Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Papiha (Devanagari: पपीहा; ISO 15919: papīhā) refers to the black cuckoo bird. Characteristics This bird is known for not building its own nest. Instead, it lays its eggs in the nests of crows, leaving the mother crow to raise its offspring. Literary Significance In Indian literature, its call is
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Paniniya Shiksha (Devanagari: पाणिनीय शिक्षा ; ISO 15919: pāṇinīya śikṣā ) is a philosophical system of Sanskrit grammar authored by Sage Panini. It comprises 4,000 aphorisms derived from Lord Shiva and is acclaimed as the most complete text on the science of language. Further Reading and
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
panghata (Devanagari: पनघट ISO15919: panaghata) refers to a community water source, such as a riverbank or a well, where people traditionally gather to collect water. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: panghat * Reference: Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
nyochhavar (Devanagari: न्योछावर ; ISO 15919: nyōchāvara) refers to the act of offering something of value—such as money or oneself—out of deep reverence or affection. While it often denotes a sacrificial offering made for the welfare of a beloved, in a broader sense, it implies a
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Nishtha (Devanagari: निष्ठा; ISO 15919: niṣṭhā) refers to unwavering steadfastness toward the Guru, the path revealed by him, and the chosen Deity. In the gradual progression of devotion—specifically while moving from Sadhana Bhakti toward Bhava Bhakti—the attainment of this steady state is recognized as the fifth
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
nishkamata (Devanagari: निष्कामता ISO15919: niṣkāmatā) signifies the abandonment of selfish desires. It is one of the fundamental pillars of Sadhana Bhakti. Without nishkamata, the practice of devotion becomes akin to taking "one step forward and two steps back." This is because spiritual progress is negated
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Nirvikalpa (Devanagari: निर्विकल्प; ISO 15919: nirvikalpa) refers to a state free of all mental activity. The primary function of the mind (Antahkarana) is to weigh pros and cons. When the mind enters a state where it ceases to perform this function, it is termed Nirvikalpa. Further
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Niranjana (Devanagari: निरंजन ISO15919: niraṁjana) means having no attachment. Niranjana is often used for Nirakara Brahm as well as for accomplished jnanis. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: Niranjan * Related Concepts: Dahara Vidya, Daharakash Vigyan, Types of Gyanis * Reference: Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Nirakara brahm (Devanagari: निराकार ब्रह्म ; ISO 15919: nirākāra brahma) is the formless and non-perceivable existence of the Absolute Truth. This is the Divine light the emanates from the divine body of Shri Krishna. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: nirakar * Related Concepts: aishvaryanand, bhagavan, Bhagavan
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
Nirgunvadini richa (Devanagari: निर्गुणवादिनी ऋचा; ISO 15919: nirguṇavādinī r̥cā) refers to those Mantras in the Vedas that assert the God has no attributes and no form. These mantras categorically assert that God (Brahm) has no material qualities so He is imperceptible with material senses.
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
nihshaktika (Devanagari: निःशक्तिक ; ISO 15919: niḥśaktika) signifies being "absolutely devoid of energy." It is a term often used by Jnanis to describe Brahm (the Absolute). Theological Correction According to Jagadguruttam Swami Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj , this interpretation of Vedanta is inaccurate. Nirakar Brahm (Formless God)
Bhakti Siddhant Glossary
nididhyasana (Devanagari: निदिध्यासन ISO15919: nididhyāsana) refers to the sincere practice of following the teachings of the path of knowledge (Jnana Marg). It is identified as the seventh stage, or Bhoomika (Devanagari: भूमिका; ISO 15919: bhūmikā), of Jnana Marg. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: