing both the palms together touching each other in front of the heart chakra, finger to finger and mound to mound with a slight gentle pressure between the palms. The elbows are held parallel to the ground in line with the wrists. The eyes are closed in inner awareness, the breath (both inhalation and exhalation) is even, smooth and long and the head bows down slightly with reverence and love. If done correctly, the touching of the palms charges the right and left hemispheres of the brain and connects the brain waves. This elevates a person to the most receptive alpha state of awareness, and thus centering the person with calmness and peace. Pranic force This is the all pervading life force that permeates every living unit of the cosmos, regulating all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the living entity. The pranic force is also called prana vayu. Vayu means that which flows. Hence the prana vayu moves and expresses itself in the body like a wind. There are 49 different types of prana vayu in the body. But the important ones are prana, apana, vyana, udana and samaana. Each of these pancha prana controls specific physical, mental and spiritual centers in the body, and they work together in perfect harmony resulting in a healthy, holistic human being. Para Vani The transcendental speech which arises from the awareness or the pure consciousness or Self. This speech is beyond the perception of the senses and is a state of soundless sound. It is a state of pure intention and the speech is in tune with the cosmic consciousness. It is sound in an unmanifested state. Paramatma the Universal being or the Super soul or Almighty God. purusho the supreme being or the Self or the Absolute truth or Almighty God. Pavithra Austere, pure, immaculate, serene, sacred.

Satya Truth Satshishya The worthy disciple Saakshaat Incarnate or embodiment Samana Samana means the balancing force. It controls metabolism, digestion and the digestive organs and respiration in the body. It regulates gastric juices, hormones and enzymes, eliminates toxins from the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous and glandular systems. It is responsible for sound judgement, intellect (buddhi) and the power of discretion (viveka). It influences the psyche and consciousness. It unites prana and apana. Unregulated samana causes delusions, hysteric tendencies, gastric disorders, fiery anger and confusion. Control of samana gives a lusturous, brilliant aura around the person that can be noticed even by those who do not have the ability to see auras. Physical presence- Navel Element - Fire Presence in subtle body- Manipura Chakra or navel Movement- It moves upward in a loop from the navel (Manipura Chakra) to the heart (Anahata Chakra) and back. Yogic control- Uddiyana Bandha Subordinate prana: The following are the five subordinate prana or upa prana. satsang (सत्संग) Sat means the Absolute Truth or God. Sat also means the Atma which is the soul or the Self. Sang means in the presence of or in the company of. Hence Satsang is a sacred or holy gathering in the presence of the Absolute Truth where the knowledge essential for soul evolution or Self-Realisation is imparted. Sadguru (सद्गुरु) That Supreme Power which manifests on this earth as a human being (in the form of a human being) and this human being though is an individual with two hands and two legs (typical like any other human being), yet in the true sense is the living manifestation of that Supreme Truth. Sadguru Sat means the Absolute Truth or God. Sat also means the Atma which is the soul or the Self. Guru is the spiritual master. Sadguru is the Absolute manifestation in human form of the Supreme Truth that is Almighty God or as you may call it Cosmic Consciousness or Allah or whatever, THAT is the ONLY Supreme Truth that there is. Sadguru is the illumined or realized spiritual master who abides in the supreme Absolute truth and guides other souls to be one or merge with the Absolute truth or God. He is a Brahmanishta or one who abides in the Brahman (i.e, cosmic consciousness). Swapna or the dream state. During this state, one identifies oneself with the subtle body, one’s desires and passions and with the inner light. The consciousness is inwardly focused and each dream has a physical impact. For instance, if one dreams of being chased by a lion or a tiger, then the person sweats profusely, his heart rate is up and he breathes fast. Though unaware of the physical body, the being is still ruled by the manah (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (soul consciousness) and ahamkar (ego). Seven Hells The hindu philosophy believes that there are seven hells or regions that are located under the earth. These are explained in detailed in the Bhagavata purana. They are seven in number in the descending order- Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talaatala, Mahaatala, Rasatala, Patala. Sushupti or the deep sleep state. In this state, the consciousness rises above the material and dream worlds and is in a state of deep and dreamless sleep. The being identifies itself with this state of formless, infinite existence and is not influenced by the physical body or the mind or the intellect or the ego. Samadhi This is the state of deep meditation when one transcends or goes beyond all 3 states of consciousness (i.e, the physical awakened state, or the dream state or the deep sleep state) and experiences oneself as the universal being or Almighty God. It is a state of infinite existence that is beyond the play of the physical body or the mind, or the intellect and ego. All duality, fears, emotions and limitations of time and space dissolves in this state of consciousness. As a cloud free sky or a calm ocean free of waves, the being is free of thoughts and its influences and one gets established in the cosmic consciousness. At this state, one is capable of involving the consciousness into the material world and at the same time transcends into the nothingness- a limitless, infinite existence. When on top of a mountain, one can see the foothills as well as the space above. The state of turiya or Samadhi is similar to that. Samadhi is the eighth and the last anga or limb of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. Sadhana Discipline or practice Shakti Power Swa-Shakti The power of the Self Shiva-Shakti Same as Kundalini Shivaloka World of Shiva and his devotees and disciples. Sushumna nadi It is the one very subtle final branch or the nadi or channel of communication that goes through the head; from that there is one another fine channel that takes you straight to the brahma randra. Sushumna It is the one very subtle final branch or the nadi or channel of communication that goes through the head; from that there is one another fine channel that takes you straight to the brahma randra.

Tapasya Penance and austerities Turiya This is the state of deep meditation when one transcends or goes beyond all 3 states of consciousness (i.e, the physical awakened state, or the dream state or the deep sleep state) and experiences oneself as the universal being or Almighty God. It is a state of infinite existence that is beyond the play of the physical body or the mind, or the intellect and ego. All duality, fears, emotions and limitations of time and space dissolves in this state of consciousness. As a cloud free sky or a calm ocean free of waves, the being is free of thoughts and its influences and one gets established in the cosmic consciousness. At this state, one is capable of involving the consciousness into the material world and at the same time transcends into the nothingness- a limitless, infinite existence. When on top of a mountain, one can see the foothills as well as the space above. The state of turiya or Samadhi is similar to that. Samadhi is the eighth and the last anga or limb of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition.

Udana Udana means upward moving force. It controls and regulates the 5 karma indriya and the 5 jnana indriya and their functions. It controls the sense organs, spine, muscular strength, growth, speech, enthusiasm and joy. It is also responsible for creativity, new approaches and ideas. It regulates all forms of speech- vaikari, madhyama and pashyanti. Unregulated udana causes respiratory disorders, shortness of breath, depression and uncontrolled limb movements. It accompanies Kundalini ( the coiled primordial energy dormant in the Mooladhara chakra) arousal. Control of udana gives control over the five elements- earth, water, air, fire and ether. The aspirant in control of udana can levitate, float on water and attain all siddhis. Physical presence- Throat Element - Space Presence in subtle body- Vishudha Chakra or Throat Chakra Movement- It moves upward in a loop from the throat (Vishudha Chakra) to the fontanel (Sahasrara Chakra) and back. Yogic control- Jalandhara Bandha, ujjayi pranayama, sitkari pranayama, sitali pranayama, Brahmari pranayama, bhastrika pranayama and Viparitakarani Mudra. Upa Prana Supporting Life force Upaanshu japa This chanting, constant chanting, of Mahamantra at madhyama level translates into an automatic chanting of the mantra. This automatic chanting of the mantra (मन्त्र) becomes Upaanshu japa (उपान्षु जप). Pashyanti: Pashyanti level of speech is deep-seated conversation, the vibrations, the resonance of the Mahamantra (महामन्त्र) going within your physical body, within your subtle body and also within your causal body. Pashyanti literally means "that which can be seen." Pashyanti vani or Pashyanti sound comes from the Manipura or navel chakra and has color, form or vibrations associated with it. There is no duality between object and sound. Pashyanti vani represents intellectual consciousness.

Vaikunta Loka same as vishnuloka. It is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is described as the divine world of bliss. It is one of the highest planes of existence, where the supreme soul exists as Nirguna Brahman or in its formless state. It is believed that a true vaishnavaite or devotee of Vishnu would exist in Vaikunta after death. Viraat Infinite. Universal Self Vedas (वेद) Scriptures Veena Vedic musical string instrument. In the noun form it represents the name of a girl. Vishnu The protector of all creation in the Hindu belief Vishnuloka It is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is described as the divine world of bliss. It is one of the highest planes of existence, where the supreme soul exists as Nirguna Brahman or in its formless state. It is believed that a true vaishnavaite or devotee of Vishnu would exist in Vaikunta after death. Vyana Vyana means outward moving force. It is a centrifugal force that pervades over the entire body. It integrates and connects all the voluntary and involuntary systems of the physical body with the subtle bodies. It coordinates the digestive, skeletal, circulatory, nervous, glandular and sensory systems of the physical body with the Chakras (energy centers), the 72000 nadis (pranic pathways) and their networks that reside in the subtle body. It is responsible for physical and mental balance and mind and body coordination. It is responsible for the good feel during and after meditation. Physical presence- Skin. Essentially connects the skin of the physical body with the envelope of the subtle body. Element - Water Presence in subtle body- Swadhishtana Chakra or sacral plexus Movement- Origin is at the navel and envelopes the entire body. Yogic control- Moola Bandha, Anthar Bahya Kumbhaka pranayama, Kevala Kumbhaka pranayama. Vigyanamaya kosha The sheath of wisdom or superior intelligence. This kosha is the seat of intuition, will power and inner strength. It is peeled after the Manomaya Kosha is peeled away. Peeling this layer gives total freedom from thoughts leading the person to a state of pure awareness. Awareness in and of every action, every word, thought and deed. Vaikhari In the process of constant chanting of Mahamantra, the first level is of spoken speech called Vaikhari. Vaikhari is the speech is spoken through the mouth and that is audible to the external senses. This speech impacts the physical being (the physical self, the psychosomatic man) and purifies that. Vaikhari vani or vaikhari speech represents jagrut avasta or physical consciousness or body consciousness. Vykhari In the process of constant chanting of Mahamantra, the first level is of spoken speech called Vaikhari. Vaikhari is the speech is spoken through the mouth and that is audible to the external senses. This speech impacts the physical being (the physical self, the psychosomatic man) and purifies that. Vaikhari vani or vaikhari speech represents jagrut avasta or physical consciousness or body consciousness.

Yama are the behavioural standards and ethics required for an aspirant. Yama has five aspects to it. a. Ahimsa: Non violence b. Satya: Truthfulness c. Asteya: Refrain from stealing d. Bramhacharya: Continence e. Aparigraha: Non covetousness Yatha kaal At an opportune time