W o W - Week of Words - January 2009

This section covers the certain words related to Spirituality.

The “W o W” word Asana (Noun): Any of various bodily positions assumed in yogic exercise Asana is Sanskrit for "seat". It is no accident that this word be chosen to describe the "posture" of Yoga. The idea of the "seat" in this context refers not only to the physical position of the body, but to the position of the spirit in relation to Divinity. This idea is often referred to as the "One Seat", by Yogis and Buddhists alike. Modern usage of the word asana in reference to the practice of Yoga generally intends the lesser definition; a physical posture or pose. Asana refers to two things: the place where a practitioner yogin (general usage); yogi (male); yogini (female)) sits and the manner (posture) in which s/he sits

The “W o W” word Incarnation (in-kahr-ney-shuhn) noun: A living being embodying a deity or spirit; a person or thing regarded as embodying or exhibiting some quality, idea, or the like: The leading dancer is the incarnation of grace. The Incarnation is the belief that Jesus Christ is the God of Israel in the flesh. The word Incarnate derives from Latin (in=in, carnis=flesh) meaning “In the flesh.” The incarnation is a fundamental theological teaching y, based on its understanding of the New Testament. The incarnation represents the belief that Jesus, who is the non-created second person of the triune God; took on a human body and nature and became both man and God. In its religious context the word is used to mean the descent of a divine being or the Supreme Being (God) in human form on Earth. An avatara or avatarim commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva). The Sanskrit word avatāra- literally means "descent" and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily incarnations of Vishnu whom many worship as God. The Dasavatara (see below) are ten particular "great" incarnations of Vishnu.

The “W o W” word Altruism (AL-troo-iz-uhm) noun: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. Altruism is either a practice or habit (in the view of many, a virtue) as well as an ethical doctrine. Altruism can refer to: - being helpful to other people with little or no interest in being rewarded for one's efforts. This is distinct from merely helping others. - actions that benefit others with a net detrimental or neutral effect on the actor. This type of altruistic behavior is referred to in ecology as Commensalism. - an ethical doctrine that holds that individuals have a moral obligation to help others, if necessary to the exclusion of one's own interest or benefit. One who holds such a doctrine is known as an "altruist."

The “W o W” word Meditation (`medi'teyshun): The practice of one-pointed mental attention. It involves intense focusing of consciousness. Pyramid Meditation Pyramid meditation either uses the energy from meditating close to a pyramid or underneath a pyramid structure. Meditators are known to receive their best experiences when sitting in an upright position with the upper chakras (powerful energy forces within the body) situated about 1/3 up from the pyramid base (directly under the apex). One practitioner quotes “It’s a scientific fact that the geometric structure of the pyramid collects and radiates energy. So, when one meditates under a pyramid, the energy power of the practitioner increases. Not just that, things kept under a pyramid similarly get energised and their freshness remains for a long time.”

The “W o W” word Soul (sohl) noun: The principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part. In many religions and parts of philosophy, the soul is the immaterial part of a person. It is usually thought to consist of one's thoughts and personality, and can be synonymous with the spirit, mind or self. In theology, the soul is often believed to live on after the person’s death, and some religions posit that God creates souls. In some cultures, non-human living things, and sometimes inanimate objects are said to have souls, a belief known as animism. The terms soul and spirit are often used interchangeably, although the former may be viewed as a more worldly and less transcendent aspect of a person than the latter. The words soul and psyche can also be treated synonymously, although psyche has relatively more physical connotations, whereas soul is connected more closely to metaphysics and religion.