Glossary
Spiritual terms, explained
Words you will meet on this site — from Akashic reading to witnessing — in plain language, with a link to where each one is practised.
A
- Akashic readingalso Akashic Records
- In spiritual traditions, the Akashic Records are described as a universal library of every soul’s journey. An Akashic reading seeks wisdom from them about past lives, present struggles and future possibilities. Akashic reading sessions
- Anant Parivaralso Anant Parivar Seva Mandir Trust, APSMT
- A family of love, service and growth: Anant Parivar Seva Mandir Trust is a public charitable trust guided by Dr. D.P. Shukla, with the mission to show the way to all real seekers. About Anant Parivar
- Anantpuramalso Anant Retreat, Anant Puram
- The retreat and meditation centre founded by Dr. D.P. Shukla near Ubeshwarji Temple, in the hills outside Udaipur. It hosts daily yoga and meditation, retreats from one day to a week, and festivals. Visit Anantpuram
- Ashtanga yoga
- A direct offshoot of sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The name comes from the Sanskrit for eight — the eight limbs of yoga. Yoga styles
- Aura reading and cleansing
- Practices that help you become more aware of your energy field, or aura, and promote a sense of balance and well-being. Therapies
B
- Bhakti yogaalso Bhakti
- From bhaj — to worship or love God. The path of devotion that unites the soul, atman, with Brahman, the true reality. Yoga styles
C
- Chakra
- In yogic tradition, a centre of energy in the subtle body. Hatha yoga and the chakra-balancing meditations at Anantpuram work with these energy points. Hatha yoga
F
- From Krishna to Buddha
- The philosophy at the heart of KrishnaToBuddha: live, love and celebrate fully like Krishna, and observe deeply like Buddha — outside, participation; inside, witnessing. Our philosophy
H
- Hatha yoga
- Restores the balance of the body, working on the harmony between the chakras and energy points. Traditional Hatha yoga is part of the daily sessions at Anantpuram. Yoga styles
I
- Immersion therapy
- A practice of gently facing feared or distressing situations in a controlled and safe environment. It is offered as a complementary practice, not as medical or psychological treatment. Therapies
- Iyengar yoga
- Focuses on posture, body alignment and opening of the body, using props such as blocks and belts to refine each pose. Yoga styles
K
- Karmic healing
- A holistic approach to healing based on the idea of karma — the concept of cause and effect in Eastern spiritual traditions. Therapies
M
- Mother Lap Meditation
- A meditation that draws on the feeling of being held in a mother’s lap — finding a secure and nurturing space within yourself. Mother Lap Meditation
- Mystic Life Session
- A one-day retreat personally led by Dr. D.P. Shukla — a full-day immersion to reconnect with inner silence, with healing, energy balancing and spiritual insight. It is also booked as a personal session. Session and prices
P
- Panch Koshaalso Pancha Kosha
- The five sheaths of being described in the Upanishads: the physical body (annamaya), vital energy (pranamaya), mind (manomaya), wisdom (vijnanamaya) and bliss (anandamaya). Anantpuram’s 3–7 day retreats draw on this philosophy. Retreats at Anantpuram
- Panch Mahabhootalso Pancha Mahabhuta
- The five great elements of Indian philosophy — earth, water, fire, air and space. With Panch Kosha, they are the basis of the 3–7 day retreats at Anantpuram. Retreats at Anantpuram
- Pranayama
- Yogic breathing practices that regulate the breath to steady the body and mind. Pranayama is part of the daily yoga sessions at Anantpuram. Yoga and meditation
- Pranic healing
- Rooted in the understanding that the body can heal itself when it is given enough prana, or life-force energy. Therapies
- Psychic reading
- Intuitive guidance that connects with energetic vibrations to reveal answers about your life, relationships and important decisions. Psychic reading sessions
S
- Satsang
- From the Sanskrit sat (truth) and sanga (company): a gathering to hear spiritual teaching, sing and sit in silence together. The Anant Parivar marks festivals and Guruji’s birthday with satsang. Programmes and events
- Soul reading
- A session that looks into your past experiences, soul contracts and karmic lessons to guide you toward clarity and fulfilment. Soul reading sessions
V
- Vedic astrologyalso Jyotish
- The traditional astrology of India. A reading looks at the planetary alignments at the time of your birth for insight into destiny, career, relationships and the spiritual path. Vedic astrology sessions
W
- Witnessingalso Sakshi
- Observing thoughts and feelings without following or fighting them. In the KrishnaToBuddha approach to overthinking, witnessing — rather than control — lets a restless mind settle. How to stop overthinking
Questions about a practice?
There is no perfect time to begin. There is only the moment when you decide to look within.