Page 42 - Rasikananda - Eng

Glossary

Many of these words could be defined more comprehensively or in
different ways; the definitions given herein are particularly applicable
to this book.

Äcärya—(1) a guru who has realized the import of çästra (Vedic
scripture) and who by practice and precept establishes the
proper understanding of scripture and suitable conduct; (2) the
institutional head of a sampradäya or religious institution; (3) a
name or a part thereof for teachers or for persons descended from
teachers.

Adhiväsa—the opening ceremony of a religious festival or
function.

Age of Kali—See Kali-yuga.

Aguru—a type of fragrance made from aloe.

Appearance—English rendition of ävirbhäva, the Vaiñëava term
for the apparent birth of a Viñëu-avatar or an exalted devotee,
in contradistinction to the birth of conditioned souls forced into
various material bodies according to karmic reaction. Such eternal
personages, rather than coming into existence, become manifest
to mortal vision like the appearance of the sun each morning. See
also Disappearance.

Ärati—a ceremony for worshiping deities, sadhus, or sacred objects,
the essential part of which is the offering of a lighted ghee-lamp
by waving or circling it before the object of worship. Often other
items, such as incense, water, flowers, and fans, are also offered
and accompanying mantras are chanted.

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