Maya (माया), literally “illusion” or “magic”, has multiple meanings in Indian philosophies depending on the context. Maya also connotes that which “is constantly…
Introspection (आत्मनिरीक्षण) is the examination of one’s conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology, the process relies on the observation of one’s mental state,…
Sage Ashtavakra (ऋषि अष्टावक्र) or Ushtaavukruhu is a revered Vedic sage in Hinduism. His name literally means “eight deformities”, reflecting…
Atman (आत्मन्) is a Sanskrit word that refers to the (universal) Self or self-existent essence of individuals, as distinct from ego (Ahamkara), mind (Chitta)…
Brahma (ब्रह्मा) is a Hindu God, referred to as “the Creator” within the Trimurti, the trinity of supreme divinity that includes Vishnu and Shiva. In some Puranas, he created himself…
Brahman (ब्रह्मन्) in Hinduism connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe. In major schools of Hindu philosophy, it is…
Yoga (योग) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India. Yoga-like practices…
Sannyasa Upanishads (सन्यास उपनिषद) are a group of minor Upanishads of Hinduism related to renunciation, monastic practice, and asceticism. There are…
The Taittirīya Upanishad (तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद्) is a Vedic era Sanskrit text, embedded as three chapters (adhyāya) of the Yajurveda. It is a mukhya (primary, principal) Upanishad, and likely composed…
The Shvetashvatara Upanishad (श्वेताश्वतरोपनिषद्) is an ancient Sanskrit text embedded in the Yajurveda. It is listed as number 14 in the Muktika canon of…