Mystic symbolism of the form of Shiva

Lord Shiva is one of the trinity of Hindu gods. Since he was the first yogi or aadi yogi, we find almost all his images in the meditation posture.

The word "Shiva" means literally, "that which is not." On another level, when we say "Shiva", we are referring to a certain yogi, the Adiyogi or the first yogi, and also the Adi Guru, the first Guru. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Everyone could have been familiar with the symbols associated with Lord Shiva and its significance.

1. The Ganga river flowing from Shiva's head or Jatajutam symbolizes, knowledge flow for the purification of the soul.
2. Crescent Moon on Shiva's head symbolizes, limited nature of mind and its use to express wisdom which is beyond mind.
3. Third eye symbolizes the clarity of vision. It's a power of perception to see everything straight, beyond the field of duality.
4. The Serpent symbolizes, fearlessness. It means, instead of running away from the fears, if faced closely than that fear exists no more.
5. Rudraksha represents purity of mind.
6. The Drum or Damarukam, two sides separated from each other by a thin neck like structure symbolize, two contrast dimensions, manifest and non-manifest both happening parallel.
7. Trident or Thrishool symbolizes, his three fundamental powers: Knowledge(Satva guna), Will(Rajas guna) and Action(Tamas guna).

The mystic meaning behind these quite contrast symbolic representations amalgamation is, when a man has self control, self disciple and stillness, a power to exist between the duality at the same time is possible. This is Siva Tattvam in a nutshell.

• Shiva holds, Poison in the throat and Moon on the head, which is of nectar nature. Both are quite opposites and cannot exist together.
• He also holds, fiery nature Third eye in the forehead and Ganga river on the head. Again, contrasts.

So substantially, Siva is an embodiment of Truth. Shiva Tatvam depicts that, if there is balance and stability in mind, facing the contrast situations and handling people with a variety of mindsets is attainable.

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA.

Most Beautiful Quotes by Rumi

Power of Sound to Cleanse the space

Traditional South Indian, Hindu temples have a brass metal bell hanging inside the temple and devotees ring the bell after entering the temple as a part of darshanam. Bells in some temples were also made to produce "Aum" sound.

Back when I was a child, whenever I visited the temple, my father would lift me high to ring the temple bell, as I was very much enchanted to do that. Everyday Pooja routine in my house, is followed by Mangala Harathi along with ringing the small brass bell. I always enjoyed that reverberating sound, without understanding the significance of it. Once I have grown up, some random days it would be my turn to perform the Pooja, Mangala Harathi and the brass bell rings. Then those times I began to contemplate why I was ringing the bell and tried to explore the significance of it.

According to my understanding, I found interesting facts about the power of sound. Ringing the temple bell, produces the auspicious sound, that cleanses the negative energy and welcomes the positive energy. While performing Pooja ritual, ringing the bell while chanting mantra indicates the invocation of the divine positive force and departure of evil forces. It was also said that the insects, bacteria and virus coming across the vibrations created by the bell's sound get killed.

" Creation is sound. The creator is stillness. " ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Most of the people could have heard of the 7 chakras. It was said in Kundalini yoga sastras, they are the energy focal points, exists in our subtle body. Balance in these chakras results healthy body and mind. So as per Kundalini Yoga, bell's sound heals, activates the chakras and ease them to balance. The moment we listen to the ringing bell's sound, all our thoughts vanish and  automatically we enter into a tranquil state. It's a state of mind, awareness and receptivity is more. So to create an awaken and focused  mind and receptivity of positive energy is the primary reason behind ringing the temple bells.

It was also written in Vedic scripts that, the first form of creation is sound. The part of sound in our daily life is predominant, as it plays a crucial role in Vedic chants, music, bhajans and speech.

Not only temple bells, chanting, Chinese chimes, singing bowls, clapping also carry sound throughout a space and cleanse the negative energy.

" A chant is not a cultural but existential thing. It is about the sounds, not the meanings. "  ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

It's time for Solidarity

As individuals, families and citizens of a nation, we are facing a big trouble now. This is a unique time in the history, where the whole world is fighting with an invisible enemy, COVID-19. It's time for solidarity. 

Since no vaccines have come out yet, quarantine is the only way to confront the enemy. As a responsible human being, to protect ourselves and to prevent the spread, let's cooperate with the government and self quarantine, up to the epidemic is under control. Certainly few sacrifices are a part of it, but being alive is more valuable than anything else. Though we are taking unusual steps to deal with the pandemic, let's be bold and face courageously. 

We all should be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem and create a natural disaster into a man made disaster. We must think unite and stay in social distancing for a while. Before the good times, things usually go worse. So we should play our part well, till the things become neutral.

" We don't need unity in theory, we need solidarity in practice. "

My Dream Land!

That's my secret dreamland, filled with full of embraces and joys..

It's a place where moon talks to me and stars walk with me..

Hearty cuddles with my cully creepers and chirps by my playmate chicks..

Brimful laughter with my sister blossoms..

Heartfelt talks with my chum fairies..

My space is chattels with wonder, but beyond plunder..

There, I savor my girlhood by setting aside my worries, fears and forlorn..

I visit my clandestine space, graceful not to leave a trace to discover the space..

It's my space! mine alone, where no one else can push me away..

I cherish the moments spent in this realm.. anything is possible in this helm.

This is my dream land! off from the duality, logics and selfishness.

" Out beyond the ideas of right and wrong, there is a filed. I will meet you there. "

~ Rumi 

Image source: http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/fairies.htm 

Ilayaraja's impact in my life

Ilayaraja, my all time favorite music composers ever... its really difficult for me to express my love for his music. I don't remember when I was introduced to his music, but his catchy melodies always captivated me.

When I was a child, I observed songs on hero's names like "Chiranjeevi's song", "Nagarjuna's" or "Venkatesh", later I understood the face behind such an alluring composition. I am immensely fond of that earthiness, encapsulated with typical south Indian native hymn, in his music. I am endeared anything that is grounded and also being a south Indian, I effortlessly get jolted by his music. Perfect harmony and balance between the music and lyrics is the typical mark I behold and relish the most of his compositions.

Ilayaraja

 His compositions touch almost all emotions we could ever feel. His music and background score certainly elevates the movie to the next level. He is one of the finest musicians and so consistently affluent boon to the filmmakers to showcase nativity, romance and freshness in their movies and that fascinates me a lot. Geethanjali, Rudraveena, Sindhu Bhairavi, Vasantha Kokila, Swathi Muthyam, Nayakudu, Aradana, Dalapathi.. many such irreplaceable and incredible movies came out with his combination. Out of all, somehow I always get mesmerized by Raja's "Mouna Ragam" movie(directed by Mani Ratnam). I think, along with an elite story content and actors, compelling back ground music has made me to watch that movie countless times since my college days. I still do :)

I feel Ilayaraja's music is like celebrating in solitude, pure music that restores sanity, sanctum of emotion's amalgamation. I enjoy the pleasure of listening to his music to the core, while watching rain or moonlight and stars in the sky. I know it sounds a bit fantasy and quite unlike to the city folks! Its fact too, but I try to make it possible occasionally, of course nature's cooperation indeed. 

Some of my all time favorite Ilayaraja songs that stir my soul:

1. "Maaterani chinnadani.." song from "O papa lali" movie.

2. "Karpoora bommavu nuvve" song from "O papa lali" movie.

3."Lalitha priya kamalam.. " song from "Rudraveena" movie.

4. "Kathala kalpanala.." song from "Vasantha kokila" movie.

5. "Neelala kanullo.." song from "Nayakudu" movie.

6. "Mallepoola challa gaali.." song from "Mouna ragam" movie.

7. "Singarala pairullona.." song from "Dalapathi" movie.

8. "Alupannadi vunda.." song from "Gaayam" movie.

9. "Challa gaali.." song from "Yevade Subramanyam" movie.

10. "Ma papalu tholaginchu.." song from "Shirdi Sai Baba Mahatyam" movie.

" Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. " ~ Plato

Connection between the lines - SOLITUDE

Everyone knows what solitude is, but I try to put my point here: It's a state of being alone not lonely. Though it looks similar to the outside world, there is a huge difference between the both. Enjoying our own company without external entertainments and dependencies is solitude whereas missing someone else's company or depending on other stuff is loneliness. In brief, solitude is a choice and loneliness is by force.

Sometimes I like to be in solitude. At that point of time, I practice meditation or just sit in silence or I talk to myself as if I am my own best friend or have a cup of coffee. It helps me to connect with my inner self. Our inner self is what we actually are, not the personality we carry. Personality means a mask, we choose to project to the outside world and it depends upon our ego. Inner self depends on our consciousness. Connection with inner self favors me to understand my being better and aids to improve my perceptions. That makes me feel and experience the true joy. This refreshment forges me to align with life, radiate love and peace.

" You are born alone. You die alone. The value of the space in between is trust and love."

~ Louise Bourgeois