Sanskrit Spiritual Terms — Questions & Answers
A glossary-style Q&A section designed to explain important Sanskrit terms while distinguishing literal meaning, traditional usage and context.
Questions & Answers
What does Yoga mean?
Yoga has several related meanings in Sanskrit and Indian traditions, including union, discipline and a spiritual path. Its meaning should be determined from the text and context in which it appears.
What does Dharma mean?
Dharma can refer to duty, conduct, law, teaching, nature or a principle that sustains an order. Its meaning varies significantly by context.
What does Karma mean?
Karma literally relates to action or deed. In Indian philosophical traditions it can also refer to the causal consequences associated with action.
What does Bhakti mean?
Bhakti generally refers to devotion or devotional participation. Its specific meaning depends on the text and tradition.
What does Atman mean?
Atman is a Sanskrit term commonly translated as self or inner self. Different philosophical schools interpret its nature and relationship to Brahman differently.
What does Brahman mean?
Brahman is a major Vedantic term for ultimate reality or the Absolute, although different Vedanta schools explain its nature differently.
What does Moksha mean?
Moksha generally refers to liberation from bondage and the cycle of rebirth. The nature of liberation differs among philosophical traditions.
What does Dhyana mean?
Dhyana is commonly translated as meditation. In Patanjali's system it refers to sustained meditation on an object.
What does Dharana mean?
Dharana is commonly translated as concentration and is the sixth limb in Patanjali's eight-limbed framework.
What does Samadhi mean?
Samadhi refers to profound meditative absorption in yogic literature. Its forms and interpretations should be understood from the particular text and commentary.