Terminology
Adi Shankar
Also called Shankaracharya; founder of the Ancient Swami Order; codifier of yogic teachings; swamis, spiritual teachers in the yogic tradition, still carry names from his family tree, his lineage
Advaita Vedanta
Oneness, not-twoness, a culmination of teachings of truth; yogic scriptures as seen and passed down by ancient rishis or seers and by and in living lineages
Atman
the light of Soul, ultimately one with the Supreme
Aum (or Om)
the creative power of the universe
Brahman
the supreme, the infinite, the limitless, the eternal Reality that you, I, we, and all are forever
Darshan
vision, seeing, inviting the Divine to reveal Itself
Divine Mother
Life itself, named in various traditions as the Virgin Mother, the Tao, Quan Yin, Mother Earth, Durga
The Virgin Mother/Mary: the one who says to the Divine, “Let it be done to me as you say, according to your will”—an example of absolute purity and humility, an ego-free being here to serve as a divine instrument
The Tao: all of Life, and a way to realize and live in balance, harmony, fullness, joy, success, and simplicity
Quan Yin: healing, mercy, compassion, the one who hears and responds to all tears
Mother Earth: the planet we walk upon; the interconnectedness of all life, the recognition that there is a natural give and take with all of life; we cannot receive without also giving; we live in grace and beauty, as gift from the Divine
Durga: divine protector, embodiment of strength and beauty, protects what is glorious and vanquishes negativity
Gods
In the yogic stories, these energies represent aspects we all can choose to cultivate or transform; gods represent and make possible divine qualities.
Mantra
Sacred syllables that activate and uplift energy
Satsang
A gathering in the company of truth, expressed in/through/as sacred scripture and teachings, meditation community, pure Love or the Reality that is present everywhere always.