Tantra Dictionary - A Repository of Common Terms and Meanings used in Tantra

 




A

Ahimsa: the first principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: simple kindness. Literal meaning is "nonharm."

Ajina Chakra: the sixth chakra; literal meaning is "perception plexus."

Anahata Chakra: the fourth chakra; literal meaning is "pure plexus."

Annamaya Kosa: the first layer of the mind (which is the body); literal meaning is "made of food."

Aparigraha: the fifth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: simplicity. Literal meaning is "nonacquisition."

Asana(s): physical exercises that harmonize the glandular system and thus can make the body fit for meditation.

Asteya: the third principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: responsibility. Literal meaning is "nontheft."

Atimanasa Kosa: the supramental layer of mind; literal meaning is "higher mind."

Aunkara (Aum): the sound of creation; sometimes heard in deep meditation. "A" is the creation, "U" is the maintenance of

balance, ''M(a)" is the destructive force.

Astaunga Yoga: an eightfold system of yoga practice organized by the sage Patanjali in India, based on earlier work by the

yoga master Astavarka. Literal meaning of astaunga is "eight parts."


B

Babanam Kevalam: a universal mantra used in chanting and meditation, meaning "all is one." (Babanam means "the name

of the Creator"; Kevalam means "is all there is.")

Brahma: the infinite consciousness from which everything arises.

Brahmachakra: the cycle of creation; the movement of consciousness from its infinite state into matter and then from the

dense to the subtle, merging again in pure consciousness.

Babanam Kevalam: a universal mantra used in chanting and meditation, meaning "all is one." (Babanam means "the name

of the Creator"; Kevalam means "is all there is.")

Brahma: the infinite consciousness from which everything arises.

Brahmachakra: the cycle of creation; the movement of consciousness from its infinite state into matter and then from the

dense to the subtle, merging again in pure consciousness.

Brahmacharya: the fourth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: perceiving everything as an expression of the Creator.

Literal meaning is "to follow God."


C

Chakra(s): nuclei located throughout the body's subtle structure; foci of psychic energy.


D

Dharma: "innate tendency," that which propels every living being toward oneness with the Creator.


G

Guru: "that which dispels darkness," according to Tantra, the only true Guru is infinite consciousness.

Guru Puja: the practice of surrendering all our fears and desires to the higher self after meditation.


H

Hiranyamaya Kosa: the subtle causal or "superconscious" layer of mind; literal meaning is "golden."


I

Iishvara Pranidhana: the tenth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: spirituality. Literal meaning is "taking shelter in the

Supreme Being."

Iccha Shakti: spiritual force developed by meditation and right conduct.


K

Kama: limited desires.

Kamamaya Kosa: the conscious layer of mind; literal meaning is "desire."

Karma: the result of samskaras; the reaction experienced as a result of actions and desires.

Kaoshikii: a dancing exercise that vitalizes the body, focuses the mind, and strengthens the will.

Kosa(s): the layers of the mind.

Kundalini: spiritual energy residing in every living being.


M

Manipura Chakra: the third chakra; literal meaning is "fiery plexus."

Manomaya Kosa: the subconscious layer of mind; literal meaning is "mental."

Mantra: a collection of sound vibrations used as a focus in meditation.

Muladhara Chakra: the first chakra; literal meaning is "root plexus."


N

Nadii(s): psychic pathways that channel energy through the chakras.

Niyama: five healthy practices that compose half of the Tantric Code of Ethics.


P

Prana: vital energy.

Pranayama: control of the vital energy through the practice of meditation with breathing exercises.

Pranendriya: the "sixth sense;" actually a type of psychic organ that regulates mental and physical functions.

Prema: limitless love.


R

Rajadhiraja Yoga: the first known teachings of yoga master Astavarka in India, 2,000 years ago. Literal meaning of

rajadhiraja: is "king of kings."

Rjuta: straightforwardness in character; a quality developed through proper meditation and right conduct.

Rta: the absolute truth, with or without the spirit of kindness.


S

Sadhana: meditation; literal meaning is "the effort that brings enlightenment."

Sahasrara Chakra: the seventh chakra; literal meaning is "thousand-petaled lotus plexus."

Samadhi: a state achieved in meditation, wherein one experiences oneness with the Creator.

Samskara(s): inborn, acquired, or imposed reactive momenta from past thoughts and actions, stored in the mind and

expressed as "fate."

Santosa: the seventh principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: acceptance. Literal meaning is "with contentment."

Satya: the second principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: honesty. Literal meaning is "truth with the spirit of kindness."

Shakti: "operative principle;" that which binds infinite consciousness to finite form.

Shaoca: the sixth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: clarity. Literal meaning is "clean."

Shiva: infinite consciousness, unbound; also, the name of a great Tantric Guru who lived in ancient India.

Susumna: the "psychic canal" through which the kundalini energy is channeled.

Svadhisthana Chakra: the second chakra; literal meaning is "sweet plexus."

Svadhyaya: the ninth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: understanding. Literal meaning is "study of Self."


T

Tantra: the ancient spiritual discipline upon which yoga is based.

Tapah: the eighth principle of the Tantric Code of Ethics: service. Literal meaning is "penance or sacrifice."


V

Vijinanamaya Kosa: the subliminal layer of mind; literal meaning is "special knowledge."

Vishuddha Chakra: the fifth chakra; literal meaning is "purification plexus."

Vrtti(s): psychic propensities, such as lust, hope, etc., located within and controlled by the chakras.


Y

Yama: five acts of integrity that compose half of the Tantric Code of Ethics.

Yoga: "union" of the self with infinite consciousness; the practices that bring that union, including the eight parts of

Austaunga Yoga as given by the sage Patanjali.

Yogi: practitioner of yoga.