Vedānta Glossary

The absolute, infinite, and non-dual reality

The essential self — individual consciousness identical to Brahman

The creative power that manifests the universe of names and forms

Liberation — the end of the cycle of suffering, recognizing oneself as Brahman

Fundamental ignorance — not knowing who you are

The Lord — Brahman seen as creator and ruler of the universe

Absolute fullness — the nature of Brahman as bliss

Direct knowledge of reality — the only means for mokṣa

Apparent — neither real nor unreal, dependent on Brahman

Vital force — the energy that sustains all manifestation of life

The cycle of birth and death — the continuous flow of existence

Quality of clarity and purity — one of the three guṇas

Cosmic order, duty, righteousness, universal law

Action and its invisible result (adṛṣṭa)

Non-violence — absence of intention to cause harm

Grounded trust — placing trust in truth

Teacher who removes the darkness of ignorance

The final knowledge of the Vedas — the portion dealing with self-knowledge

Sacred texts that reveal the knowledge of Brahman

The song of the Lord — dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna

The sense of individuality — 'the maker of I'

Devotion — intelligent and loving participation in Īśvara

Instrument of the mind — sacred sound that leads to silence

The primordial syllable — sonic symbol of Brahman

Union — the means to recognize your true nature