A Sanskrit term literally meaning "to strongly strive" or "to make strident efforts." Most people know it as a term as a noun, describing a type of school, often associated with a spiritual organization, and often set up as a live-in place of study, worship, and work. However, it can also be used as an adjective, describing a period when a person dedicates himself or herself to a spiritual life.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...