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Glossary; defined by Vivekananda

Ahamkâra: egotism.

Âsana: posture of a devotee.

Bhakti-Yoga: the path of systematised devotion for the attainment of union with the Absolute. The easiest and surest path to religion or realisation.

Dhâranâ: steadfast concentration.

Dhyâna: meditation.

Guru: one who is born from time to time as a repository of spiritual force which he transmits to future generations through successive links of Guru and Shishya.

Jnani: true philosopher.

Prânâyama: suspending, restraining, and controlling of the breath.

Pratyâhâra: restraint of the organs of sense from all outward things, and directing them entirely to mental impressions.

Rishis: sages who realized certain facts. The exact definition of the Sanskrit word is “The Seers of the Mantrams” — of the thoughts conveyed in the Vedic Hymns.

Samâdhi: abstract meditation. the highest and last stage of Yoga. Perfect absorption of thought into the Supreme Spirit, when one realises. “I and my Father are one.”

Shishya: disciple.

Vairagya: dispassion or non-attachment.