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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hinduism's Online Lexicon - A-z Dictionary E earrings: Decorative jewelry worn in the ears by Hindu women and many men. Yogis, especially those of the Natha tradition, wear large earrings to stimulate the psychic nadis connected to the ears. Traditionally, the ascetic Kanphatis ("split-eared ones") split the cartilage of their ears to accommodate massive earrings. Ear-piercing for earrings is said to bring health (right ear) and wealth (left ear).

See: Kanphati, samskaras of childhood. ecclesiastical: "Of the church or clergy." By extension, relating to the authoritative body of any religion, sect or lineage. Having to do with an assembly of spiritual leaders and their jurisdiction. ecology: The science of relations between organisms and their environment. ecstasy (ecstatic): State of being overtaken by emotion such as joy or wonder. Literally, "standing outside oneself." See: enstasy, samadhi. ecumenical: General or universal.

-- ecumenism: the principles or practices of promoting worldwide cooperation and better understanding among differing denominations, especially among Christians. From the Greek oecumene, "the inhabited world." A Christian term. The broader term interfaith is used by all religions striving for peace and harmony. efficacious: Producing or capable of producing the desired effect. efficient cause: Nimitta karana. That which directly produces the effect; that which conceives, makes, shapes, etc.

See: cause. effulgent: Bright, radiant; emitting its own light. egalitarian: Equalitarian. Characterized by the belief in the equal sharing of powers, rights or responsibility among all people. ego: The external personality or sense of "I" and "mine." Broadly, individual identity. In Saiva Siddhanta and other schools, the ego is equated with the tattva of ahamkara, "I-maker," which bestows the sense of I-ness, individuality and separateness from God. See: ahamkara, anava.

eligible: Qualified; suitable; desirable. eliminate: To remove; get rid of; reject. elixir: Hypothetical substance that would change any metal into gold or prolong life indefinitely. An English term for soma, a magical beverage celebrated in ancient Vedic hymns and which played an important role in worship rites. See: amrita. elliptical: Having the shape of an ellipse (more or less egg-shaped). elusive: Tending to escape one's grasp or understanding. Hard to capture.

emanation: To "flow out from." Abhasa.