Glossary of Spiritual Terms

Below you will find English translations of Sanskrit spiritual words used in this web site.

Ashram: Monastery

Arati: Waving the burning camphor, which leaves no residue, with ringing of bells at the end of puja (worship) indicating total annihilation of ego.

Archana: At Amma's ashrams, Archana is a mode of worship consisting of the repetition of one hundred and eight names of Amma and a thousand names of the Divine Mother

Bhajan: Devotional singing.

Devi: Divine Mother

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi: Amma's full name.

Prasad: Consecrated offerings distributed after puja.

Puja: Worship.

Sadhana: Spiritual practices.

Sahasranama: Hymns consisting of the Thousand Names of God.

Satsang: Company of the wise and virtuous. Also, a spiritual discourse by a sage or scholar.