The pages were loosely tied...

The pages were loosely tied, with cord passed between one or two holes and usually bound between wooden covers. Ink, made from lampblack or charcoal, was applied with a reed pen. Or, more commonly in the South, the letters were scribed with a stylus, then rubbed with powdered lampblack. These books are small in size, averaging about 2 inches high and 8 inches wide and up to 11 or 12 inches thick, wound with string and generally protected in colored cloth. See: grantha.

old soul: One who has reincarnated many times, experienced much and is therefore further along the path. Old souls may be recognized by their qualities of compassion, self-effacement and wisdom. See: evolution of the soul, soul. Om: (Sanskrit) "Yes, verily." The most sacred mantra of Hinduism. An alternate transliteration of Aum (the sounds A and U blend to become O). See: Aum. ominous: Foreboding; frightening, sinister. omnipotent: All-powerful. Able to do anything.

omnipresent: Present everywhere and in all things. omniscient: Having infinite knowledge, all-knowing. oneness: Quality or state of being one. Unity, identity, especially in spite of appearances to the contrary--e.g., the oneness of soul and God. See: monism. ontology: The branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of reality. orbit: The path taken by a celestial object gravitating around another.

ordain (ordination): To confer the duties and responsibilities, authority and spiritual power of a religious office, such as priest, minister or satguru, through religious ceremony or mystical initiation. See: diksha. original sin: See: sin. orthodox: "Straight opinion." Conforming to established doctrines or beliefs. Opposite of heterodox, "different opinion." See: astika. outgrow (outgrown): To grow faster or larger than and, therefore, to lose or be rid of in the process of growing.

outstretch: To extend, to stretch out, as one's arms or a large cloth. overshadow: To cast a shadow over or be more important than; to dominate. overwhelm: To overcome or overpower as with great force or emotion. Previous…