pinot grigio a kind of white wine; a grape variety from Italy that produces a fresh, crisp, dry white wine. Known as pinot gris in France. [Italian]
piñona low-growing pine of western North America that produces an edible seed; pine nuts (edible nut-like seeds of the piñon). [Spanish] Also: pinyon
platzthe place where something is situated, town square, plaza [German]
plumeriafragrant tropical flower. [Spanish] See: frangipani
pocillo“a little well” [Spanish]; a small cup of Puerto Rican coffee
polentacornmeal mush, usually served with a sauce [Italian]
polyamory“several loves;” the practice of maintaining intimate relationships with more than one person, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. Polyamory differs from adultery because all the partners know about each other’s lovers, so there is no secrecy or betrayal.
polygamoushaving more than one mate or spouse at one time. Polygamy is most often applied to the practice of polygyny (marriage to more than one woman), since historically it has been more common for men to take many wives. Fewer are the cultures where polyandry (marriage to more than one man) has been practiced.
polysexualincorporating many different kinds of sexuality; with the potential to express many patterns of sexual expression; attracted to multiple genders.
prana“breath,” “breath of life;” life force; vital principle; kosmic energy that maintains life in living beings. [Sanskrit: ] Also: chi; mana.
prana shaktilife force. See: kundalini. [Sanskrit]
pranayama“control of breath of life;” respiratory exercises and techniques, often combined with yogic postures or mantras. Breathing practices used in Taoist, Hindu, and Buddhist Tantric disciplines. [Sanskrit: ] Also: pranayam
psychopomp“guide of souls” to the place of the dead; in world mythologies, the spirit, deity, power animal, angel, or demon who accompanies the spirit of the deceased to the Underworld or afterlife. In Jungian psychology, the psychopomp is a mediator between the unconscious and conscious realms.
pueblopeople, town, village [Spanish].
– Pueblo Native American people in the Southwest of the United States. Pueblo Indians include the Moqui, Zuñi, Keran, Tewan, and Tiwan tribes. See also: Tiwa
puertorriqueño/
puertorriqueñaPuerto Rican [Spanish]
puja“worship,” “ritual,” “reverence,” “adoration;” Hindu prayer service (also practiced by Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs) in honor of a deity or to ceremonially celebrate an event. Pujas may include chanting, mudras, sacred texts, visualizations, offerings, and prayer. [Sanskrit: ]] Also: poojah
Punjabifrom Punjab, a region of northwestern India and Pakistan, bounded by the Indus and Yamuna Rivers. [Hindi; Punjabi: ]
purusha“man, cosmic man;” primeval man; eternal Self. According to Vedic mythology, the original “man” was dismembered, and different parts of his body became the world, sun, moon, and classes of humans. [Sanskrit: ]
querenciaa place where one feels at home, “safe harbor,” a place from which one’s strength of character is drawn. [Spanish]
RatiHindu goddess of love, passion, desire, and pleasure; sensual desire; love play. As consort to Kama, the God of Love, she embodies the initiatory power of the erotic Feminine. [Sanskrit: ]
raviolismall, square casing of pasta stuffed with various fillings, such as chopped meat or cheese [Italian]
retabloa frame or shelf enclosing decorated panels or revered objects above and behind an altar. [Spanish]
rincoeño/rincoeñanative of Rincón, Puerto Rico [Spanish]
rinpochehonorific term applied to a lama in Vajrayana (Tantric/Tibetan) Buddhism; reincarnated lama; teacher respected for his/her spiritual mastery. Means “precious one” or “precious guru.” [Tibetan: ]
ríoriver [Spanish]
rishiseer, sage, saint, ancient composer of hymns of the Rig Veda (1700-1100 BCE, Indus River Valley). The rishis were wise women (rishika) and men who passed along their spiritual insights through nature hymns and spiritual sciences of the Vedas, sacred Hindu texts. [Sanskrit: ] See also: Vedas
risottoItalian rice dish. The rice is cooked in a broth, usually with saffron, and served with grated cheese. [Italian]
Romany gypsies; Indo-Aryan nomadic ethnic group, living mostly in Europe and the Americas and originating from the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent. Even though a dispersed people, the Romany are known as craftsmen (copper, baskets) and storytellers, singers, dancers, and fortune tellers. The word “gypsy” is related to their alleged Egyptian roots. [Romany: čhib] Also: Romani, Roma
Rudra“the howling one,” “the Terrible;” primordial god of the Rig Veda (Hindu scripture) associated with storms, howling winds, the hunt, controlling the weather. The name is variously translated as “the Red One,” “The Mightiest Terror,” “the Roarer.” He is the mythological progenitor of Shiva. [Sanskrit: ]
rupeebasic unit of money in India and some other Asian countries. Symbol: [Hindi]
sacred spotplace in the pelvic area of sexual pleasure. While the term is generally referencing women, men also have a sacred spot in the prostate gland. In a woman, it is the energetic access to the second chakra located on or around the G spot in the yoni. In a man, it is located at the root of the second chakra located within the upper wall of the base chakra. Also: G spot
saddhu“good,” “good man;” Hindu ascetic holy man; wandering monk. Renouncing material attachments (even clothes, in the case of the Naga Babas), a saddhu devotes himself to austere spiritual practices, to burn off the karma of himself or his community. The female practitioner is the sādhaka. [Sanskrit: ] Also: sādhu
sadhana“means to completion or perfection;” spiritual discipline; commitment to an individual’s art of worship; daily yogic practices that lead to mastery. Transcendence of the ego may be attained through various devotions, including regular meditation, prayer, yoga, chanting mantras, or even Tantric practices such as contemplation of life and death alongside corpses in the charnal grounds. [Sanskrit: ; Tibetan: ]
salwar kameeztraditional dress of South and Central Asia; in India, it is mainly worn by women. Salwar = loose trousers, tapered at the ankle. Kameez = tunic, long shirt. [Arabic; Persian; Hindi: salvar ] Also: shalwar qameez, “Punjabi suit.”
samsarathe cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound; the “wheel of suffering;” conditioned existence. Samsara is considered to be dukkha (unsatisfactory and painful), perpetuated by desire and avidya (ignorance), and the resulting karma (consequences). Buddhist practice promises liberation from the repetitive cycle of birth and death through detachment from the habits of grasping and fixating on a material self and experiences. [Sanskrit: ]
sannyasinHindu renunciant, ascetic, seeker devoted to self-realization. Sannyasins detach from the material life, renounce worldly thoughts, desires, and pursuits, and dedicate their focus to spiritual contemplation. A member of the sannyasa order is known as a sannyasin (male) or sannyasini (female). [Sanskrit: ]
santeramedicine woman/priestess of Santería, an Afro-Caribbean religion [Spanish]
Santería an Afro-Caribbean religion that uses trance to communicate with spirits and ancestors, drumming, dance, chants and spells, herbs and animal parts for healing, and animal sacrifice. [Spanish]
santo“saint; holy;” a carved figure of a saint, usually of wood, as from Puerto Rico, Mexico, or the American Southwest. [Spanish]
sanuk fun, enjoyable, entertaining, amusing; achieving satisfaction or pleasure from whatever you do.[Thai: ]
SarasvatiHindu goddess of creative energy; legendary river held sacred in Vedic times, which converged with the Ganges. As counterpart to Lord Brahma, the goddess is considered the source of creative inspiration for speech, writing, dance, music, scholarship, and intuitiv
e wisdom. She is patroness of the Sixty-Four Arts – the foremost of which is love – and is often depicted making music with her vina. [Sanskrit: ] For image of Sarasvati, See also: vina
sari“strip of cloth, cascade;” a long piece of unstitched cloth that is wrapped around the body and head or shoulder and worn by women in southern Asia. [Hindi; Sanskrit: , sari; , satika] Also: saree, shari.
sati“good wife,” “true wife;” widow immolation; a widow who kills herself at her husband’s funeral. The traditional Indian funeral practice in which the recently widowed wife throws herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre is outlawed in India today. [Sanskrit: ] Also: suttee.
satyra forest god or demi-god in Greco-Roman mythology who has the face and body of a man and ears, legs, and tail of a goat or horse. Satyrs were the male – often ithyphallic – companions of Dionysus who loved to party, chase nymphs, drink wine, play the flute, and dance. They celebrated the freedom of Nature. The god Pan was often accompanied by satyrs.
scryto foretell the future using a crystal ball, bowl of water, or other reflective object or surface.
señoralady, Mrs., ma’am [Spanish]
Shaivism Hindu sect which reveres the god Shiva as supreme. Many consider it the oldest religion in the world, dating from the Copper Age (1700-1000 BCE) in the Indus River Valley. Shaivites (also-called Śaivites, Shaivas, Saivas) believe God transcends form, and devotees often mark their foreheads with ashes and worship Shiva in the form of a lingam (phallic statue), symbolizing the Universe. [Sanskrit: शैव पंथ] Also: Śaivism
Shakti“force,” “power,” “energy;” feminine creative force; Hindu Great Goddess; consort of Shiva; the Divine Feminine. She is the personification of primal energy that creates, manifests, and dissolves in the world. Accordingly, Shakti appears as the Triple Goddess – Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Kali – as well as many other goddesses. Shakti’s symbol is the yoni, and as representation of feminine energy, she figures prominently in Tantra. [Sanskrit: ]
shaktipattransmission of spiritual power. In the Hindu tradition, a guru confers an initiation through touch, thought, a look, mantra, simply his/her presence, or even long-distance, which sets the recipient on the path to enlightenment. [Sanskrit: , ]
Shaktismworship of the Hindu supreme goddess, Shakti. Because Shakti means “energy” or “power,” Shaktas (devotees of Shakti) focus on the dynamic action of the Divine Feminine, whereas Shiva (the transcendent Divine Masculine) relies on the power of Shakti to animate Creation. Tantra and Shaktism share a reverence for the Great Goddess, and respect women as manifestations of Shakti. [Sanskrit: Śāktaṃ, शाक्तं; literally, ‘doctrine of power’ or ‘doctrine of the Goddess’]
shamanintermediary between the human world and spirit world. Shamans voluntarily enter altered states of consciousness in which their awareness travels to other realms, to deal with benevolent or malevolent forces, receive information, find cures, and to restore balance for their tribe or community. Indigenous people of Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas, traditionally have sought the aid of shamans for divination, healing, and guidance. [from Tungus (Ural-Altaic), Evenki: “”]
shavasana“corpse pose;” yogic posture in which the practitioner lies still on the back and totally relaxes every part of the body. [Sanskrit] Also: sivasana, shivasana.
shen spiritual energy; spirit; soul, mind; god, deity; supernatural being. One of the “Three Treasures” of Taoist thought and Traditional Chinese Medicine.[Chinese: ]
Shiva“the kind one,” “the friendly one;” Hindu god; penetrating power of focused energy; transcendent absolute; the Supreme Yogi; the Divine Masculine. As part of the Hindu Holy Trinity, he can manifest as Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiva, the latter being the power of destruction (of ignorance), dissolution (of illusion), and the eternal spirit. His symbol is the linga, which is widely worshipped by Tantrikas and Hindus alike. [Sanskrit: शिव] Also: Śiva
Shiva lingaSee: yoni-linga
Shiva ratri“Shiva’s night;” spiritual vigil in Shiva’s honor; Hindu ritual of chanting, meditation, fasting, and prayer in the springtime. [Sanskrit: , Maha Shivaratri]
shri yantra“instrument,” ”machine;” geometrical mandala used to focus concentration during meditation in the Hindu tradition. It is formed by nine interlocking triangles around a central point (bindu), the meeting point of the physical Universe and unmanifest Source. [Sanskrit: , yantra] Also: Sri Yantra, Sri Chakra.
siddhis“perfect abilities;” yogic attainments, magical powers (such as clairvoyance, levitation, materialization) achieved through dedication to yogic or Tantric practice. If the devotee becomes attached to them, however, they are considered an obstacle to spiritual liberation. [Sanskrit: सिद्धि]
signoralady, Mrs., ma’am [Italian]
sitara stringed musical instrument from India that is like a lute or guitar, with a long neck and a round body. Derived from the ancient Indian vina, the sitar is featured in Hindustani classical music, and was popularized in the West through the music of Ravi Shankar and then George Harrison of the Beatles. [Persian: ستار] See also: vina
solsticean astronomical event that occurs twice a year (around June 21st and around December 21st) when the sun reaches its highest (or lowest) point at noon, resulting in the shortest (and longest) days of the year. Traditional cultures marked these days as the beginning of a new season (generally, summer or winter).
somaelixir of life; a ritual drink among ancient Indo-Iranians. Presumed now to be an entheogen, Soma in the Vedas was the name of the drink, the plant, and a deity. Soma was associated with light, and was said to bestow immortality. [Sanskrit: सोम]
sthavaranon-moving life forms; immovable creatures, trees, rocks. [Sanskrit: स्थावर]
stupadome-shaped structure, often housing Buddhist or Jain relics. As sacred architecture, it incorporates symbolism, symmetry, and sacred geometry. Religious pilgrims believe the shrine anchors a field of enlightenment. [Sanskrit: ] See also: chedi.
sumak kawsay“good living,” meaning, leading a lifestyle that cares for others and Nature. From the Andean indigenous tradition. [Quechua]
sushumna“royal road,” “very gracious;” the most important nadi (subtle energy channel) in the body. Running along the spinal column and connecting the root chakra to the crown chakra, it is the pathway for the potential ascent of kundalini energy. [Sanskrit: सुषुम्णा]
sutra“thread;” “discourse;” sacred text; compact summary of older, more lengthy scriptures. Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains consult the Sutras for religious teachings and practices. Famous Buddhist texts include the Heart Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Lotus Sutra. [Sanskrit: सूत्र]
tablaa pair of hand drums, differing in size and tone, played together. It is often played in Hindustani classical music (India) and by musicians from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka. [Hindi; Arabic: طبلة]
tacoa traditional Mexican dish composed of a fried corn tortilla folded or rolled around a filling of meat/beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. [Spanish]
tagliatellepasta cut in narrow ribbons [Italian]
Tahuantinsuyu “the four united quarters;” what the Inca Empire called itself. At the height of their power from 1438 to 1533, the Incas had assimilated most native peoples in western South America. They worshipped several gods, principally the sun god Inti, and excelled in agriculture, textiles, government, roads, and warfare. The capital was at Cusco, Peru. Spanish conquistadores took the last Inca stronghold in 1572, putting an end to Tahuantinsuyu. [Quechua] Also: Tawantinsuyu
Taíno“we are good, noble;” indigenous people of the Caribbean (primarily the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico). Different than the Arawak and Carib peoples, the Taínos organized themselves under their chiefs and medicine men and women, worshipped the gods (especially sky gods), hunted, far
med, and constructed ceremonial parks for ritual dances and ball games. When Columbus arrived in the Americas, he first met Taínos. Within 15 years, 90% of the Taínos had perished through warfare, enslavement, and smallpox brought to them by the Spanish. [Taíno]
tai chi ch’uan“fist of the supreme ultimate;” Chinese system of meditative movements; method of self-defense. The slowly-executed movements of t’ai chi ch’uan reflect the flow of chi (life force energy) through the body. [Chinese: ] Also: tàijí quán.
Tantra“weft,” “weaving,” “context,” “continuum;” spiritual system of psychology, philosophy, cosmology, and physical practices that aims at the union of opposites – the inner and the outer, being and becoming, spirit and matter, the Masculine and the Feminine, and so forth. More accurately, Tantric practice can reveal the continuity (or interpenetration) of opposites. Women and men are considered microcosms of macrocosmic reality, which can be accessed and affected through ritual action, for example, through the spiritual energies symbolized by the goddess Shakti and the god Shiva. Tantric philosophy developed in India at the beginning of the Common Era (CE), and spread to Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It is considered an appropriate philosophy for the current degenerated age, the Kali Yuga, because it allows all human activities in the path toward spiritual liberation. [Sanskrit: तन्त्र]
Tantras sacred texts, particularly from Vajrayana Buddhism, that teach transmutation of energy, expansion of human potential, liberation from illusion, and other Tantric goals. [Sanskrit: तन्त्र]
Tantrikapractitioner of Tantra [Sanskrit]
Tao“the way,” “teaching;” all-embracing first principle from which all appearances arise; kosmic truth; main concept of Taoism, which claims that the Tao is eternal and unnameable. Nature is seen as an example of how spirit manifests and moves in the world, according to the Tao. [Chinese: ]
Venus and Her Lover Page 54