B

• Bhajan

  (1) The word bhajana is derived from the verbal root 'bhaj', which is defined in the Garuda-purana (Purva-khanda231.3): bhaj ity esa vai dhatu sevayam parikirtitah tasmat seva budhaih prokta bhakti sadhana-bhuyasi - "The verbal root bhaj is used specifically in the sense of seva, or service. Therefore, when sadhana is performed with the consciousness of being a sevant, it is called bhakti." According to this sloka, krsna-seva, or loving devotional service to Krsna is called bahkti. Such service is the intrinsic attribute of bahkti or bhajana. Therefore whatever services are performed in this consciousness may be referred to as bhajana. (2) in thegeneral sense bhajana refers to spiritual practices; especially hearing, chanting, and meditating upon the holy name, form, qualities, and pastimes of Sri Krsna.

• Bhakti

  The word bhakti comes from the root bhaj, which means to serve (see bhajana). Therefore the primary meaning of the word bhakti is to render service. "The performance of activities meant exclusively for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna, which are done in a favourable spirit, saturated with love, devoid of other desires, and not covered by [karma] and [jnana] is called bhakti." ([Sri Bhakti rasamrta Sindhu] 1.1.12)

E

• Ekadasi

  a fast from grains and beans (minimum) so that the [sadhaka] can totally immerse himself in activities of pure [bhakti]; observed on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight; bhakti-janani (the mother of [bhakti]. If one follows one's vrata (vow) devotionally on this day she, as our mother, will allow pure [bhakti] to take birth within one's heart.

J

• Jnana

  (pronounced: gyaan)
  (1) Knowledge; that which helps us to know something (Bhagavad0gita 18.18),
  (2) Knowledge which leads to inpersonal liberation; this concerns the [atma's] distinction from matter and its identity with [brahma],
  (3) Transcendental knowledge of one's relationship with Krsna.

K

• Karma

  A term for work or activity in general; pious activities of the four main [varnas ]perform karma through Vedic guidance which leads to material gain in this world or to the heavenly planets after death.

P

• Prasada

  (pronounced: prasaad)
  grace, mercy; generally refers to the remnants of food offered to the Deity as His sanctified remnants; may also refer to other prasadi (sanctified or blessed) articles such as insence, flowers, garlands, and clothing and especially the prasada of engaging with pure consciousness in Krsna's nitya-divya-premamayi seva (eternal divine loving service).

S

• Sadhana

  The method one adopts in order to obtain a specific goal is called sadhana. Withouth sadhana one cannot obtain sadhya, the goal of one's practice. There are many different types of sadhana corresponding to various goals. Those who desire material enjoyment adopt the path of karma as their sadhana. Those who desire liberation adopt the path of jnana as their sadhana. Those who aspire for the eternal loving service of Sri Krsna adopt the path of bhakti as their sadhana. The sadhana of bhakti refers to spiritual practices such as hearing, chanting and so on.