माया Maya (magic/dream/illusion) Maya Definition In yogic philosophy, Maya is a term that means illusion. More specifically, the illusion that the world is the way it seems when we perceive it through our senses. It refers to the things that we, as humans, think are real, but are not. Though, as we will explore, different … Read more
सत्सङ्ग Sat (truth) + Sang (together) Satsang Definition There may be no older term for a spiritual gathering than satsang, or satsanga, a Sanskrit word derived from: Sat – truth, being, reality, purity, and; Sang – association, together, community, fellowship. It is sometimes understood to mean a sacred gathering or spiritual congregation. At its core, … Read more
गुरु Guru (heavy/venerable) Guru definition Guru, meaning heavy in Sanskrit, refers to a teacher. Heavy can be thought of as a figure who has more understanding, more knowledge, and thus, by virtue of their wisdom, is heavy or a heavyweight. The root, gṝ is used to form words such as gArayate, which means ‘to know’ … Read more
समाधि maha (great) + samadhi (total self-collectedness) Mahasamadhi Definition Mahasamadhi is the Great Samadhi, the final stage of absorptive meditation in which one integrates with the Divine. Mahasamadhi deep dive Mahasamadhi is the process during which a yogi voluntarily leaves the body, in the final stage of fully absorbing oneself into the Absolute. It is … Read more
सिद्धि Siddhi (fulfillment/perfection) Siddhi Definition Siddhis are supernatural powers or spiritual abilities that are attained through the dedicated practices of yoga. siddhi deep dive Yoga Sutras Practitioners of yoga and meditation can develop siddhis, or advanced capabilities, through rigorous sadhana (spiritual practice). These occur involuntarily, whether you have an intention of developing them or not. … Read more