Yoga Philosophy

what's the role of shiva in imparting yoga and enlightment to the mankind Shiva , the first yogi, and how he transmitted the yogic sciences to the Saptarishis (7 great sages). According to the yogic lore, over fifteen thousand years ago, Shiva arrived at the upper regions of himalyas People saw that he was experiencing something that nobody had known before, something that they were unable to fathom. Interest developed and people came wanting to know what this was. They came, they waited and they left because the man was oblivious to other people’s presence. He was either in intense dance or absolute stillness, completely uncaring of what was happening around him. Soon, everyone left… Except for seven men. These seven people were insistent that they must learn what this man had in him, but Shiva ignored them. They pleaded and begged him, “Please, we want to know what you know.” Shiva dismissed them and said, . The way you are, you are not going to know in a million years. There is a tremendous amount of preparation needed for this. This is not entertainment.” So they started preparing. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, they prepared. Shiva just chose to ignore them. On a full moon day, after eighty-four years of sadhana, when the solstice had shifted from the summer solstice to the winter solstice – which in this tradition is known as Dakshinayana – the Adiyogi looked at these seven people and saw that they had become shining receptacles of knowing. They were absolutely ripe to receive. He could not ignore them anymore. They grabbed his attention. He watched them closely for the next few days and when the next full moon rose, he decided to become a Guru. The Adiyogi transformed himself into the Adi Guru; the first Guru was born on that day which is today known as Guru Pournami. On the banks of Kanti Sarovar, a lake that lies a few kilometers above Kedarnath, he turned South to shed his grace upon the human race, and the transmission of the yogic science to these seven people began. The yogic science is not about a yoga class that you go through about how to bend your body – which every new born infant knows – or how to hold your breath – which every unborn infant knows. This is the science of understanding the mechanics of the entire human system. After many years, when the transmission was complete, it produced seven fully enlightened beings – the seven celebrated sages who are today known as the Saptarishis, and are worshipped and admired in Indian culture. Shiva put different aspects of yoga into each of these seven people, and these aspects became the seven basic forms of yoga. Even today, yoga has maintained these seven distinct forms. Transmission of the yogic sciences to the seven rishis The Saptarishis were sent in seven different directions to different parts of the world to carry this dimension with which a human being can evolve beyond his present limitations and compulsions. They became the limbs of Shiva, taking the knowing and technology of how a human being can exist here as the Creator himself, to the world. Time has ravaged many things, but when the cultures of those lands are carefully looked at, small strands of these people’s work can be seen, still alive. It has taken on various colors and forms, and has changed its complexion in a million different ways, but these strands can still be seen. The Adiyogi brought this possibility that a human being need not be contained in the defined limitations of our species. There is a way to be contained in physicality but not to belong to it. There is a way to inhabit the body but never become the body. There is a way to use your mind in the highest possible way but still never know the miseries of the mind. Whatever dimension of existence you are in right now, you can go beyond that – there is another way to live. He said, “You can evolve beyond your present limitations if you do the necessary work upon yourself.” That is the significance of the Adiyogi.

A Basic Guide on Shaivism

A Basic Guide on Shaivism Explaining Shaivism to a lot of people can be difficult, especially given that there are numerous schools of thought and ideas behind Shaivism. Shaivism is a philosophy, and its representations and images are personification of reality. The symbolisms, and imagery, are brought to life in a representative image which many traditional religions might find disturbing. The philosophy focuses one an initial concept – before we judge and conclude, we should first understand. 1. Lord Shiva, and Shaivism, is all about enlightenment. The very core concept of Shaivism is self discovery as well as discovery of the society around us. We are here to evolve, discover, and grow, and share our insights. The truth that we know is dynamic, and we are still on a search towards that. 2. Shaivism is not about imposition of morals and stand points. Your actions have its own corresponding consequence. Not all actions will have the intended consequence we might have wanted. Some actions might seem moral, but the consequence shows negative effects; therefore, when someone has an intent to act, that person should also be focused on the consequence of said action. 3. Lord Shiva is a Lord of Destruction, covered in cremation ashes, lives in a cremation ground, is worshipped by both gods and demons and ghosts, and is in an ever meditating state. In this depiction, Lord Shiva is shown as a god who does not judge or have any bias against anyone, thus favored by everyone. He carries the leadership attitude of being just and fair regardless of being a god or demon. Being covered in cremation ashes is a significant trait that represents his transcendence over death. This largely controversial act to a conventional person is seen as a liberating act that helps people overcome their fear of death and become truly alive. 4. The Shaivite philosophy also presents Lord Shiva as half male, and half female, in some images. The Philosophy shows Shiva – Shakti as well (Shiva being the male aspect, Shakti being the female aspect). This aspect shows that both complement each other, and when separated, they are not complete. The Shaivite philosophy, for the longest time, is presented to promote gender equality by showing that both genders complement each other. There is no superior or inferior gender. There are even images of Lord Shiva and his wife, Parvati, being on equal seating blessing equally. 5. Self realization is god realization – Shaivism is focused on the idea that we are the god that we seek. Our ultimate perfection is realized when we see ourselves one with the universe, and therefore connect and share compassion. We evolve together with this universe. In light to this point, Shaivism focuses on enlightenment and creating and leaving a legacy through this understanding. As previously stated, there are many schools of thought in Shaivism, and there are also schools of thought that may not agree with some of the concepts above. The essence above is a general thought presented, and yet there are many, many more ideals and ideas being presented through stories and images. In the end, it all falls on one strong topic – the greatest thing we can do in this path of life is to go out and discover. Your gurus will guide you, but it is your life to explore.

Shiva Temple at Perambakkam.

Very often on our trips to Temples, we meet someone who talks to us about yet another Temple and ignites in us a spark of eagerness to go over and worship the Deity there. That’s how we made a trip to a Shiva Temple at Perambakkam. (Now, Perambakkam is about 55 kms. from Chennai ; 20 kms. From Thiruvallur). This is a very ancient Temple and one can see the Pallava style of architecture inside the Mahamandapa and on the pillars. The Lord here is Shree Choleeswara. He is believed to cure disorders relating to the nervous system. Not only nerve related problems, but other illnesses too. This Temple is reputed to be a "Parihara Sthalam " (designated Propitiating Centre) for nervous disorders. The Lingam here is not touched by anyone, including the Priest- these Lingams are called Theenda Thirumeni.The abhishekhams are done without touching the Linga and the Cloth( Vasthra) is wrapped around the Lingam and Pooja is offered. The Priest here told us that when milk is poured over the Linga we can see designs like - Nerves -on the Divine Body. The Devi - Kamakshi – is to the left of the Lord’s Sanctum. She stands here exuding divine beauty and compassion. There is something unique about this deity. The sculptor has left a small space around Her feet to facilitate adorning them with anklets . The Priest was kind enough to show us this. We have Sannidhis for Lord Ganesha, Shree Kasi Viswanatha, Lord Subramanya with His consorts,Lord Bhairava, the Navagrahas, and Lord Aiyappa. Lord Ganesha here is known as Shakthi Vinayakar and is said to be very powerful granting boons with a lot of compassion just like His father here. The Flag staff- Kodimaram- has been renovated by a devotee who was cured of paralysis, after worshipping the Lord here and performing the prescribed "Pariharams". This was related to us by a devotee from this place, who had himself been cured of an illness and had come there to offer worship . And there are several incidents that reveal experiences of people getting cured after sincerely worshipping here. Sage Vasishta and many Rishis and evolved souls like the Siddhas have sung about the Deity here mentioning the cure for nerve disorders.Not only nerve related disorders but even brain tumours have a cure here, says Sage Vasishta in His song on Shree Choleeswara. The Sidhdhar Korakkanathar has sung a song which indicates that the Lord cures Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar. KonkaNa Sidhdhar in his songs refers to the same, calling blood pressure -the " silent killer." One of the songs sung by Sage Agasthya refers to the Kodi Maram or Flag Staff as being worshipped by Lord Dhanwanthari on pradosha days ( Thriodasi thidhi). Complete faith and sincere worship with devotion will give us deliverance from severe illnesses

NIRVANA SHATAKAM - MANO BUDDHI AHAMKARA !Sri Adi Shankaracharya!

 

 

                                                        

 

 

 

Shiva @ Sense Of Humour

! Happy Maha Shivaratri !

Presence Of Shiva.......

Nandi With The Lord...

Aum Namah Shivaye!

God is one, names are many. Summit is one, ways are many! It is true that all paths lead, eventually to the same ONE Pristine peak(Kailash). But in His infinite wisdom, God, the creator, allowed for different paths to be carved out to His timeless presence . Being One, he playfully loves for his children to call Him by different names, and express themselves in their own unique ways of devotion. Indeed throughout time, men ad women of different lands and tribes have loved Him in a myriad ways, and we are all the more rich for inheriting a full and brimming treasure chest of mankind’s spiritual heritage. So too, i respect all, want to learn from all. Since i have my own personal focus on Shiva that is what i can contribute .On my own sojourn i have been familiar with Siva sutras methodology to realize the Self, as expounded in the Siva sutras .These are texts from myself traditionally respected as the expositions of Lord Shiva, and which always amaze and absorb me in my personal journey. living at the feet of the Siva But i have also loved so many and who have always been around me guides to help understand the Divine, its manifestations, and its plays, all of which, are rooted in the ONE Subject. You will also find learnings , or at least some glimpses from them. We are all connected in one phase of life… Aum Namah Shivaye!