Satsang Glossary

Nerve or channel of a feminine nature transmitting physical and emotional energy within the inner body of a person, where the current of energy flows downward and ends on the left side of the body. One of the three major nãdis.

Realm of Indra, the god of rain and king of demigods. Also known as Swarglok.

'Sense', through which one can 'know' and perform actions - the organ of which is the physical aspect of the sense, e.g., sight (eyes), hearing (ears), smelling (nose), etc. There are ten in total - the five gnãn-indriyas (cognitive senses) and the five karma-indriyas (conative senses), with the man often taken to be the 11th. By nature, they engage themselves in their respective vishays {Gadhada I-12.13} and have the complete knowledge of that vishay {Vartal-17.2}. In certain cases, it may seem that no distinction is made between the physical and subtle aspects, i.e., the senses and the sense organs are referred to by the same nouns - 'eyes', 'ears', 'nose', etc. However, they are not to be confused with the indriyas that form the subtle body, and which are quite distinct from the physical organs. When mentioned as the 'five indriyas', generally refers to the five gnãn-indriyas {Panchala-2.16; Gadhada II-2.4; Vartal-4.6}. See also: gnãn-indriya and karma-indriya.

'Favourable deity'. Beloved god.

Refers to the Supreme God.

Second of the five eternal entities. Infinite in number. Similar to jiva with respect to being bound by mãyã - i.e., composed of the 24 elements2, having three bodies, three states, three gunas, desires, etc. - but involved in the processes and lordship of the brahmãnds, and thus endowed by God with greater powers. Brahmã, Vishnu, Shiv and all entities greater than them upwards to Prakruti-Purush, are considered ishwars. See also other four eternal entities: jiva, mãyã, Akshar, and Purushottam.

'History'. The two Indian historical epics - the Rãmãyan and the Mahãbhãrat - which are among the most popular and widely accepted of all Hindu scriptures. Both are interwoven with stories and sub-stories incorporating social ideals as well as philosophical and spiritual principles. Considered a part of the Smrutis. See also: Rãmãyan, Mahãbhãrat.