Glossary of Select Spiritual and Esoteric Terms
A Course in Miracles -- In current times, a teaching that claims to be intimately associated with the Christ-presence. The book is a large volume channeled by Helen Schucman, a research psychologist, between 1965 and 1972, and is a densely written intellectual masterpiece, and though its languaging is masculinized and Judeo-Christian, its teaching is actually far more in affinity with Eastern ways such as Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism, than it is with current forms of Christianity. It represents a radical re-interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, and is Buddhist-like in its insistence on the illusory nature of phenomenological reality. The “Course” has had a substantial impact on many hundreds of thousands for the last quarter of the 20th century, led by such well known popularizers as Kenneth Wapnick, Tara Singh, Gerald Jampolsky, Marianne Williamson, etc., in addition to inspiring the growth of many spiritual communities in North America. The knock against the "Course" has been generally two-fold: one, that the book perhaps unnecessarily uses Christian languaging, and two, that the book appears to downplay the significance of the physical body in spiritual life, though in both cases this is largely a matter of interpretation.
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Adi Da Samraj (1939-) -- Generally thought of as one of the more powerful spiritual Masters of this century, and unique in that he is a Westerner, born in New York state. Has gone by numerous other names, such as Bubba Free John, Da Free John, Da Avabhasa, Da Kalki, etc. His teaching is marked by his style, which is a blend of extraordinary intellectual clarity and radical, highly original insight. He currently resides in his ashram in Fiji, and has had an impact on contemporary Western seekers that has rivaled that of Osho Rajneesh and other prominent 20th century spiritual masters. Adi Da has also come in for some sharp criticism owing to the extreme devotionalism and appearance of subservience of many of his closer followers.
Advaita Vedanta -- The core teaching of esoteric Hinduism. in Sanskrit "Advaita" means "not-two" or "non-dual", having to do with the fundamental idea that duality is an illusion rooted in the projection mechanism of the mind. In other words, all things are a play of the One, separation is ultimately untrue, and all souls are part of an interdependent matrix of existence. Finally, it is understood that awareness or consciousness itself is the only real aspect of unqualified Reality.
Akhenaton -- Eighteenth Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled from approximately 1379 to 1357 BC. Known as the “rebel pharaoh”, he is considered the founder of monotheism by many religious historians. He was originally named Amenhotep IV, but changed his name to Akhenaton (“He who serves Aton”) when he came to power. By the time of his birth Egypt had essentially lost touch with the unity (One God) teachings of their ancestors, having splintered into many cults who payed homage to numerous deities, Amon-Re being the most important. Akhenaton introduced the solar disc deity Aton as the symbol for the Supreme spiritual principle. In the course of this he moved the capital from Thebes (“city of Amon”) 300 miles north, calling it Akhetaton (now Tell el-Amarna). Akhenaton was deeply spiritual and wrote much heart-felt poetry, but his reform efforts led to a decline in Egyptian military power and political stability; after his death, his successor, the boy-king Tutankhamen, returned to Thebes, and handed power back to the Amun priestood. All traces of Akhenaton’s temples were obliterated.
Egyptian statues and sculptures of Akhenaton and his wife Nefertiti are completely unlike all other formally stylized works, so much so that some metaphysical researchers believe that they both originated from another star-system. Drunvulo Melchizedek states that Akhenaton ran a mystery school named the “Right Eye of Horus”, some of the descendents of whom went to Israel and formed the Essene brotherhood, where Jesus was later initiated.
Anatman -- (Sanskrit for "no-self"). The Buddhist teaching that the individual self is essentially void and non-existent, meaning that separative existence is ultimately an illusion. This is a variation of a universal spiritual theme, namely that the ego-system, when penetrated with insight, is understood to be insubstantial and dream-like.
angel/Archangel -- The word "angel" derives from the Latin angelus, denoting a supernatural agency that serves the Divine plan. They have also been associated with messengers, owing no doubt to the winged image, similar to Hermes and Mercury, though angels are (according to the lore) different in that they have never incarnated as humans, and thus have never experienced the ordeal of mastering Free Will. "Archangels" differ greatly in that they supposedly wield enormous responsibilities, being connected to an ancient group of Original Beings, sometimes termed the "Elohim", who according to occult literature implemented the Creator's blueprint for this universe at its inception (that is, its inception in linear space-time -- it is assumed to be understood that Ultimate Reality has no beginning or end in time, being beyond time).
ankh -- Egyptian symbol, an oval surmounting a cross. It means “life” or “living” or “life force”. The circular top represents Spirit, and the cross Matter. As such, the symbol refers to the unity of Spirit and Matter. This is very close to the meanings of the Celtic and Christian cross, and the Hanged Man of the Tarot, as well as the heart of the “Great Work” of Western Hermetic High Magic, and of Buddhist and Hindu Tantra.
archetype -- The original model from which copies are made. As a psychospiritual idea this was developed by Carl Jung, but its origins harken back to the ancient Greek world-view, especially as expressed by Plato, which presupposed an abstract cosmic order underlying all things. Thus behind the physical Moon there is the idea or archetype of "Moon", or Sun, tree, flower, round, square, mother, father, etc. Such a world-view is both useful and potentially problematic, for while it promotes an expanded perspective, it can also remove one subtly from the ground of reality, and direct experiential contact. Western intellectualism, with its Aristotelian and Platonic influences, evolved what Heidegger called "calculative thinking", a powerful tool for harnessing the planet's elements through technology, but which must now be balanced by "contemplative thinking", the beginnings of the ability to apprehend the reality of the moment, and thus awaken a deeper appreciation for the world around us. The concept of "archetype " becomes most useful when used as a tool to gain insight into the workings of one's subconscious mind (through dreams, symbols, etc.) rather than as a springboard to abstract intellectuality that lacks compassion.
astral -- The Latin word for “star”. In the Western occult tradition, especially as popularized by Madame Blavatsky, Charles Leadbeater, and the Theosophical Society, it came to denote the next plane of reality, sometimes called the “fourth dimension”. It is thought to be a dimension one level finer in vibration than ours, and the place that souls traveling out of body visit, during the dream state, and after death. Such traveling has been dubbed "astral projection", "astral travel", or "out-of-body experiences (OOBE)". Without question a great deal of silliness has pervaded this whole area of occult study, but the basic idea of Reality revealing itself in finer and more subtler levels of manifestation the deeper we look into things is valid in itself.
Atlantis -- A legendary island-continent that according to Plato existed somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean between the Caribbean Islands and northern Africa, and went down during one (or more) cataclysms, disappearing without a trace about 10,000 BC. From the point of view of serious spiritual study issues such as Atlantis acquire a kind of satirical mystique to them, but they may be said to represent the part of the human mind that always seeks to believe in something that is greater and more nobler than the gritty and grimey reality of human nature as we commonly know it and the horrors that humanity has indulged in throughout the periods of "known" history. See also "Shamballa".
atman -- In Hindu teachings, the atman is used to refer to the soul or highest essence of a person. Ultimately, this pristine soul is understood to be already one with the Universal Soul (Brahman).
avatar -- Sanskrit for “descent”. It refers to an incarnation of the divine, in human form. In theory, an avatar is different from most self-realized Masters, in that an avatar is born an essentially perfect expression of the divine, and incarnates only for the benefit of humanity. In India, an “avatar” is often used to refer to an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu (the Sustainer). Whether avatars are truly real or not is problematic, as there is no real way to know this with certainty if one does not resort to faith. In the end, an "avatar" is at best a reflection or symbol of our highest potential.
baraka -- An Arabic term that refers to the concentrated spiritual power of a sacred site, that is, a site where many people gathered who were intently focussed on enlightenment or the divine. Although granted, whether one takes "baraka" to represent an actual psychophysical energy or to be merely a symbol of spiritual awakening in almost all cases the "baraka" of a given site of pilgrimage is diluted with the minds of many who are content with simple worship or blind faith in something they accept as being "higher".
Bardo -- The Tibetan word for the "in-between" state. It refers to the realms that consciousness traverses after the death of the physical body. Carl Jung equated it with the collective unconscious of humanity.
In Western occult lore it would be roughly equivalent to the "astral" or "fourth" dimension. From the perspective of enlightenment all dimensions are conceptual contructs only and have no particular significance. In the Tibetan Bardo Thodol, this realization is symbolized by the "deceased one" entering into the Clear Light in which all lesser lights (dimensions) dissolve.
Bhagavad Gita -- Literally, the “Song of God”. The most well-known Hindu holy book, featuring the dialogue between an incarnation of God (Krishna) and a warrior (Arjuna).
bioenergetics -- System of body-based therapy that grew out of Wilhelm Reich’s work, and was developed by Alexander Lowen. As with Reichian therapy it was the foundation of all energy-moving methods that came out of the Human Potential Movement. Bioenergetics deals with the freeing up of the body’s natural energy system, aligning it with the work of Rolfing, Rebirthing, and Primal Therapy. It's based on the general idea that a repressed person by nature has little hope of psychological or spiritual progress in life, and so needs to first free up the blocked energies and repressed feelings stored in the musculature of the body.
Blavatsky, Helena (1831-1891) -- Nineteenth century mystic and occultist famous primarily for co-founding (with Colonel H.S. Olcott) the Theosophical Society in 1875, and for authoring the massive metaphysical books Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine. Her life was extraordinary, marked by world travel, high adventure, off-beat relationships, and a general investigation into the bizarre. Her main claim to fame was her connection with the “Secret Masters” of the Himalayas who, through mystical means, she believed were the primary force behind her books. Theosophy and the Theosophical Society, despite initially floundering, became very successful and still exist to this day. Though few doubted Blavatsky's charismatic impact on people and on the occult world in general, in more recent times she has been ridiculed by some as a superficial seeker of truth at best and a kind of con artist at worst.
Bodhidharma -- Born in India sometime during the 5th century AD, Bodhidharma is considered the first Zen master. He took his tradition of Buddhism to China, where legend has it he spent nine years facing a wall in meditation, before transmitting his teaching to Hui-ko, who became the first Chinese Zen master. Bodhidharma was renowned for his bluntness and lack of interest in diplomacy or sounding politically correct.
Bodhisattva -- A Buddhist term to describe a being who is on their way to full Enlightenment; it also is used to indicate someone who has taken the "Bodhisattva vow", which involves the commitment to serve the Enlightenment of all sentient beings everywhere, prior to one's own final entry into Nirvana. Thus, a Bodhisattva symbolizes someone who is guided and motivated primarily by compassion. Sometimes the term also refers to a fully Enlightened Being who is committed to assisting in the evolution of humanity (see Masters of Wisdom).
Brahma -- The Hindu god of creation, one-third of the Hindu Trinity (the others being Vishnu and Shiva). Not to be confused with Brahman.
Brahman -- The Hindu term for the Absolute Source of all that is. Pure consciousness itself. The mind completely unclouded by deluded thought.
Buddha -- The "historical" Buddha was known prior to his Enlightenment as Siddartha Gautama, born in what is now southern Nepal, in the Himalayan foothills, in about 560 BC. The word "Buddha" translates as "Awakened One". According to Buddhist texts Gautama was not the first Buddha, nor is he expected to be the last. The story of his life is the stuff of classic spiritual legend, being that of a young prince raised in a palace, who becomes satiated with sensual pleasures and luxury, and then sets off on a six year quest, studying with many teachers, before attaining full Realization while sitting in deep meditation under the famous Bodhi tree. He then spent the last 45 years of his life teaching thousands of disciples. The quality of his influence on subsequent generations down through the centuries has perhaps been the purest and most effective of all historical high profile spiritual Masters. Most esoteric teachers generally recognize the depth of Gautama Buddha's Awakening to be unsurpassed by any historical Teacher. Though Buddha's tradition was birthed in north India, it was eventually pushed out of that country by Islamic invaders, and spread throughout China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, Burma, Thailand, and most of south-east Asia. The 20th century has marked its migration to Europe and North America.
Castaneda, Carlos -- Notoriously enigmatic anthropologist and author of the “don Juan” books, detailing his alleged 20-some years apprenticeship to an equally mysterious old Yaqui Indian brujo (shaman). Although some scholars believe the Castaneda works to be fiction, the books for the most part are gripping, highly readable accounts of bona fide shamanistic practices. Many young spiritual seekers of the 1970s were captivated by Castaneda’s vivid deserts of sorcery and intrigue, as background for the brooding, powerful presence of don Juan, and some even went fruitlessly in search of him or men of his like. Physically real or not, he nonetheless was a strong catalytic agent for the spiritual longing and seeking of many hundreds of thousands of people.
Catharism -- Twelfth century European mystical sect that was an offshoot of Gnosticism. By the thirteenth century Cathars had grown sufficiently large in numbers to upset the status quo, and thus in 1208 Pope Innocent III organized a Crusade against them. This war ended in 1229, with the Cathars suffering the fate of many esoteric movements in history, being disbanded, discredited, and labeled “heretics”. In the year 1244 two hundred Cathars were slaughtered in southern France, the culmination of thirty-six years of persecution. Amongst the ideas and tenets held by Catharism that got them in hot water were that the Old Testament God was false, as was the Crucifixion, though they regarded Jesus as an authentic manifestation of the Divine.
catharsis -- The medical definition of "catharsis" is revealing: it means to "evacuate the bowels". Psychologically, it refers to the release of repressed feelings, sometimes with dramatic intensity. The "human potential" movement, originating in the 60s and 70s, featured many therapeutic techniques that involved the cathartic release of feeling and dammed-up energy, such as Primal Therapy, Rebirthing, bioenergetics, Rolfing, etc. For the average person born and raised in a Western culture, some sort of cathartic work is almost always an essential part of the psychospiritual healing process.
chakra -- A Sanskrit word that means "wheel". It refers to major energy centres that exist on the subtle planes and correspond to locations on the physical body. Different systems recognize different numbers of chakras (anywhere from 4 to 13), but the most commonly referred to number is seven. Each one relates to a particular area of psychospiritual qualities, those being, in order from one to seven, the Root (survival, grounding), Sexual (sexuality, emotionality), Power (navel), Love (heart), Truth and expression (throat), Intuition and psychic sensitivity (3rd Eye), and Wisdom (crown). From the point of view of deep spiritual awakening, the existence of the chakras becomes problematic, as they are understood more rightly to be conceptual constructs, even if located on the subtle planes. That is, their existence is irrelevant to the process of enlightenment, which is likely why the Buddha and many great Eastern masters made no mention of them.
Chenrezi -- Tibetan patron saint, said to embody the quintessence of mercy and compassion. He can be thought of as a non-physical Elder (Bodhisattva) who has watched over humankind since ancient times. In India he was known by the Sanskrit name Avalokiteshvara; when his image was absorbed by the Chinese culture there was a gender change, and the Bodhisattva became known as Kuan Yin, essentially the Oriental version of Mother Mary. In Japan the deity became masculine again, and is known as Kannon, the compassionate and virtuous One.
chi -- Chinese Taoist term for the universal "life-force", known in India as "prana" or "kundalini", in the Christian world as the "Holy Spirit", amongst Polynesian shamans as "mannas", etc.
Chief Feature -- A term popularized through the Enneagram Personality system, but having its origins in the Sufi societies of the Middle East. “Chief Feature” refers to the primary blind spot of one’s personality, and the source of suffering for most people. Working with the Chief Feature can be the most challenging and rewarding of all forms of inner work, because it is the Chief Feature that is the most powerful impediment to spiritual awakening.
Christ -- There are many different esoteric interpretations of the life of the extraordinary master who was born in what is today Israel around the year 4 BC, but the general consensus is that there is far more to the story than what is conveyed in the Christian Bible. There is a strong belief in the circles of many Wisdom-seekers that Jesus traveled extensively during the “lost years” (ages 13 to 30) of which the orthodox scriptures are strangely silent, and that those lands probably included Egypt and possibly Persia or even India. Amongst many esoteric ideas is one that claims that Jesus and Christ were two different quantities, as it were, with the full Awakening of Jesus resulted in him becoming a “Christ,” much as Siddartha’s Enlightenment made him a “Buddha.” Whatever the interpretation, the "Christ energy" is generally recognized as that of Divine Love, much as the "Buddha presence" could be said to correspond to Divine Wisdom. In the end, of course, Wisdom and Love are understood to be one and the same.
The tragedy of the life of Christ perhaps lies in the extremely difficult cultural context into which he incarnated, the overall quality of which was vastly inferior to that which Gautama Buddha enjoyed. As a result, the tradition that was developed long after his passing that bore his name (Christianity) was in many ways removed from the essence of Jesus, and in later centuries, after its political institutionalism grew, became directly and indirectly connected to some of the ugliest phenomenons known to our history, such as the Crusades, Inquisitions, countless wars, imperialistic schemes, colonizations, missionary work that was at best ignorant and intolerant of other ways, and at worst lead to genocide, etc.
Chuang Tzu -- Chinese Taoist sage who lived during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Unlike his famous predecessor, Lao Tzu, whose existence cannot be verified, there is conclusive evidence showing that Chuang Tzu was a real person. He is considered by many to have been the greatest Chinese philosopher ever, but he was also a true mystic, embodying the subtlety of the original Taoism (before it became corrupted by supernaturalism), and resisting the drier Confucianist teachings of his time. Chuang Tzu’s writings influenced later Chinese mystics, and it is thought by some that he was a forefather to the Chinese Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist schools that developed centuries later. In a certain respect, the whole Zen tradition was the offspring of the joining of serious, logical Indian Buddhism with the practical, irreverent Taoism so well represented by Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu.
control -- From the point of view of spiritual growth, "control" is generally associated with ego-strategies for maintaining or accumulating "power", though it is not a true power, for it is based largely on manipulation, calculation, and ultimately, fear. Essentially, we control when we suspect that our well-being is being threatened at some level. Sometimes this may be valid, as in the natural defense against an actual physical danger, but psychologically such fear is ultimately based on projections and illusory beliefs.
co-dependent -- A trendy term currently thriving in pop-psychology circles. In a nutshell it refers to different variations of dependency, the deeply ingrained belief that we “need” another in order to experience a fundamental sense of safety and well-being in the universe. All co-dependency stems from a basic loss of an individual connection with the “inner” or spiritual, and the belief that one is hollow inside, needing the other to “plug the hole.” From this one core belief (always brought on from some sort of love-deprivation in early childhood) comes a whole host of related mechanisms for coping with it, including substance abuse, infidelity, or simple avoidance of intimacy (for fear of loss).
Crazy Wisdom -- “Crazy Wisdom”, and “crazy adepts”, are phenomenons that can be found in most major spiritual traditions, such as the “Fools for Christ’s sake”, the Hindu “avadhootas”, the Tibetan “naljorpas”, etc. Superficially, Crazy Wisdom is about expressing the awakened condition freely, spontaneously, and without concern for the reactions of others. But deeper than that it is about embodying a profound grasp of enlightenment, through embracing desire and understanding that the world and spirituality are not separate. This is an aspect of the Tantric attitude par excellence, and hence it is no surprise that the Indian subcontinent is home to the most established Crazy Wisdom traditions.
Crowley, Aleister (1875-1947) -- Probably the most notorious, influential, and at times comical 20th century occultist, renowned for causing the disruption that led to the demise of the Golden Dawn, creating a small Tantric community in Italy, and authoring many influential works, most notably Magick in Theory and Practice, The Book of the Law, and the Thoth Tarot. Despite the perverse fascination many have had with Crowley’s life, which rivaled that of Gurdjieff and Blavatsky for its sense of adventure and the bizarre, in many respects he was simply a valid practitioner of left-hand Tantra (see below), and certainly one of the most erudite and knowledgeable scholars of the mystical path. In some of his writings his intellectual arrogance is obvious, but much of this is probably due to a profound isolation he must have felt (living in rigid Victorian Europe). In 1904 in Egypt he channeled The Book of the Law from Aiwass, his “Guardian Angel”, a small volume that contains the famous maxim “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”. This saying in many respects summarized the essence of the 60s counter-culture “hippie” movement, of which Crowley could be said to have been a patron saint of (up to and including his usage of drugs as a consciousness expanding device). Like Gurdjieff, Crowley’s popularity grew enormously after his demise.
Dalai Lama -- This title has its roots in the Mongolian word "ta-le", meaning "ocean", and translates roughly as "Teacher whose wisdom is as vast as the Ocean". The Dalai Lama has been, since approximately the year 1578, the recognized "God-king" of Tibet. He is the leader of the Yellow Hats (Gelugpa), one of the four main sects of Tibetan Buddhism, and since the mid-17th century had been accorded political power over his country as well. This lasted until the 1959 Chinese invasion, when the current Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) fled to India, where he has lived in exile since. The Dalai Lama is considered to have reincarnated 14 times since the year 1391, and is regarded as an "emanation" (aspect) of Chenrezi, the Tibetan Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion.
Dharma -- Sanskrit for "cosmic law", or "ultimate Truth". The "Dharma" was originally used to refer to the teachings of Gautama Buddha, but he himself was regarded as simply a manifestation of Dharma, which in itself is eternal and undefined by any one teacher, however great. In the West "Dharma" corresponds to the term "Divine Mind".
Dharma combat -- Called hossen in Japanese, this is an encounter between two (in theory) awake people who test each other’s awareness by playing a sort of spontaneous verbal ping-pong match. The idea is not to “win”, but rather to exercise the natural expression of one’s intuitive grasp of the here-and-now.
denial -- The psychological equivalent of this word is "repression". Denial refers to the blockage, either consciously or subconsciously, of some aspect of ourselves. All of us learned the method of denial in childhood, when we received the message that it was not always acceptable for us to express our spontaneous truth. Perceiving ourselves to be dependent upon our elders for survival, we thus learned to repress in order to attempt to meet our survival needs, either physically, emotionally, or mentally. Much of psychospiritual healing is based on reversing denial (through understanding our past conditionings, and gradually liberating the repressed feelings and energy associated with that) as a means to freeing up energy and attention for awakening in the here-and-now.
dhyana -- The word for "meditation" in Sanskrit. Traditional Vedic teachings consider meditation to be the higher form of spiritual learning, above that of intellectual study, doing good deeds, or pilgimages to sacred spots.
dhyani Buddhas -- Five “cosmic” Buddhas who represent the aspects of enlightenment. They are Akshobya (mirror-like wisdom), Ratnsambhava (wisdom of balance), Amitabh (compassion), Amogasiddhi (right action), and Vairochana (supreme, unifying wisdom). The dhyani Buddhas correspond to directions and other psychospiritual functions as well, and bear certain similarities with the Western esoteric system of archangels.
Dogen (1200-1253) -- The first and most important Japanese Zen master, who brought the tradition from China to Japan in 1227. Dogen founded the Soto school of Zen, one of the two main branches still operating today.
dokusan -- A Zen ceremony that involves the seeker being tested of his or her understanding of a particular koan by the Zen master.
Druidism -- An ancient Celtic order of priests, teachers, diviners, and healers. There is very little in the way of comprehensive historical records of this fellowship, but the Order survives today in many neo-pagan communities. Druids were recognized for their spiritual and healing powers, vast knowledge, the use of white robes, and their meetings in forest groves. Druid circles today are actually termed "Groves".
Dzogchen -- A Tibetan tradition that is very similar to certain Chinese and Japanese schools of Zen, and to the Indian teachings of Advaita Vedanta. It is the main teaching of the oldest Tibetan school, the Nyingma. The basis of Dzogchen is that purity of mind and enlightenment already is the case, and need only be recognized. This is understood as the joining of emptiness (shunyata) with clarity, the realization of our natural condition which has always been here. In this sense, Dzogchen is both remarkably simple and to the point, yet also ultimately very challenging, owing to the tendency of the mind to be distracted, or to seek to engage in involved and complicated spiritual practices as a way of awakening.
ego -- There are many subtly differing interpretations of this word, but spiritually it is perhaps best defined as the "false self", based on fear, guilt, and distorted perception. It is that which keeps us from truly being in relationship with the universe around us, and fragments our connection with our Source. Nevertheless, "ego" is generated originally in order to serve us in embodiment in dimensional reality, functioning as a point of reference so that we may gain the essential lessons required to fully realize our divinity. However, it somehow soon forgets this original function, and attempts to "take over" via the mechanism of control. Ego is thus much like a watchdog that has gone mad and believes it is the Master of the house. True awakening from the ego-system may be likened to helping the watchdog understand its true role, then gradually moving it back to its dog house, with a juicy bone to be contented with. Eventually, with the correct balance of action, love, and wisdom, the dog will die a peaceful death.
energy -- This word is certainly one of the more popular terms in usage in the personal growth circuit, applying to anything from physical and emotional states to psychic impressions and spiritual conditions. There are infinite levels and forms of energy, but the Essence of the universal energy that pervades the cosmos may be termed "Spirit" (known variously in its different permutations as "prana", "Holy Spirit", "chi", "manna", "orgone energy", etc.) As modern physics has suggested, the notion of solid matter is largely an illusion, the universe being an endless play of energy, vibrating at different levels and frequencies. In this regard, many of the intellectual realizations of 20th century science, in particular those of quantum physics, have served to bridge the gap with the mystical realizations of Eastern traditions. What both have understood (though through vastly different means) is that all things in the universe are interdependent, and that at the deepest levels the notion of "solid", and apparently separate things, is illusory. For example, in Werner Heisenberg's famous Uncertainty Principle, we cannot know both the position and the momentum of a subatomic particle with absolute precision. The more we know of one, the less we know of the other. In other words, the properties of a particle can be meaningfully understood only in the context of an observer's interaction with that particle. Thus, there is no absolute distinction between subject and object -- or, put simply, there is a mutual interrelation between all things, a primal unity that underpins the cosmos. The essence of this primal unity may be said to be Energy, or Spirit, which is infused with creative intelligence. However, because we have been endowed with Free Will, we have the capacity to allow Spirit to assist and guide us, or to resist and even attempt to misuse its physical plane manifestations (harnessing energy for destructive purposes, etc).
In the area of spiritual growth, a deep awareness of the workings of energy is important. A free-flowing energy system is healthiest, and as such much of our work revolves around keeping our energy "moving". This is done through a combination of emotional healing and physical awareness and activity, preparing the ground for deeper insight and the growing capacity for choice and response-ability.
Enlightenment -- A natural, unqualified state of Oneness with existence. Many traditions teach that this state is our True nature, and that the awakening process involves a gradual seeing through of the veil of illusion of separation. Most agree that such a condition involves a transcendence of duality, and a realization that our inherent state is, and has always been, connected directly to the Source, or primal unity, of all things. However, most teachings also agree that such an Awakening requires a tremendous resolve and commitment, and consistent, diligent effort. Even then, nothing is guaranteed, because the depth of Enlightenment has infinite gradations, both in the realm of inner insight, and in the domain of outer actions.
Essence -- Our deeper, simplified nature, what is left once “personality” has been worn away. The idea is that we are born with a certain essential nature which rapidly gets covered over with the cloak of personality. The personality is something we develop to basically shield ourselves from the overwhelmingly powerful, controlling forces around us in childhood. It is simply a defense system (ego), which we as consciousness have become identified with, to the extent that it feels threatening to let it go. Generally, a person’s Essence-nature is opposite to the more dysfunctional tendencies of their personality system. For example, a “serious” personality often hides a very playful and humorous Essence, just as an angry personality often cloaks a warm, loving Essence. However, Essence itself it also subject to growth and development, in theory evolving from life to life.
Essenes -- A pre-Christian Jewish esoteric fellowship, which has been connected to the Gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Both scholars and metaphysicians alike have long suspected that Jesus was initiated into the Essene community sometime during the “lost years”. Though as with all esoteric groups, there was likely a mix of more conventional seekers still influenced by the orthodox ideas of Judaism with some sincere seekers of ultimate wisdom.
esoteric -- The dictionary definition of esoteric as "intelligible only to the initiated" bears merit, inasmuch as an initiation is symbolic of commitment, without which true change or growth is very difficult. Esoteric traditions have typically been the custodians of the deeper teachings, but have invariably been much less popular than the orthodox ways, owing to lack of motivation to search for meaning, fear, condemnation, or the simple superficial assessment of such ways as being "eccentric". Examples of esoteric traditions that have influenced large numbers, with the corresponding orthodox church indicated parenthetically, are Sufism (Islam), Tantra (Hinduism and Buddhism), Gnosticism and A Course in Miracles (Christianity), Kabbala (Judaism), etc. The older ways, such as Druidism and Goddess-based traditions, and most tribal shamanism, were examples of esoteric paths that were basically integrated into their contemporary societies at the time of their development.
Enneagram -- A Greek term, though it has come to represent a personality system that defines nine basic personality types (Perfectionist, Giver, Performer, Tragic Romantic, Observer, Devil’s Advocate/Loyalist, Idealist, Boss, and Mediator, is one system commonly taught). This system has its origins in the oral traditions of the ancient Sufi fellowships of the Middle East. It was popularized in the West in the 1970s through the efforts of Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, and has since attracted many psychologists and spiritual seekers owing to its accurate and penetrating grasp of human personality dynamics. The idea of Enneagram work is not to simply identify one's personality patterns and then rest lazily on the laurels of such an identification, but to move deeper beyond personality into the realms of Essence or Being.
extraterrestrial -- An umbrella term used to define any non-human conscious entity not from our planet. Though the entire field of “E.T.” study can at times border on theatre of the absurd, particularly in the interplay between the true believers and the rigid skeptics, there is pretty good indication for the probability of alien life gleaned from the simple science of arithmetic. There are estimated to be over 200 billion stars in our local galaxy alone, and billions more galaxies receding to the observable limits of the known universe. Add to that that we can only see a tiny fraction of this known universe (“visible light”), and it is clear that from simply a rational viewpoint the probability of other life forms beyond our planet seems overwhelmingly likely. If we further consider that the human race has evolved in a universe that is very old (15 billion years according to most current cosmological theories), then the further probability that there are intelligent races far beyond us in deveopment has to be considered likely as well.
exoteric -- The outer, orthodox form of a particular spirituality, most commonly recognized as representing a religion. Thus, mosques and Islam are exoteric forms, the esoteric underbelly of which is Sufism. Similarly, churches, Catholicism, and Protestantism are exoteric structures, of which the Christian mystical tradition, represented by Meister Eckart, Jacob Boehme, Matthew Fox, etc., represent the esoteric complement. The dictionary defines exoteric as "that which is fit for the uninitiated".
Findhorn -- Spiritual community in north-east Scotland. It was birthed by Peter and Eileen Caddy, and Dorothy MacLean in 1962, and was initially famed for the giant vegetables grown there by the founders, following “Devic” (nature spirits) guidance. In later years the community flourished into a highly successful new age experiment, holding as many has three hundred permanent residents, all engaged in spiritual practices. Findhorn also receives many thousands of visitors anually. As an open, comprehensive mystery school it ranks up there with Osho Commune in Poona, and Esalen in California.
Flower of Life -- A geometric symbol resulting from twelve interlocking circles, common in "sacred geometry" and often used to symbolize the archetypal template of all possible external forms in the universe.
friction -- The creation of energy from psychospiritual assignments that oppose the natural tendencies of one’s ego-system. The idea is that an increase in consciousness requires energy, and that we must generate this energy from somewhere. “Going against” our habitual tendencies (for e.g., quitting smoking, dieting, altering aspects of our behavior or dress, etc.) creates friction, which yields the energy required to become more awake.
Gelugpa -- One of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, of which the Dalai Lama is the senior master. The lineage was begun by the Tibetan reformer Tsongkhapa, in the 14th century, and became known as the "Yellow Hats". The lineage emphasized intellectual development as well as meditation practice.
Gestalt Therapy -- Created by Fritz Perls, Gestalt Therapy was one of the “Human Potential” techniques that developed in the 60s. It is a very effective tool for grounding in the here and now, with the emphasis always being on addressing current, present-time conditions. For example, to “Gestalt” a dream is to replay the dream over in present time, and then to play out the different aspects of the dream-scape, giving voice to each part, as if it were oneself speaking. This is a very powerful form of dream interpretation and, in a sense, the only valid kind. “Chair work” is a big part of Gestalt Therapy, used to have the client understand different aspects of his/her own mind by talking to an imaginary person in an empty chair, and then sitting in that chair and replying to him/herself. This is a very effective tool for grasping how one’s mind creates the type of relationships that one finds oneself in.
gnosis -- The Greek word for “knowledge”, though this is different from the English understanding of this word. Gnosis refers to knowledge through realization, an understanding that arises from the quieting of the mind through meditation or self-understanding and the "joining" of one's consciousness with whatever one is focussing on. Is similar in some respects to the Vedantic idea of "samadhi".
Gnosticism -- An old spiritual tradition that can be traced back to the time of Christ, though there were many sects of Gnosticism. It began as an esoteric tradition, in some cases allegedly to preserve the secret teachings of Jesus, but in later centuries it suffered oppression at the hands of the Christian church, primarily because it taught realization through mystical introspection, not through redemption via Christ. One of Gnosticism’s central teachings is that the manifest universe is not created by God, but rather is a massive projective illusion. In later times this teaching got corrupted into a moralistic stance that had it that all matter (and hence the body) was evil. In its purified form the teaching is similar in doctrine to A Course in Miracles, as well as Buddhist thought.
Goddess -- There are many textures to the meanings of this term, but most simply it can be said (in the mythic or spiritual context) to represent the essence of the feminine mind in its most evolved expression, and in specific it refers to the ancient Mother Goddess in her triple aspect of Mother, Maiden, and Crone (wise-woman). True Wiccans (Witches) are primarily devotees of the Goddess in Her many forms in the context of a shamanistic nature-based spirituality. In the East the Goddess archetype is expressed in endless manifestations, from the Chinese Kuan-Yin, to the Tibetan Tara and Palden Lhamo, to the East Indian Shakti, Kali, Saraswati, etc. The American Plains Indians recognized one of Her forms as White Buffalo Woman. She has always been prevalent throughout aboriginal or shamanistic traditions, as well as the original Tantric schools of north India, but owing to the patriarchal underpinnings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the form and presence of the Goddess has been curtailed, and in some cases obliterated altogether. At its best Goddess-spirituality can be seen as an approach to personal evolution that embraces the body, aliveness, and the spirit of communion with Nature; at its worst, it becomes a sublimation of feminine anger toward masculine dominance, when adopted by those who have not properly undertaken the healing of their own psychological wounds.
Golden Dawn -- The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a magical Lodge or fellowship founded in 1888 by William Westcott, S.L. Mathers, and William Woodman. It was a highly esoteric organization based on ritual magic, Kabbalism, and Oriental mysticism, with a hierarchical series of grades or initiations, each of which corresponded to one of the ten levels of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The Golden Dawn flourished for a while at the turn of the century, attracting some interesting personalities, such as literary giants W. B. Yeats, Bram Stoker, and Algernon Blackwood. Eventually, the organization crumbled amidst internal power struggles triggered by a dispute involving Aleister Crowley, however it survives in name to this day, with branches in several different countries. As an esoteric fellowship it had
a profound influence on 20th century occultism, and is generally considered a more involved path than Freemasonry or Rosicrucianism. Its problematic aspects have derived from the tendency of this sort of magical work to attract young, emotionally immature seekers with rebellious egocentric tendencies. If these character limitations are not worked out via some sort of psychotherapy, significant problems can arise when attempting to progress in the work. See Israel Regardie's excellent writings for more on this.
Grail -- Traditionally the “Holy Grail” is thought to represent the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, but it has been linked to Celtic myths that predate Christianity. The typical myth involves a knight wandering through a wasteland who comes upon a castle inhabited by a “Wounded King”. In the castle the knight has a vision of a sword, a lance, and a Grail cup. The knight must then ask a certain question, and only the right question will restore the king and the wasteland to health. The Grail myth is found throughout the Arthurian legends, and usually is a metaphor for the heart, and the emotional body. In the Tarot system it corresponds to the element of water, and feelings. It has also been linked to fertility and sexual energy in some of the older Celtic myths.
Gurdjieff (1872(?)-1949) -- George Gurdjieff was born in what is now southern Russia, of Greek-Armenian heritage. He is considered by those who could appreciate his teachings to have been one of the greatest spiritual Masters of the 20th century. He traveled widely throughout Asia and the Middle East, apprenticing himself to many Sufi masters, Yogis, Lamas, etc. In his middle age he settled in France, where he established a mystery school that attracted some of the most inventive and intelligent minds of that time, such as P.D. Ouspensky, A.R. Orage, Tomas and Olga de Hartmann, Jeannne de Salzmann, Frank Lloyd Wright, etc. Many of Gurdjieff's methods were Tantric in nature, though the Sufi tradition bore the heaviest influence on his Work. Nevertheless his "System" or the "Fourth Way" as he usually called it, was very original. He was renowned for his fierce nature and use of hard physical work to supplement the mind training. After his passing his influence magnified considerably, particularly in North America. He is considered to be one of the architects of the spiritual renaissance that occurred in the latter half of the 20th century in the West.
guru -- A Sanskrit term for a spiritual master, sometimes translated as “dispeller of the dark”, or as the “Weighty One” (which does not refer to a dietary condition). Generally, the Eastern concept of the master-disciple relationship is very different from the Western one. In the East it is traditional to have profound trust and respect for one’s guru, taken to its extreme forms in “guru-yoga” and certain Tantric paths, where the guru is regarded as a living expression of the divine. Western attitudes, usually top-heavy with intellectualism and ego-centered rebelliousness, often struggle with the master-disciple connection in the spiritual context. Ultimately however, all genuine spiritual schools recognize the inner Self or Awakened consciousness as the true and final Master.
Hermetic -- Hermetic teachings refer to a doctrine that is the basis of the Western occult tradition, thought to have its roots in ancient Greece and Egypt. The word itself derives from Hermes, who was essentially the Greek version of Thoth, the Egyptian Master of Wisdom. The basis of Hermetic is the maxim “As above, so below”, a simple statement that is profound in its implications, pointing to the interrelatedness of all things, and to the illusory boundary between subject and object. Thus, the foundation of Western ceremonial Magic is “causing change in consciousness in conformity with will”, which means that a ceremony dealing with the “outer” world will effect desired changes in consciousness, or vice versa.
Hinayana -- Sanskrit for “small vehicle”. It refers to the oldest of the three major branches of Buddhism. The sole surviving Hinayana school is the Theravadin (“Teaching of the Elders”), found primarily in southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, etc.) Theravadin tradition is big on simple meditation practice, especially that of vipassana. The Hinayana school deals essentially with individual liberation without the Mahayana ideal of compassionate concern for all beings, and is referred to by the Mahayanists as the “lesser vehicle” because of this.
Horned God -- A complex archetype that has roots in ancient pre-Christian nature (pantheistic) traditions. Represents pure male energy, or, as a contemporary pagan expressed it, "the Horned God symbolizes what men could be if they were liberated from the constraints of patriarchal culture." The Celtics knew him as Cernunnos, the Lord of the Animals. He has also been referred to as the Lord of the Hunt, and the Dying God, whose death is always in the service of the life-force. His horns represent the power of untamed, raw feeling, of primal passion which answers to no authority unless absolutely appropriate. In India he was seen at times as a form of Shiva, consort to Shakti. Other forms have been the Norse Odin, and the Egyptian Osiris. In the Dark Ages of Christendom his form was contorted and twisted into a barely recognizable perversion of its original meaning, gradually becoming a simple projection of repressed male feeling and sexual energy, eventually known as the "devil". The current century has witnessed in part the resurrection of the true Horned God, divested of religiously conditioned psychological projections, paralleling the gradual awakening of male consciousness and male identity to a truer and healthier expression.
Horus -- The Egyptian falcon god, and archetype of the “divine ruler”. Most Egyptian pharaohs were identified with Horus in some fashion when living (and then with Osiris when dead). There are several forms of Horus, but the most well known myth has to do with his being born of Isis and Osiris, and in later years avenging his father’s death at the hands of Set. After a lengthy struggle with the power of dark chaos (Set), he triumphs, and thus is the “crowned” and “conquering” Child archetype, similar in many respects to Christ. The "eyes of Horus" are also common symbols of Mystery School teachings.
Human Potential Movement -- This movement, which probably more accurately defines the underlying essence of what has come to be known superficially as the “new age”, could be said to have begun with the American psychologist Abraham Maslow, who is generally considered the main founder of humanistic psychology. The humanist approach differed sharply from the old Freudian school, in that it was based on the study and growth of "healthy" individuals. Whereas the Freudian way focused more on the aberrant personality and pathological conditions, with the aim of “normalizing” people, the humanist way was interested in taking people beyond simply adjustment or so-called normality, into a richly expanding adventure of higher personal growth, termed by Maslow “self-actualization”. Throughout the 1960s and 70s a whole host of alternative therapies and healing methods developed out of this, such as Rebirthing, Rolfing, bioenergetics, encounter groups, etc., all of which in part came to be collectively known as the Human Potential Movement.
Illuminati -- This word is supposed to denote an intelligent or enlightened society of some sort, but in esoteric teachings it has taken on a much more sinister tone. It allegedly refers to a loose knit, ancient group of beings who claim some sort of territorial control over Earth, and who are able to wield considerable power behind political, scientific and economic scenes. They are thought to be comprised of aliens as well as humans, and to in general oppose the evolution of Earth, if that means a loss of their control. Take it however one might, it is at the least a good metaphor for the egocentric tendency to oppose anything new and any movement to break free from old conditioning.
Isis -- The great Mother archetype of Egypt, probably one of the most historically known and beloved manifestations of the Goddess. Though Isis is not the first or oldest Egyptian Goddess (Sekhmet, Hathor, and others came before), she is often thought the most important, due in no small fact to her being mother of Horus, the Egyptian Christ-child. In that sense, she is similar to the Chinese Kuan Yin, and the Christian Mary, but with a mysterious, magical side to her as well (she used occult ritual, aided by Thoth, to revive her brother/husband Osiris from the dead). She represents the most evolved face of the feminine archetype.
Jung, Carl (1875-1961) -- Carl Jung was a Swiss psychoanalyst who was originally a student of Sigmund Freud, but who eventually broke from him to found his own school. Jung was highly original and unusual for a European psychoanalyst, particularly in his intellectual sophistication and mystical tendencies. He has had a great influence on modern psychotherapy, and was the first to evolve a comprehensive psychological system for understanding symbols, dreams, archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the role of the “dark side” in human nature, which he termed the “Shadow.” He once said that “enlightenment is about bringing light into the dark unconscious,” a view that aligns him with Tantric understandings. He was also extraordinary in his sympathy for Eastern teachings, and his ability to synthesize these with Western psychology. He wrote many introductions to translations of classic Eastern texts, from yogic, Tibetan, and Taoist sources.
Ka -- The ancient Egyptian word for "soul" or "spiritual essence", often symbolized by a bird.
Kabbalah -- Sometimes spelt “Qabalah”. The prime esoteric teaching of the Jewish tradition, it remained an oral tradition until the 13th century, and is thought to go back to well before the time of Christ. The Kabbalah calls the Original Source of all things Ain Soph, a formless presence that is beyond description. This presence gave “birth” to Yahweh, who represented the manifest universe, and is a sort of ultimate “Creator God”. The Kabbalists resorted to a pictorial structure to explain the universe, known as the “Tree of Life”. The Tree of Life is composed of ten “sephiroth”, which are sort of sub-sections of Reality that have corresponding spiritual conditions. They range from “Kether”, the primal spiritual source, to “Malkuth”, the physical universe. The Kabbalistic teachings have been used extensively by Western esoteric practitioners in modern times, as its map-like structure has proved highly effective for understanding mystical correspondences between different systems of thought. Both the Tarot and ritual magic have been used frequently in conjunction with the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.
Kailas -- Generally considered the most sacred mountain in Asia, located in western Tibet. It is the foremost place of pilgrimage in all of central Asia, being frequented for centuries by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpos. The mountain is symbolic of the purity of enlightenment.
Kali -- A Hindu version of the Goddess, meaning "the Black One". Kali is a fierce, protective deity, a passionate, all-powerful version of the Mother archetype. She represents the untamed force of truth that on occasion sees fit to express without restraint.
Kargyu -- One of the four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, the senior master of which is the Karmapa, who has reincarnated 17 times since the year 1110. This lineage is big on practice, including the Ngondro, which involves numerous prostrations and mantra recitations, as well as lengthy periods of sitting meditation. The Kargyu school has its origins with the great Tantric Masters Tilopa and Naropa.
Karma -- The chain of cause and effect. The law of consequence. Karma refers to the idea that what we give out will come back to us, eventually, in one form or another. However, the Enlightenment process also involves a transcendence of karma, in the sense that Awakening to our True nature also rouses us from the illusion of separation from the cosmos, which ultimately renders karma also an illusion, for we realize that every action we make we are automatically rendering unto ourselves, as we are connected to everything. Despite this, the teaching of karma is highly useful, helping people to understand responsibility and interdependence, and applies absolutely prior to the deeper stages of Awakening, which is the case for virtually everyone.
Karmapa -- Also known as the "Black Hat Lama", the Karmapa is the reincarnating leader of the Kargyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, similar in stature to the Dalai Lama, though with a more purely spiritual function. The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1921-1981) lived the latter part of his life in exile in Sikkim, and like the current Dalai Lama played an important role in the preservation and dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa is also said to be an aspect of the Bodhisattva Chenrezi.
koan -- A koan is a kind of paradox, a problem or question that cannot be solved rationally (such as “Show me your face before your parent's were born”, etc.). Usually it is assigned by a Zen roshi (master) to a student. Sometimes, the student may spend many years before grasping the answer, which is never intellectual in a simple linear fashion, but rather involves a leap in consciousness that goes beyond thought into the realm of pure and direct realization. Perdiodic lifelong usage of the koan at different intervals can be an effective means to avoid the staleness that can arise when one contents oneself with a few breakthroughs in understanding here and there scattered throughout one's life.
Krishna -- In Sanskrit the name Krishna means “Puller”, indicating the supposed magnetic capacity of Krishna to pull souls toward him. He is an ancient historical figure, and it is suspected that he did in fact exist, though not in the way he tends to be portrayed in Hindu literature (in the Mahabarata epic, for eg.). Krishna’s energy has become strongly associated with the Bhakti Yoga school of heart-centered devotionalism. As such, his spiritual “vibration” when tuned into through prayer or mantra is a powerful heart-opener.
Krishnamurti, J. (1894-1985) -- Jiddu Krishnamurti was born in India and as a young boy attracted the attention of C. W. Leadbeater and Annie Besant, members of the Theosophical Society, owing allegedly to the brilliance of his auric field. He was soon set up as a very young spiritual leader, and groomed to be the vehicle for the incarnation of Maitreya, who is essentially held to be the next Buddha for our time. An organization was set up around him, called the Order of the Star of the East, but at the age of 35 Krishnamurti suddenly announced that he was dropping out of the whole thing, and dissolving the Order. This he did, and for the next 56 years he traveled the world as an iconoclastic, highly radical Teacher whose primary messages revolved around the ordinariness of Enlightenment, the uselessness of almost all spiritual techniques (with the exception of self-observation), and the equal uselessness of almost all gurus, measters, and teachers. One of the criticisms leveled at Krishnamurti has been that he was a great Mystic but a poor Master, but nonetheless few argue that his understanding of spirituality and the human condition was brilliant. He work survives primarily in a number of books, any one of which is highly recommended for anyone sincerely interested in the nature of Enlightenment.
Kuan Yin -- Goddess of mercy and compassion, the Chinese Madonna, a female form of Avalokiteshvara. (See Chenrezi).
kundalini -- A Sanskrit term that means “coiled up.” It is sometimes referred to as the “Serpent Force.” Kundalini as a concept was developed by the yoga practitioners of ancient India, though its essential nature has been recognized in many cultures. Fundamentally it refers to the counterpoint to the Cosmic Energy (prana, chi) in the human form, and is said to be located at the base of the spine (first chakra) in a “coiled up” condition. When roused, it moves up the subtle spinal passages, reaching (in theory) the top of the head, where it confers great powers of creativity and blissful states of consciousness. However, kundalini is a very real psychoenergetic phenomenon, and requires skilled guidance and a mature mindset to properly work with. There are many documented cases of foolhardy practitioners rushing into kundalini-raising techniques and ending up with disturbing experiences, similar to being “fried” with too much voltage. There is some dispute as to how significant kundalini power really is in the overall process of Enlightenment. Some systems (like kundalini yoga or Bapak Subud’s Latihan) focus exclusively on it, whereas others (such as Zen) almost never bother to mention it, indicating that most such phenomenon are actually merely distractions from the ultimate awakening.
Lao Tzu -- Founder of Taoism, was said to have lived around the 6th century BC in China, though very little historical evidence if him exists. He is known as the author of the Tao Te Ching, a small volume of difficult though profound teachings which is considered to be the source book of Taoism. Though the Taoist tradition became very corrupted in later centuries, its central teaching is nonetheless considered by many to be possibly the purest and most profound of all wisdom traditions. Lao Tzu is recognized in some esoteric circles as a Master of Wisdom, at the level of both Buddha and Jesus.
lucid dreaming -- A term coined by the psychologist Ann Faraday in the 70s, to denote a dream where the dreamer is fully aware that they are dreaming. Lucid dreams are common and important in many cultures, such as the Tibetan and Australian aboriginal in particular, the latter framing the whole thing in the context of the “Dreamtime”, a parallel dimension of sorts that corresponds to the Western concept of the astral plane. Lucid dreams sometimes lead into out of body experiences. Stephen LaBerge has probably done the most thorough scientific research into the matter of lucid dreaming. While lucid dreaming can be fascinating, in the end it amounts to not much more than an elaborate metaphor for enlightenment, in that once seeing deeply into Reality we begin to lose the desire to explore altered states of consciousness, including the dimensions available to the dreaming-body.
Magic -- In mysticism there are considered to be four basic types of “Magic”: High, low, white, and black. High Magic has to do with performing certain operations that are designed to aid all of humanity; low magic involves controlling the natural elements (causing rainstorms, etc.); white magic is about ceremonies and inner work for one’s own personal spiritual growth; and black magic deals with occult operations to gain control over others or harm them directly. Most ceremonial magic arose from pre-technological European culture, though High Magic is believed to have roots in Egypt and even Atlantis. Aspects of High and white magic bear similarities to Eastern Tantric practices. Low and black magic (sometimes refered to as “sorcery”) are common practices found all around the planet, and occur whenever there is the dubious mix of some psychic knowledge with psychological immaturity.
Mahakala -- An entity who is regarded as one of the oldest and most powerful of Tibetan Buddhism’s Guardians, or Protectors (termed “Dharmapalas”). Mahakala translates as “The Great Black One,” or the “Lord of Time,” and actually has his origins in north India, where he is understood to be one of the forms of Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction. As a fierce Protector of Truth Mahakala is symbolic of the Divine power of the tamed Shadow, that neglected, dark aspect of our mind that when embraced and purified transforms into the active, fiery face of Compassion.
Mahayana -- Sanskrit for “Great Vehicle”. The second oldest of the three main Buddhist traditions, it is called “Great Vehicle” owing to its broadness in scope, and subsequent ability to provide liberation for many types of people (including the layman, as it places less importance on monastic life than the Hinayana school). The Mahayana school stresses the Bodhisattva ideal, which involves the poetic vow to free all beings from suffering before one’s own final liberation. As such, it is pre-eminently a path of compassion. The Mahayana tradition spread from India eastward, through Tibet, China, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, etc.
Maitreya -- Maitreya is Sanskrit for the “Loving One”, or the “Friend”. In Buddhism he is considered the future Buddha to come. In esoteric teachings Maitreya is usually considered to be one of the greatest of earth’s Masters of Wisdom.
makyo -- Japanese for “devilish phenomena”. Makyo are deceptive traps that occur on the path to enlightenment, and in particular during sitting meditation. They are most typically outright illusions or hallucinations. Some can be very subtle in their delusive power, such as visitations of saints, etc. In the understanding of Zen all phenomena/visions are prior to full awakening, and thus may be sign-posts, but ultimately must be left behind.
mantra -- Mantras are words strung together and chanted or simply repeated, their sound being associated with healing and spiritual power. Some of the more famous ones are Om mani padme hum, a Tibetan chant that means “praise to the jewel in the lotus!”, and Om Nama Shivaya, an East Indian mantra that invokes the power of Shiva. The most well known one of all is simply Aum, considered to be the ultimate sound that encompasses all sounds. It is sometimes considered the Eastern version of the Christian “Amen”, and the Hebrew “Adonai”.
Masters of Wisdom -- Variously referred to as the Elders, Sarmoun Brotherhood, or the Great White Brotherhood. At certain periods in the evolution of humanity their presence and influence is supposedly more acutely felt, though they are said to be both physical and non-physical manifestations of the "Spiritual Hierarchy" which oversees the progress of our particular solar system. The energy of the Masters of Wisdom can be accessed through prayer and/or meditation, but many of those in the "channeling" craze of the last two decades who claim to channel these Wise Ones directly have in fact only a limited degree of accuracy in the conveyance of information, and there have been many subtle and not so subtle levels of abuse of trance states in this context by individuals who are still largely unhealed emotionally, and who use the alleged connection to Higher powers as a subterfuge to deflect attention from their own resistance to embodiment, or who suspend lessons around responsibility by living vicariously through the personage of an invisible Master. This said, there do exist bona fide channels who bring forth useful information, but as a rule of thumb the distortion factor of a channel is usually proportional to their degree of emotional healing and maturity. And ultimately, channeling or Secret Brotherhoods of unseen Masters has nothing to do with our own enlightenment, as this can only come about via effort and deeply sincere intention to realize Truth for oneself. In that sense, the "Master of Wisdom" is chiefly a symbol of our greatest spiritual potential.
meditation -- The Western dictionary definition of meditation is an inadequate translation of the Sanskrit term dhyana, a word that has its origins in a culture that was home to Patanjali, the founder of Yogic traditions, Buddha, and a multitude of meditation masters. Many of the current forms of mind-training found in current "New Age" circles lumped collectively under the banner of "meditation" are actually not true meditation, but more properly types of guided fantasies, concentrations, contemplations, or even simple thinking. "True meditation" may be said to refer to a state of mind (or more accurately, no-mind) that is free of thought, and the resulting pristine consciousness that simply is, in such a state of inner silence. "Reality", or "soul", can then be more readily experienced, without the confusing, distorting veil of thought obscuring it. However, such a state of mind cannot be forced, as this simply results in repression, and associated emotionally "shut-down" conditions. True meditation may be said to occur naturally when a self-accepting, alive, effortless witnessing occurs, what the Zen tradition calls "seeing directly into Reality".
Meher Baba (1894-1969) -- East Indian spiritual Master, considered by many one of the greatest of modern times. His teaching spanned over 40 years. He was famous for his verbal silence, and very pure transmission of satsang. Meher Baba was the one who addressed his following after many years of silence, only to utter the immortal lines, “Don’t worry, be happy!”
Meister Ekhart -- German Christian mystic who lived around the turn of the 14th century. Considered one of the purest and deepest expressions of Christian mysticism, his authenticity was probably validated by the fact that the Church condemned much of his teachings shortly after his death.
Milarepa (1052-1135) -- Tibet’s famous yogi-saint. His life was the stuff of powerful myths. At a young age his mother had him schooled in black magic, in order to avenge the treachery of a relative. This Milarepa faithfully did, and afterwards, realizing his serious errors, he wandered in search of a teacher to purify him. After much hardship he found Marpa, a powerful Tantric master, who proceeded for the next six years to drive Milarepa to the point of suicide through a very difficult apprenticeship. Eventually Milarepa prevailed, received the key initiations from his master, and retreated to a cave where he realized a very deep Enlightenment. There after, he became legendary for the depth of his meditation, and for the many poems and songs he spontaneously created. His name means “The cotton-clad one”, indicative of his simple asceticism.
Mystery School -- This refers to a spiritual collective that is based on a firm commitment to inner growth, where the development of consciousness is the prime motivating factor. The term has typically been associated with Greek, Roman, and Egyptian initiatory schools of antiquity, but is also used to denote any community that is based on essentially esoteric teachings, and has specific initiation rites. Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism are examples of popularized mystery schools.
negative emotion -- So-called "negative emotion" (anger, fear, grief, jealousy, rage, envy, etc.) is generally the least understood and most feared aspect of the human condition, even amongst spiritual seekers. In the West many psychospiritual methods have evolved during the past thirty years or so, guided by the "necessity is the mother of invention" maxim, as part of the flowering of the "human potential" movement, reflecting the overall need of our society to infuse our emotional natures with more awareness and understanding. Many philosophies loosely referred to as "Tantric" are about just such deeper understanding, for the Tantric way is fundamentally about transformation of negative energy via acceptance, courage, honesty, and directly entering into the inner condition in question. By that definition many alternative therapies currently used are in fact Tantric, though they may go by other names. In a nutshell, the Tantric approach regards negative emotion as pre-eminently a phenomenon of energy, and as such is actually the raw material for Enlightenment. For as the negative emotion is purified, and its cognitive causes understood, the energy is simply freed up in the here-and-now, resulting in a more vivid experience of the present moment.
nirvana -- A Buddhist term that means “extinction”, referring to the end of the ego, or the illusion of separation. This condition is synonymous with Enlightenment, and thus the popular conception of nirvana as being the Buddhist “heaven”.
Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981) -- East Indian spiritual master of the Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) tradition. He was a householder who lived and worked in Bombay, raising a family while teaching quietly in a humble room to a small number of students for many years. In 1973, with the publication of his book I am That, now recognized as a spiritual classic, his fame spread, and he attracted many Western students. He was renowned for his deep realization, fierce and unbending dedication to the truth, and for his unpretentious and down to earth manner.
Nyingma -- One of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, meaning literally the "Old Ones". The Nyingma lineage is in fact the oldest, tracing its roots back to Padmasambhava, the Tantric adept who brought the Buddhist teachings across the Himalayas sometime during the 8th century.
occult -- Despite some strange connotations associated with this word, “occult” simply derives from the Latin word for “hidden” or “secret”. Like the words “metaphysical” or “esoteric”, it represents a body of knowledge that is not typically known by the average person. “Occult” in particular points to the practice and applied application of esoteric knowledge. The “secretiveness” stems from the perceived need to defend itself from cultural prejudice or orthodox religious persecution, and not from any inherent sinisterness, common understanding of the word “occult” to the contrary.
orgone -- The great pioneer Austrian psychotherapist Wilhelm Reich's term for that universal energy known in many spiritual traditions and called by many different names.
out of body experience (OBE) -- Known esoterically as “astral projection”. Though mystics and spiritual seekers have known and experienced out-of-body flight since ancient times, it has never been properly understood by the common folk, and more often has been dismissed as “dreams” or imagination. Robert Monroe, an American businessman, probably did more for the popularization of this phenomenon than anyone this century, even founding an Institute in Virginia for the scientific study of out of body travel. In theory, virtually everyone “leaves” their body every night in sleep, exteriorizing from the physical form in an “etheric” or “astral” body that closely resembles the physical, but is atomically vibrating at a faster level, so as to make it invisible to ordinary vision. However, we almost never retain memory of these events upon waking, unless we have applied intention to doing so.
Orion -- A constellation of stars that has longed fascinated humanity and was linked to Osiris by the ancient Egyptians. In esoteric teachings it is representative of polarity par excellence, thought to contain ancient civilizations of both good and evil. As such, it is felt to be resonating very strongly with humanity right now, as we are currently in the grips of a battle between the “light” and “dark” within us.
Osiris -- The primary father-god and Lord of the Underworld of the Egyptian mysteries. In the myth he was killed by his brother Set, and then resurrected through the power of Thoth and Isis. Thus, Osiris represents the Wounded King archetype par excellence, damaged in his struggle with chaotic male energy (Set), and renewed by the feminine and wisdom aspects (Isis, Thoth). As such, he is symbolic of the reborn male.
Osho (1931-1990) -- Highly radical and controversial East Indian spiritual Master who was renowned for his extraordinary intellectual scope, depth of Enlightenment, and unparalleled ability to synthesize Eastern mysticism with Western psychotherapy. He founded an ashram in Poona, India, in the early 70s, which became probably the largest and most effective personal growth school on the planet at that time. In 1981 he moved to Oregon, USA, where his community grew large and powerful, clashing inevitably with local political forces. Corruption happened from within the community, resulting in Rajneesh being deported back to India in 1986, where he died four years later. His legacy lives on in a thriving mystery school in Poona, and in hundreds of books, all of which are transcriptions of his discourses. Despite the Oregon debacle most of those who experienced Rajneesh's work from the inside have little doubt as to the magnitude of his being, or that he had a profoundly beneficial effect on the lives of hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers.
Padmasambhava -- Famous Tantric Master who planted the seeds of Buddhism in Tibet during perhaps the 8th century. Fantastic legends about his life abound, but what we do know is that he is considered the father of Tibetan Buddhism, and a Master who is held by Tibetans to be on equal footing with the Buddha Himself.
paganism -- The term "pagan" in Latin simply means "country-dweller", referring to the fact that Christianity was originally an urban tradition. In later times this word came to have all sorts of strange connotations, but essentially it denotes any form of spirituality that embraces an animistic or nature-based world-view. The word is usually associated with practitioners of Druidism, Wicca and/or Goddess based traditions.
Pleiades -- A cluster of approximately 250-500 stars in the constellation Taurus, about 500 light-years from Earth. Pleiadian mythology is ancient, traceable to Greek and Chinese legends. In some systems of occult esoterica, this star cluster is considered home to advanced civilizations that are closely connected to ours, and that act in part as spiritual Elders to humanity, as well as being complicatedly bound up with the seeding of sentient life on Earth hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Poonja, H.W.L. (1911-1997) -- East Indian spiritual teacher who resided for many years in Lucknow. He was a disciple of the great sage Ramana Maharshi, and for a long time lived the life of a householder, supporting a large extended family as well as mentoring many seekers. His fame grew in the West in the late 1980’s, most notably through the influence of some of his more high profile disciples and former disciples, such as Andrew Cohen and Antoinette Varner (Gangaji), and hundreds of Western seekers were drawn to him. Poonja (known as “Papaji” by his followers) taught essentially in the tradition and style of Ramana, Nisargadatta Maharaj, and many Zen and Dzogchen masters, being an uncompromising exponent of the Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) school. He shares a destiny similar to that of Nisargadatta, in that both these teachers became well known only in their advanced old age.
power animal -- A shamanistic term for a benevolent helping spirit who usually expresses through the form of an animal. Variously termed "allies" or "familiars" by other traditions, the power animal has been accessed since ancient times by shamans in trance states, in order to gain knowledge or powers not attainable through ordinary means. The act of transforming "into" the power animal by a shaman is termed "shape-shifting". Psychologically, a power animal can be understood to be an aspect of one's subconscious mind, and associating with its imagery and energy can be highly therapeutic in the sense of rebalancing the primal self with the "socialized" personality, and the attendant grounding and aliveness that comes with such a rebalancing.
Primal Therapy -- An intense, cathartic therapy developed in the 1960s by Arthur Janov. Typically, it involves the reliving of past memories, and then the powerful expression of feelings that were unexpressed at the time of the incident. In theory, the original trauma that everyone experiences is birth, and Janov found that some people could actually be guided back to a birth memory, and encouraged to express the pain and disconnectedness associated with and arising from that event. Such an expression was termed the “Primal Scream” (which was actually the name of Janov’s first book on the subject). Though having the “Primal Scream” is no longer the goal of most Primal Therapists, the work is still based on very intensive catharsis and the purging of old, toxic memory patterns.
projection -- A psychological defense mechanism that lies at the heart of the ego-system. Essentially, a projection is what happens when we "see" qualities in another that we have failed to "own" within ourselves. Generally, the more disowned and rejected the particular quality is, the more repelled and judgmental we are when we perceive that quality in another. Projection is thus inherently unconscious in its action, and the awakening process involves a reclaiming of projections and an acceptance of the rejected aspects of oneself connected to those projections. A fully Enlightened being could be said to be one who has completely uprooted the projection mechanism.
psyche -- Greek for “soul” or “mind”. The dual meaning is significant in that it underscores the Western mind set, and its Greek root conditioning. In the West, “soul” and “mind” have been virtually interchangeable, owing to a generally weak mystical tradition (“soul”), and an overglorification of the rational (“mind”). Eastern spirituality in general provides a much more sophisticated map that contrasts the two, in particular the distinction between thought (mind) and consciousness (soul). This said, “psyche” is most often used to refer to the mind, and its various functions.
psychodrama -- One of the tools that became prevalent with the flowering of the Human Potential Movement in the 1960s, though psychodrama is actually ancient, being found in root form in many aboriginal cultures. As a group healing method it involves the dramatic staging of a play (impromptu or otherwise) in which individuals will act out certain parts. This encourages powerful expression, as well as providing insights into the sources of behavioral patterns.
psychopomp -- Spiritual guide, usually a term used in shamanism to describe a guide to the other worlds. A good example of this is the Egyptian god Anubis.
Pythagoras -- Sixth century BC Greek mystic and mathematician. He was initiated into Egyptian mystery schools, and in later years started his own mystery school in Italy. Like many powerful mystics he and his school were eventually persecuted by established authorities. Pythagoras espoused reincarnation and sacred geometry, as well as meditative practices.
pyramid -- Without doubt the most powerful examples of this geometric shape are the Egyptian ones, and the Great Pyramid of Giza (10 miles outside Cairo) is without doubt the most extraordinary Man-made structure on Earth. There is yet no accepted scientific explanation for how it could have been built. Long thought by conventional archaeology to serve as giant tombs for pharoahs, the Egyptian pyramids are considered by esotericists to have been initiation chambers for priests and priests in training, in addition to probably serving unknown geomantic, astronomical, and communication functions.
Ramana Maharshi (1878-1950) -- East Indian mystic regarded as one of the greatest sages of the 20th century, who lived most of his life in a cave in south India, which became a place of pilgrimage for seekers from around the world drawn to his Energy field, and the simple form of his teaching. Ramana's method was Self-enquiry, primarily through usage of the koan "who am I?"
Rebirthing -- A powerful healing method involving prolonged, deep, rhythmic breathing, while lying down. Typically, the experience is facilitated by a trained Rebirther, and may involve deep emotional release, regressive states of consciousness (including reliving the birth trauma), and ecstatic mystical experiences. The method was "accidentally" discovered by Leonard Orr in the 60s, while breathing rhythmically in his bathtub. It has grown over the decades to become one of the most popular and effective alternative therapy methods.
Reich (1897-1957) -- German born psychoanalyst who, like Carl Jung, was originally a student of Sigmund Freud, and eventually moved on to found his own school. Reich was highly controversial and ahead of his time, advocating birth-control and pro-choice stances as early as the 1930s. He ended up getting expelled from both his political party and the International Psychoanalytic Association, for reasons largely to do with his theories concerning sexual energy (he believed that a person's overall state of psychological and physical health was related to their capacity for orgasm). Reich came to the USA after the War and was eventually arrested and jailed by the FDA for suspected spurious inventions. In fact, his theories regarding "character armoring," "orgone" energy, and his orgone accumulator devices were brilliant if unappreciated, and his influence on contemporary psychotherapeutic ideas has been pronounced. In particular he is considered the pioneer of modern forms of "bodywork". Misunderstood to the end, he died in jail, perhaps an ironically fitting place for someone who once wrote a book called The Murder of Christ.
reincarnation -- An ancient teaching, referring to a succession of lives where the incarnating “soul” or consciousness adopts different bodies and personalities, much as an actor assuming different roles in a theatre. Found in most spiritual traditions (even the Christian Bible allegedly originally espoused reincarnation, but had it removed from the scriptures during a fourth century council), the main condition of reincarnation is “soul-amnesia,” in the sense that we always forget where we are coming from, and come to believe totally that we are this body and personality. It has become faddish to speak knowingly of one’s “past lives” in current “new age” circles, but almost all such information has been supplied second-hand (by psychics, channels, etc.) or is intuitively sensed. That does not mean that such information cannot be useful to an extent (though there exists an equal potential to misuse it), but bona fide past-life memories are actually exceedingly rare, and rarer still when they are validated through empirical means (such as verifying names, dates, etc., through record books), though there are well documented cases of this having been done.
Rolfing -- Also known as "Structural Integration", this method of deep bodywork and muscular realignment was created by Ida Rolf with a view towards establishing a greater physical centre of gravity, and the freeing up of energy frozen by tension and years of rigid armoring.
Rumi, Jalaladdin (1207-1273) -- Persian poet and Sufi mystic. His work has always been respected as some of the greatest mystical expressions known. This century has seen his popularity grow markedly, thanks to the translations of scholars such as Coleman Barks, et al.
Sakya -- One of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, considered the second oldest, and the first to promote a development of sacred texts and the monastic institution.
satori -- A Zen term for the experience of sudden Awakening. “Satori” derives from the Japanese satoru, meaning to “know”, which gives it essentially the same meaning as gnosis, the Greek term for the realization that goes beyond intellect. True satori happens when the illusion of separation is seen through, and oneness with everything is tacitly understood.
satsang -- Literally, “Contact with the Real”, or “Association with Truth”. An Eastern tradition of spending time in the company of an awakened person for the purposes of stimulating and affirming the realization of our Enlightened condition.
Sangha -- Buddhist term for "Fellowship", or community of spiritual practitioners.
self-remembering -- A spiritual method for achieving higher consciousness which derives from the Sufi tradition of the Middle East. George Gurdjieff used it extensively in his mystery school in France, and his students down through the generations continue to work with it in Gurdjieff “study groups.” It is a simple, though challenging method that involves the attempt at constant remembrance of one’s consciousness, the sense of “I am-ness” that constitutes our presence in the here and now. Diligent practice with this technique results in an intensified awareness of oneself and the surrounding environment, and increased vitality.
serpent -- Usually a teacher of wisdom in many spiritual traditions, but often at times a symbol of rebellion against the rigidity of status quo collective conventions of thought and morals.
Set -- Egyptian god of chaos, darkness, the desert, storms, and hunters, etc. All traditions have a main adversarial force, and Set plays this role in the Egyptian pantheon. In the myth he kills his brother Osiris, and is in turn killed by his nephew Horus. Set could be said to embody the “divine tester”, that archetypal force which opposes all expansion and growth, thus providing the leverage with which to strengthen one’s spiritual resolve.
Shakti -- Sanskrit for “energy” or “power.” The Hindu personification of the Goddess archetype. Shakti embodies the quintessence of female energy, being typically active, alive, expressive, and at times wildly powerful. She also represents the active, creative aspect of the Universal Being, a phenomenon similar to the Western concept of “Spirit” or “Holy Spirit.” Mythical beings such as Kali, Durga, and Parvati are more specific expressions of Shakti’s qualities.
Shadow -- As a term developed by Carl Jung, the "Shadow" refers to a hidden, largely unconscious realm of the psyche, which contains those aspects of ourselves that we tend to fear or judge. It is the opposite of the socially cultivated mask, or "persona", and when its energies are purified and liberated it is basically the source of our passion, creativity, and sense of aliveness. Much of modern psychotherapy and esoteric teachings advocate a deep acceptance and understanding of the Shadow.
shaman -- Although this word has commonly come to be associated with American Indian “medicine men/women,” it actually derives from the Siberian language (from the Tungusic tribe), from the term saman, which probably originates from the still older Pali word samana, the term for Asian forest mystics. It has since come to denote any bona fide healer who performs the function of spiritual guidance for his/her tribe. Typically, such a healer/guide acquires their power and wisdom by passing through some unusually challenging experiences, which sometimes involve a confrontation with negative, adversarial psychic energies. Psychologically, this is symbolic of overcoming one’s inner woundedness, which then becomes the source of the shaman’s compassion for all of life. Hence, a shaman is often known as a “wounded healer.”
shamanism -- A generic term that refers not so much to a particular form of spirituality, but rather to define the system(s) of the shaman, who has been typically regarded as the healer/mystic of his/her tribe. The term itself derives from a Siberian word, and has been associated with tribal "spirit-doctors" in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, Oceania, and ancient Europe. In the strictest sense shamanism was the precursor of all religion, as the shaman was distinguished by his or her paranormal abilities, functioning as intermediary for the tribe between the physical and spirit worlds, much as a priest. The last two decades have seen a strong revival of the shamanistic tradition, and the birth of the so-called "urban shaman". Carlos Castaneda, Lynn Andrews, and Michael Harner amongst others have served to popularize this revival.
Shamballa (also Shambhala) -- A mythical kingdom supposed to exist somewhere north of Tibet, peopled by highly evolved beings. In literature it was popularized through James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon, where it was called "Shangri-La". Amongst Tibetan Buddhists, however, it is regarded as a metaphor, symbolic of "Enlightened community". In esoteric circles, especially as propounded by Alice Baily and more recently Brian Gratten, it is the centre of the Spiritual Hierarchy, a higher dimensional place serving as a locus for the great Elders who oversee our planet. These esoteric beliefs reflect a deeper trait in human nature, that of the need to believe in "heroes" and "heroic" societes, partly as a compensation for the fear of facing the everyday grind of life, but more significantly as a symbol of hope and what might be possible.
Shiva -- One of the three main gods of Hinduism (the others being Brahma and Vishnu). Shiva is sometimes referred to as the “Destroyer,” symbolic of the aspect of Creation that causes necessary change (especially in his form of Mahakala, the “Lord of Time”). Typically, he was also known as the god of the Yogis, the Master of the ascetics. His main symbolic representation is the “lingam” (phallus), indicative of his other meaning, that of the prime symbol of the male principle in the Cosmos. In Tantra he is the counterpoint to Shakti, being the silent centre of consciousness, in contrast to her powerful, energetic expressiveness.
Sitchin, Zecharia -- Scholar of ancient Sumerian and Hebrew. His series of books radically revising the ancient history of humanity have been criticized by scholars and historians as being too wild, but he has also played a role in shaking some people out of their traditional religious conditioning as it has related to their understandings of the roots of humanity and why we are here on this planet.
shunyata -- The Sanskrit word for “emptiness”. It defines the heart of the Buddhist understanding of awakening to Reality, though has been misinterpreted at times by Western minds. “Emptiness” does not denote a somehow meaningless Void as ultimate truth, but rather refers to the illusory nature of ego-based seperativeness. Thus, as Enlightenment confers the realization of emptiness, it also sees the absolute “fullness” of that emptiness, in that all things are the play of one primordial awareness.
Socrates -- Fifth century BC Greek mystic and philosopher, the teacher of Plato. Famed for the “Socratic method” of self-inquiry, a relentless investigation of truthful consistency that is similar to the “Who am I?” inquiry of Ramana Maharshi. Socrates was condemned to death by the authorities for his radical teachings, and chose to accept the sentencing and die as alertly as possible, a legend which is also consistent with the deaths of some great Eastern masters.
Spirit -- This term has become very popular in current esoteric circles, usually used to loosely refer to the governing principle of the Life-force that pervades the universe. Technically speaking, most traditions agree that what they mean by "Spirit" is not the ultimate Source (God, Tao, Allah, Wakan Tanka, etc.), but rather the "bridge" that is the means of connection between the manifest universe and that Source. Spirit is thus the Divine Healer, or correcting principle that guides us into a re-alignment with the Source. In other traditions this principle has been known variously as Holy Spirit, Ruach, Chi, Prana, Manna, etc.
Sufism -- The esoteric branch of Islam. Though most orders of Sufism actually remained within the bounds of conventional Islam, some sects developed in ancient Persia that were typically esoteric, radically different and, like most such ways, were suppressed at times by the orthodox Islamic church. This tradition was strong on devotion and development of the heart, resulting in a proliferation of many great poets, artists, dancers, etc., within its domain. Sufism flowered in the Middle East around the 6th century AD originally, but has in this century made is mark in the West. Examples of great Sufi mystics were Al-Hillaj Mansoor, Jalaladdin Rumi, and Kahlil Gibran (author of The Prophet). The term "whirling dervish" derives from the Sufi tradition; a dervish was a type of Sufi, and whirling on the spot was one of their meditation practices.
synchronicity -- Though this concept was developed as a psychological idea by Carl Jung, it has been recognized as a universal principle of spirituality by cultures of old. It has to do with the so-called chance happening of parallel events, and the intrinsic meaning lying behind such “coincidence”, suggesting that a “connecting principle” may lie behind the scenes, one that is without cause, as such. Thus, not everything is “effected” by a “cause”. The principle of synchronicity gives a meaningful explanation to the divining arts, such as astrology, tarot, runes, etc.
sweat lodge -- North American Indian prayer lodges shaped not unlike igloos, completely enclosed and housing a fire pit. A sweat lodge ceremony involves ritualistically bringing in smoldering hot rocks one at a time into the lodge, placing them in the central pit, and throwing water over them. The resulting heat, steam, and intense prayers by all present make for a powerful, spiritually purifying experience. Although “sweats” have been commonly experienced by many non-Indian spiritual seekers all over North America in the latter part of the 20th century, as a ritual it actually had its origins with the Plains Indians.
Tantra -- The origins of Tantra are obscure, but generally it is accepted that as a spiritual tradition it was extant in northern India by the 6th century AD, though it is suspected that its roots go much further back, possibly to Gautam Buddha (560 BC). Originally it was associated with Shakti (the Hindu Goddess) cults, secret societies that practiced their rites in remote places, but eventually a form of Buddhist Tantra evolved, reaching its most sophisticated development in Tibetan monasteries. The original Buddhist Tantric teachings were about the evocation of archetypal deities, and the development of mystic powers and Enlightened consciousness through disciplined practices of visualization, mantras, meditations, etc. Prior to the teachings landing in the monasteries they were known mostly through the work of a group of 84 adepts, sometimes referred to as the "Masters of Enchantment", or the "Mahasiddhas" (Perfect Ones). These wandering adepts were famous for their unorthodox and fearless ways, and their profound wisdom.
The essence of Tantric teachings, whether of Hindu or Buddhist origin, revolves around the understanding that both the physical and invisible (spirit) worlds are equally Divine, being birthed from the same Source. Thus, everything in existence is inherently pure and empty (shunyata), regardless of its outer form. As this is realized, the physical universe is thus gradually understood to be a vehicle for Enlightenment, a playground where all things can be used as a device to facilitate one's Awakening. Because of this, Tantra has a unique perspective on "darkness", understanding it to be "Divinity in disguise", a phenomenon of energy that needs to be embraced and purified (see Shadow). As such, it is the most direct method for assuming responsibility for one's projections and inner, unhealed aspects, and leads, in theory, to great inner empowerment and compassion. However, it goes without saying that such a Way is fraught with potential danger, in that "embracing darkness" can easily become "indulging in darkness", if explored by a mind lacking in compassion or proper guidance. Thus the need for a deep commitment to a worthy teacher, practice, or community (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). Because of this, Tantric schools have always been big on "lineage", the passing on of the teachings from qualified teachers to worthy and ready students.
Tao -- Tao translates from the Chinese loosely as “The Way”, but its meaning is paradoxically both complex and simple. In one sense it can be equated with the Western concept of “God”, but in another sense it is more mysterious and indefinable than its Western counterpart. Because of this, many Western mystics and metaphysicians have over the years preferred to use the term “Tao” over “God” when referring to the Ultimate. Tao also relates to Energy, what the West tends to call “Spirit”, and to an over-all Way of life.
Taoism -- Generally recognized as having its origins in a small volume called the Tao Te Ching, written by Lao Tzu, sometime in the 6th century BC in China, though historical evidence of its roots is scant. Taoism is probably best known for its famous yin-yang symbol, referring to the fundamental polarity in existence. Although the original teachings of Lao Tzu were actually simplistic if profound, the Taoist tradition itself over the centuries became highly embellished, and in some cases corrupted by pseudo-magical supernaturalism. Nevertheless authentic Taoist Masters have always existed, transmitting powerful teachings, many of which involved advanced yogic and alchemical practices. Certain Taoist adepts were renowned for achieving extreme physical longevity. Mantak Chia is an example of a contemporary Taoist Master whose books on the cultivation of sexual energy and psychophysical health have proved very popular in "New Age" circles.
Tara -- Consort of Chenrezi, Tara embodies the feminine face of Compassion. She is the primary form of the Goddess in the Tibetan mythos, and is recognized in many different aspects, chief of which are the Green and White Taras. In Tibet she is known as the "saviouress", and is a very popular and esteemed Elder-deity.
Third Eye -- In Yoga teachings the "Third Eye", or ajna chakra as it is known, represents a centern of spiritual wisdom sometimes associated with the center of the head and middle of the forehead, but is more properly a symbol of the "wisdom eye" that opens as we begin to look deeply into Reality and clear delusions out of the way.
Tibetan Buddhism -- As late as the 6th century AD Tibet was a fierce, warring nation, xenophobic, and peopled by disputing tribes who when not in conflict with each other were battling the Chinese and Mongolians. Their religion was the shamanistic “Bon”. Then, around the 8th century, the Indian Tantric adept Padmasambhava initiated a spiritual awakening in Tibet that was to have such a profound impact that the entire culture transformed, over the course of many centuries, from a warrior autocracy to possibly the most spiritually advanced society of our recorded history. Tibetan Buddhism, which supplanted the Bon tradition (though not without a struggle) eventually broke into four major schools (Nyingma, Sakya, Kargyu, and Gelugpa), the latter which developed the lineage of the reincarnating Dalai Lamas. After much internal wrestling the Gelugpa became the dominant sect, and the Dalai Lama assumed spiritual and secular power over his country. This was unusual in that it was one of the few large civilizations in Earth’s history to be governed politically by its chief spiritual master. Because of this, and due to the isolated natural surroundings, Tibetan Buddhism evolved into one of the most sophisticated and complete paths to inner awakening. With the Chinese invasion of 1959, the tradition was spread (if unwittingly) across the world by displaced Tibetan rinpoches (spiritual teachers).
Theosophy -- System of esoteric Buddhist and Hindu teachings organized into a society in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and H.S. Olcott, which survives to this day. Theosophy, though esoteric, is essentially an intellectual movement, though it has done much to provide an umbrella for many lesser known teachings and teachers.
Thoth -- The Egyptian god of wisdom and learning. Considered by some as one of the Masters of Wisdom. He has been identified as the Greek Hermes, and has been connected to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman. Some esoteric teachings claim he was a god-king of Atlantis for many years before founding the Egyptian civilization after the Atlantean deluge. Whatever or whoever this mysterious deity was, he is a strong symbol of the magician archetype, that aspect of (mostly) the male psyche that strives for mastery and excellence in whatever it puts its hand to.
Trungpa, Chogyam (1939-1987) -- Tibetan Rinpoche (reincarnate lama) who started Tibetan Buddhist schools in Scotland, Canada, and the U.S. He fled his native land during the Chinese invasions of 59’, taking refuge in India, and then went to England where he received a classic Western education. Already rigorously trained as a Buddhist meditation master, he combined this with his Western learnings and a natural charisma to shape a teaching style that attracted many young Western seekers in the 60s and 70s. His most famous accomplishment was the founding of the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado, which became the first accredited Buddhist university in the West. Trungpa was a brilliant expositor of Tibetan Buddhist ideas, but some believe his self-experimentation with Tantric practices went too far, and led to his early death at 47 by cirrhosis of the liver (possibly brought on by his heavy drinking). His community, called Vajradhatu, still thrives, and his words survive in many excellent books.
Upanishads -- An ancient body of Hindu literature, parts of which are estimated at close to three thousand years old. The Upanishads teach the classic Hindu doctrines of karma, reincarnation, purification through meditation, the ultimate oneness of Atman and Brahman, etc. They could be said to represent the theoretical side of Hinduism, with Yoga embodying the practical aspect.
Vajra -- Sanskrit for “diamond”, or “indestructible”, the word is also the source word of Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana). Vajra in Hinduism is merely Indra’s thunderbolt, having simple aggressive symbolism, but in Buddhism it takes on a more metaphysical meaning. It is identical with shunyata (emptiness), referring to the pristine, indestructible nature of ultimate Reality, and of our inviolable oneness with it. In Tibet the Vajra is called a dorje, and takes on the additional symbolism of the masculine principle and compassion, balanced by the drilbu (ritual bell), which denotes the feminine and wisdom.
Vajrayana -- Sanskrit for the “Diamond Way”, or “Indestructible Way”. The Tibetan school of Tantric Buddhism, though it actually was birthed in northern India around the turn of the first millennium as an outgrowth of the Mahayana school. Eventually, it spread north and east into Tibet, China, and Japan. As a path Vajrayana involves much more ritual and complex practices than the Hinayana or Mahayana. In some circles it is known as the “rapid” path to Enlightenment, but also the most dangerous, owing to its high-powered methods. As such, the importance of a committed discipleship to a bona fide guru is supremely important in Tantric Buddhism.
Vishnu -- The middle third of the Hindu divine Trinity. Vishnu is known as the “Sustainer” god. In Hindu doctrine, Gautama Buddha was thought of as an incarnation of Vishnu.
Vipassana -- A Buddhist meditation method. Vipassana is mindfulness, or simple witnessing awareness, of all things arising within the field of one's consciousness at any given moment. Usually the practice is undertaken in the form of watching the rise and fall of the breath, without controlling it in any way. Mindfulness is also given to the coming and going of thoughts, sensations in the body, and feelings. The idea is to develop the capacity to see things simply as they are, free of projections.
vision quest -- A mystical search done alone by an individual intensely seeking deeper understanding of self and life. Though “vision quest” is usually associated with North American Indian spirituality, as a method for awakening it is common, in different forms, to many cultures.
Wakan Tanka -- A Sioux Indian term that translates best as "Great Mystery". It refers to the unknowable Source, or Creator, behind all things.
Yoga -- The Sanskrit word for “yoke”, or “union”. Yoga typically is associated with India, which certainly has been home to the oldest and most developed tradition of yoga. As a spiritual discipline it encompasses many paths, suitable to many temperaments, ranging from hatha-yoga (the body), to karma-yoga (activity), to bhakti-yoga (devotional, or the heart), to jnana-yoga (the mind), and raja-yoga (“royal” yoga, which combines all the others). In Tibet there is even a yoga called “dream-yoga”, for attaining consciousness during sleep. However, yoga itself is known by many cultures in different forms, and any true seeker who employs spiritual practices is, in a sense, a “yogi”.
Zen -- The word "Zen" is the Japanese version of the Chinese term "ch'an", which in turn derives from the Sanskrit "dhyana" (meditation). The tradition itself has its origins in the 12th century AD, when Dogen, regarded as the first Japanese Zen Master, brought the teachings back from China. Over the centuries two main branches of Zen evolved, the Soto and the Rinzai. The former developed the "gradual" approach to enlightenment, while the latter employed direct and sudden methods, such as usage of the koan, a rationally insoluble paradox which when focused on for extended periods of time results in a temporary stoppage of the logical thought process, short-circuiting the part of the mind that obscures our deeper apprehension of reality. Whatever the method, the aim of Zen practice is to achieve satori, a term which refers to a powerful spiritual opening, a glimpse of the enlightened condition. Zen is famous for its simple, earthy practicality, popularized through such slogans as "chop wood, carry water from the well", or numerous Japanese, Chinese, and Korean parables illustrating its no-nonsense, unpretentious approach to spirituality. It also has evolved a deep affinity with nature, particularly in the Japanese forms, where the haiku Zen poets such as Matsuo Basho epitomized the Zen spirit, and its total absorption in the here-and-now. Basho's famous verse "Ancient Pond / Frog jumps in! / The sound of water" perhaps best captures the essence of Zen.
Zen-stick -- A playful term that refers to a psychological (and sometimes physical) “hit” that jolts us into a more wakeful state. Usually, the universe “Zen-sticks” us when we are in denial of some lesson that is currently “up for us.”
Zikr -- A Sufi method for remembering oneself or God moment by moment (see self-remembering).
Zoroaster (Zarathustra) -- Sixth century BC Persian spiritual master. The tradition he founded has come to be known as Zoroastrianism, and exists today primarily in India amongst the Parsees. Zoroastrianism posits two essential principles, personified as Ahura Mazda (the Prime Creator) and Ahriman (the Adversary), lending it more in common with Western religion than Eastern. In the views of some it was actually the first faith to designate the existence of a purely negative or evil counterpart (Ahriman) to God. It was pushed out of Persia in the 7th century AD by Muslims.
Copyright 1997 by P.T. Mistlberger, All Rights Reserved
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