A
Ahimsa: the first principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: simple kindness. Literal meaning is "nonharm."
Ajina Chakra: the sixth chakra; literal meaning is "perception plexus."
Anahata Chakra: the fourth chakra; literal meaning is "pure plexus."
Annamaya Kosa: the first layer of the mind (which is the body); literal meaning is "made of food."
Aparigraha: the fifth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: simplicity. Literal meaning is "nonacquisition."
Asana(s): physical exercises that harmonize the glandular system and thus can make the body fit for meditation.
Asteya: the third principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: responsibility. Literal meaning is "nontheft."
Atimanasa Kosa: the supramental layer of mind; literal meaning is "higher mind."
Aunkara (Aum): the sound of creation; sometimes heard in deep meditation. "A" is the creation, "U" is the maintenance of
balance, ''M(a)" is the destructive force.
Astaunga Yoga: an eightfold system of yoga practice organized by the sage Patanjali in India, based on earlier work by the
yoga master Astavarka. Literal meaning of astaunga is "eight parts."
B
Babanam Kevalam: a universal mantra used in chanting and meditation, meaning "all is one." (Babanam means "the name
of the Creator"; Kevalam means "is all there is.")
Brahma: the infinite consciousness from which everything arises.
Brahmachakra: the cycle of creation; the movement of consciousness from its infinite state into matter and then from the
dense to the subtle, merging again in pure consciousness.
Babanam Kevalam: a universal mantra used in chanting and meditation, meaning "all is one." (Babanam means "the name
of the Creator"; Kevalam means "is all there is.")
Brahma: the infinite consciousness from which everything arises.
Brahmachakra: the cycle of creation; the movement of consciousness from its infinite state into matter and then from the
dense to the subtle, merging again in pure consciousness.
Brahmacharya: the fourth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: perceiving everything as an expression of the Creator.
Literal meaning is "to follow God."
C
Chakra(s): nuclei located throughout the body's subtle structure; foci of psychic energy.
D
Dharma: "innate tendency," that which propels every living being toward oneness with the Creator.
G
Guru: "that which dispels darkness," according to Tantra, the only true Guru is infinite consciousness.
Guru Puja: the practice of surrendering all our fears and desires to the higher self after meditation.
H
Hiranyamaya Kosa: the subtle causal or "superconscious" layer of mind; literal meaning is "golden."
I
Iishvara Pranidhana: the tenth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: spirituality. Literal meaning is "taking shelter in the
Supreme Being."
Iccha Shakti: spiritual force developed by meditation and right conduct.
K
Kama: limited desires.
Kamamaya Kosa: the conscious layer of mind; literal meaning is "desire."
Karma: the result of samskaras; the reaction experienced as a result of actions and desires.
Kaoshikii: a dancing exercise that vitalizes the body, focuses the mind, and strengthens the will.
Kosa(s): the layers of the mind.
Kundalini: spiritual energy residing in every living being.
M
Manipura Chakra: the third chakra; literal meaning is "fiery plexus."
Manomaya Kosa: the subconscious layer of mind; literal meaning is "mental."
Mantra: a collection of sound vibrations used as a focus in meditation.
Muladhara Chakra: the first chakra; literal meaning is "root plexus."
N
Nadii(s): psychic pathways that channel energy through the chakras.
Niyama: five healthy practices that compose half of the Tantric Code of Ethics.
P
Prana: vital energy.
Pranayama: control of the vital energy through the practice of meditation with breathing exercises.
Pranendriya: the "sixth sense;" actually a type of psychic organ that regulates mental and physical functions.
Prema: limitless love.
R
Rajadhiraja Yoga: the first known teachings of yoga master Astavarka in India, 2,000 years ago. Literal meaning of
rajadhiraja: is "king of kings."
Rjuta: straightforwardness in character; a quality developed through proper meditation and right conduct.
Rta: the absolute truth, with or without the spirit of kindness.
S
Sadhana: meditation; literal meaning is "the effort that brings enlightenment."
Sahasrara Chakra: the seventh chakra; literal meaning is "thousand-petaled lotus plexus."
Samadhi: a state achieved in meditation, wherein one experiences oneness with the Creator.
Samskara(s): inborn, acquired, or imposed reactive momenta from past thoughts and actions, stored in the mind and
expressed as "fate."
Santosa: the seventh principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: acceptance. Literal meaning is "with contentment."
Satya: the second principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: honesty. Literal meaning is "truth with the spirit of kindness."
Shakti: "operative principle;" that which binds infinite consciousness to finite form.
Shaoca: the sixth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: clarity. Literal meaning is "clean."
Shiva: infinite consciousness, unbound; also, the name of a great Tantric Guru who lived in ancient India.
Susumna: the "psychic canal" through which the kundalini energy is channeled.
Svadhisthana Chakra: the second chakra; literal meaning is "sweet plexus."
Svadhyaya: the ninth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: understanding. Literal meaning is "study of Self."
T
Tantra: the ancient spiritual discipline upon which yoga is based.
Tapah: the eighth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: service. Literal meaning is "penance or sacrifice."
V
Vijinanamaya Kosa: the subliminal layer of mind; literal meaning is "special knowledge."
Vishuddha Chakra: the fifth chakra; literal meaning is "purification plexus."
Vrtti(s): psychic propensities, such as lust, hope, etc., located within and controlled by the chakras.
Y
Yama: five acts of integrity that compose half of the Tantric Code of Ethics.
Yoga: "union" of the self with infinite consciousness; the practices that bring that union, including the eight parts of
Austaunga Yoga as given by the sage Patanjali.
Yogi: practitioner of yoga.