🔷 GLOSSARY

आत्मन

The inner self or awareness.

It refers to the observing aspect of experience, distinct from changing thoughts and conditions.

→ See: Atman page

ब्रह्म

The underlying reality.

It is described as the fundamental basis of everything that exists.

→ See: Brahman page

धर्म

Appropriate action based on context.

It depends on role, situation, and understanding rather than fixed rules.

→ See: Dharma page

कर्मा

The principle of action and consequence.

It emphasizes that actions lead to outcomes over time.

→ See: Karma page

मोक्ष

Clarity about the nature of self.

It is often described as freedom from confusion rather than escape.

→ See: Moksha page

आरटीए

The underlying order of the universe.

It reflects patterns and consistency in nature and existence.

→ See: Rta page

यज्ञ

A principle of exchange and contribution.

It represents participation in a larger system through giving and receiving.

→ See: Yajna page

Samsara

The cycle of change and experience.

It refers to the ongoing process of actions and consequences.

Avidya

Lack of clarity or misunderstanding.

It refers to confusion about the nature of self and reality.

Jnana

Knowledge or understanding.

Often refers to insight into deeper aspects of reality.

Darshana

A philosophical system or viewpoint.

Each Darshana offers a structured way of understanding reality.

→ See: Darshanas page

Sankhya

A system analyzing reality into components.

It distinguishes between observer and observed.

→ See: Sankhya page

योग

A method for refining awareness.

It focuses on discipline and clarity of experience.

→ See: Yoga page

वेदांत

A system exploring the relationship between self and reality.

It builds on concepts like Atman and Brahman.

→ See: Vedanta page

न्याय

A system of logic and reasoning.

It examines how knowledge is formed and validated.

→ See: Nyaya page

Metaphysics

The study of reality.

It asks what exists and what is fundamental.

→ See: Ethics & Metaphysics page

Ethics

The study of action and conduct.

It examines how decisions are made in context.

→ See: Ethics & Metaphysics page

Pramana

Means of acquiring knowledge.

Includes perception, inference, and testimony.

Prakriti

The material aspect of reality.

It includes all changing phenomena.

Purusha

The observing principle.

It represents awareness distinct from matter.

Vedas

Ancient collections of hymns and reflections.

They form an early layer of preserved knowledge.

→ See: Vedas & Upanishads page

Upanishads

Texts focused on inquiry into self and reality.

Often presented as dialogues.

→ See: Vedas & Upanishads page

भागवद गीता

A dialogue on action and understanding.

It explores decision-making in complex situations.

→ See: Bhagavad Gita page

इतिहासा

Narrative texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

They explore action and consequence through story.

→ See: Itihasa page

Ramayana

A narrative centered on duty and structured action.

It presents clarity in decision-making.

→ See: Itihasa page

Mahabharata

A complex narrative of conflict and choice.

It examines ambiguity and consequence.

→ See: Itihasa page

Dharma Shastra

Texts on social order and conduct.

They interpret Dharma in practical contexts.

→ See: Dharma Shastras page

Shruti

That which is heard.

Refers to texts considered foundational, like the Vedas.

Smriti

That which is remembered.

Refers to later texts based on interpretation.

Purana

Narrative texts explaining concepts through stories.

Often symbolic and interpretive.

Indus Valley Civilization

An ancient urban civilization.

Known for planned cities and advanced systems.

→ See: Ancient History page

वैदिक युग

A period associated with Vedic texts.

It marks early development of key ideas.

→ See: Vedic Age page

Archaeo-astronomy

Study of astronomical references in texts.

Used to estimate historical timelines.

→ See: Archaeo-Astronomy page

Aryan Invasion Theory

An older model suggesting external invasion.

Now largely rejected.

→ See: Timeline page

Aryan Migration Theory

A model proposing gradual movement.

Still debated.

→ See: Timeline page

Out of India Theory

A perspective suggesting local origin of Vedic culture.

Part of ongoing discussion.

→ See: Timeline page

Sapta Sindhu

Region of seven rivers.

Often referenced in early texts.

Saraswati River

A river described in Vedic texts.

Its historical identification is debated.

Sanatana Dharma

An ongoing or eternal framework.

Refers to continuity rather than fixed structure.

Guru

A teacher or guide.

Traditionally one who clarifies understanding.

Ashrama

Stages of life.

Each stage has different roles and responsibilities.

Varna

A classification system.

Originally linked to roles, later became more rigid.

Tapas

Discipline or focused effort.

Often associated with self-refinement.

Shraddha

Attention and trust.

A quality required for learning.

Mantra

A structured sound or phrase.

Used for focus and reflection.

Puja

A form of ritual or offering.

Represents interaction with the sacred.

Dhyana

Meditation or sustained attention.

A method for observing the mind.

Samadhi

A state of deep absorption.

Described in yogic practice.

Bhakti

A path based on devotion.

Emphasizes emotional connection.

Jnana Yoga

A path of knowledge.

Focuses on inquiry and understanding.