contemplative, renunciant, who tries to find the true nature of reality through direct contemplation and to live in tune with that reality. Buddhism is one of several samana movements found in India.

contemplative. This word is derived from the adjective sama, which means "in tune" or "in harmony." The samanas in ancient India were wanderers who tried through direct contemplation to find the true nature of reality — as opposed to the conventions taught in the Vedas — and to live in tune or in harmony with that reality. Buddhism is one of several samana movements. Others included Jainism, Ajivakan fatalism, and Lokayata, or hedonism.

one who has entered the renunciant life.

a variant of the Sanskrit 'sramana', to exert oneself, become weary, hence the meaning of performing 'acts of austerity', etc. Its opposite is 'ashram', a place to rest, retreat from the toils of this life and world.

A Pali word, Sramana in Sanskrit. One who practices austerities; an ascetic.

One of the vital airs, whose function is to aid digestion.

A characteristic of the prana-shakti -contractive, heat.

one of the five pranas]; it is situated centrally in the body, and regulates the interchange of the prana and apana at their meeting place, equalises them and is the most important agent in maintaining the equilibrium of the vital forces and their functions; it is the agent for the assimilation of food.

Festival