Lord Shiva’s Teachings for a Peaceful Modern Lifestyle
Materialistic Pleasures Are Temporary:Lord Shiva was never attached to wealth. He neither wore gold ornaments nor expensive clothes. He was least bothered about material possessions as he was an enlightened soul who found happiness in real things.Patience, Persistence And Calmness:Shiva is a yogi.
He sat and meditated for hours together. Patience, clarity of thought and wisdom are a product of a calm mind which is a result of meditation.Suppress Negative Energy:Shiva is someone who had to consume poison and hold it inside him in spite of the pain. In fact, his name ‘neela-kantha’ signifies this act.
The lesson here is to gain control over the negative side that exists in you with grace and power. In fact, this is a big lesson in anger management too.Respect Women And Treat Them Equally:Shiva treated his better half Parvathi as his equal.
They lived like two souls in a single body. One of the names of lord Shiva is ‘ardha- nareeshwara’ and it signifies the concept that Shiva and shakthiare inseparable and eternal.Perceive things clearly and simply:The third eye of Shiva signifies vision that is beyond the ordinary. When you are able to look beyond what is evident you gain the power of superior perception.Get rid of Ego:A person who successfully controls his mind, intellect and ego is enlightened.
The ‘trishul’ that Shiva holds signifies the same.Attention, Focus And Concentration:The meditative poses of Shiva are a lesson in unwavering attention, focus and concentration. Such qualities can propel us forward and takes us places.Nothing Is Permanent:Shiva smears ash on his forehead and body.
Ash signifies death and rebirth. Nothing is permanent in this world; death and birth are inevitable. This simple realisation would free us from sorrow.Physical Fitness:In fact, the best fitness activity would be the Tandav dance of Shiva.
Being particular about fitness and health is the lesson here. KeepYour Head Cool:The water or Ganga that flows from the head of Shiva can be a good indication that your head must be cool always even when all kinds of emotions heat it up.
BY RAVI BHAKAR
