Search results for "karma"

Bagavadam Hindu Sanskrit · concept

The Bhagavad Gita, often called "Bhagavadam" in popular parlance, is a foundational Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. It is a philosophical dialogue on duty, devotion, and the nature of reality, central to yogic and spiritual traditions.

Suras Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Suras are divine beings or gods in ancient Indian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. They represent celestial powers and are often contrasted with Asuras, beings of a more demonic or titanic nature, highlighting a fundamental du

Anugraha Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Grace, favor, or divine blessing bestowed upon a devotee, often seen as an unmerited gift that facilitates spiritual progress or liberation. It signifies a benevolent intervention from the divine that aids in overcoming obstacles and realiz

Dinur · concept

Dinur is a Kabbalistic concept representing a river of fire that purifies or punishes the soul after death. It symbolizes a trial or transition, where spiritual impurities are burned away before reincarnation or further spiritual progressio

Hinduism in the United States · concept

Hinduism in the United States refers to the presence and practice of Hindu traditions by immigrants from South Asia and local converts. It encompasses diverse philosophies, rituals, and deities, with aspects like yoga and meditation gaining

Jaina Cross · concept

The Jaina Cross, also known as the Swastika, is an ancient symbol representing auspiciousness and well-being. It is a central motif in Jainism, a religion predating Buddhism, and signifies the four states of existence: heavenly beings, huma

Karana Sarira Hindu Sanskrit · concept

The causal body, or Karana Sharira, is the subtle, energetic form in Hindu philosophy that carries the karmic impressions and latent tendencies from past lives, influencing present existence and future rebirths. It's considered the seat of

Surukaya Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Surukaya refers to a "Buddha" or "Tathagata" within certain Hindu traditions, specifically one of the "Seven Buddhas" or Sapta Tathagata. This concept signifies enlightened beings who have achieved Buddhahood and are thus beyond the cycle o

Sansara Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Sansara, meaning "wandering" or "world," denotes the cyclical existence of birth, death, and rebirth. It is the continuous flow of experience driven by karma, a state from which liberation (moksha) is sought in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain tra

Jiva Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Jiva represents the individual soul or life-force in Hindu philosophy, often equated with the Monad or the principle of consciousness animating a being. It is the eternal spark of divinity within, distinct from the physical body yet bound t

Jivatma Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Jivatma represents the individual soul or life-breath within a living being, distinct from the universal consciousness (Brahman) yet ultimately inseparable from it. It embodies the animating principle, the spark of divine awareness that exp

Tapas Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Tapas is a Sanskrit term signifying spiritual discipline, austerity, or ascetic practice. It refers to the self-generated inner heat or spiritual energy cultivated through intense meditation, contemplation, or self-denial to achieve spiritu

Avitchi Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Avitchi is a Sanskrit term signifying "uninterrupted hell," representing the deepest level of suffering in Hindu cosmology. It's not solely a post-mortem state but can manifest as a profound spiritual or psychological torment experienced ev

Moksha Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) in Hindu philosophy. It represents the ultimate spiritual goal, a state of release and spiritual freedom achieved through various paths of knowledge, devotion

Baddha Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Baddha signifies a state of being bound or conditioned by ignorance and attachment, a spiritual limitation common to all unenlightened beings. It describes the human condition prior to liberation, where actions and their consequences trap t

Varna Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Varna, meaning "color" in Sanskrit, refers to the traditional fourfold social division in Hinduism, historically linked to occupation and spiritual duty. These varnas are the Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers)

Kala Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Kala signifies time, fate, and cyclical existence in Hindu thought. It represents the inexorable flow of moments, the predetermined course of events, and the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution. Often personified as Yama, the god of d

Bardo Thodol · concept

The Bardo Thodol, or Tibetan Book of the Dead, is a guide for the deceased. It describes the intermediate states (bardos) between death and rebirth, offering instructions and prayers to help consciousness navigate these transitional phases

Mimansa Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Mimamsa is a school of Hindu philosophy focused on Vedic exegesis and ritual action. It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas and the performance of dharma, or duty, as the path to spiritual merit and cosmic order. It is divided into Purva-

Samskara Hindu Sanskrit · concept

Samskara refers to the latent mental impressions or subconscious imprints left by past actions and experiences. These imprints shape future tendencies, habits, and inclinations, influencing present behavior and future rebirths. They are the