Reading Notes: Seven Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art Part D

(Image of the Goddess)

Shiva's Secret

Withdrawal leads to destruction. In many cases, Hindu lore seems to focus on the role of the wife as drawing her husband to partake in the most important aspects of the physical world. This is especially true in the case of gods and goddesses because it seems that certain Hindu gods are more inclined to remove themselves entirely from existence when their doing so could spell disaster.

There is an interesting division drawn between the power of desire to draw Shiva to the world and the power of devotion to draw him to it. Both can serve well, but only one can persuade him to continually protect and safeguard the world.

Shiva doesn't discriminate. The soul does not discriminate. Shankara does because he is bound by social customs and the laws of the people. I love the idea that Shiva's control of Ganga is symbolic of his control of desire for all things worldly.

Marriage can be considered a metaphor for material reality. Shiva's son, Kartikeya's, wives are the sky and the earth.

Shiva's stories tend to focus on the ever-changing relationship between spiritual and material reality.

Devi's Secret

Desire and destiny create life. Kanyakumari, the virgin goddess, wanted to marry Shiva. Marriage is supposed to channel or focus the raw, unchecked power of the the goddess. It's interesting to me that the two roles people associate with the goddess are mother/provider and warrior.

The nature of relationships is an integral part of these stories. In this episode, we have begun exploring specifically the relationship between man and nature. People crave the mother goddess because she will provide for him rather than attacking or killing him.

I like the idea that two separate goddesses exist within the same goddess. One of them is wild and violent and punishes those who seek to exploit her. The other is gentle and compassionate and provides for those who come to her meekly.

There is a pointed distinction between unfettered natural wealth and the wealth man has laid claim to.

Sugar cane and lotuses are symbols of love. Kama is the god of desire. The goddess creates the rules for the god's engagement with her. The axe is separating while the noose is binding. Yama keeps the book of deeds that denotes man's debts in regards to karma.

Durga is the combination of power and love. She is called the mother. Lakshmi and Sarasvati are her daughters - wealth and knowledge. Durga means the one who cannot be conquered. Hanuman is considered the guardian of the goddess.

There is a prominent theme of transformation throughout Hindu mythology. Mahavidyas are embodiments of wisdom. Hari-Haru = Shiva-Vishnu.

Bibliography: Seven Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art