Yoge, Magic, Meditation

Yoga

It aims to unite the body, mind, and spirit through techniques such as posture (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and ethical guidlines.

Samsara

the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.

Thich Nhat Hanh

A Vietnamese Zen master, author, and peace activist known for his teachings on mindfulness and compassion.

Moksha

the liberation from the cycle of samsara, achieving union with the divine or ultimate reality.

Atman

the individual self or soul in Hindu philosophy, believed to be eternal and the true essence of a person.

Brahman

the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism, representing the source and essence of the universe.

Om

the primordial sound or vibration that represents the essence of the universe in Hinduism, often used as a sacred chant.

Maya

the illusion or deceptive appearance of the physical world in Hindu philosophy, which obscures the true nature of reality.

Mara

the demon or obstacle representing desire, attachment, and distraction in Buddhist philosophy, often associated with temptation on the path to enlightenment.

Three Poisons and animal sybols

a pig for ignorance, a rooster for desire, and a snake for aversion. 3 root causes of suffering

Axial Age

a period from 800 to 200 BCE when major philosophical developments occurred across various cultures, including ideas on spirituality and human existence.

Sense

In Buddhism, the senses (āyatana) refer to the six faculties through which beings perceive and interact with the world

James Frazier

"The Golden Bough," which explores the connections between cultural practices and belief systems. Magic evolves into religion, and then science

Yogi

a practitioner of yoga who seeks spiritual insight and enlightenment through meditation and discipline.

yogacara

an influential tradition in Buddhism philosophy and psychology emphasizing cognition, perception, and con

Warriors

in traditional Indian culture, warriors who practice yoga and meditation to gain mental clarity and strength.

Eyes of the yogi

are considered to be able to perceive deeper truths and dimensions of reality beyond ordinary sight, often associated with heightened intuition and awareness.

Altered state of consciousness

is a mental state that differs significantly from standard waking consciousness, often achieved through meditation, yoga, or other practices to reach deeper self-awareness.

Shamans

are spiritual practitioners who use rituals, meditation, and altered states of consciousness to connect with the spirit world, seek guidance, and heal.

Kisa Gotami

was a figure in Buddhist teachings known for her profound experience of loss and her discovery of the nature of life and death, leading to enlightenment.

Six realms

represent the different types of existence and states of being in Buddhist cosmology, which include gods, demigods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings.

Koan

is a paradoxical statement, riddle, or question used in Zen Buddhism to provoke deep thought and facilitate enlightenment.

Zen

is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, personal insight, and direct experience of reality.

Yoga sutra

is a collection of aphorisms compiled by the sage Patanjali that outline the philosophical and practical foundations of yoga, including meditation, ethical conduct, and spiritual insight.

Patanjali

is an ancient Indian sage traditionally credited with authoring the Yoga Sutras, which serve as a foundational text for the philosophy and practice of yoga.

Upanishads

are ancient Indian texts that explore the philosophical concepts underlying Hindu thought, emphasizing meditation, morality, and the nature of reality.

Shamatha

a form of calming meditation aimed at developing focus and tranquility.

Vipassana

is a form of insight meditation that emphasizes awareness of the present moment and the observation of thoughts and sensations.

Pranayama

is a practice in yoga that involves the regulation of breath to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Asana

is a physical posture practiced in yoga to promote strength, flexibility, and balance.