Meditation Vocabulary

Question 1

Dukkha

Answer 1

The Sanskrit word for suffering, it is separate from emotions.

Question 2

Dharma

Answer 2

The Sanskrit word for duty or responsibility.

Question 3

Karma

Answer 3

The Yogic principle of cause and effect.

Question 4

Yoga

Answer 4

An eastern system of introspection and self-discovery whose goal is to allow the practitioner to realize their true nature, get rid of suffering, and become blissful by nature.

Question 5

Yogi

Answer 5

A practitioner of Yoga.

Question 6

Atman Padha

Answer 6

The path of the self, which explores the nature of a human being, and what makes up a person.

Question 7

Manas Padha

Answer 7

The path of the mind, which focuses on exploring the nature of the mind.

Question 8

Jnana Padha

Answer 8

The path of knowledge, which explores the nature of learning and understanding.

Question 9

Siddhi Padha

Answer 9

The path of accomplishment, focused on reaching your goals.

Question 10

Sukkha Padha

Answer 10

The path of contentment, focusing on building happiness through internal exploration.

Question 11

Dharana

Answer 11

A focusing technique that can lead to reaching deeper states of meditation.

Question 12

Dhyana

Answer 12

A no-mind meditative state that typically follows dharana.

Question 13

Samadhi

Answer 13

It is a temporary state of enlightenment, where you experience your true self.

Question 14

Moksha

Answer 14

The Buddhist term for enlightenment.

Question 15

Tantra

Answer 15

It is an eastern system of spirituality that focuses on harnesses “Shiva” or cosmic consciousness, and “Shakti” or energy, to manifest something in the world.

Question 16

Mantra

Answer 16

A phrase of power, almost like a magical spell, that is chanted to create a particular effect in the world.

Question 17

Yantra

Answer 17

Symbols of power, that when meditated on allow the meditator to harness a particular kind of spiritual energy.

Question 18

Yajna

Answer 18

Rituals that are used to harness the desired kind of cosmic energy.

Question 19

Bhakti Yoga

Answer 19

Similar to the major religions of the world, it is the path of devotion which states that if you devote yourself to something greater than yourself (a value system, purpose, or deity), you will achieve enlightenment.

Question 20

Karma Yoga

Answer 20

A system of Yoga that focuses on becoming enlightened by doing good deeds, performing selfless action, and making the world a better place.

Question 21

Jnana Yoga

Answer 21

A system of Yoga that focuses on becoming enlightened through the power of contemplation.

Question 22

Kundalini Yoga

Answer 22

A system of Yoga that focuses on meditation on the Chakras in order to develop particular faculties.

Question 23

Raja Yoga

Answer 23

A system of Yoga, also known as the path of Kings, that focuses on gaining enlightenment through a stepwise process, involving 8 steps.

Question 24

Yama

Answer 24

Societal observances; the first step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga.

Question 25

Niyama

Answer 25

Personal observances; the second step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga.

Question 26

Asana

Answer 26

The third step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga, Asanas are yoga postures.

Question 27

Pratyahara

Answer 27

The fourth step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga, Pratyahara is a set of techniques that teaches us to restrain our sense organs, or Indriyas.