Glossary · A–Z

Terms starting with “D”

45 terms in the conscious-living glossary.

• Dai Ko Myo (Master Symbol)Energy Work & HealingThe Reiki master symbol—representing enlightenment and used for spiritual healing.
• DakshinacharaTantraRight-hand path using symbolic practices.
• DantianTraditional Chinese MedicineThe three energy centers in the body—lower (belly), middle (heart), upper (head).
• DantianTraditional Chinese MedicineEnergy centers in the body, especially lower abdomen.
• Dasha MahavidyaTantraTen great wisdom goddesses in tantric tradition.
• Death CafeRitual & CeremonyGroup gathering to discuss death over tea and cake.
• Deity YogaMeditationTantric visualization practice of identifying with enlightened beings.
• DespachoRitual & CeremonyAn Andean offering ceremony—creating a prayer bundle for the earth and spirits.
• DespachoRitual & CeremonyAndean offering ceremony creating a prayer bundle.
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A prone backbend holding the ankles—deeply opening the front body.
• DharanaMeditationConcentration—the sixth limb of Patanjali's eight-limbed yoga, focusing the mind on a single point.
• DharmaYoga PhilosophyOne's duty, purpose, or righteous path—cosmic law and individual responsibility.
• DharmaYoga PhilosophyRighteous duty—one's purpose and moral responsibility in life.
• DharmaBuddhismBuddha's teachings and universal truth.
• DhatuAyurveda & WellnessThe seven bodily tissues: plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, reproductive.
• DhatuAyurveda & WellnessThe seven bodily tissues: plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, reproductive.
• DhikrChanting & DevotionalSufi remembrance practice—repetition of divine names and phrases.
• DhrupadChanting & DevotionalAncient form of Indian classical music with spiritual origins in temple chanting.
• DhyanaMeditationMeditation—the seventh limb of yoga, where concentration flows into unbroken awareness.
• DidgeridooSound HealingAustralian Aboriginal wind instrument producing deep, droning sounds for healing.
• DidgeridooSound HealingAustralian Aboriginal instrument producing deep droning tones for healing.
• DidgeridooSound HealingAboriginal Australian wind instrument with deep healing vibrations.
• DietaShamanism & Plant MedicineA period of restricted diet and isolation to commune with plant spirits and receive teachings.
• DietaShamanism & Plant MedicineA period of dietary and behavioral restrictions for deepening relationship with plant spirits.
• DietaShamanismRestrictive practice building relationship with plant spirits.
• DikshaTantraTantric initiation from guru to student.
• DinacharyaAyurveda & WellnessDaily routine—Ayurvedic practices aligned with natural rhythms for optimal health.
• DinacharyaAyurveda & WellnessDaily routine practices for optimal health and balance.
• Distant HealingEnergy Work & HealingSending healing energy across space and time.
• DNF (Did Not Finish)Race Day TermsStarting a race but not completing it. No shame — every runner has a DNF story.
• DNQ (Did Not Qualify)Race Day TermsA race result indicating the athlete finished but did not meet the qualifying standard for a future event, such as the Boston Marathon BQ time.
• Dorje BellSound HealingTibetan ritual bell representing feminine wisdom.
• DoshaAyurveda & WellnessThe three fundamental energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that govern physical and mental constitution in Ayurveda.
• Drafting (Swimming)Swimming TermsSwimming directly behind or beside another swimmer to reduce drag and conserve energy.
• DrishtiSanskrit & Sacred LanguageFocused gaze point—used in asana practice to develop concentration.
• DrishtiSanskrit & Sacred LanguageFocused gaze point during yoga practice.
• Drop BagUltra & TrailGear bag placed at an aid station before the race, containing fresh clothes, food, and supplies.
• Drum JourneySound HealingShamanic drumming inducing trance states for inner exploration and healing.
• DukkhaBuddhist TraditionsSuffering or dissatisfaction—the First Noble Truth recognizing life's inherent unsatisfactoriness.
• DukkhaBuddhist TraditionsSuffering or unsatisfactoriness—the first noble truth of Buddhism.
• DveshaYoga PhilosophyAversion—pushing away pain and unpleasant experiences.
• Dwi Pada SirsasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Both feet behind head—extreme hip opener with feet crossed behind head.
• DzogchenMeditationThe Great Perfection—direct recognition of the natural state in Tibetan Buddhism.
• DzogchenMeditationThe "Great Perfection"—Tibetan practice of resting in natural awareness.
• DzogchenBuddhismGreat Perfection—highest teaching in Tibetan Buddhism.