Sampradaya

Sampradaya is a big fancy word that means "tradition" or "lineage". Just like your family has a tradition of celebrating birthdays or holidays in a certain way, some people who follow certain religious beliefs have a tradition of following certain rules and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation.

For example, in Hinduism, there are different sampradayas or lineages that follow different ways of worship, meditation, and rituals. Each sampradaya has their own set of beliefs and practices that they follow, and they try to maintain those traditions as they are considered important and sacred.

Think of it like different branches of a tree. Even though they may look different and have different leaves and branches, they all share the same roots and base. Similarly, even though different sampradayas may have different practices and beliefs, they still have a common foundation and they all strive to connect with the divine in their own way.