The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1786 page)

 
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Parapsychology
.

Literally the scientific study of what lies beyond (Gk.,
para
) those properties of the mind which are accepted by current scientific research. However, since there is very considerable debate as to whether or not paranormal (or ‘psi’) phenomena actually exist, it is better defined as the scientific investigation of a possibility. The main psi candidates which have been advanced for research purposes can be classed under two headings: ESP (extrasensory perception) which covers paranormal cognition, as with telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition, and PK (psychokinesis) which covers paranormal action, such as influencing electronic and atomic randomizers.

 
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Par
ara
.

A
i
who is said to have been one of the four law-givers.
g Veda
1. 65–75 and 9. 97 are attributed to him.

 
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(Skt., ‘R
ma with the axe’). In Hindu mythology, a
brahman
of the
Bh
gu
clan, destined from birth to lead a warrior's life. He is chiefly known as the hero of two myths. In many ways Para
ur
ma is a puzzling figure: although the
Pur
as
identify him with
Vi
u
and he becomes the sixth
avat
ra
in the standard list, he is also presented as a protégé of
iva
, who gives him his celebrated axe.