Daevas / Devas ('shining ones') Zoroastrian supernatural demons at war with the Ahuras.
Dakhma ('Towers of silence') Zoroastrian mounds or stone structure exposing corpses to vultures for clean picking prior to bleaching and disposing of the bones; for maintenance of purity.
Darshan ('seeing') Hindu blessing from a deity; important part of worship.
Dasara Hindu autumn festival in honor of the goddess Kali.
Decision Act or process of making up one's mind; resolution.
Dedication Wholly committed to a cause, ideal, or personal goal.
Deism Movement in natural religion which rejects the idea of divine revelation and the notion of a deity which interferes or interested with workings of the universe.
Deity Abstract term referring to transcendent being or beings.
Dervish Islamic mystic; induces ecstatic sensations by movement, dance, whirling, or recitation.
Determination the quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose.
Devil / Satan Evil spirit or the personification of evil that tempts and accuses humans.
Dharma / Dhamma Buddhist teaching concerning analysis of existence, cosmic order and right conduct; truth of the cosmos is the norm to which men should conform their behavior.
Dhimmis ('protected people') Islamic term referring to legally protected non-Islamic portions of society including the 'people of the book' (Jews and Christians); while dhimmis are subject to non-Islamic tax, not allowed to evangelize, and second-class citizens, others are restricted.
Diaspora ('Scattering') voluntary or compulsory dislocated Jews living among the nations.
Dignity Bearing, conduct, or manner indicative of self-respect, formality, or appropriate demeanor
Dipankara Buddha, prior to Gautama, who had come in contact in previous incarnation.
Disciple follower of a religious leader or teaching.
Discipline Rigorous effort of activity, habit, or life patterns designed to augment spiritual well being.
Divination Method used to gain information regarding, people, phenomena. or the future by trance, natural signs (weather, flight of birds, star), or manipulation of objects (sticks, bones, rocks, or cards).
Doctrine Official or orthodox religious teaching or belief.
Drama Storytelling by narrative dialogue or action; Used to enhance communion with deity.
Druidism Adherents to Celtic priestly caste; keepers of oral history and moral law of pagans;
Dualism Occult belief that reality consists of conflicting equal natures: good versus evil.
Dukkha ('suffering') Buddhist term for suffering; one of the three characteristics of existence.
Dyanetics (Scientology) Humans are imprisoned gods; Releasing internal vibes frees one from past.