Translating Sanskrit & Pali Terms from Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism & Vedanta

Abhyanga. A Sanskrit word referring to a specific, herbalized oil massage in Ayurveda. It can be self-massage or received from a practitioner.

Advaita. The Sanskrit term means “nonduality” and refers to the teaching that there is only One Reality (Atman, Brahman). Often refers to the interpretation of Vedanta.

Agni. This Sanskrit term refers to the biological fire that governs metabolism, similar in its function to Pitta; as a catalytic agent in digestion. Pitta contains heat-energy which helps digestion. This heat-energy is agni. Pitta is the container and Agni is the content.

Ahamkara. The Sanskrit term meaning “I-maker” refers to the individuation principle, or ego, which must be transcended.

Ahimsa. The Sanskrit term meaning “nonharming” is considered the single most important moral discipline and is one of the five yamas. It’s the absence of violence and consideration and love for one’s self and others.

Akasha. A Sanskrit term meaning “ether/space” is the first of the five material elements of which the physical universe is composed; also used to designate “inner” space, that is, the space of consciousness (called cid-akasha).

Ama: The Sanskrit word that refers to the internal toxins produced by improper metabolic functioning and digestion.

Amrita. The Sanskrit word that means “immortal/immortality” referring to the deathless Spirit (atman, purusha) as well as the “nectar of immortality” that oozes from the psychoenergetic center at the crown of the head (see sahasrara-cakra).

Ananda. A Sanskrit word that means “bliss” or “divine joy.” Ananda differentiates from the type of temporary joy that comes from sense pleasures like eating or seeing beautiful things, or the excitement of attaining objects like a new car or house. Rather it is a state of being in which you no longer fall victim to the trappings of like, dislike, judgment, worry, and fear. It is a union with your highest self in which enthralling, continuous joy is present no matter what your outward circumstances may be. Bliss, the condition of utter joy.

Anapanasati. A Pali word which refers to the mindfulness of breathing.

Anga.  The Sanskrit term for “limb”, anga refers to a “fundamental category” on the yogic path, such as asana, dharana, dhyana, niyama, pranayama, pratyahara, samadhi, yama.

Asana. The Sanskrit term for “seat” refers to a physical posture. It’s the third limb (anga) of Patanjali’s eightfold path of yoga.

Ashram: A Hindu equivalent to monastery. The home of a spiritual practice community where the focus is on spiritual living, meditation, and self-realization.

Ashtanga-yoga. A Sanskrit term meaning “eight-limbed union.” Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras consist of the eight limbs: moral discipline (yama), self-restraint (niyama), posture (asana), breath control (pranayama), sensory inhibition (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ecstasy (samadhi), which eventually lead to liberation (kaivalya).

Asteya. Sanskrit for “non-stealing,” asteya is one of the five yamas, a limb in the yoga sutras. It includes not stealing material objects (a pen, a car) as well as intangibles (such as someone’s attention, trust, time, or opportunity).

Atman: A Sanskrit term which refers to the transcendental Self, Soul, or Spirit, that aspect of one which is eternal and superconscious; our true nature or identity. Also called your higher self, soul, spirit, or true self – this is the part of you that is eternal, infinitely wise, unconditionally loving, and that transcends everyday consciousness. In the deeper awareness we enter during meditation, we contact our higher self and bring more and more of its qualities out into our daily life each time. Sometimes a distinction is made between the atman as the individual self and the parama-atman as the transcendental Self.

Aura: The subtle energy field which pervades and surrounds the human body. The aura is produced by ojas.

Avidya. A Sanskrit term. “Vidya” means knowledge, “Avidya” is the absence of it. It essentially refers to one’s own ignorance when it comes to knowing who we really are. It is also referred to as the root of yoga.

Ayurveda. A Sanskrit term meaning “Science of life and longevity,” refers to the traditional system of medicine from ancient India. A 5,000-year-old system of natural healing with origins in the Vedic culture of India. Emphasizing a holistic approach to health, Ayurveda focuses on a dynamic balance between the environment, body, mind, and spirit to achieve individualized care for the whole person. Ayurveda teaches that all health-related matters should be based on an understanding of an individual’s unique dosha (see definition below.)

Bandha. To lock, to tighten, to close-off and block.  There are four main bandhas in the body: Mula Bandha – the root lock. Jalandhara Bandha – the throat lock. Uddiyana Bandha – lifting of the diaphragm lock.  

Basti. A Sanskrit term referring to the Ayurvedic enema treatments involving introduction into the rectum of medicinals such as sesame oil or herbal decoctions in a liquid medium.

Beginner’s mind. A mind that is open to the experience of the moment, free of conceptual overlays; first made popular by the Zen teacher, Suzuki Roshi.

Bhagavad Gita. (“Lord’s Song”): the oldest full-fledged yoga book found embedded in the Mahabharata and containing the teachings on karma yoga (the path of self-transcending action), samkhya yoga (the path of discerning the principles of existence correctly), and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), embedded in a battlefield scene taking place by Arjuna 3,500 years or more ago.

Bhakti. A Sanskrit term referring to devotion, adoration, and love of the Divine, or guru as a manifestation of the Divine.

Bhakti Yoga. The yoga of love and devotion, one of the four paths of yoga: bhakti, karma, raja, jnana.

Bodhi. The Sanskrit/Pali term for enlightenment, or the state of the awakened master, or buddha.

Bodhi tree. The fig tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, India.

Bodhicitta. In Buddhism, bodhicitta is the Wisdom-heart or the awakened heart/mind; the aspiration to attain full enlightenment (or Buddhahood) in order to be of benefit to all sentient beings. One whose primary motivation for all of their activities is Bodhicitta is called a bodhisattva. Bodhicitta can also refer to the actual Awakened Mind of a Buddha itself. Etymologically, the word is a combination of the Sanskrit words Bodhi and Citta. Bodhi means ‘awakening’, or ‘enlightenment’. Citta may be translated as ‘mind’ or ‘spirit’. Bodhicitta can therefore be translated as ‘mind of enlightenment’ or ‘spirit of awakening’.

Bodhisattva.  A Buddhist term to mean one who has taken a vow to become fully enlightened. According to Mahayana Buddhism it’s an individual who, motivated by compassion (karuna), and is committed to achieving enlightenment for the sake of all other beings.

Brahma-Vihara. A Pali/Sanskrit term referring to a heavenly or sublime abode in Tibetan Buddhism, which include the four mind states: loving kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha).

Buddha. The fully awakened one, often the honorific title of Sakyamuni Buddha, aka Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who lived in the 6^th century B.C.E. It’s also a designation of the person who has attained enlightenment. The Buddha also refers to one of the three jewels of Buddhism: buddha, sangha, dharma.

Buddhi. In Sanskrit Buddhi means, “she who is conscious, awake.” It refers to the higher mind, which is the seat of wisdom (vidya, jnana). Buddhi is one of the five maya koshas.

Chakra or Cakra. A Sanskrit word, literally translating to “wheel” or “disc.” In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, chakra refers to psycho-energetic centers of the subtle body, also considered wheels of energy. in Buddhism there are 5 chakras, while in Hindu yoga 7 or more are recognized: including muladhara- at the base of the spine or the perineum, svadhishthana at the genitals, manipura at the navel, anahata- at the heart, vishuddha at the throat, ajna in the middle of the head, and sahasrara at the top of the head. Keeping these energy centers open, aligned, and fluid is key to maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Each chakra is associated with an endocrine gland, color, element, syllable, mantra, significance, etc. You could consider them energy centers where consciousness meets matter.

Ch’an. The Chinese word for Zen. It predates the Japanese word Zen, of course, since Zen originated in China and came to Japan later.

Cit or Chit. A Sanskrit word, pronounced chit, referring to the superconscious ultimate reality or field of awareness, consciousness itself. It’s one of the three essential aspects of Apara-Brahma, together with sat, “being,” and ānanda, “bliss, beatitude, joy.”

Citta. The Sanskrit word for mind or spirit. Meaning that which is conscious, or ordinary consciousness.

Consciousness. Awareness and the state of being aware of self and of what is happening in one’s surroundings, including existence, sensations, and thoughts.

Dana. The Pali word for the practice of giving, meaning “generosity.” It’s used in relation to offering donations for a teacher/teaching.

Darshan. From the Sanskirt darsana, which translates as “sight,” “vision” or “appearance.” Darshan is the act of being in the company of or visualizing a deity, divine person, sacred object or natural sight, especially in a physical image form – it can include a hug, a gaze, or a touchfrom a saint – which can be spiritually uplifting.

Dhammapada. The best known of all the Buddhist scriptures; a collection of 423 verses, spoken by the Buddha, that focus on the value of ethical conduct and mental training written in Pali.

Dharana. The Sanskrit word for “holding” refers to mindfulness or concentration, and is the 6^th  limb (anga) of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga. It also refers to the ability to master attention and intention.

Dharma or Dhamma. In Buddhism refers to the teachings of the Buddha. In Sanskrit it refers to the path of truth or duty or “purpose in life.”

Dhatu. A Sanskrit word which literally means, “that which supports the body.” It is one of the seven body tissues.

Dhyana.  A Sanskrit term referring to meditation, the 7^th limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga sutras.

Dosha. A Sanskrit term referring to three forces or constitutional types in Ayurveda: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha is associated with elements found in inner and outer environments: Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water or liquid), Kapha (earth and liquid.) Doshas are principles which create one’s specific mental and physical characteristics. While everyone has a combination of all three, one or two tend to predominate. By identifying one’s primary dosha, it helps to reveal the best recipe for living life and making the most nourishing personal choices.

Drishti. The Sanskrit word for view or sight.  Directed focus of gaze, such as toward the tip of the nose, or at the 3^rd eye maintained during asana or meditation.

Dukka. Sanskrit and Pali term which means suffering. It’s the first Noble Truth which acknowledges the reality of suffering. Suffering is caused by ignorance (avidya) of one’s true nature.

Enlightenment. The attainment of full awakening; becoming a Buddha.

Field of Pure Potentiality.  The source of all creation is pure consciousness, or a field of pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest. We are an inseparable part of the field of pure potentiality, which is the ultimate source of every idea, creative act, and everything we see in the physical universe. When we realize that our true self is one of pure potentiality, we align with the power that manifests everything in nature.

Gassho. A Japanese term which literally means, “palms together” which is expressed as the hand mudra signifying  nonduality. The palms are pressed together so that the fingertips are at the height of the nose. The hands are approximately one fist away from the face.

Gayatri-mantra.  A famous Vedic mantra recited particularly at sunrise: tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah pracodayat.

Ghee. Often used in Ayurveda and ayurvedic cooking, ghee is clarified butter, prepared by simmering unsalted butter on lowest possible heat until all the water boils off and then straining out the milk solids.  The purified fat remaining is the ghee.

Guna. A Sanskrit term literally meaning “quality” often refers to any of the three primary “qualities” or constituents of nature: tamas (the principle of inertia), rajas (the dynamic principle), and sattva (the principle of lucidity).

Guru. A Sanskrit term literally meaning “he who is heavy, weighty” refers to a spiritual teacher; “dispeller of darkness.”

Hatha Yoga. A major branch of yoga, developed by Goraksha and other adepts c. 1000 C.E., and emphasizing the physical aspects of the transformative path, notably postures (asana) and cleansing techniques (shodhana), but also breath control (pranayama).

Japa: A Sanskrit term, also known as jaap, referring to the recitation or repetition of a word or phrase (mantra).

Jnana. A Sanskrit term meaning knowledge, worldly knowledge or world-transcending wisdom.

Jnana-Yoga, or gyan yoga. A Sanskrit term for the yoga of wisdom. It’s considered one of the four yogic paths to liberation based on the direct experience of the transcendental Self (atman) through the steady application of discernment between the real and the unreal and renunciation of what has been identified as unreal (maya.)

Kaivalya. A Sanskrit term meaning “isolation” refers to the state of absolute freedom from conditioned existence, as explained in ashta-anga-yoga; in the nondualistic (advaita) traditions of Vedanta, this is usually called moksha or mukti (meaning “release” or freedom from from ignorance, or avidya).

Kapha. A Sanskrit term referring to one of the three primary doshas, or Ayurvedic mind/body types. Made up from the elements of earth and water, those who are kapha dominant types tend to collect friend as they easy-going and nurturing, they also tend to be methodical, and the also sturdy in frame. When in balance, kapha types are sweet, supportive, and stable. When out of balance, they can become sluggish, resistant to healthy change, congested, or gain weight. To restore balance, a kapha benefits from lifestyle choices that promote invigoration, such as lighter food, stimulating exercise, or activities outside their normal routine.

Karma, also kamma. A Sanskrit/Pali term meaning action or activity of any kind, the “karmic” consequence of one’s actions; destiny. Cause and effect.

Karma Yoga. A Sanskrit term meaning the “yoga of action” which refers to the liberating path of self-transcending action and service, one of the four paths of yoga.

Karuna. The Pali word for compassion, one of the four abodes in Buddhism (Brahma-Viharas.)

Kensho. In Zen Buddhism the word refers to an enlightenment or awakening experience. While impossible to describe in words, a kensho experience reportedly gives a glimpse of one’s own nature and the true nature of reality.

Kinhin. In Zen Buddhism, kinhin is the practice of walking meditation. Although its meditative aspect is of prime importance, kinhin also serves the purpose of moving one’s legs after a long period of zazen, thus making physical problems unlikely. Some schools of Zen perform kinhin extremely slowly while others do it rapidly. It has become traditional, in North America at least, to combine the two: kinhin begins very slowly at first and then switches to a brisk pace (the change is marked by an audible signal).

Kosha. A Sanskrit word meaning “casing” or layer, a kosha refers to any one of five “sheaths” surrounding the transcendental Self. The five layers (panchakosha) are said to veil the light of the consciousness. The layers consist of anna-maya-kosha (“made of food” referring to the physical body), prana-maya-kosha (“made of vital life force”) referring to the life force, mano-maya-kosha (“made of mind”), vijnana-maya-kosha (aka buddhi-maya-kosha “made of intellect or wisdom”), and ananda-maya-kosha (“made of bliss”).

Kritajna. The practice of cultivating gratitude. 

Kundalini, or Kundalini-shakti. Sanskrit for “coiled power”, kundalini refers to the intelligent life force energy considered to exist in potential form coiled at the lowest psycho-energetic center of the body (the muladhara chakra). It is naturally awakened through certain meditation or yoga practices. It is a benevolent and powerful spiritual energy.

Lama. The title for a highly esteemed Tibetan teacher of the Dharma; similar to the Sanskrit term, guru; historically used for venerated spiritual masters (example: the Dalai Lama).

Mahatma. The Sanskrit term from “maha-atman,” or “great self” is an honorific title bestowed on particularly meritorious individuals, such as Gandhi.

Mahayana. Sanskrit for “great vehicle”, Mahayana refers to one of the three main branches of Buddhism, the other two being Hinayana (small vehicle) and Vajrayana (indestructible vehicle).  Although this is the branch to which Zen belongs and Zen traces its origin back to the Buddha himself, generally Mahayana is considered to be a newer form than Hinayana. There is less emphasis placed on nirvana and individual salvation in this tradition and more emphasis placed on saving all sentient beings.

Maitri. A Pali word meaning loving kindness; also known as metta.

Mala. A Sanskrit term for the string of 108 (or 54, or 27) prayer beads commonly used by Yogis, Hindus, Buddhists, and some Sikhs in prayer and meditation, similar to a Catholic rosary. A traditional string of mala beads is made up of 108 beads, plus one guru, or teacher, bead. The number 108 is considered a sacred number.

Manas. A Sanskrit term meaning “mind”, from the root man “to think”, refers to the lower mind, which is bound to the senses and yields information rather than wisdom.

Mantra.  A Sanskrit term meaning “mind instrument”, mantras can be a sacred sound, syllable, word, or phrase that has a transformative effect on the mind. Mantras can be said out loud or repeated silently in chanting and meditation. In meditation, repeating a mantra helps the mind transcend thought and into the silence of deeper levels of awareness. Some mantras are sacred sounds or phrases, such as Om mani padme hum, om, hum, or om namah shivaya.

Maya. A Sanskrit term meaning “she who measures” refers to the deluding or illusive power of the world. Maya is the illusion by which the world is seen as separate from the ultimate singular consciousness.

Metta. A Pali word which means loving kindness, gentle friendship also known as maitri, is a Buddhist practice for generating loving kindness is said to be first taught by the Buddha as an antidote to fear. Metta helps cultivate one’s natural capacity for an open and loving heart and is traditionally offered along with other meditations that enrich compassion, joy in the happiness of others, and equanimity. These practices lead to the development of concentration, fearlessness, happiness, and a greater ability to love.

Mindfulness. Awareness. The practice of paying attention to what you are doing while you are doing it without judgement. Attentive to the present moment; mindfulness is a way of bringing meditation into all daily activities. The word in Pali is sati. In Sanskrit, it is dharana. Mindfulness makes clear that all things are interrelated; living in the present moment. It is a practice in Zen and Buddhism in general.

Moksha. The Sanskrit term meaning “release” is the condition of freedom from ignorance, suffering, and the binding effect of karma.

Mudita. The Pali word for appreciative or empathetic joy; the cultivation of happiness when seeing someone else’s good fortune or happy circumstances. In Buddhism, it’s one of the four sublime abodes (Brahma-Viharas.)

Mudra. The Sanskrit term meaning “seal” is a hand gesture (such as cin-mudra) or whole-body gesture used in prayer or meditation.

Nadi. The Sanskrit term meaning “conduit” refers to one of 72,000 or more subtle channels along or through which the life force (prana) circulates, of which the three most important ones are the ida nadi, pingala nadi, and sushumna nadi.

Nadi-shodhana. The Sanskrit term meaning “channel cleansing” refers to the practice of purifying the channels of subtle energy, especially by means of breath control (pranayama). It’s also the name of the practice of alternate nostril breathing.

Namaste. The Sanskrit term pronounced nah’-mah’-stay, is a salutation which means “The divine light within me salutes the divine light within you.” Namaskar is a similar salutation.

Nasya. The Sanskrit term is an Ayurvedic treatment consisting of a nasal administration of oil or medication that helps to correct the disorders of vata dosha which affect the higher cerebral, sensory, and motor functions.

Neti-neti. The Sanskrit term meaning “not thus, not thus”, is an Upanishadic expression meant to convey that the ultimate Reality is neither this nor that, that is, it is beyond all description.

Netra Tarpana.  A Sanskrit term referring to a specialized ayurvedic eye bath treatment using ghee.

Nirodha. A Sanskrit term meaning “restriction.” It’s the mental absorption in an object.  In Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga, this is the very basis of the darana, dhyana and samadhi: mindfulness, meditation, and ecstasy.

Nirvana. A Pali term for the state of ultimate enlightenment; though beyond explanation or words, it is best described as peace and stillness of mind after the tendencies of desire, aversion, and delusion have been extinguished. It is true liberation. It is a term most often used in Buddhism.

Niyamas. The Sanskrit word that refers to practices of self-restraint or observance. Niyamas are the second limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path, which consists of purity (saucha), contentment (samtosha), austerity (tapas), study (svadhyaya), and dedication and surrender to something greater than one’s self (ishvara-pranidhana). It also is the way that people naturally behave once their awareness is expanded.

Ojas.  The Sanskrit word that refers to the essence of vitality, a hormone-like subtle substance which is derived by refined digestion. It produces the aura, transmits energy from mind to body, and controls immunity.

Om: the original mantra symbolizing the ultimate Reality, which is prefixed to many mantric utterances. When used alone, the spelling is Aum. Some say it amplifies what it precedes. It is considered the sound of the universe.

Padmasana. Seated lotus posture. 

Pali.  The ancient language of the scriptures of Early Buddhism.

Panchakarma.  A Sanskrit word referring to a purification treatment protocol from Ayurveda, meaning five karmas, Panchakarma is used to rid the body of excess doshas using enemas, purgation, emesis, nasal medication, and even bloodletting. Panchakarma is generally undertaken annually.

Parama-atman or paramatman. In Sanskrit, this term is translated as “supreme self” and refers to the transcendental Self, which is singular and indivisible, as opposed to the individuated self (jiva-atman) that exists in countless numbers in the form of living beings.

Patanjali: Patanjali is the compiler of the Yoga Sutras who lived c. 150 C.E.

Piti.  A Pali term meaning joy and gladdening of the mind and body. According to Buddhism, it’s one of the seven factors of enlightenment

Pitta. A Sanskrit term for one of the three primary doshas, or Ayurvedic mind/body types. The elements of liquid and fire are predominant in pitta. Those with pitta constitution tend to be passionate, intelligent, goal-oriented, and muscular. When in balance, pitta types are warm, personable, disciplined, and are good leaders and speakers. When out of balance, they can become irritable, compulsive, aggressive, or experience inflammatory conditions. To restore balance, pittas benefit from lifestyle choices that promote soothing and cooling, such as avoiding spicy foods, spending time near water, or slowing down the pace of their day.

Prajna. A Sanskrit word literally meaning “best knowledge,” or “best knowing.” Prajna is a natural bubbling up of curiosity, doubt, and inquisitiveness. It is precise, but at the same time it is playful. The awakening of prajna applies to all aspects of life, down to the tiniest details. Prajna encompasses all levels, from the most mundane such as, How do I turn on this computer?, to more profound levels such as, What is the nature of reality? Prajna is the opposite of spiritual ignorance (ajnana, avidya); and is one of two means of liberation in Buddhism, the other being skillful means (upaya), i.e., compassion (karuna.)

Prakruti or Prakriti. A Sanskrit term for nature, essential nature, the unique combination of elements, governing principles. In Ayurveda it refers to an individual’s inherent inborn tendencies that influence consciousness and activity.

Prana: A Sanskrit term meaning life force, energy, or vitality. In other traditions, it is called chi or qi. It is the universal sea of energy that infuses and vitalizes all matter. Prana coalesces into sub-atomic particles and atoms, which become the basic building blocks of all matter manifesting the physical world. So, every atom, molecule, and cell is an extension of prana, just as waves are extensions of the sea that lies beneath them. Prana is also the power that flows in all living forms and performs vital functions. Paramhansa Yogananda called this aspect of prana “life-force.” He further explained that life-force possesses an inherent intelligence enabling it to carry out the life-sustaining processes. Prana is also used to refer to the breath. With each physical breath there is a corresponding movement of prana in the subtle body and in sushumna nadi. Prana flows upwards in conjunction with the inhalation, and downwards with the exhalation. This link between breath and the flow of prana is central to many of the techniques of meditation. By controlling the breath, which is easily felt, you can influence the flow of prana, which is much more subtle and difficult to feel.

Pranayama.  A Sanskrit term meaning breath control or extension. It’s the 4th limb of the eight-fold path of raja yoga. It consists of conscious inhalation and exhalation and retention. In an advanced state, pranayama can occur spontaneously for an extended period of time.

Pratyahara. A Sanskrit term meaning “withdrawal” which refers to the sensory inhibition, the 5th limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path. Pratyahara allows the practitioner to tune in to subtle sensory experiences.

Purgation. A Sanskrit term referring to an Ayurvedic treatment in Panchakarma meaning purgation, is the use of medium to strong laxatives to expel excess Pitta or Kapha from the system.

Puja. A Sanskrit word meaning “worship” refers to the ritual worship of gods, nature, God, etc., which can include chanting of sacred hymns, waving a sacred flame, offerings of flowers, and other observances. The worship may be done physically or mentally and can be directed to any Deity or natural force. Puja is an important aspect of many forms of yoga, notably bhakti yoga.

Rajas. A Sanskrit word referring to the cosmic force of activity. Excess Rajas causes the mind to become overactive and unstable.

Raja Yoga. The Sanskrit term frequently referred to as the “royal path to yoga” because it focuses on practices that take one’s awareness inward and uses the eight limbs for mind, body, spirit union. The classic text on raja yoga is the Yoga Sutras, attributed to the legendary sage Patanjali.

Rasa. A Sanskrit term meaning taste, especially referring to the six tastes of Ayurveda, and the corresponding emotions derived there from.

Rigpa. Rigpa is a Tibetan word, which in general means ‘intelligence’ or ‘awareness’.  However, according to the highest teachings in the Buddhist tradition of Tibet, rigpa has a deeper connotation. It refers to the innermost nature of the mind, the state of omniscience or enlightenment – a truth so universal, so primordial, that it goes beyond all limits, and beyond even religion itself.

Rinpoche. A Tibetan term meaning “precious one,” Rimpoche is an honorable name bestowed upon high-ranking and respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers.

Rishi. A Sanskrit term meaning “seer” refers to a category of  Vedic sages. It’s an honorific title of certain venerated masters, such as the South Indian sage Ramana, who is known as maharshi, or Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the teacher wo brought meditation to the West. Maha means “great” and rishi means “seer.”

Sadhana. A Sanskrit word meaning “accomplishing”, sadhana means a spiritual discipline. It is beyond meditation and yoga, it is the spiritual commitment that powers your practice throughout the day. Sadhana can include yoga, chanting, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, ritual, reading spiritual texts – anything that makes your heart sing.

Samadhi. A Sanskrit word meaning “putting together” refers to the ecstatic or unitive state in which the meditator becomes one with the object of meditation. Samadhi is the 8th limb (anga) of Patanjali’s eightfold path; there are many types of samadhi. Sahaj Samadhi is the continuity of super consciousness throughout waking, dreaming, and sleep states. Beyond the ecstasy is enlightenment. The yoga sutras reads, “When the object of meditation engulfs the meditator, appearing as the subject, self-awareness is lost. This is samādhi.”

Samsara. The Sanskrit and Pāli term for “continuous movement” or “continuous flowing” refers in Buddhism to the concept of a cycle of birth and consequent decay and death, in which all beings in the universe participate and which can only be escaped through enlightenment. Saṃsāra is associated with suffering and is generally considered the antithesis of nirvāṇa.

Samskara. A Sanskrit term which, according to Vedanta, refers to subconscious impressions left behind by each act of volition, mental and emotional patterns, and personality traits that one has acquired as a result of conditioning over many lifetimes.  It also means one’s level of inner refinement or character.

Samyama. A Sanskrit word from the yoga sutras meaning “constraint” which refers to the combined practice of concentration/mindfulness (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and union (samadhi) as practiced on the same object. The Yoga Sutras say, “From mastery of saṃyama comes the light of awareness and insight.”

Sat. A Sanskrit term meaning “being/reality/truth” which refers to the ultimate Reality of indivisible consciousness.

Sati. The Pali word for mindfulness. This is the practice of paying careful attention to mental and physical processes; a key ingredient of meditation; one of the five spiritual faculties; one of the seven factors of enlightenment; and an aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Satori. A Japanese word found in Buddhism which refers to a very deep state of meditation in which notions of duality, self and indeed all concepts drop away. Profound satori is very close to an enlightenment experience (see kensho).

Satsang. A Sanskrit word meaning “true company/company of Truth” refers to keeping the company of saints, sages, Self-realized adepts, and their disciples, in whose company the ultimate Reality can be felt more palpably. It also can be a gathering of devotees who receive a spiritual discourse.

Sattva. The cosmic force of equilibrium, which is the normal balanced state of a healthy mind.

Satya. The Sanskrit word meaning “truth/truthfulness” is one of the five yamas in the Yoga Sutras.

Seiza. A meditative sitting position found in zazen where one kneels and sits back onto the heels. This is the standard position for longer, seated services.

Sensei. A Japanese word for a recognized teacher of Zen. The title sensei, like the title roshi, is traditionally positioned after the teacher’s name rather than before.

Sesshin. A Japanese word which literally means ‘gather or touch the mind’. It is an intensive Buddhist meditation retreat usually lasting 3, 5, or 7 days. The word ‘retreat’ may be misleading however, as the effect of a sesshin is often to let more of the world into our lives instead of escaping from it. Suffice it to say that a sesshin is a silent retreat that involves many periods of zazen and the opportunity to have private interviews with a teacher (dokusan). Meals are often eaten oryoki style (three bowls), and work periods (samu) are generally included.

Seva. Selfless service. A person who performs selfless service is a sevite.

Shakti or Sakti. A Sanskrit term referring to power or energy described as feminine in the ancient texts.

Shamatha. This is the Buddhist meditation practice of “calm abiding” which is usually introduced in the form of mindful breathing.

Shankara. (“He who is benevolent”): the eighth-century adept who was the greatest proponent of nondualism (Advaita Vedanta) and whose philosophical school was probably responsible for the decline of Buddhism in India.

Shanti. Peace. When you chant, “Om shanti shanti shanti,” it’s an invocation of peace. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, one chants shanti three times to represent peace in body, in speech, and in mind.

Shenpa. A Tibetan word usually translated “attachment,” but a more descriptive translation might be “hooked.”

Shirodhara.  A Sanskrit word for the Ayurvedic treatment where body temperature oil is continuously streamed onto the forehead to relax the nervous system.

Shikantaza. In Zen Buddhism, this means “just sitting.” It’s an intense form of zazen strongly recommended in the Sōtō tradition, where no mental aids such as counting the breath are used.  It cultivates great mental alertness but ideally no concepts or objects of thought are in the mind. Some consider shikantaza, to be the highest form of zazen.

Shiva. A Sanskrit word meaning “he who is benign” which refers to the masculine principle of the Divine, and pure awareness itself. Shiva also refers to a deity that has served yogis as an archetypal model throughout the ages.

Shunyata. A Pali word generally translated into English as “emptiness” or “voidness.” In the English language the word emptiness suggests the absence of spiritual meaning or a personal feeling of alienation, but in Buddhism the emptiness of phenomena enables liberation from the limitations of form and the cycle of uncontrolled rebirth. Emptiness is widely misconceived as a doctrine of nihilism. Instead, Śūnyatā suggests that everything one encounters in life is empty of absolute identity, permanence, or Self. This is because everything is inter-related and mutually dependent – never wholly self-sufficient or independent. Everything is infinitely co-arising from the formless field of possibilities. All things are in a state of constant flux where energy and information are forever flowing throughout the natural world giving rise to and themselves undergoing major transformations with the passage of time. This teaching never connotes nihilism – nihilism is, in fact, a belief or point of view that the Buddha explicitly taught was incorrect – a delusion, just as the view of materialism is a delusion.

Siddha. A Sanskrit word meaning “accomplished” a Siddha is an adept practitioner. If fully Self-realized, the designation maha-siddha or “great adept” is often used.

Siddhi. A Sanskrit word meaning “accomplishment/perfection” refers to spiritual perfection, the attainment of flawless identity with the ultimate reality. It can also refer to practices that offer gifts of paranormal abilities, such as time travel, invisibility, manifestation, etc.

Spanda. A Sanskrit word meaning “vibration” refers to a key concept of Kashmir’s Shaivism according to which the ultimate reality itself “quivers,” that is, is inherently creative rather than static (as conceived in Advaita Vedanta).

Sushumna-nadi. A Sanskrit term which translates as “very gracious channel” refers to the central prana current along which kundalini-shakti ascends toward the crown of the head in order to attain liberation (moksha). This energetic nerve channel is generally thought to run along the spinal cord. On either side of the spine there is a nadi: there is ida on the left and pingala on the right.

Sutra, also Sutta. A Pali/Sanskrit phrase which means thread or stitch. It refers to an aphorism or wisdom phrase that serves as a key to teaching sacred texts. In Buddhism there are the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra, in Vedanta are the Yoga Sutras and others. The chanting of sutras can be considered singing, but more commonly, chanting is rhythmic while speaking in a normal tone of voice. Some sutras are intentionally recited in a monotone. Sutras are chanted as part of most Zen gatherings, whether the occasion is for a special ceremony or regular weekly zazen meetings. In Zen, a short sutra is called a gatha.

Svadhyaya. Self study, one of the niyamas.

Swadharma. A Sanskrit term which refers to a specific form of dharma, which includes one’s intrinsic nature and authentic attributes, inclinations, and potentials. Uncovering one’s swadharma reveals what affirms deep within, and your purpose unfolds through this affirmation. This discovery becomes a foundation for leading a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Swedana. An Ayurvedic treatment involving an herbal steam bath.

Tamas: The cosmic force of inertia. Excess tamas causes the mind to become dull.

Tapas. A Sanskrit term meaning “glow/heat” is the practice of austerity, penance, which is an ingredient of all yogic approaches, since they all involve self-transcendence.

Tattva. A Sanskrit term meaning “thatness” or “thusness”, which  refers to the fact or reality. It also refers to a particular category of existence such as the ahamkara, buddhi, manas; the ultimate Reality.

Tejas.  A Sanskrit term referring to the essence of fire, which controls the mind’s digestion and is transmitted by ojas into the body’s digestive system.

Tenzo. A Japanese term for the head cook for a Buddhist monastery or sesshin. Traditionally the role of tenzo was a high honr and one of the seven positions of the senior staff in Zen monasteries. Today, a tenzo is considered to be one of the main leaders for sesshin.

Three Jewels. In Buddhism the three refuges include the Buddha (your awareness), the dharma (wisdom teachings), and the sangha (practice community).

Tonglen.  A Pali term which in Tibetan Buddhist refers to a compassion meditation technique of “taking and sending.” The practitioner breathes in the suffering of another and breathes out the positive antidote to that suffering, a sentiment such as love, peace, or compassion.

Transcendental Meditation. Also known as TM, this is a brand name for a specific form of silent mantra meditation popularized in the 1960s by Beatles’ guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Triphala. An ayurvedic purifying and rejuvenating compound made up of three fruits: amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki, usually in equal proportions.

Turiya. The Sanskrit term referring to the 4^th state of consciousness, transcendental consciousness, which exceeds the three conventional states of waking, sleeping, and dreaming. Other words for this state are Atma Darshan, and glimpsing the soul.

Ujjayi. Victorious breath. 

Unity consciousness. This is considered a state of enlightenment in which there is complete freedom from all conditioning in which one is no longer constrained by habit, past experiences or “karma,” and any forms of dogma or ideology. It is a state of spontaneous creativity, love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. T

Upanishad. A Sanskrit term meaning “sitting near” which refers to a type of scripture representing the concluding portion of the revealed literature of Vedanta.

Upaya. A Pali term for “means.” It’s the practice of compassion in Buddhism.

Vaidyas: Ayurvedic physicians.

Vasanas: Inherent tendencies that are transmitted through many lifetimes and result in a particular personality in this lifetime. They include both positive and negative
tendencies. It is believed that enlightenment is attained when we exhaust our vasanas.

Vata. A Sanskrit term for one of the three primary doshas, or Ayurvedic mind/body types. Vata is made up of the elements of space and air. Vata types tend to be changeable, quick in thought and action, and thin. When in balance, vatas are creative, lively, and friendly. When out of balance, they can become anxious, have difficulty focusing, experience insomnia, or have dry skin and irregular digestion. To restore balance, vatas benefit from regular routine, as well as grounding and calming foods and activities.

Vedas. Ancient holy teachings of realized beings. They were first chanted then written down, and are considered the oldest extant literary compositions of the human race.

Vicaya.  The Pali word referring to the practice of investigation, interest, and inquiry into experience. According to Buddhism, vicaya is one of the seven factors of enlightenment.

Vipassana. The Pali term which literally means to “see clearly.” It refers to the practice of insight meditation: moment-to-moment mindfulness. Through careful and sustained observation, one directly experiences the ever-changing flow of the mind/body process. This awareness leads us to accept more fully the pleasure and pain, fear and joy, sadness and happiness that life inevitably brings. As insight deepens, the cultivation of greater equanimity and peace arises in the face of change, and wisdom and compassion increasingly become the guiding principles of our lives. The Buddha first taught vipassana over 2,500 years ago. The various methods of this practice have been well preserved in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism.

Yama. A Sanskrit word referring to “reign in” or “control.” A yama is self-restraint, a rule of conduct, a guideline for social behavior, virtue, or social grace. Yamas are one of the 8 limbs of yoga. The 5 yamas are considered spontaneous evolutionary behavior of conscious beings. The five yamas ask practitioners to avoid violence, lying, stealing, wasting energy, and possessiveness.

Yantra. In Sanskrit, it literally means, “instrument of support.” It refers to a geometrical design, often representing the cosmos, used in Vedanta and Tibetan Buddhism as a visual support or focus for meditation.

Yoga. In Sanskrit, yoga derives from the root yuj, which means union with the source of existence. As yoga has evolved and blossomed over thousands of years, numerous forms and schools of yoga have developed.

Yoga Sutras. A body of knowledge codified by a physician, Patanjali, contains 195 aphorisms (sutras) which describe the eight branches or “limbs” of yoga. These sutras provide a roadmap for the evolution of consciousness from ordinary states of awareness such as waking, dreaming, and sleeping – to higher states of consciousness, including the nonlocal consciousness known as Atma Darshan, cosmic consciousness, divine consciousness, and unity consciousness. The asana, or physical postures that many people know as yoga, is one of these eight limbs.

Zabuton. Used in zazen, it’s the large, rectangular mat made of fabric-covered cotton batting, usually used with a zafu or sitting bench.

Zafu. A circular pillow used for seated meditation.

Zazen. The Japanese Buddhist meditation technique practiced in Zen Buddhist tradition. In Japanese it is the “total awareness in an upright posture,” or seated meditation, usually on a cushion on the floor. Unlike meditation done in some other spiritual traditions, zazen usually does not involve concentrating one’s mind on a subject, nor is the aim to blank out one’s mind completely. Rather, being aware of one’s breath is recommended and most practitioners of zazen do this by counting breaths in one way or another. When the mind wanders, which often happens, one gently turns attention back to the breath. Zazen is usually broken into periods of 30 to 50 minutes. Determining the correct posture for zazen can be a challenge, but sitting in a chair is also permitted. There are two types of Zazen, one is Shikantaza, or “just sitting” as one allows words, ideas, images and thoughts to pass by without getting involved in them or judging them. And Rinzai, the practice of using koans.

Zazenkai. In the Zen Buddhist tradition a zazenkai is a single day devoted to meditation, usually done together with a group. This can be considered a one-day sesshin, although a teacher need not be present.

Zen. A school of Mahayana Buddhism with its roots in Japan. It’s a practice that emphasizes the attainment of enlightenment and the personal expression of direct insight through zazen and interaction with an accomplished teacher.

Zendo. Zen room or hall – the main room, whether it be in a monastery, retreat center, or residential home, where the Buddhist meditation practices of zazen and ceremonies are observed. Zendos are used by monks, nuns, and other practitioners. Often there is an altar present with incense. Zendo is sometimes used to refer to an entire building or teaching center.

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