Mahabharata Translates to the Great Story of the Bharatas

The Mahabharata (महाभारत) is one of the two major Smriti texts and Sanskrit epics of ancient India revered in Hinduism, the other being the Ramayaṇa. It narrates the events and…

Gheranda Samhita is Attributed to the Sage Gheranda

Gheranda Samhita (घेरंड संहिता) is a Sanskrit text of Yoga in Hinduism. It is one of the three classic texts of hatha yoga (the…

Shiva Samhita is Attributed to the Hindu Deity Shiva

Shiva Samhita (शिव संहिता) is a Sanskrit text on yoga, written by an unknown author. The text consists of five…

Goraksha Shataka is Traditionally Attributed to the Sage Gorakshanath

The Goraksha Shataka (गोरक्ष शतक) is an early text on Haṭha yoga text from the 11th-12th century, attributed to the sage Gorakṣa.…

Artha is One of the Four Goals of Human Life

Artha (अर्थ) is one of the four goals or objectives of human life in Hindu traditions. It includes career, skills,…

Anapanasati Meditation Focuses on the Breath to Develop Mindfulness

Anapanasati meditation (अनापानसती ध्यान), meaning “mindfulness of breathing”. Anāpāna refers to inhalation and exhalation), Sati means mindfulness, and meditation means Dhyana, which is paying attention to the…

Maitri and Metta Refers to Benevolence Towards all Beings

Maitri (मैत्री) or Metta (मेटा) means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, goodwill, and active interest in others. It is the first of the four sublime states…

Aparokshanubhuti is the Direct, Non-Mediated Experience

The Aparokshanubhuti (अपरोक्षनुभूति) is a work attributed to Adi Shankara, though his authorship is doubtful. It is a popular introductory work…

Black Magic is Used for Evil and Selfish Purposes

Black magic (काला जादू) has traditionally referred to using supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes. The links and interactions between black magic…

Brahma Sutras is Attributed to the Sage Badarayana

The Brahma Sutras (ब्रह्म सूत्र), also known as the Vedanta Sutra (वेदान्त सूत्र) Shariraka Sutra (शारिरक सूत्र), and Bhikshu Sutra (भिक्षु सूत्र), are a Sanskrit…