बोधिसत्त्व Bodhi (enlightenment) + Sattva (being) Bodhisattva Definition Within Buddhism a bodhisattva is an ordinary person who has chosen to walk the path of the Buddha – towards bodhi or awakening. A bodhisattva is a person dedicated to “their own awakening to the benefit of all others.” There are some famous bodhisattvas but anyone can … Read more
बगलामुखी The crane-headed Bagalamukhi Definition The eighth personification of the Mahavidya, a group of ten tantric goddesses, Bagalamukhi is the one who ‘paralyzes enemies’. She is also known as Bagalā as well as Pitambari in North India. Bagalamukhi deep dive Mythology Representing the divine feminine, or Shakti’s, hypnotic power, the Goddess is said to be … Read more
बन्धु Bandhu (kinship) Bandhu Definition Bandhu is the Sanskrit term that means relation, kinship, or friend. These words all refer to a type of connection between yourself and another living being. In Hindu teachings, Bandhu is about respect and, most notably, the connection of source to every living thing. The source in the frame of yoga … Read more
बद्ध Baddha (bound/fastened/combined) Baddha Definition Baddha is a Sanskrit word meaning “bound,” “fastened,” or “combined.” This “fastening” implies firmness, as Baddha is sometimes rendered “ensnared,” “trapped,” or “tied.” It is often used to describe yoga asanas (postures) where the hands, feet, or hands and wrists, are strongly joined, such as Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose), … Read more
Babaji (revered elder/guru) Babaji Definition Babaji, also commonly known as Mahavatar Babaji, is the name of an ageless Indian siddha yogi said to reside somewhere in the Himalayas. He is said to have discipled some of the most prominent spiritual teachers of the 19th and 20th Century, including Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar Giri, and Paramahansa … Read more