Deity Inspiration - Lord Shiva
Shiva is one of the most revered and widely worshiped deities in Hinduism and is considered the First Yogi (Adi Yogi). Shiva iconography is most often depicted as a yogi meditating in padmasana, with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon adorning his hair, a serpent around his neck, and a trident (trishula) in his hand—all symbols reminding onlookers of the significance and importance of yoga—realizing one’s true Self.
Shiva. Mahadeva. Rudra. Nataraja. Shankara. Maheshwara. Pashupati. Kailashnath. These are just a few of the many names and titles attributed to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology and scripture. Each name carries layers of dense symbolism and significance, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva's divine attributes and cosmic role. In alignment with these names, here are some key aspects of Lord Shiva:
The Destroyer: Mythologically, Shiva destroys the universe at the end of each cosmic cycle (yuga), which paves the way for creation to begin anew. His role as the destroyer is essential for the cyclical nature of existence, where old forms must make way for new ones. In spirituality, Shiva is the destroyer of ignorance that resides within us about our true nature.
The Transformer: While Shiva is associated with destruction, he is also revered as a transformative force. His destruction is not mere annihilation but rather a process of renewal and regeneration, where old structures are broken down to make way for new growth and evolution. The transformation of Vasana, Samskara and Karma.
The Ascetic: Shiva is an ascetic renouncing worldly attachments and living in meditation in the Himalayas — a symbolism of detachment from material desires and a single-minded focus on spiritual realization.
The Divine Consort: Shiva is married to Parvati, also known as Shakti, who is revered as the embodiment of feminine energy and divine power. Together, they represent the union of masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing the creative and procreative forces of the universe - in reality Shiva and Shakti are one.
The Lord of Dance: Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, performs the cosmic dance of creation. The rhythm of his dance and vibration of his drum (damaru) is the source of energy coalescing to give rise to form; to resonate to give birth to the kundalini shakti — the conquest of the serpent around his neck — the eternal rise of energy and consciousness.
The Supreme Guru: Shiva is revered as the supreme teacher of yoga, meditation, and spiritual wisdom. He is the patron deity of yogis, ascetics, and seekers of truth, guiding them on the path of self-realization and liberation — moksha.
The Benevolent Deity: Despite his fearsome aspect as the destroyer, Shiva is also known for his compassion, kindness, and willingness to grant boons to his devotees. He is often depicted as approachable and easy to please, especially when approached with sincerity and devotion.
Embodying the duality of creation and destruction, asceticism and grace, and masculine and feminine energies, Shiva is revered as the Supreme Being who transcends all dualities and embodies the highest truths of existence: our liberation is Unity, that is Yoga.
This month, notice the themes and signs of Shiva in your life — destruction, transformation, creation, the natural cycles of the universe, and consciousness. As you notice synchronicity in your own life, see if you can connect to how these qualities also effect other Beings in our collective existence, guiding you to compassion for Self and other.
