Questions tagged [terminology]
For questions about terms and jargon used in Hinduism.
135 questions
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What does the expression "kalpa bheda" mean?
I see this expression a lot to explain seeming contradictions in puranas. kalpa-bheda could mean difference between kalpas - does that mean all puranic stories happen repeatedly from one kalpa to the ...
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Are Merkaba and Sri Yantra the same thing?
I was reading an article about Merkaba and it says:
A merkaba is a star tetrahedron, a three dimensional 8 pointed star
made from two triangular pyramids, one pointing up and the other down.
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What is the definition of Veda?
What is the definition of Veda?
I listen to the following two lines but could not understand. And like to know.
"to know" is Veda. How?
"Veda is Akhand" what does it mean?
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Is hetuvāda now a derogatory term? In what context did Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata use the word?
The Monier Williams dictionary defines hetuvāda as:
हेतु--वाद
m. a statement of reasons or arguments, assigning a cause, disputation MBh. R.
I see two sources next to the meaning:
MBh. ...
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Do any Hindu scriptures say that Hinduism is not a religion but simply a way of life?
I have seen in many answers here that a lot of people have this notion that Hinduism is a way of life (as opposed to a well-defined religion. I find this notion amusing because I think Hinduism is ...
user12262
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What's the meaning & relevance of LIC logo "yogakshemam vahamyaham"? [closed]
What's the philosophy of "yogakshemam vahamyaham" & how is it relevant to LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India)?
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते | तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां यो...
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What is the difference between -- "Hypnotism" and "Divya Drushti" granted to Arjuna by Krishna?
Currently, not much information is available about Hypnotism in Hinduism .SE.
Let's draw parallels between Krishna granting Divya Drushti to Arjuna [BG 11.8] and the typical Hypnotism (Vashikarana) ...
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What was the name of 'Hindustan' before 'Bharat'?
Well I know that 'Hindustan' was called 'Bharat' after the name of king Bharat, but curious to know what was the ancient name prior to that?
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What is the difference between Devas and Asuras? [duplicate]
Devas are the benevolent and asuras are manevolent. Asuras used to take captive of Devas. Other than this, any historical comparison to devas and asuras?
What are the meanings of these terms?
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What is "Brahm" in "Brahmacharya"? How does it relate to celibacy?
My perception was that, "Brahm"(ब्रह्म) in "Brahmacharya"(ब्रह्मचर्य) is the same "Brahm", which is referred in Gita at many places. In this site, we mainly refer it as "Brahman" (ब्रह्मन्). And "...
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Who is a pasandi?
The word ''Pasandi'' comes numerous times in the Chaitanya Charitamrita while ISKCON uses the word to describe ''devotees of demigods''. What is the meaning of this word according to the scriptures?
user9969
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What is the relation between Niti , Nyaya and Dharma?
Ruling Lands of great Kings are said to be complete in Niti , Nyaya and Dharma without any decline.
While solving problems, these three must be there in judgement and one must only live considering ...
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What is Purva Mimansa Arthavada
Arthavada is a term associated with the least famous Purva Mimansa established by Rishi Jaimini.
What is Arthavada and how does Uttara Mimansa counteract against this Arthavada?
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Can present day teachers be considered as Gurus?
From Mahabaratha, Ramayana we find Guru's like Dronacharya, Viswamitra, Sandipani etc.,
It is emphasized many times in Mahabaratha that Guru should be respected well. If a person humiliates/ ...
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Sanatana dharma or Hindu [duplicate]
From somewhere I came to know 'Hindu' is a geographical word, it is not a religious one. Original word is 'Sanatana'. Is it true?
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Difference between Danam and Dharma?
What is the difference between danam and dharma I cannot find out the difference in any of the scriptures as Karna is called the dana warrior and Yudhishthira is called of dharma
Can anyone help me.......
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Why is Brahma referred as Viranchi in Scriptures?
In some scriptures Brahma is referred as Viranchi (विरञ्चि):
Whenever I see sun raising in early morning, following mantra automatically pops out from my mind/month:
नमः सवित्रे जगदेकचक्षुषे । ...
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Definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana
Bhagavan is a term which is commonly used,by several traditions. What is the definition of Bhagavan as per Vishnu Purana?
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Aesthetics in Hinduism
Is there a branch of philosophy in Hinduism about aesthetics? By aesthetics I mean the western notions of the term as we currently understand to be one of the main branches of western philosophy. I do ...
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What is the significance of or symbolism behind AjanubAhu (आजानुबाहु)?
This wiki article describes AjanubAhu as
a person, whose length of arms is so that his finger touch his knee
It also claims that many Hindu Gods, saints, kings or great warriors are AjanubAhu.
Is ...
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What is Adhyatma (spiritual)?
I am looking for a precise scriptural definition of Adhyatma (अध्यात्म) which is also known as spiritual in English.
So, Let me ask relevant questions:
What is the definition (meaning) of Adhyatma?
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What is Turiya and how can we realize it?
While reading Vivekachudamani, commentaries on some of the Mukhya Upanishads, (Jnaneshwari) Bhagavad Gita & Yoga Vasistha, I found that they are talking about the different state of Chitt viz. ...
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What is the difference between mercy and pity?
I am approaching this from the personality traits daya and krupa as emphasised in Hindu culture. I understand that "mercy" or krupa is a more sublime trait, as opposed to daya which is more everyday ...
whytv
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What are Avidya, Maya and Ignorance according to Advaita?
According to Advaita, I want to get a clear understanding of the following terms:
Avidya
Maya
Ignorance
What are Avidya, Maya, and Ignorance? And what is the difference/relationship between them?
In ...
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What is the difference between ISHWAR AND BHAGWAN? [duplicate]
I want to know what is difference between ishwar & bhagwan?
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Are Kumbha Mela and Pushkara same?
I am confusing between Pushkara and Kumbha Mela.
From Wikipedia I understand Pushkara and Kumbha Mela.
Pushkara: Each river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the river for each
year's ...
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Origin of Hindu calendar
The Hindu calendar is based on the Lunisolar calendar. There are 12 months in it.
Month names of Lunisolar calendar:
Chaitra
Vaiśākha
Jyeṣṭha
Āṣhāḍha
Śhrāvaṇa
Bhādrapada
Āśhvina
Kārtika
Mārgaśīrṣa
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What is Purascharana and how is it done?
I have a few questions about Purascharana.
Can Purascharana be initiated even without a guru?
Should the mantra be repeated fixed number of times daily? What if there is a variation in the no. of ...
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Meaning of Sadhu, Sant, Rishi and Muni
Do Sadhu, Sant, Rishi and Muni mean the same thing? How are these terms defined?
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Differences between "Ishwar" and "Bhagvan"?
We Hindus often hear the words "ishwar" and "bhagvan" . What are the differences between these two words?
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Why is India also called Bharata?
Sanatana Dharma originated in India. India also has another name: "Bharata/Bharathavarsha". The term ArshaBharata culture is commonly used for pointing out the Sanatana Dharma in South India. How did ...
user11
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What is the difference between dharma and religion?
Hinduism is called "Dharma" unlike Christianity or Islam, which are called "religions".
My question is: What is the difference between Dharma and Religion?
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What is the purpose of the caste system? How has it changed?
I understand there is a caste system on the basis of occupation. What is the reason for having such a classification system?
Has the original concept stayed the same or has it evolved over time (if ...
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What is "Moksha" in Hinduism?
I have heard the word "Moksha" in Hinduism. I know it is related to death and birth. What exactly it is?
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What is the origin of the word "Hindu"?
It is a fact that the term "Hindu" derives from the river "Sindh". But most of Hinduism's tenets and teachings derive from the Vedas. Why wasn't it named after the Vedas, but it's rather given a name ...
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