Shiva -Karma and the thing itself

It is essential to understand that Hindu logic fundamentally differs from Western logic. In Western logic, there is a dichotomy between this and that, with the understanding that something can be one or the other but not both. In contrast, Hindu logic is more complex and inclusive, recognizing that something can be:

This but not that - I am this but not you.

This and that - I am this and also as you.

Not this but that - I am not this but am also like that.

Not this and not that - I am neither this nor am I that.

Attempting to understand the Hindu metaphysical system without acknowledging these four ways of subjective/objective logic as a philosophical concept is likely to fail. It is vital to approach any philosophical or metaphysical system with an open mind and an appreciation for the unique perspective it offers.

“Sachara chara para purna

Shivoham, Shivoham

Nityananda swaropa

Shivoham, Shivoham

Anandoham, Anandoham”

I am Shiva, the all-pervading consciousness complete within itself.

The thing itself, the thing itself,

The everlasting bliss.

The thing itself, the thing itself.

Shivoham - Bing video

When a person first encounters Shiva, he may seem like a superhero, strong and impressive.

His courage and goodness might inspire people to take up the practice to emulate him.

As people engage in practice, they may regard Shiva as a strong teacher and guide who can lead them to liberation and self-empowerment.

After many years of practice, the person may realize that Shiva is the greatest of all gods because he requires nothing and bestows immense powers on his followers.

He is a strong and kind teacher who demonstrates how to destroy the world's delusions.

During samadhi or prolonged meditation, a person continuing on their spiritual path may come to grasp the nature of existence.

They can view the outside world as an illusion and Shiva as the support structure of the cosmos.

By renouncing all material goods and existing in unity with Shiva, the person might work toward becoming this pillar.

Shiva is seen as the all-pervasive consciousness in this final level, and the individual is a singularity of will within Shiva.

This but not that - I am me, but not Shiva.

This and that - I am me, and also Shiva.

Not this but that - I am not me, but Shiva.

Not this and not that - I am neither Shiva nor me.

Murtis, or statues, are sometimes regarded by Hindus as the actual deity.

This might be the case because Hindus believe that roles and circumstances can change at any time, making life unpredictable, such as being a beggar one day and a king the next.

The murti symbolizes the Hindu belief that there is a self that transcends all incarnations and personal narratives.

Karma, which is not about reward or punishment but rather the results of one's deeds, impacts this self.

Regardless of the circumstances, these effects may negatively affect a person's nature in subsequent incarnations.

According to Hindu doctrine, people can alter their karma through conscious acts and decisions.

Hindus find the idea of Jesus eradicating karma unsettling because it eliminates the personal narrative and the opportunity for self-liberation, ‘moksha’, that comes from acknowledging one's duties.

It can be helpful to consider the idea that an Atma (individual soul) could settle into the form of a cow to highlight the distinctions between Hindu and Western ideas of karma.

Only the cycle of life and death must be preserved, not cosmic equilibrium.

This viewpoint holds that events like murder or being the victim of murder are meaningful exclusively in terms of how they affect a person's karma, not in terms of justice or fairness.

Karma is about the emotional and objective effects of one's acts on oneself, not about getting even.

An Atma may reincarnate into a lower form for mechanical reasons, such as being severely burdened by karma, because a higher form may benefit from the reduced load.

So it is conceivable for an Atma to be arbitrarily assigned to a lower form, such as a cow.

Dice is a favorite game of the Hindu gods, but the dice also have their own agendas and play with the gods.

Shiva is represented by his murti ‘tatue’  in Hinduism because doing so helps people understand and relate to him.

Shiva can also be felt as a spiritual presence that exists beyond the physical realm. Thus, it's crucial to keep in mind that the murti is not all there is to Shiva, yet Shiva is all in his Murti.

It just depends on how deep you can see inside.

Shiva can be revered and connected by providing incense and other offerings at his shrine, a mandir.

This practice is called Bhakti and works through the faculty of devotion, as by worshiping the outer representation of Shiva, you can worship your inner aspect, which is Shiva.

Shiva's anthropomorphized paradigm of primordial darkness, the self-conscious void, is the highest expression, but it's also crucial to acknowledge his actual physical presence as a murti.

Without this physical base, establishing a connection with Shiva's more immeasurable and abstract features can be challenging.

Some Western practitioners might err by focusing only on the archetype of the primordial consciousness and overlooking the significance of devotion's physical components.

Maintaining a direct relationship with the divine without grounding oneself in the physical world is dangerous and can cause disorientation and even a psychological breakdown.

Shiva's physical, psychological, and spiritual characteristics can and should be integrated to create a sense of harmony and a safe connection with the formless divine.