Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 21)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)

The Third Eye:

The three eyes of Lord Shiva are often the focus of mythological interpretations and mystic curiosity.

Representation of His manifestation in human-like form should have shown only two eyes like the normal humans have.

Is the third eye mere allegoric depiction?

Or, does it signify some hidden facets?

In fact, the third eye symbolizes the source of sagacity - pure, discreet wisdom.

This center in the human body is hidden subtly in an endocrine gland inside the brain, right behind the position (on the forehead) where the third eye of Shiva is depicted.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 20)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)  

If we look carefully and ponder over it, we will find that innumerable teachings are hidden in Lord Shiva's manifestations, as we see Him in the temples and religious stories.

We often find His depiction in human-like form, with a coating of ash on his body.

If we knew the righteous attitude of life and the ideal mode of living, the importance of this ash-coating would have been crystal clear to us.

Many of us put the bhasm (ash) of the sacred fire of yagya (agnihotra or homam) on our forehead with great reverence.

But do we know the meaning of this religious ritual?

The most important implication of smearing bhasm on any part of the body is to recall the Vedic teaching of "Bhasmantaka Goum Shariram" - this body is going to become (a heap of) ash one day.

That means, this body might either get mixed in the soil or water, or fly like the dust particles with the wind. This physical body of ours, which we are so proud of, and are so much attached to, is going to be crushed (with the soil) beneath others' feet one day.

If we are His true devotee, the bhasm on Shiva's body should constantly remind us of this ultimate reality, and therefore keep us away from the ego and attachments that arise because of our mistaken identity with the physical body.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 19)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy) 

A home and a crematorium are alike for a duty-bound, altruist person, who has acquired pure knowledge.

Such a wise man knows that this moment he is living comfortably in the house, but any other moment he would be no more, and his body would rest in peace in a crematorium or a graveyard; then he will have new life, and a new home, and so on.

Today's life would be tomorrow's death, which would again turn into new life some day. This is how the cycle of life continues.

Life and death are like the relay games of day and night.

Then why should we be scared of death?

Rather, we should remember it, to make our life more meaningful, more useful, more enlightened every day.

This is another significant teaching of Shiva's Philosophy of Life.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 18)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)

What else have you read or heard about Lord Shiva from the scriptural descriptions?

That He lives in the marghat (crematorium)!

Why should He do so?

Well, this again is a symbolic depiction.

It teaches us that we should always remember death. We get so engrossed in the worldly affairs that we almost forget that death could knock at our door any moment, and then we will have to leave this world instantly.

We seem to remember everything else, but this bitter reality of life. If we had remembered the absolute fact that we had to die some day or the other, our attitude towards life would have been different.

In that case, we would have cared for what we ought and what we ought not to do?

We would have been more alert towards our duties.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 17)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)

A Bull (named Nandi) is said to be the mount of Lord Shankar (Shiva).

Why?

What does it imply?

Well, a Bull is known to be an assiduous animal.

Any laborious, industrious human can become Lord Shiva's favorite, irrespective of whether he is an Indian, British, French, or anyone else. We all know that God helps those who help themselves.

The Bull symbolizes strength, courage and hard work in our (Indian) culture.

If you want to become a devotee of Lord Shiva, you will have to be courageous, and depend upon your own wisdom and endeavors. No one will open the doors of progress for you. You alone will have to come forward and initiate your ascent in the desired direction.

Do you know who rides on a buffalo?

Shanichar!
(Saturn, as described in the Puranas).

A buffalo represents lethargy, dullness and escapism from labor or hard work. It can never be the mount of Lord Shiva.

Shiva likes the ever energetic, assiduous Bull, Nandi.

The latter is described in the Puranas as the vehicle of Shiva (in human form). Shiva takes care of it and loves this pet.

You and I should also try to cultivate the qualities of this Bull; this is what God wants His devotees to be like.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 16)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)

What is the meaning of your worship and devotion if you don't learn anything from the truth, from the philosophy of your Deity?

You will just continue to perform some rituals, keep crying and praying at His feet without any improvement in your life.

Remember that Shiva does not need your flowers and other offerings of worship.

Your devotion is real only if you adopt its philosophy in every aspect of life.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 15)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy)

Implications of Scriptural Depictions: 

The scriptural descriptions narrate the simplicity of the wedding ceremony of Shiva and Parvati.

He did not go after big people or Gods of heaven to join the wedding procession.

Rather, he took the ghosts and the palitas along.

As praised in the following hymn of the Ramacharit Manas -
"Tanu Kshina Kou Ati Pita, Pavan Kou Apavan Tanu Dhare"
(Those with ugly, horrifying and diseased bodies were also among Shiva's Baraatis (participants of the wedding procession)).

Shiva had taken due care of even the deprived and downtrodden.

We should also broaden our hearts and pay attention to those scorned by the society.

If we cannot get rid of our hatred, fears and prejudices, we can never enjoy the sense of bliss and fulfillment, the devotees of Shiva deserve.