Shiva information here as well as shiva yoga spiritual healing resources

Shiva information here as well as shiva yoga spiritual healing resources

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Shiva - Siva

Siva's name literally means "auspicious" and it is an appropriate description of him. He is often portrayed as an ascetic or a yogi in Hindu mythology and art. Siva is also called Mahadeva or the Great God because through his many incarnations the whole of reality is explained or understood. Siva represents the Sun as the inherent power behind all creation. He is illuminating force of the mind and the world through the senses. He is the Atman, the highest Self. He is also often depicted with his wife, Parvati, who represents the Moon. The two representing a perfect whole and unity of man / woman – male / female energy or in Hindu terms, Siva / Shakti. Siva is often wrongly depicted merely a fearsome deity, through the terrible form of Rudra, the God of destruction and transformation. As Rudra, he brings the destruction that is necessary for the light of truth to be born out of chaos and ignorance. But Siva also gives the courage and strength necessary to endure the hardship and pain of this necessary transformation.

As Shambo (The mild one) he is often seen sitting in samadhi, deep meditation, with eyes half closed, open just enough to see the world, yet to not be identified with it. He wears the crescent Moon on his head, symbolizing his mind and emotions are under control. He wears a necklace of cobras symbolizing that all creatures are his friend and he fears none. Also the sacred river Ganges flows from the top of his head, symbolizing the sacred waters of truth and the current of life that is ever changing yet eternal. As Shankara (The wise one) many of the same traits are observed as he is also seen on Mount Kailasa his home in the mountains, with the trident, representing the 3 gunas under his control and the mrdingam (the drum) hanging from his staff. He makes the open hand Mudra which says “I will not hurt you” or “ I will protect you.” In this open hand he shows the Siva linga – the transcendent symbol of the great God.

Another prominent form of Siva is as Nataraj. Nataraj or “Dancing Siva” as he is sometimes called, is the lord of the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, the Tandava. Nataraj is perhaps the most depicted incarnation of Siva, with one leg raised he balances on the other, while crushing the child of ignorance beneath his foot. The most common figures depict a four-armed Shiva. These multiple arms represent the four cardinal directions. Each hand either holds an object or makes a specific mudra (gesture).

As Nataraj, King of dancers, Siva’s gestures are wild yet full of grace. His flying hair, arms and legs and the swaying of his torso produce the continuous creation-destruction of the universe. History through the Great Eons and Maha Yugas unfold, transform and cohere through the ordered chaos of his tireless dance and the swinging sequence of his gestures. Lover’s love, Sun’s explode, world’s collide, devoured by Kala (time) and the beating drum and the stamping of the Master's heels. All the while the face remains peaceful and detached, in a reassuring calm.