Sohini and Rishi elucidate that Shiva and Shakti represent the divine balance of consciousness and energy, often symbolised as male and female principles, crucial for creation and existence, in two parts, exclusively for Different Truths.
Shiva is revered as the deity associated with the concepts of destruction, meditation, and regeneration, whereas Shakti is worshipped as the goddess embodying power, energy, and creation. Collectively, they are thought to symbolise the equilibrium between annihilation and formation, as well as the equilibrium between tranquillity and motion. Within the characteristics of the Chakras, we encounter two significant symbols: Shiva and Shakti.
Shiva represents consciousness, which is associated with the male principle. Shakti is the embodiment of the feminine principle, serving as the catalyst for power and vitality.
Shakti is constantly in operation whenever power is activated and whenever energy is present. Alternative designations for these fundamental concepts are Purusha and Prakriti; Purusha represents consciousness while Prakriti signifies nature.
Lord Shiva is commonly depicted with a trident, symbolising the triad of Īshwara, Purusha, and Prakriti. Īshwara is the all-pervading, everlasting, incorporeal divine essence; Purusha represents the soul, and Prakriti is the visible expression of nature. Īshwara is the electric current that generates the light, Purusha is the light itself, and Prakriti is the object that is being lit.
Shakti, also known as Prakriti, refers to the dynamic force that embodies energy, power, motion, transformation, and the essence of nature. The mother concept represents the role of providing and abundance. In both the human and animal realms, the mother provides sustenance, warmth, and protection. The love of a mother is unparalleled. The woman gestates and sustains the child within her own body. Upon birth, the mother nourishes the offspring with her own milk and nurtures it until it gains independence, even at the cost of her own well-being.
Shiva Represents Pure Consciousness
Shiva, also known as Purusha, represents pure consciousness. It is characterised by being constant, boundless, and unaffected by external influences. Shiva is the ultimate observer. Purusha is devoid of any wants; these are only inherent in Prakriti. Purusha serves as the blank, transparent canvas upon which Prakriti displays her vibrant motion picture.
Shiva and Shakti represent distinct aspects of the unified divine awareness, akin to two complementary facets of a single being. These two fundamental forces are often shown in art as two halves of the same figure, with one side representing the female aspect and the other side representing the male aspect. The left side symbolizes the Divine Mother, Parvati, embodying the “feminine” energy, while the right side represents Shiva, embodying the “masculine” awareness.
The duality in our lives emerged when the fundamental principle divided during the creation process. This division gave rise to a powerful force that is continuously working towards reuniting with its counterpart. Action, movement, and creativity can only arise when Shiva and Shakti unite. Energy devoid of consciousness is characterised by ignorance, disorganisation, aimlessness, and a lack of perception.
Energy and Consciousness
Energy in and of itself is incapable of generating anything; it is consciousness that imparts meaning, structure, and purpose to it. In contrast, cognition devoid of energy is inert potential, latent energy, and by itself lacks the capacity to initiate any action. The absence of Purusha renders Prakriti inert, and conversely, the absence of Prakriti renders Purusha impotent in the act of creation.
The interpretation of Shiva and Shakti is sometimes misconstrued when they are perceived as representing “male” and “female” and their union is seen as a purely sexual connection. Sexuality is an inherently natural aspect of human existence. Confusion and misinterpretation occur when sexuality becomes intertwined with spirituality.
Sexuality refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that distinguish males and females, and the potential for sexual reproduction between them. Spirituality refers to the merging of human awareness with divine consciousness. Each individual possesses the masculine and feminine elements of Shiva and Shakti inside them. This phenomenon has a direct impact on the physiological level, as it is the underlying reason for sexual attraction. Men possess an inherent inclination towards feminine attributes, while women possess an inherent inclination towards masculine attributes.
The male consciousness is drawn to the feminine, and vice versa. When both individuals are in equilibrium, there is a lack of sexual attraction. However, if there is a greater inclination towards masculinity in men or femininity in women, it leads to a preference for a same-sex mate.
Shiva dwells in the Sahasrāra Chakra whereas Shakti resides in the Mūlādhāra Chakra. When Prakriti and Purusha merge within the Sahasrāra Chakra, the concepts of knowledge, knower, and the object of knowledge converge into a single entity. After experiencing this, all wants to cease to exist within us as we come to a clear understanding that all we have ever longed for is already inherent within us. In this state of complete awareness, there are no opposing forces and hence no longer any feelings of sadness; there exists only eternal bliss, unconditional affection, boundless empathy, and complete comprehension for all sentient creatures.
The Chakras
If consciousness is linked to the physical body, it cannot consistently stay in the Sahasrāra Chakra and so goes back to the dwelling place of the Ātmā in the Heart Centre (Anāhata Chakra). An enlightened individual consistently operates based on their heartfelt thoughts, emotions, and actions. The individual is perpetually aware of the immortal Ātmā, a boundless source of joy, and their consciousness remains eternally linked to the divine consciousness, enveloped in everlasting love and happiness.
Shakti refers to the nurturing and protective love of God that envelops us with affection, compassion, and safeguarding. Shiva represents the paternal affection of the divine entity, bestowing upon us awareness, lucidity, and wisdom.
‘May you be bestowed with the benevolence of the Divine Mother, who manifests as the essence of energy and life within you, and the grace of the Divine Father, who dwells as the embodiment of consciousness and wisdom inside you. May they perpetually provide for your well-being, shield you, and offer guidance, and by their boundless affection, direct you towards the universal awareness.’
When we refer to Shiva as the destroyer, we are not implying the destruction of the entire planet, but rather the dismantling of one’s personal reality. Your environment is primarily a culmination of previous events and impressions. The composition of your universe is predominantly derived from historical events and circumstances. The past refers to events, experiences, or time periods that have already occurred and are no longer active or relevant. The phenomenon is merely a deceptive perception that infiltrates the current moment due to your cognitive patterns, and it manifests itself in forthcoming events through your aspirations.
Illusion and Double Illusion
In the absence of thought, the past would not be perceptible in the current moment. Thought might be considered an illusion, whereas desire can be seen as a double illusion due to its ongoing projection of the past into the future. Regardless of your previous knowledge, you yearn for something that you perceive as superior to what you have experienced before. To truly comprehend the magnificence of existence, one must focus just on the current moment, which is the present moment occurring at this very instant. This is the sole entrance. Reflecting on the past can lead to experiencing hallucinations. By generating a false perception of the future based on non-existent elements, the resulting illusion becomes so convincing that it entirely erases your ability to see reality in your lived experience.
Complete tranquillity eliminates any existence of the past. In the context of absolute movement, the concept of the past does not exist. Shiva discovered two essential pathways that grant entry to the realm of creation and its origin. That is the reason why he is consistently portrayed as either a frenzied dancer or an ascetic who remains completely still.
Shiva’s Marriage with Sati
According to yogic tradition, it is believed that Shiva transitioned from a state of immobility to a state of dancing, and then back to a state of immobility. All other beings, including the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, and the devas from all three realms, became captivated and curious as they observed him. They derived pleasure from the combination of complete motion and complete lack of motion, but they were completely unaware of the true essence of his encounter. They desired to experience this.
They transitioned from fascination to interest. Driven by curiosity, they attempted to approach him, but they were unable to withstand the fervour of his dance or the immobility of his stillness.
They initiated the process of devising strategies and schemes to get control over the situation that he was currently experiencing. A conference was convened, which gradually transformed into a conspiracy.
They resolved to facilitate his marriage in some manner. “We need someone from our team who can explain the underlying reasons for this intense and joyful experience, as well as the simultaneous state of complete stillness.” He seemed to derive pleasure from both activities. We require an individual who is already part of the organization.
To have an intimate understanding of Shiva, one must delve into a grand scheme that was meticulously devised and carried out. They arranged the marriage of Shiva and Sati. He acquiesced and became fully engrossed, developing an intense desire for her.
Sati’s Father Disrespects Shiva
Although he granted permission for Sati to become an integral part of his life, Sati’s father Daksha harboured a strong aversion towards Shiva, his son-in-law, due to Shiva’s lack of royal status, unkempt appearance, ash-covered body, unconventional eating habits from a human skull, and association with many supernatural entities. He consistently engages in either meditation or intoxication. He is either in a state of deep concentration or he is engaged in an intense and chaotic dancing. This individual is not a son-in-law who would bring pride or be considered socially acceptable to associate with.
After a period, Daksha desired to conduct a grand ceremonial event, and thus extended invitations to all the monarchs, deities, and celestial beings. However, Shiva was not extended an invitation.
Shiva-Sati in the Forest
Shiva and Sati were seated in the forest, and Sati, driven by her affection, endeavoured to nourish him with the fruits procured from their surroundings, as that constituted their sole sustenance. Due to their lack of a residence and inadequate cooking facilities, they subsisted on a diet primarily consisting of fruits and any other items that were provided as offerings.
She observed a substantial amount of vehicular congestion, with the most exquisite horse-drawn carriages, numerous monarchs, and divine beings, all adorned in their finest attire, traveling to a specific destination.
She inquired of Shiva, “What is this?” Where is the destination of all individuals? “It is inconsequential,” Shiva stated. “We do not need to accompany them to their destination.” However, she became enthusiastic. “To where is everyone departing?” Observe their attire.
What is occurring? “Do not disturb us, as we are perfectly fine here,” he stated. Are you feeling dissatisfied? Negative. You are experiencing joy. Disregard them. He is aware of the situation.
However, her inquisitiveness and feminine exhilaration prevented her from simply being idle and relishing the tree’s bounty. She proceeded on and intercepted one of the chariots, inquiring, “To what destination are you all bound?” They exclaimed, ‘Are you unaware?’ Your father is organising a grand yagna, which is a ceremonial sacrifice, and he has extended an invitation to all of us. Are you declining to attend? She experienced a profound sense of disorientation upon discovering that she and her spouse were not included in the invitation.
Shame and Humiliation
She experienced a strong sense of shame and humiliation. She believed that it was unjust against Shiva. She informed Shiva of her intention to visit her father. What was his motivation for doing this? “It is inconsequential to me,” Shiva stated. What is the reason for your agitation? We are in a satisfactory condition at this location. What is the reason for attending his sacrifice?”
However, she was deeply hurt by the insult of not being invited. She declined, stating, “No, I must depart.” There appears to be an error. Perhaps the invitation was misplaced. It is impossible. How is it possible that they did not extend an invitation to both you and me? I am the offspring of the king.
There appears to be an error. I am confident that he would not engage in such behaviour.” Shiva expressed that her father does not possess those qualities. Despite Shiva’s warning, Sati refused to heed his advice and proceeded with her intended action.
Sati immolates herself in the ritualistic pyre.
Ridicule and Derision
Upon attending the event, she discovered that all her female cousins and important individuals were present, adorned in elaborate attire. However, she arrived wearing her modest attire that she typically wore while residing in the mountains. She was subjected to ridicule and derision by others.
Their inquiry was directed towards the whereabouts of her man who is covered in ash. Where is the individual who has neglected to groom his hair for an indeterminate period? Disregarding everything, she proceeded to meet her father, steadfastly maintaining her belief that it must be an error. Daksha was filled with intense anger when she discovered him.
However, she inquired, “How is it possible for you to exclude Shiva from the invitation?”
Then Daksha insulted Shiva in various ways and declared, “I will never allow him to enter my house.” She was quite disappointed. The sacrificial fire was lit. She inadvertently entered the area and suffered a burn injury. Nandi and a small group of individuals who had accompanied her witnessed this event and were overwhelmed with fear. They hastily returned to Shiva and informed him that Sati immolated herself in the ritual fire due to the offense she had endured from Daksha.
Shiva generates Veerabhadra. Shiva remained still for a specific duration. Subsequently, he transformed into flames. He became enraged. Shiva extracted a single strand of his tangled hair and struck it against the adjacent rock, summoning a remarkably potent being known as Veerabhadra. He instructed Veerabhadra to annihilate the sacrificial ritual. No individual, even Daksha, should derive any benefit from it.
Every individual participating in this ritual, regardless of their identity, should proceed to eliminate them. Veerabhadra, consumed by intense anger, ruthlessly annihilated the ritual, mercilessly slaughtering anybody who obstructed his path, and most notably, impaled Daksha.
(To be continued)
Co-author: Rishi Dasgupta
Rishi Dasgupta, a Masters in Economics from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, is a millennial, multilingual, global citizen, currently pursuing a career in the UK. An accomplished guitarist and gamer, his myriad pursuits extend to the study of the ancient philosophies and mythologies of India. ‘Adi Shiva: The Philosophy of Cosmic Unity’ is Rishi’s second book as co-author.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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