The Satsang Journal
Teachings, field notes and stories of service from across The Satsang Foundation.
When everything is destroyed and one is left with no hope whatsoever, there comes Shiva’s support. As long as one remains attached to trivial things, the ultimate support - Shiva - cannot be found.
In Sanskrit, 'Shivam' also means 'auspiciousness'. It also is a synonym for 'Ananda', 'happiness'. So, the contrast in Varanasi is that utter destruction is the same as auspiciousness and greatness.
Of the Trinity that creates, preserves and destroys, Shiva comes only at the end. Shiva, the Lord of the Universe is the ultimate destroyer. Kashi reminds you always that there is joy in destruction.
Freedom is like the Wheel of Enlightenment - the rim symbolizes mindfulness while the hub stands for moral discipline; the veil of illusion is gradually lifted as one goes deeper into understanding...
You cannot practice freedom because it has no preset design or pattern. Absolutely free and boundless - it cannot be ‘practiced’ in day-to-day life.
The Tandav Nritya of Shiva seeks to free you of all intrinsic conditioning that you are individual and different. If you are ready to embrace the Dancing Shiva, you are free!
True consciousness is to transcend all images we create in our minds. The Tandav Nritya– 'primal dance of Shiva', is a beautiful expression for the annihilation of all images we have created.
Of Shiva's armaments, one is the ‘paasha’ – noose. Shiva flings the noose only on those who are ready for it, and not at random. Believe me, being secured by this noose is beautiful.
Though we may think we are human, in essence we are actually ‘pashus’ – animals. Shiva, who presides over us, is therefore called Pashupathi- Lord of the ‘pashus’.
Humility is the understanding that one doesn’t know; or that, perhaps, there is more to know. The idea that one ‘knows’ has to be set aside, so that the mind is empty to receive.
According to the Rishis, Truth cannot be grasped and can only be understood by going as close as possible to it. The moment you think you have found it, it becomes something else. That continuously...
In the name of modern thinking and scientific enquiry, sadly some throw all traditions aside. Why discard something profound just because it is a tradition? You can adapt it. Discarding it is lik...