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Pātañjala Yoga Sūtras / Glossary & Lexicon (शब्दकोशः)
Introduction (10 Parts) Read Text →
Classical Performance Lexicon

Pātañjala Yoga Sūtras शब्दकोशः — Scholarly Glossary

Definitive philosophical and dramaturgical lexicon defining core concepts across Rasa, Bhāva, Abhinaya, theater geometry, and Sanskrit dramatic roles with textual verse cross-references.

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Showing 11 terms

करुणा

Karuṇā
Attitude

Compassion or empathy toward those who are suffering. One of the four divine attitudes for cultivating mental peace.

Contextual Note: Karuna is the cultivation of compassion toward those in distress. Together with maitri, mudita, and upeksha, it purifies the mind and removes obstacles.
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मैत्री

Maitrī
Attitude

Friendliness, loving-kindness, or benevolence. One of the four divine attitudes recommended for cultivating mental peace.

Contextual Note: Maitri is the cultivation of friendliness toward those who are happy. Along with karuna, mudita, and upeksha, it purifies and calms the mind.
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मुदिता

Muditā
Attitude

Sympathetic joy or delight in others\

Contextual Note: Mudita is cultivating joy in the good fortune and virtuous deeds of others, overcoming jealousy and envy.
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प्राणायाम

Prāṇāyāma
Practice

Breath control or regulation of the life force.

Contextual Note: Regulation of prāṇa removes obstacles to knowledge.
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पुरुष

Puruṣa
Concept

Pure consciousness.

Contextual Note: Liberation occurs when Puruṣa realizes independence from Prakṛti.
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राग

Rāga
Affliction

Attachment born of pleasure.

Contextual Note: Rāga binds consciousness to enjoyment.
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समाधि

Samādhi
Meditative State

Complete absorption.

Contextual Note: Samādhi culminates yoga.
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तपस्

Tapas
Niyama

Austerity.

Contextual Note: Tapas purifies body and mind.
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उपेक्षा

Upekṣā
Attitude

Equanimity.

Contextual Note: Upekṣā stabilizes the mind.
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वृत्ति

Vṛtti
Psychology

Mental modification.

Contextual Note: Yoga is cessation of vṛttis.
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योग

Yoga
Path

Discipline of restraint.

Contextual Note: Yoga leads to abiding in one’s true nature.
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