Meditation Vocabulary Flashcards
Dukkha
The Sanskrit word for suffering, it is separate from emotions.
Dharma
The Sanskrit word for duty or responsibility.
Karma
The Yogic principle of cause and effect.
Yoga
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.
Yogi
A practitioner of Yoga.
Atman Padha
The path of the self, which explores the nature of a human being, and what makes up a person.
Manas Padha
The path of the mind, which focuses on exploring the nature of the mind.
Jnana Padha
The path of knowledge, which explores the nature of learning and understanding.
Siddhi Padha
The path of accomplishment, focused on reaching your goals.
Sukkha Padha
The path of contentment, focusing on building happiness through internal exploration.
Dharana
A focusing technique that can lead to reaching deeper states of meditation.
Dhyana
A no-mind meditative state that typically follows dharana.
Samadhi
It is a temporary state of enlightenment, where you experience your true self.
Moksha
The Buddhist term for enlightenment.
Tantra
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.
Mantra
A phrase of power, almost like a magical spell, that is chanted to create a particular effect in the world.
Yantra
Symbols of power, that when meditated on allow the meditator to harness a particular kind of spiritual energy.
Yajna
Rituals that are used to harness the desired kind of cosmic energy.
Bhakti Yoga
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.
Karma Yoga
A system of Yoga that focuses on becoming enlightened by doing good deeds, performing selfless action, and making the world a better place.
Jnana Yoga
A system of Yoga that focuses on becoming enlightened through the power of contemplation.
Kundalini Yoga
A system of Yoga that focuses on meditation on the Chakras in order to develop particular faculties.
Raja Yoga
A system of Yoga, also known as the path of Kings, that focuses on gaining enlightenment through a stepwise process, involving 8 steps.
Yama
Societal observances; the first step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga.
Niyama
Personal observances; the second step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga.
Asana
The third step in the eightfold path of Raja Yoga, Asanas are yoga postures.
Pratyahara
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.
