Vedanta Society-A non-dualistic HINDU philosophical system of fulfillment of the SACRED VEDAS and UPANISHADS.
Vagary (VAY -jury) -Irregular, doubtful events that happen in life.
Vedas-Referring to the most ancient of the SACRED literature of the HINDU RELIGION. It consists of four parts and two divisions, which are complex. They are considered to be the first to contain philosophical insights, and were established around 1500-1000 B.C.
Vestment-An official, ceremonial garment that is worn by clergy during a RELIGIOUS ceremony.
Vibratory Tone-The basic SPIRITUAL perception that one senses emanating from another person's body.
Vibration-A basic velocity of oscillating movement of life's energy force that moves through one's body, usually producing a distinguishing AURA.
Vicissitude-A sudden or unexpected change of events that happens by FATE.
Vinaya Pitaka-225 rules (and accompanying stories of the reason for the rule) regarding the conduct of BUDDHIST monks and nuns. These rules are arranged in order of the seriousness of the offense.
Vinegar Tasters-A famous scroll painting that has a certain wit, and it induces whoever looks at it to reflect on the world in which we live. Three men are shown grouped around a large open cask where vinegar is fermented. They have each dipped a finger into the cask, drawn it out and tasted the vinegar. Each of the men has a different expression on his face. However, these are no ordinary people. They are great figures of Chinese SPIRITUAL life: CONFUCIUS, the BUDDHA, and LAO-TZ'U. They represent the three teachings or Ways of Chinese SPIRITUAL life. Confucius finds the vinegar sour and scowls in distaste. The Confucian Way is based on the ideal of an ancient Golden Age where everything must be perfectly ordered through proper ritual, belief and social relations. The present moment is sour indeed. The Buddha tastes the vinegar and finds it bitter. His face is full of repugnance. For Buddha, this life is illusion and sadness. It can only bring suffering. He stands for a place that is completely beyond time and change-NIRVANA, where the winds of desire are stilled. Lao-tz'u, the mystery writer of a series of Teachings on the beauty and mystery of the Tao or Way, finds the vinegar sweet. His smile is the smile of the valley SPIRIT, mingling with the dust and becoming one with the continual change of things. He mocks Confucius' concern for propriety and waves away the Budda's ostentatious suffering. The moment now is all we need ... Life, as it is, is sweet. See LAO TSU.
Vipassana-A BUDDHIST form of insight MEDITATION based on internal observation and perception of your state of mind, and any sensations that are present. It is a very intense form of meditation, and goes on for several hours a day for several days. Current Vipassana retreats feature 10- day sessions of a prolonged and difficult path, but the rewards are significant.
