Author: gildagiannoni

Dayā – compassion «That indulgence towards all beings, as towards one’s own self, by body, mind and word of mouth, that alone is known as Compassion by knowers of Vedānta»  …

Samah – equality  «One who makes no distinction between friend and foe, honour and dishonour, knowing Brahman to be full in itself (all pervading), becomes supremely happy» (Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra, …

Yadricchā – accidental «He who is satisfied with objects that come of their own accord, who tolerates dualities such as heat and cold, who is free from envy, and who …

Yugādi – the beginning of an era  «Now, O great king, listen to the Yugādis (days marking the beginning of the Yugas). They are dear to Pitris. By the mere …

Pravara – the Superior « The ushtra (camel) type of listener leaves off the sweet things and takes delight in the opposite ones like the camel which grazes the (bitter) …

Vāsanā – mental imprints «Abandonment of all latent tendencies is said to be the best (i.e. real) liberation by the wise; that is also the faultless method (of attaining liberation)» …

Alasa – lazy   «And whoever always acts against the precepts of the Scriptures, materialistic, obstinate, crafty and able to insult, lazy, always sad and alway procrastinating, is under the …

Udghāta – unlock  «(Udghāta is) the wind’s striking the head when it has been propelled upwards from its source in the navel » (Rājamārtanda – Patanjali-Yogasutra-Bhashya).. The udghāta in the …

Dyut – brilliant  «I am also the gambling of cheats, and of the splendid I am the splendour. I am victory, I am adventure, and I am the strength of …

Aklesha – freedom from problems «Ignorance, I-am-ness, attraction, aversion, and desire for continuity are the afflictions»  (Yoga-sūtra, 2.3). The great afflictions, klesha, represent an essential condition of human existence. Aware …

Prabhriti – since  «(Srī Nārada said) Henceforth, certainly I will always remain at this place, regardless of the negligent, scornful curses of Dakṣa and others» (Brihad-bhagavatamrita, 1.4.14). Prabhirti is a …

Ashlishta – surrounded «An example of peaking in a pleasing manner: “O friends! Whose heart will not be stolen by the words of Kṛṣṇa, sweet with clear, soft pronunciation, an …