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GLOSSARY OF SANSKRIT TERMS Abhishekam: Anointment of Temple images with milk etc. — Kumbha: At the dedication of a temple, pots of water
are consecrated for several days and finally poured over the images amidst general rejoicing. Crowds
attend such ceremonies. Avatar: Incarnation of God. God deliberately takes on a
human form for the help of the world in times of
religious decline. Krishna is an example. Brahmanishtha: One in the most advanced state of
Realization. No more is possible for such, all has
been achieved. Jnanam: Divine Wisdom, Supreme Knowledge. Jnani: A Self-realized soul; e.g. Ramana Maharshi. He
lives in permanent state of God-consciousness. Kala: There are sixteen life-forces or Kalas pertaining to
the human body. Karma: Action fashioned by past thoughts and desires. Every
action begets another. There are three Karmas: Prarabdha, Sanchita and Agami: those actions that have begun to bear fruit in the present birth; those that will bear fruit later; and those at present being accumulated to bear fruit in the future. Or Prarabdha, fruits of previous Karma eaten in this life; Agami, seeds gathered while so eating; Sanchita, such seeds which sown will sprout in the future, becoming Prarabdha in the next life.
