• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

Experiencing Shiva

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
This thread piggybacks on the following one, but with a 'Hindu feel':

http://www.religiousforums.com/foru...us-experience-versus-mystical-experience.html

I was wondering how 'mystical experiences' can be handed out like lollies at a candy store, when to me, this means the ultimate realization of Brahman.

I knew what I wanted to say and I was trying to say it, but could not. I was getting frustrated with the whole 'anybody can have a mystical experience, it's just so easy' attitude.

If it was 'so easy', why isn't everybody self-realised by now...then, it happened:

"and you call yourself a student of Patanjali? *laughs*

What people are discussing there, is Nirvichara or Savitarka Samadhi even Samayama as their experience. These are all still 'mystical experiences', just lower forms thereof. Some just get stuck there. They spend many, many lifetimes there.

Ultimately, Brahman alone exists, however these experiences are still Mithya, but they are just as real in relation to the person experiencing them. I know you are fully aware of what this is like, so you just can't judge it all like that.

Not everybody will understand you, so stop expecting they will. Not everybody will believe you, so stop expecting they will. Your life-lesson is to just let things happen rather than trying to make them happen.

When you exert any influence, ego is still there, so just let go...relax and let go...


...and then it happened.

Om Klim Kalikaye Namah!
Om Namah Shivay!
 
Last edited:

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
शिवाय गौरीवदनाब्जवृन्दसूर्याय
दक्षाध्वरनाशकाय ।
श्रीनीलकण्ठाय वृषध्वजाय
तस्मै शिकाराय नमः शिवाय ॥३॥

ॐ नमः शिवाय
 

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
This certainly rekindles memories of my experiences with Vishnu.

"and then it happened" is exactly how I put it in my autobiography.

What is remarkable and something the individual is intimately aware of, as it happens, is how a non-dual experience can have "another" present... well, sort of... It's very difficult to describe.
 

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
This certainly rekindles memories of my experiences with Vishnu.

"and then it happened" is exactly how I put it in my autobiography.

What is remarkable and something the individual is intimately aware of, as it happens, is how a non-dual experience can have "another" present... well, sort of... It's very difficult to describe.
One can only try...

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुर्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुरेव परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥१॥

Meaning:
1.1: The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru Deva is Maheswara (Shiva),
1.2: The Guru is Verily the Para-Brahman (Supreme Brahman); Salutations to that Guru.

Thank you for sharing your experience and I would like to read your book one day.

Yes, everything about the non-dual state is difficult to describe. I will use my favourite saying in regards to this; 'it's complicated'.

[youtube]o7szrz6auvc[/youtube]
Sri Dakshinamurti Stotram (with sanskrit text & meaning) - YouTube

*goes and bathes in the above.

Om Namah Shivay
 
Last edited:

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
Since I've never had mystical experiences, I'd like to congratulate all who have. :)
What about when you saw that murthi of Lord Nataraja? I do respect your humility though.

There's just a point one reaches where they just can't keep on denying this anymore, either to themselves or to anybody else.

I am not worthy of your congratulations though...it's not my doing.
 

Fireside_Hindu

Jai Lakshmi Maa
I'm not sure how one defines a mystical experience. I have been to places in the world (non-Hindu at that) in which I felt the change n the atmosphere and sensed that there was something special about the place, but was unable to associate it with any religion.

ie. "Oh, The spirit of St. Such and Such is definitly here!" or "I can tell that the Celtic deities walked this way.." etc.

It's always a general and sudden awareness of a change in the space be it indoor or outdoor.

:camp:
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
What about when you saw that murthi of Lord Nataraja? I do respect your humility though.

There's just a point one reaches where they just can't keep on denying this anymore, either to themselves or to anybody else.

I am not worthy of your congratulations though...it's not my doing.

Joking aside, it's a bit like the "My Daddy is stronger than your Daddy" that kindergarten kids go though. As someone else aptly put, "Mysticism is personal, and nobody knows another's experience." So in the end it doesn't mattter much what a person says. :)
 

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
Joking aside, it's a bit like the "My Daddy is stronger than your Daddy" that kindergarten kids go though. As someone else aptly put, "Mysticism is personal, and nobody knows another's experience." So in the end it doesn't mattter much what a person says. :)
Noted. I shall approach the matter with utmost discretion, humility and respect in future.

....and now, there is absolutely nothing left for me to speak of or discuss anymore. =/
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Yeah, being at a 'loss for words' doesn't sit quite well with me. I tried. :p

I'm very quiet in real life, often go to temple and not utter a word, but when some conversation gets going with enthusiasm, I yap away incessantly like some bird.
 

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
I'm very quiet in real life, often go to temple and not utter a word, but when some conversation gets going with enthusiasm, I yap away incessantly like some bird.
I've just got so much abstruse information inside me, it feels like my brain is just going to explode sometimes...RF is the 'release valve' for this.

So, I shall turn this thread into a 'Siva appreciation thread' so those who have not yet had a 'mystical experience' can also contribute.

1586517-fine-batik-painting-lord-shiva.jpg


अखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी_
रसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।
स्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं
गजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥१०॥

Akharva-Sarva-Manggalaa-Kalaa-Kadamba-Man.jarii_
Rasa-Pravaaha-Maadhurii-Vijrmbhannaa-Madhu-Vratam |
Smara-Antakam Pura-Antakam Bhava-Antakam Makha-Antakam
Gaja-Antaka-Andhaka-Antakam Tam-Antaka-Antakam Bhaje ||10||

Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
10.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) He is the Non-Diminishing Source of Auspiciousness for the Welfare of All, and the Source of all Arts which He Manifests like a Cluster of Blossoms,
10.2: From His Tandava Dance is Surging forth the Nectar of Sweetness in the form of Arts expressing His Sweet Will,
10.3: I Worship Him Who brought an End to Smara (i.e. Kama Deva), I Worship Him Who brought an End to the Tripurasuras, I Worship Him Who brings an End to the Delusion of Worldly Existence, I Worship Him Who brought an End to the Sacrifice (of Daksha), ...
10.4: I Worship Him Who brought an End to Gajasura, I Worship Him Who brought an End to Demon Andhaka, and I also Worship Him Who Restrained Yama; I Worship my Lord Shiva.
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
So, I shall turn this thread into a 'Siva appreciation thread' so those who have not yet had a 'mystical experience' can also contribute.

I laughed. In the mornings I sit and stare at Nataraja for some time. Then, once sadhana is over, I move this bag of bones over to the temple, and repeat the sitting still performance in front of the lingam there. It's amazing how Siva's dance makes the devotee still. For Thai Pusam preparation, it'll be repeated in the evening, but staring at Siva's renunciate son instead.

Yes, I can contribute to a Siva appreciation thread.
 

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
I'll just be off for a bit.....

After what went on over the past few days with all of this 'doubt' or whatever creeping in...I don't know whether 'doubt' would be quite the correct word for it....after what ISA said in another thread...and In Real Life experiences just occurring over these past few days - one of my only few friends passing on, my brother and his wife announcing divorce, my grumpy flatmate abusing me for leaving the kitchen light on - which pales in comparison to D: Any of the Above.

I finally told Lord Siva to 'just get lost for a while...go away...take the hike, mike' etc.

Then, what happened was nothing but amazing - totally amazing (sorry to speak through experience, but I just cannot help it).

I went shopping with my wheelchair-bound mother to take us both out of our environment (mine was more internal and hers, external) then, she suggested we walk into a gardening shop...a plant nursery (she loves gardening and I never really developed a taste for it).

I was walking around the shop, rather bored...then something caught my eye. It was a row of hand made 'inspirational quotes' glazed planting pottery, and the pots on the shelves read..in order:

"Have Hope"..."Happiness is the way, not the destination"...."All you need is love"...."Be at Peace"...

Again, I was adamant..."get out of my head for just one day! I have had enough! please Siva, just go away!".

Then, driving my mother home, I was reading all the signs by the roadside: (In the yard of an old church, a sign "What you are seeking, is seeking you"...then, a little further "Shiva's Indian Restaurant" (In Mittagong, Australia for reference)...then "Relax On Holiday With Us" (in the window of a Travel Agent).

*Nah, I am still ignoring You...go away!

So, just now, my daughter comes in and informs me I am down to my last 200mb of data left on my pre-paid wireless modem. I hope this will actually post...

I don't get paid for a week now and I am soooo broke! So, no Internet.

Cyas all soon.

1/0 to Lord Siva.

Om Namah Shivay
 
Last edited:

satyaroop

Active Member
"Happiness is the way, not the destination"...



like I said in another thread
.....a question, is the process of spiritual progress supposed to be hard, uncomfortable, a struggle?

a)if yes, then it's a long uncomfortable journey.

b)or is it a matter of finding your own path, a path you are comfortable in. Then the long journey becomes pleasant. I think that this is probably the right answer.

in other words, I feel that if it's making you agitated, then there's something wrong/maybe missing, with your practise.
we get enough stress from our everyday lives, that's where our spiritual practise comes in, to provide some relief.
If your religious/spiritual life is going to be so stressful, just dump it <---just my opinion(no offense to anyone)
....:run:
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
like I said in another thread
we get enough stress from our everyday lives, that's where our spiritual practise comes in, to provide some relief.

....

I agree. Not supposed to be stressful. On the inside, yes, in meditation, but that's a totaly different kind of stress, more just inner alertness.

I saw a tandava drum last night. First one, if memory serves me correctly.
 

NobodyYouKnow

Misanthropist
Lord Siva is an annoying friend whom you'd really love to hate, but can't for one second because you just love Him too much.

He also has a wicked sense of humour that is very spontaneous and situationally driven.

Siva in form of Guru (teacher), teaches through example and experience. He teaches through perception and intuition. He IS the 'eureka moment'.

He is serendipity, coincidence and divine inspiration.

Siva in form of Friend is a practical joker and there's no other way to put it. He is also a huge show off, often challenging you to games you know you cannot win vs God.

Still, one fails...one tries...one realises how pointless it is and sighs.

Siva in form of Lover is to experience the very essence of timelessness. It is the pause between each heartbeat, where the past and future merge. The place in Sahasrara Chakra where he is in Yoga with Divine Mother.

Shakti is like the bashful virgin bride on Her wedding night....

Shiva: "Come into my embrace, dear beloved and let us join as one".
Shakti: "Are we not already one my Lord? Why must we do all this now"?
Shiva: "Is there a better time my dear? After all, you are addressing the master of it."
Shakti: "So, without which one of us wouldn't the other exist again?"
Shiva: "Are you still going on about all that? I'll explain it to you later; now let us embrace."
Shakti: "Could I love you any less after being in Your embrace?"
Shiva: "Can that which never diminishes be thus diminished?"
Shakti: "Yes, but can that which is unknown remain so after it is known? I'd rather not spoil everything.".
Shiva: *laughs* "You have already said we are one, so how will this 'spoil everything'?.
Shakti: "Why do it then? You just missed My whole point."
Shiva: "Why not? You missed Mine and you will miss My point if you continue to just stand there arguing. I interrupted my Samadhi for this."
Shakti: "I am She who reveals Your Ajna-eye so you can experience that Samadhi. The same eye that burned Kama Deva (desire) to ashes. I am She who also conceals it to create the universe as per Your instructions...I shall thus come into Your embrace".

Shakti Unbridled:

Wait, why is Kali Maa standing all over Lord Shiva's prostrate corpse again (some may ask)?

I have always said that 'If Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, then all the powers that be have no fury like a Goddess scorned'.

So, once Goddess Kali gets going on one of Her destructive rampages, there's no 'off switch'. She'll start with destroying ignorance, attachment, greed and lustful desire, but She wont be satisfied with that.

The Goddess' desires are insatiable and unquenchable. This is why Asutosha (Lord Shiva in the form of benevolent provider) is Her husband.

However, even Lord Shiva is under threat from Her impulsive and indiscriminate, murderous ways. He is like; "so yeah, my Dear, leave that whole 'destroying the universe thing' to Me. When the time is right (which is not now), We shall both do the Tandavam Dance together. I shall teach it to You."

Kali Maa's focus and intent is so one-pointed that She totally ignores and disregards the words of Her beloved Siva.

Lord Siva doesn't like seeing His Devi in this form. He understands She does it to achieve what is necessary, but Her Durga Form accomplishes exactly the same...but how to stop Her and get Her to see that?

So, Lord Siva gives Her the final ultimatum..."Love vs Vengeance"..."Good vs Evil".

Thus, He throws Himself down fully prostrate at Kali Ma's feet, begging Her suppilcation in the direct path of Her destructive rampage.

Kali Maa places Her beautiful Foot on Lord Shiva's chest and immediately 'comes to Her senses' (noticing the huge disrespect She has just committed to Siva) and resumes form as Durga Maa or Parvati/Gauri - the 'nice' form of the Goddess.

All the photos, Murthis and images you see where Kali Maa is standing on Lord Shiva, takes place just moments prior to Her transformation.

Shiva: "Come, sit at My feet dear beloved and I shall explain the concept of Viveka (discernment/discrimination). Even Lord Brahma failed to understand it even though His Vehicle is Hamsa (Hamsa the Swan can separate water from milk after mixing). It's the reason why I beheaded Him...come, let me tell You about it".

Shakti: "Iccha and Kriya is nought without Gyan (Jnana), so I shall await your instruction, my Guru".

Speaking of Siva

One of the first books I ever read which totally inspired me to worship and Love my Lord Siva in form rather than concept was a small tome of Virashaiva poetry:

Speaking of Siva by A.K. Ramanujan

After reading it from cover to cover (and eventually wearing them all off). I came to the eventual conclusion that the whole text, in itself, was a total enigma.

Here we have a school of Lingayats (Virashaivas) worshiping Lord Shiva in impersonal form as per the Saiva Agamas, yet writing the most beautiful love poems to Lord Siva ever?

Yeah, one can only remain 'impersonal' for just so long...

My favourite poems were written by:

Sage Basavana - Who referred to Siva by the name "The Lord of Meeting Rivers". Basavanna was more of the 'poet philosopher' but he also experienced great devotion for his Lord. He stressed that just as the waters of two meeting rivers join together and merge as one, so does the individual consciousness and that of the all-pervading Consciousness - Lord Siva.

Maha Deviyakki - who referred to Siva by the name "Lord, White as Jasmine" (Cennamalikarjuna). Devi was a very early feminist Sadhu who walked around and prayed to Siva fully naked. I admire her spirit and courage immensely! When she was asked "why do you not dress yourself and hide your shame?" she replied "until the fruit is fully ripe, the skin will not peel off".


***********

Ardhanarishwara

To Siva, my Lord facing South,
To Sivaa, my Lord facing North,
Eyes locked in silent, unwavering gaze,
Minds joined beyond comparable distinction,
Lost in a moment outside time.

Just as the Formless gives rise to form,
Form dissolves back into the Formless.
Bodies locked in static, synchronic movement,
Souls joined at the impetus of Creation,
Found at the moment of causal conception.

To Siva, my Lord facing South,
To Sivaa, my Lord facing North,
Through association, the Vedas are realised,
Where the named and nameless are constructs,
Lost in a plane outside existence.

The Formless dictates form through Will.
Inspiration incubating ideas of expression.
Through deduction, all duality self negates,
As lovers enact their most fondest embrace,
Found within the loci of experience.

To Siva, My Lord facing South,
To Sivaa, my Lord facing North;
Heartbeats unite, the dawning awareness,
Love surpassing all conditioned limitation,
Lost in a passion outside desire.

The Formless assumes form through Action.
Atoms dancing to the universal vibration.
The universe exists both in and of itself,
Where Love begets the child of its longing,
Found in a river of flowing tears.

To Siva, My Lord facing South,
To Sivaa, my Lord facing North,
Existing at the polarities within my body,
Siva at Sahasrara, Sivaa at Muladhara,
Lost in the degrees of separation.

The Formless realises form through Dissolution.
Siva awakens Sivaa from Her hibernation,
He takes Her by the hand and she rises.
"Follow Me back to Kailasha." She obeys.
Found in the nectar of Moksha.

- by NobodyYouKnow.

*my daughter's friend just put an extra gig on the internet. I don't die that easily. lol
 
Last edited:
Top