Audio Glossary: V

Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi)
Sikh festival held annually in April.
Vajrayana
Literally 'indestructible vehicle', another term for the tantric tradition in North Indian and Tibetan Buddhism.
Vak
In Sikhism, advice from the Guru obtained by opening the Guru Granth Sahib randomly and reading the first hymn of the page.
Valmik
7th ventury BCE. Traditionally held to be the author of the Ramayana, held in particular reverence by the Valmiki community.
vand chhakna
In Sikhism the sharing of one's wealth with others.
Varna
One of the four social groups into which Hindu society is traditionally divided: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
Veda
Literally 'knowledge'. The most important Hindu scriptures comprising the four Vedas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda Samhitas)
Vesak (Wesak)
Buddhist festival celebrating the enlightenment of the Buddha.
Vishnu
Hindu deity, the Preserver.
vrat
A vow to perform a religious observance such as a fast. Initiation into the vow (and the completion of it) are marked in some special way, by an act of devotion or by bathing.