Glossary

akasa

1. matter
2. the stuff of which all form and substance is derived
3. the tangible manifestation of prana in its highly entangled state

Brahman

1. the Supreme Reality
2. the physical basis by which prana resonates in the universe

buddhi

1. the capacity of the mind to evaluate conditions and make decisions
2. intellect

chitta

1. the mind stuff
2. energy channeled by the brain taking on the form of memory and the impressions of thought or emotion

dharana

1. fixing the mind on a single thought object
2. meditation

dhyana

1. resonance of the chitta with the true meaning of a thought object
2. concentration

gunas

1. the three basic properties of nature according to the Samkhya philosophy
2. qualities of material existence comprising inertia (tamas), activity (rojas) and balance (sattva)

hatha-yoga

1. a discipline of yoga that strengthens the body and promotes good health
2. the aspect of Raja-yoga that supports the spinal column and allows the Sushumna to open.

indriyas

1. the human interface to the universe including cognition (sense perceptions), action in the world (karma) and the mind
2. the prana of human existence including the inward sensibilities, the outward expression and the associated experience of the soul

kaivalva

1. ultimate liberation of the soul
2. independence of the soul from material existence

karma

1. action
2. fulfillment of duty

kriya yoga

1. practice of yoga through work
2. development of samadhi with discrimination by habit
3. the yoga of becoming detached

kumbhaka

1. retention of the breath
2. that aspect of pranayama that precedes the exhalation of the breath

Kundalini

1. the spiritual power dormant in all living beings
2. that which is awakened by spiritual practices
3. the energy of the soul that rises within the spinal cord on the physical plane and through the seven chakras on the spiritual plane.

lotus

1. depicting the form of the chakra centers along the Sushumna
2. the lotus blossom shape characteristic of the Kundalini as it resonates within each chakra

mahat

1. cosmic consciousness
2. the mind as conduit of the soul

manas

1. the ability to choose
2. the faculty of doubt
3. the connectness of mind and free will

mantra

1. sacred word
2. object of concentration, typically a word or sound

niyama

1. restraining of the mind stuff
2. the second of the eight yoga disciples
3. quieting the chitta by concentration

Harmonic meditation tools for mind expansion and personal advancement

Raja yoga and the science of enlightenment

Zen philosophy of physics as a guide to right knowledge