A

Akhand Joyti
A monthly magazine published in Hindi and English to represent Gurudev’s work.

B

Brahma
Lord of creation and he is one of the trinity of Gods with the others being Vishnu and Shiva.

C

Culture
Values and principles based on our history, ethics, philosophy, religion, literature, science, art etc.

D

Dhyan (Meditation)
This is an unbroken, uninterrupted or never-ending flow of thoughts in a particular direction.

E

Ego
A feeling of pride in your superiority to others thinking you are better than others.


F

Fasting (Upvas, Vrat)
A common belief amongst many religions, in Hinduism we believe to go without certain foods for a set period of time, known to

G

Gayatri Pariwar
A global community of people all working together in order to achieve the mission through reformation of self, family and society.

H

Haridwar
A spiritual location found in Uttarakhand, North India. In Sanskrit this means “Gateway to God”

I

Itihasa
Sanskrit term for history. Also referred to great epic poetry in Hinduism like the Ramayan and Mahabharat.

J

Japa
This is a spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a mantra or name of God.

K

Kheer
Indian sweet made with rice and milk and often used as an offering to God.

L

Lakshmi
Goddes of wealth and prosperity, consort of Lord Vishnu.

M

Mantra
Sound, syllable, word or group of words that are considered capable of delivering the mind from material to spiritual consciousness.

N

Nandi
Lord Shiva’s bull that represents courage and hard work.

O

Omnipresence
The idea of a property being everywhere. In spiritual and religious cases many believe that God is everywhere and universal looking over everybody.

P

Pranayama
A part of Yoga, this is a breathing exercise to provide oxygen to our vital organs and removes toxins from the body.

Q

(None)

R

Rama
Seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

S

Sadhana (self discipline)
Self control of the body and mind to develop good qualities within oneself.

Sanatan Dharma
Sanskrit term for Hinduism. Sanatan meaning eternal and Dharma meaning righteousness.

T

Thought transformation
Gradual transformation of trying to enhance ourselves to replace bad thoughts with good thoughts.

U

Upasana (Worship)
Trying to get closer to or becoming one with God by removing bad qualities and replacing them with good ones.

V

Vasant Panchami
This is a festival celebrating the coming of Spring and also celebrates the Goddess Saraswati.

W

Women Empowerment
A realisation among women to empower themselves back into society in order to guide other women on the right path

X

(None)

Y

Yoga
A combination of mental and physical exercises in order to unite the mind, body and soul.

Z

(None)