Glossary

Aditi अदिति: The boundless mother; the Ṛg Veda calls the cow Aditi.
Aghnyā अघ्न्या: “She who must never be killed”, a Vedic name for the cow.
Ahiṁsā अहिंसा: Non-violence: causing no harm, pain or fear to any living being. Called the highest dharma.
Anukūlatā अनुकूलता: Acting in a way that pleases the one we serve; the heart of sevā.
Dharma धर्म: That which protects and nourishes all; duty, right conduct and discipline.
Gala-kambala गलकम्बल: The soft fold of skin hanging under the neck: the mark of a true go.
Go गो: The cow, bull and calf together; also used for the Earth, speech and the senses.
Go-dāna गोदान: The gift of a cow; considered one of the greatest acts of charity.
Go-grāsa गोग्रास: A mouthful of food offered to a cow, traditionally before one's own meal.
Gokula गोकुल: “The home of the cows”, Kṛṣṇa's village in Vraja.
Gopāla गोपाल: “Protector of the cows”, a name of Kṛṣṇa.
Gopāṣṭamī गोपाष्टमी: The festival celebrating the day Kṛṣṇa first went out to herd the cows; cows are bathed, decorated and fed.
Gośālā गोशाला: A home where cows are sheltered, protected and served.
Govardhana गोवर्धन: The sacred hill in Vraja, called the best of the Lord's servants because it cares for His cows.
Govinda गोविन्द: “The one who delights the cows”, a name of Kṛṣṇa.
Kāmadhenu कामधेनु: The divine wish-fulfilling cow; Kṛṣṇa says He is Kāmadhenu among cows (Gītā 10.28).
Nirāparādhī निरपराधी: One who never causes distress to anyone; a quality of the cow.
Pañcagavya पञ्चगव्य: The five gifts of the cow: milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine, used in worship and Āyurveda.
Sarva-devamayī सर्वदेवमयी: “In whom all the gods dwell”, a description of the cow.
Sevā सेवा: Loving service done only to please the one served, never for reward.
Surabhi सुरभि: The divine mother of all cows.
Upakārī उपकारी: One who always works for the good of others; a quality of the cow.

Glossary

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