Ashram
Sacred dwelling of spiritual seekers under the guidance of a Guru, or spiritual Master.
A_Category, Spirituality
A_Category, Hatha_Yoga, Spirituality
Ashtanga Yoga
The eight limbs, or disciplines, of yoga: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, as described by sage Patanjali.
A_Category, Spiritual_Beings
Ashtavakra
One with eight deformities. An ancient spiritual master par excellence.
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Akka
Lit. Sister – a respectful way of addressing a woman, in the Tamil language. Here, it refers to a saint popularly known as Akka Mahadevi – a 12th century Queen in Karnataka, who renounced everything to go in search of Shiva, her celestial husband. Akka is known for her spiritual couplets, which are revered even today as classic poetry.
A_Category, Hinduism
Atharva Veda
Last of the four Vedas, that expounds the technology of using physical energy to one’s advantage.
A_Category, Spirituality, Time
Amavasya
The new moon – the darkest night of the month. The planetary positions of the earth and moon have long been made use of by spiritual seekers in India to enhance their spiritual practices.
A_Category
Amman temple
Refers to temples which have feminine deities, a place of worship of Kali or Shakthi. Often used in occult practices.
A_Category, Kriya_Yoga, Mysticism
Anahata chakra
The fourth chakra, known as the ‘lotus of the heart’ or the ‘heart chakra’, it has been recognized as a special locus of the sacred within the human body. Celebrated as the scat of the Divine, the centre is related to emotion and love.