Aad Pronunciation-Aahd
Syllables-1 (Aad)
Other names or spellings-Ad
Definition-Primal, beginning, pre, before
Adi
Pronunciation-Aahd-dee
Syllables-2 (A-di)
Other names or spellings-Ad
Definition-Primal, beginning, pre, before. The “Adi” mantra “Ong
Namo Guru Dev Namo is chanted at the “beginning” of each class to
invoke the Golden Chain or lineage of the Ten Sikh Gurus. Since
there is no physical Guru to initiate the student, the Guru Sound
Current takes its place in the form of the Adi Mantra.
Adishakti
Pronunciation-Aahd-dee shahk-tee
Syllables-4 (A-di-shak-ti)
Other names or spellings-Parvati (Divine Mother)
Definition-Primal(Adi) Power (Shakti). The energy of the Divine
Mother and the Divine Feminine (Yin). An Adi Shakti Mantra is “Ek
Ong Kar, Sat Nam Sir, Wahe Guru. This mantra invokes the primal
power of the Kundalini (Shakti) to traverse up the chakras.
Adrdha Karma
Pronunciation-Ah-D’reh-Dhah-Kar-Mah
Syllables-5 (A-Dr-Dha-Kar-Ma)
Other names or spellings-Adridha Karma
Definition-One of the three qualitative levels of karma. It relates
moveable karma that is changeable. This type of Karma relates to
Free Will more than Fate. Karma is created by desire. An Astrologer
can see the Adrdha karma in the Natal Horoscope by using various
techniques that involve the Moveable Signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra &
Capricorn.
Advaita
Pronunciation-Ad-Vait-Ya Syllables-3 (Ad-Vai-Ta)
Other names or spellings-Purvashada
Definition-Non-Dual
Advaita Vedanta
Pronunciation-Ad-Vait-Ya Vey-Dhan-Tah
Syllables-6 (Ad-Vai-Ta-Ve-Dan-Ta)
Other names or spellings-Purvashada
Definition-Philosophy that teaches non-dualism.
Advaitic
Pronunciation-Ad-Vai-Tik
Syllables-3 (Ad-Vai-Tic)
Other names or spellings-None
Definition-Referring to Vedantic Philosophy.
Agama Karma
Pronunciation-Ah-Gah-Mah-Kar-Mah
Syllables-5 (A-Ga-Ma-Kar-Ma)
Other names or spellings-Agami Karma
Definition-One of the four types of karma. It relates to the future and
the potential karma that is forthcoming or approaching in the near-
term in this life or future lives. Karma is created by desire. It can be
the Karma you are planning to take, which one can use a Muhurta
Chart in Astrology to aid or guide one’s plans and actions.
Agni
Pronunciation-Ug-Knee or Aag-Knee
Syllables-2 (Ag-Ni)
Other names or spellings-Vahni
Definition-One of the Original Vedic Gods, as the God of Fire. He is
the first God mentioned in the Vedas. Part of the 24 principles of
creation in Samkhya Philosophy and an evolution of Prakriti, Agni or
Fire refers the third element of the five great elements
(Panchamahbutas) scheme. It is called Fire in English and refers to
the element of Fire or anything that is in Light Form. Fire is more dense than Air and less dense than Water. Fire combined with a little
bit of water element work together to create the Pitta Dosha in the
negative sense and Tejas in the highest sense. Fire or Agni, relates
to the principle of digestion. There are many types of Agnis in the
body (like neuropeptides), but the main Agni that Ayurveda is
concerned with is the Jatharagni, the fire of digestion in the belly.
Agnihotra
Pronunciation-Aag-Knee Ho-T’rah
Syllables-4 (Ag-Ni-Ho-Tra)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-Fire Ritual
Agnipran
Pronunciation-Aag-Knee P’ranne
Syllables-3 (Ag-Ni-Pran)
Other names or spellings-Breath of Fire
Definition-Using the breath (Pran) to increase the fire element and
Energy.
Ahangkara
Pronunciation-Ah-Hung-Kaar-Ra
Syllables-4 (A-Hang-Kar-Ra)
Other names or spellings-Ahangkar, Ahamkar, Ahamkara
Definition- Part of the 24 principles of creation in Samkhya
Philosophy and an evolution of Prakriti. The Ahamkar is a material
entity although a subtle one (in the sukshma realm). It is one of the
antahkaranas or inner instruments. It is an abstract energetic mass
structure within the Chitta (Psyche) that is accrued over time. It refers
to the localized subject (psychologically) or physical ( body) in time. It
directs your biology and has a kind of executive function. In the West,
it is commonly known as the ego. However this can easily dip into
description of “egoism” and inflated grandiosity or self-importance.
This is a distortion of Ahamkar and is a result of the metaphysical
ignorance that confuses Spirit (Purusha) with Prakriti (Matter), which
creates the inflated sense and godlikeness. The core of the Ahamkar
is the Purusha, and one needs establish a bridge or an axis of relation to the two. Ahamkar is the center of psychological awareness
and the reference of “I” or “Me” as opposed to the not I, or not me.
We may call it the small “i,” whereas, the Purusha as an entirely
different center of being and awareness, we might call it the big or
capitol “I.” Ahamkar, is self-referencing and can be seen by saying
this is me, “I” do this, “I smell such and such.” This is basis of our
suffering but necessary on our journey of consciousness as it
confuses itself as the “Doer.” Suffering comes from separation and
Ahamkar creates this separation from Spirit and the primordial
oneness. It splits things into an inner and outer reality that one
identifies with both internal objects or forms and external forms or
objects of sense. However, since the universe is based on paradox,
the Ahamkar has a unitive aspect to as it considered to be the
adhesive that keeps the Spirit in the Body. It has more of the Tamasic
guna because it has a consistency of sustaining something previously
created. For example, one of the ways you remember you are you is
when someone calls you by your name (which is your identity). If you
had a different name everyday, you wouldn’t have a sustainable “I”
consciousness or sense of identity, nor could people keep track of
who you are each day.
Ahimsa
Pronunciation-Ah-himm-Sah
Syllables-3 (A-Him-Sa)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-The first part of the first limb of Yoga called the Yamas. It
refers to principle of non-harming in behavior and in mind.
Ajappa Jap
Pronunciation-Ah-jah-pah- Jahp!
Syllables-4 (A-Ja-Ppa-Jap)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-The by-product of repeating a mantra. You begin to
vibrate and repeat in every limb (ang sang) the mantra silently without
(A) repeating (jappa) it out loud.
Ajna (Chakra)
Pronunciation-Aj-Knah
Syllables-2 (Aj-Na)
Other names or spellings-Agia, Aagia, Aagya
Definition-Located in the Cavernous Plexus, Ajna is the 6 th Chakra in
the 8 Chakra Model. It deals with the Pituitary Gland and is called the
“3rd Eye” Chakra. Ajna means “command,” and therefore the 3 rd Eye
Chakra is the “Command Center.” It is part of the Upper Triangle in
the Chakric Star of David. This means it deals more with the
Sukshma (Subtle, Abstract, Imaginal, Theoretical, Archetypal) part of
life. The 3 rd Eye is related to intuition, consciousness and in the
images of the Psyche. It is where duality of the opposites comes
together in union. Jungian Psychology is primarily concerned with 3 rd
Eye Chakra. The 3 rd Eye Chakra is linked and has a special
connection and relationship to the Sex Chakra (Svadhisthana). The
Deities associated with this Chakra are Hakini, Paramshiva,
SadaShiva, Ardhanarishvara.
Akasha
Pronunciation-Ah-Kah-Sha
Syllables-3 (A-Ka-Sa)
Other names or spellings-Akash, Akasa
Definition-The first element of the five great element
(Panchamahbutas) scheme. It is called Ether in English and refers to
the element of Space and Sound. Ether itself is the most subtle of the
elements responsible for creating the remaining 4 elements (air, fire,
water & earth). Ether combined with the Air element work together to
create the Vata Dosha in the negative sense and Prana in the highest
sense.
Amrita
Pronunciation-Amm-Ritt-T’ha
Syllables-3 (Am-Ri-Ta)
Other names or spellings-Amrit, Soma
Definition-Refers to the nectar of the Gods in the myth of the
Churning of the Milk Ocean. The Gods and Demons worked together
to churn the ocean to secrete the Soma for Immortality. However, the demons were cheated out of this endeavor. The etymology of Amrita
is, A-No, Mrita (Death).
Anabhava (Yoga)
Pronunciation-Ah-Nah-Bah-Vah
Syllables-4 (A-Na-Bha-Va)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-One of the twenty-two yoga styles. Yoga is the method of
uniting with the divine. Anabhava Yoga is the method of yoking with
the divine by practicing non-being and merging with the Self.
Anahata (Chakra)
Pronunciation-Ah-Nah-Hah-T’ha
Syllables-4 (A-Na-Ha-Ta)
Other names or spellings-Dwadasha, Dwadashadala (Tweleve
Petaled Chakra), Hrit, Hritpatra, Dridayabja, Hridayakamala,
Hritpankaja
Definition-Located in the Pharyngeal Plexus, Anahata is the 4 th
Chakra in the 8 Chakra Model. It deals with the Thymus Gland and is
called the “Heart” Chakra. Anahata means “The Unstruck or
Untouched Sound” It is part of the Balance Point between the Upper
and Lower Triangles in the Chakric Star of David. This means it
brings together the Sthula (Tangible, Practical, Instinctual, Survival)
and the Sukshma (Subtle, Abstract, Imaginal, Theoretical,
Archetypal) parts of life. The Heart as you might imagine is related to
love, mirroring empathy and the service to others. Kohut Psychology
is primarily concerned with Heart Chakra. The Heart Chakra is linked
and has a special connection and relationship to the Aura Chakra
(Electromagnetic Field). The Deities associated with this Chakra are
Maa Kali, Kakini, Isvara, Ishana Rudra Shiva, & Shankara.
Anahat
Pronunciation-Ahna-Hat
Syllables-3 (An-Na-Hat)
Definition-The sound that is not made by two things combining but
one that is made without the help of another. It means “unstruck or
untouched.” The Mystical Sound which is no Sound is called the
Anahata Shabd.
Ananda
Pronunciation-Ah-Nan-Dah
Syllables-3 (A-Nan-Da)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-Referring to the Bliss part in the Trinitarian aspect of
Brahaman “Sat-Chit-Ananada.” The bliss is an impersonal one of joy
and wisdom.
Anandamaya Kosha
Pronunciation-Ah-Nan-Dah-Maya-Ko-Sha
Syllables-7 (A-Nan-Da-Ma-Ya-Ko-Sha)
Other names or spellings-Anandamaya Kosa
Definition-The fifth of the five sheaths. It is the innermost sheath
called the “Bliss Sheath” or “Bliss Body” or “Causal (Karana) Body.”
The last boundary before the Self/Atman.
Anga
Pronunciation-Ahn-Gah
Syllables-2 (An-Ga)
Other names or spellings-Ang
Definition-parts, limbs or members of something
Annamaya Kosha
Pronunciation-Ah-Nah-Maya-Ko-Sha
Syllables-6(A-Nna- Ma-Ya-Ko-Sha)
Other names or spellings-Annamaya Kosa
Definition-The first of the five sheaths. It is the outer most sheath
called the “Food Body” or “Physical Body.”
Antahkarana
Pronunciation-Ahn-Ta-Kar-Ra-Na
Syllables-5 (An-Ta-Ka-Ra-Na)
Other names or spellings-Antakarana
Definition-Referring to Inner tools of the Samkhya Psyche. There are
four tools. They are Consciousness (Citta), Ahamkhara (the Ego/The
I), The Intellect (Buddhi) and the Sense Mind (Manas).
Antra
Pronunciation-Ahn-T’ra
Syllables-2 (An-Tra)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-Suffix referring to the essence of a thought wave. The
thought wave organizes itself into to seven forms called the jantra,
bantra, mantra, yantra, tantra, patantra, sotantra.
Apas
Pronunciation-Ahp-Pahss
Syllables-2 (A-Pas)
Other names or spellings-Jala
Definition-Part of the 24 principles of creation in Samkhya
Philosophy and an evolution of Prakriti. It is the fourth element of the
five great elements (Panchamahbutas) scheme. It is called Water in
English and refers to the element of Water or anything that is in
Liquid Form. Water is more dense than fire and less dense than
earth. Water combined with the Earth element work together to create
the Kapha Dosha in the negative sense and Ojas in the highest
sense.
Apana (Vayu)
Pronunciation-Ah-Pah-Nah-Vah-Yoo
Syllables-3 (A-Pa-Na-Va-Yu)
Other names or spellings-Apana Vata
Definition-One of the five vayus (airs) that is related to the downward
moving air(energy)in the body and it governs the eliminative or
excretory functions. It is a subdosha of Vata. It is also related to the
bottom half of the body and the lunar (Ida) Nadi.
Arc Line
Pronunciation-Ark-Line
Syllables-2 (Arc-Line)
Other names or spellings-Nimbus, Halo
Definition-The sixth body in the Yogic 10 Body scheme. It relates to
the 3rd Eye Chakra and to Guru Hargobind of the 10 Sikh Gurus.
Archetype
Pronunciation-Arka-Type
Syllables-3 (Arch-e-Type)
Other names or spellings-Samskara
Definition-Jungian term for a common structure and pattern in the
psyche.
Arjuna
Pronunciation-Ar-Joona
Syllables-3 (Ar-Ju-Na)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-The main character of the Bhagavad Gita along with Sri
Krishna.
Artha
Pronunciation-Arr-T’a
Syllables-2 (Ar-Tha)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-One of the four aims (Purusharthas) in life. It deals with
prosperity, wealth, values, security and sustenance.
Asana
Pronunciation-Ahs-Sah-Nah
Syllables-3 (A-Sa-Na)
Other names or spellings-
Definition- The third limb of Yoga is called Asana. It refers to the
postures (primarily sitting because asana means seat). Postures increase health and the capacity to meditate. They are iconic
representations of the Images of the Self. The steadiness of holding
the postures is rooted in the aim is to mimic the unchangeable,
eternal Self. There are 84 asana postures.
Ashtanga
Pronunciation-Ahsh-Tahng-Gah
Syllables-3 (Ash-Tan-Ga)
Other names or spellings-
Definition- It means eight (ashta)parts, limbs or members (anga).
Ashtanga Yoga is the 8 limbs or members of Yoga systemized by the
Sage Patanjali. Those are the Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama,
Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
Ashtanga Mantra
Pronunciation-Ahsh-Tahng-Gah-Mahn-T’ra
Syllables-5 (Ash-Tan-Ga-Man-Tra)
Other names or spellings-
Definition- It means eight (ashta)parts, limbs or members (anga).
Ashtanga Mantra is a Mantra with 8 parts. The Kundalini Serpent
energy responds to the vibration and the rhythm of eight, which is the
number of infinity. An Ashtang Mantra is Ek Ong Kar, Sat Nam, Siri
Wahe Guru.
Atma
Pronunciation-Aht-Mah
Syllables-2 (At-Ma)
Other names or spellings-Atman, Purusha
Definition-Referring to quality of Soul and Self. The Jivatma is the
Individual Soul. The Paramatma is the Soul of All or the Supreme
Soul. The Paramatma is the pure and undifferentiated consciousness
that is infused into Prakriti (Forms of Nature). The Individual Soul
(Jiva) is a reflection of the light of the Paramatma.
Aum
Pronunciation-Ohm
Syllables-1 (Aum). There is actually 5 hidden syllables that are
perceptible only after refined mediation.
Other names or spellings-Om
Definition-The Primal Sound consisting of A+U+M.
Aura
Pronunciation-Oh-Rah
Syllables-2(Au-Ra)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-The seventh body in the Yogic 10 Body scheme. It relates
to the Crown Chakra and to Guru Har Rai of the 10 Sikh Gurus.
Avatar
Pronunciation-Ahvah-Tarr
Syllables-3(A-Va-Tar)
Other names or spellings-Avatara
Definition-Incarnation of God.
Avidya
Pronunciation-Ah-Vidd-Yah
Syllables-3 (A-Vid-Ya)
Other names or spellings-
Definition-Referring to the metaphysical ignorance of the spirit.
Translated as “not knowledge” as in not knowledge of the Self.
Avidya creates the sheaths that veil us from Vidya (Knowledge).
Ayana
Pronunciation-Eye-Ah-Nah
Syllables-3(A-Ya-Na)
Other names or spellings-Nirayana, Sayana
Definition-Goal or Path. The Ayana is an objective in the 81 facets.