Aura Refers to a Subtle, Invisible Energy Field

Aura (आभा) most commonly refers to: Aura (paranormal), a purported field of luminous multi-colored radiation around a person or object,…

Shaiva Siddhanta is one of the Oldest Continuous Shaiva Traditions

Shaiva Siddhanta (शैव सिद्धांत) is a form of Shaivism from South India and Sri Lanka that propounds a dualistic philosophy where the ultimate and…

Yogini is a Supernatural Female Deity Associated With Shakti

A yogini (योगिनी) is a female master practitioner of tantra and yoga, as well as a formal term of respect for female Hindu…

Rudrayamala is Considered one of the Most Important Sanskrit Tantric Texts

The Rudrayamala (रुद्रयामल), also known as Rudra Yamala (रुद्र यमला), Rudra-Yamala, or Parātriṁśaka, is considered one of the most important Sanskrit Tantric texts. It is…

Kashmir Shaivism Teaches that Shiva is the One Ultimate Reality

Kashmir Shaivism (कश्मीर शैव धर्म) is a 20th-century umbrella term for a body of Sanskrit exegetical literature from several non-dualist Shaiva-Shakta tantric and monistic…

Tantraloka Literally Means the Light on the Tantras

Tantraloka (तन्त्रलोक) is a treatise of Abhinavagupta, a writer and philosopher of the Kashmir Shaivism school of Hindu philosophy. The Tantraloka…

Turiya Refers to the Fourth State of Consciousness

In Hindu philosophy, Turiya (तुरीय), also referred to as chaturiya or chaturtha, is the true self (atman) beyond the three common states of consciousness…

Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is a Shiva Tantra

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra (विज्ञान भैरव तंत्र) is a Shiva Tantra of the Kaula Trika tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, possibly authored by Guru…

Matsara Serves as a Guidepost for Inner Growth

Matsara (मत्सर) is a Buddhist/Hindu term translated as “stinginess” or “miserliness”. It is defined as being incapable of enjoying one’s…

Mada Leads to the Corruption of the Mind

Mada (मद) is a term used in both Hindu theology and mythology and is one of the Arishadvargas. It refers…