Lord Shiva is a god in the Hindu religion. He takes on many forms and has many different roles. Overall, he is known as the creator and the destroyer. Much of the time this is not meant to be negative. He destroys egos, and by doing this is able to create something new in its place. He is also known as a creator and destroyer of life.
The main thing he's know for is helping people to see reality is a more lucid way. The destruction he's known for is merely a way of creating paths that can lead to greater awareness. Once all obstacles have been removed the idea is that people can see the world in the way Shiva intended.
The role of meditation in Hinduism cannot be underestimated. Shiva advocates the type of deep meditation that is meant to eventually shift you to a higher form of consciousness. Once you've reached this level you're then formless, able to shed attachments to worldly things like possessions and feelings.
As is fairly usual in Hinduism, the deity has many different guises. Nataraj is a dance that represents destruction and creation. It's main purpose is to reveal the cycles of rebirth and death. There are many other dances that are connected to the deity, such as the Dance of Bliss and the King of Dance, which are supposed to promote the welfare of the world and His love for his devotees. There are many other dances and each one represents something connected with either or all of the following: love, destruction and rebirth.
One of the many forms he takes is that of the karma yogi, Hanuman. Hanuman is said to endlessly and selflessly serve Ram. No-one is entirely sure if the god is Hanuman. The reason for this is because karma yogi are not supposed to take the credit for their acts of selflessness. So although we know that Hanuman is a karma yogi, we have not certain way of knowing if he is the god in disguise.
Anyone connected with Hinduism knows that mantras play a huge part. Mahamrityunjaya is an incarnation of the god and his mantras are said to provide health and well being to those who chant them. Mantras are, in some ways, similar to meditation as they promote a peaceful and relaxed mind.
As with most religions, there is a huge amount of worship in Hinduism. Shiva has a whole month devoted to worship. During that month, known by Hindus as Sawan, though some have also been known to call it Shravan, it is he alone that is worshiped and no-one else. His high standing is partly due to his importance as a destroyer and creator of things. Indeed, it is he that ultimately destroys the world according to the religion. Anyone who wants to know more about Sawan should read the scriptures.
Lord Shiva has a role in the Hindu religion that cannot be underestimates. As the creator and destroyer he has the ability to give and take. One such such that emphasizes this took place when he was telling Parvati, the goddess, a story about immortality. She fell asleep and the only thing present was a parrot, who listened to the entire story. Because of this the parrot was blessed with immortality.
The main thing he's know for is helping people to see reality is a more lucid way. The destruction he's known for is merely a way of creating paths that can lead to greater awareness. Once all obstacles have been removed the idea is that people can see the world in the way Shiva intended.
The role of meditation in Hinduism cannot be underestimated. Shiva advocates the type of deep meditation that is meant to eventually shift you to a higher form of consciousness. Once you've reached this level you're then formless, able to shed attachments to worldly things like possessions and feelings.
As is fairly usual in Hinduism, the deity has many different guises. Nataraj is a dance that represents destruction and creation. It's main purpose is to reveal the cycles of rebirth and death. There are many other dances that are connected to the deity, such as the Dance of Bliss and the King of Dance, which are supposed to promote the welfare of the world and His love for his devotees. There are many other dances and each one represents something connected with either or all of the following: love, destruction and rebirth.
One of the many forms he takes is that of the karma yogi, Hanuman. Hanuman is said to endlessly and selflessly serve Ram. No-one is entirely sure if the god is Hanuman. The reason for this is because karma yogi are not supposed to take the credit for their acts of selflessness. So although we know that Hanuman is a karma yogi, we have not certain way of knowing if he is the god in disguise.
Anyone connected with Hinduism knows that mantras play a huge part. Mahamrityunjaya is an incarnation of the god and his mantras are said to provide health and well being to those who chant them. Mantras are, in some ways, similar to meditation as they promote a peaceful and relaxed mind.
As with most religions, there is a huge amount of worship in Hinduism. Shiva has a whole month devoted to worship. During that month, known by Hindus as Sawan, though some have also been known to call it Shravan, it is he alone that is worshiped and no-one else. His high standing is partly due to his importance as a destroyer and creator of things. Indeed, it is he that ultimately destroys the world according to the religion. Anyone who wants to know more about Sawan should read the scriptures.
Lord Shiva has a role in the Hindu religion that cannot be underestimates. As the creator and destroyer he has the ability to give and take. One such such that emphasizes this took place when he was telling Parvati, the goddess, a story about immortality. She fell asleep and the only thing present was a parrot, who listened to the entire story. Because of this the parrot was blessed with immortality.
