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Glossary Spirituality in India

Om or Aum?

Summary “Om” or “Aum” is a sacred sound with deep spiritual and cultural significance in Indian traditions. It represents the ultimate reality or divine essence. Chanting or saying “Om” is believed to facilitate spiritual growth, self-realization, and connection with the divine. The benefits of chanting “Om” include relaxation, stress reduction, improved focus, and a sense […]

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Glossary

Maya – It’s all an illusion!

In Indian philosophy, Maya represents an illusion, suggesting that our sensory perceptions of the world may not reflect its true nature. To transcend Maya, one must cultivate detachment and seek deeper truths through practices like meditation and self-reflection. Maya conceals reality, causing separation and ignorance, impeding spiritual enlightenment until one pierces through its veil to recognize their inherent divinity. This understanding leads to realizing Brahman—an immutable, supreme reality underlying the universe—and achieving liberation from the cycle of suffering and illusion.

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Glossary

What is Dharma?

Dharma is the guiding force behind living with purpose and integrity. Learn how this ancient concept from Indian philosophy helps shape our duties and actions, leading to a more harmonious and meaningful life.

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Glossary

Samsara – is our existence an endless cycle?

Summary The concept of Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings are believed to go through. According to this belief, a person’s actions and thoughts in their current life determine their future experiences, including their next birth. This cycle continues indefinitely until the individual is able to break […]

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Glossary

Karma is a what?

Karma teaches that every action, thought, and intention has consequences, shaping our present and future lives. By understanding and applying Karma’s principles, we can cultivate a life of virtue, integrity, and personal growth, ultimately striving for liberation from the cycle of Samsara.

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Glossary

What is Moksha?

Moksha in Indian philosophies represents liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Achieved through spiritual practices, it culminates in eternal peace and unity with the divine. Karma influences the cycle, with actions affecting future lives. Moksha and Buddhism’s Nirvana both aim for the transcendence of worldly existence and the realization of spiritual truths. Dharma and Karma are critical for attaining Moksha, with Karma dictating the spiritual journey and Dharma guiding righteous living.

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Glossary

Languages!

India is a linguistically diverse country with over 1.3 billion people speaking more than 19,500 languages and dialects. However, according to the 2011 Census of India, the total number of mother tongues spoken in the country is 1,369. Out of these, the top 10 most widely spoken languages in India are: (Image Source for the […]

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Glossary

What is Sanskrit?

What is Sanskrit? Where does it come from? Sanskrit is an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the oldest and most influential languages in the world, and has had a profound impact on many other languages and cultures, particularly those of Europe and South Asia. Sanskrit is believed originated in the […]