Vedic & Upanishadic Glossary
Understand the core pillars of non-dual philosophy (Advaita Vedanta) through direct scriptural anchors, plain explanations, and key spiritual takeaways.
Brahman
Absolute reality—unchanging, infinite, and the substratum of all existence. It is beyond time, space, and causation.
Atman
The innermost Self or soul of an individual, which Vedanta asserts is identical to the universal Brahman.
Maya
The cosmic power of illusion that makes the singular Brahman appear as a pluralistic universe of distinct objects and forms.
Sat-Chit-Ananda
The triune nature of absolute reality: absolute existence (Sat), absolute consciousness (Chit), and absolute bliss (Ananda).
Nirguna / Saguna
Brahman without attributes (Nirguna) and Brahman as the personal Lord with attributes (Saguna or Ishvara).
Om (Pranava)
Pranava. Primal sound-symbol representing Brahman, encompassing the states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the fourth transcendental state (Turiya).
Ekam
The unified reality. The non-dual truth that is labeled in diverse ways by seers across epochs.
Antaryamin
The Indweller. The inner ruler present within all beings and elements, directing them from within.
Rasa
The essence or sweetness of absolute reality; the self-luminous bliss of the Atman.
Antahkarana
The complete inner instrument or psychological apparatus, composed of four distinct functional layers.
Buddhi
The intellect, seat of discernment, decision-making, and higher wisdom. It is the chariot-driver of life.
Manas
The sensory, processing mind that receives inputs, doubts, and handles automatic reactions.
Ahankara
The 'I-maker' or ego-principle that claims ownership of experiences and identifies with body/mind limits.
Citta
The mental lake, storehouse of memories, subconscious impressions (Samskaras), and habits.
Prana
The vital life force or cosmic energy that animates all living things and flows through the breath.
Kundalini
Primal coiled potential energy residing at the base of the subtle spine, representing latent spiritual consciousness.
Chakras
Subtle vortexes or centers of energy located along the central channel (Sushumna) of the spiritual body.
Ida, Pingala, Sushumna
The three primary subtle energy channels. Ida represents lunar/rest, Pingala solar/action, and Sushumna is the central channel of spiritual awakening.
Anahata Nada
The 'unstruck' inner sound. Subtle vibrations heard in deep meditation within the heart space, indicating deep concentration.
Indriyas
The ten senses—five of perception (Jnana-indriyas) and five of action (Karma-indriyas).
Rita
The dynamic cosmic order and natural law that governs the universe, from planetary motion to truth itself.
Pancha Bhuta
The five primordial elements: Space (Akasha), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Ap), and Earth (Prithvi).
Trigunas
The three primary qualities of nature: purity/balance (Sattva), passion/activity (Rajas), and inertia/darkness (Tamas).
Samsara
The continuous cycle of birth, death, rebirth, and worldly existence driven by karma and ignorance.
Dharma
Righteousness, duty, moral order, and custom that sustains individuals, society, and the cosmos.
Karma
Action and its inevitable consequence. Selfless action purifies the mind, while selfish action binds it.
Moksha
Liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and ignorance (Samsara). Realization of one's absolute freedom.
Sannyasa
Renunciation of egoistic desires and worldly attachments in pursuit of ultimate Self-realization.
Turiya
The 'fourth' state of consciousness. It is the background awareness that witnesses waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
Satyameva Jayate
Truth alone triumphs. The declaration that alignment with absolute truth is the only path to victory.
Tapas
Spiritual heat or self-discipline. Focused heat of awareness that burns impurities of the mind.
Yajna
Sacrifice or consecrated offering. Historically external fire rituals; internalized in Vedanta as dedicating actions to the absolute.
Vairagya
Dispassion or detachment from changing material objects, recognizing their impermanent nature.