Complete Glossary

A - D

Advaita • Ahimsa • Anatta • Arhat • Asana • Atman • Avatar • Bhakti • Bodhi • Bodhisattva • Brahman • Buddha-nature • Chakra • Dharma • Dhikr

E - H

Enlightenment • Emptiness • Equanimity • Eightfold Path • Gnosis • Grace • Guru • Hadith • Hasid • Hesychasm

I - L

Icon • Illumination • Imam • Incarnation • Initiation • Jiva • Jnana • Karma • Koan • Kundalini • Litany

M - P

Mantra • Meditation • Metaphysics • Moksha • Mystic • Mysticism • Nirvana • Niyama • Nondualism • Piety • Pranayama • Prayer

Q - S

Quran • Revelation • Retreat • Rishi • Sacrament • Sacred • Sadhu • Saint • Samadhi • Samsara • Sangha • Satori • Satyagraha

T - Z

Tao • Tapas • Theism • Torah • Transcendence • Transmission • Trinity • Upanishad • Yoga • Yogi • Zazen • Zen • Zikr

Advaita

Sanskrit term meaning "non-duality." Central to Hindu Vedanta philosophy, teaching that ultimate reality (Brahman) and the individual self (Atman) are one and the same. Associated with Adi Shankara.

Ahimsa

Sanskrit for "non-violence." Fundamental ethical principle in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Extends to non-harming of all sentient beings through thoughts, words, and actions. Core to Gandhi's satyagraha.

Anatta

Pali term for Buddhist concept of "non-self." Teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. One of the three marks of existence in Buddhism.

Ashram

Hindu term for a spiritual hermitage or monastery. Also refers to the four life stages in Hindu philosophy. Communities where spiritual seekers live under guidance of a guru.

Atman

Sanskrit for "self" or "soul." In Hinduism, the eternal, unchanging essence within each being. Vedanta teaches Atman is identical with Brahman, ultimate reality.

Avatar

Sanskrit for "descent" or "incarnation." In Hinduism, the manifestation of a deity (especially Vishnu) in earthly form. Krishna and Rama are considered avatars of Vishnu.

Bhakti

Sanskrit for "devotion." In Hinduism, the path of devotional love toward the divine. Emphasizes emotional connection and personal relationship with God over intellectual understanding.

Bodhi

Sanskrit for "awakening" or "enlightenment." The state of perfect wisdom and understanding reached by Buddha. The Bodhi tree is where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment.

Bodhisattva

Sanskrit for "awakening being." In Mahayana Buddhism, an enlightened being who postpones their own final liberation to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

Brahman

Sanskrit for ultimate reality, absolute consciousness. Central to Hindu philosophy. In Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is the sole ultimate reality from which all existence arises and to which it returns.

Chakra

Sanskrit for "wheel." In Hindu and Buddhist tantra, centers of spiritual energy along the spine. Seven main chakras from root to crown, each associated with different qualities and practices.

Dharma

Sanskrit for "law," "duty," or "path." In Buddhism, the teachings of Buddha and the natural law of cosmic order. In Hinduism, one's righteous duty based on caste, stage of life, and circumstances.

Enlightenment / Awakening / Liberation

Buddhist bodhi, Hindu moksha, Islamic fana, Christian theosis. The ultimate spiritual realization, transcendence of ego, and union with ultimate reality.

Meditation / Contemplation / Prayer

Buddhist bhavana, Hindu dhyana, Christian lectio divina, Islamic muraqaba. Focused mental practices to calm mind, deepen awareness, and connect with divine reality.

Self-Realization / Self-Knowledge / God-Consciousness

Hindu atma-jnana, Buddhist prajna, Christian theosis, Sufi ma'rifah. Understanding one's true nature and its relationship to ultimate reality.

Virtue / Righteousness / Holiness

Buddhist sila, Hindu satya, Islamic adl, Christian virtue. Ethical and moral qualities cultivated through practice and disciplined living.

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