Begin Your Journey Into Shaivism

A mentor, whom I greatly respect, once told me that the deeper aspects of spirituality, particularly contemplation, are not for show. For me, the practices of Shaivism are deeply personal and I engage them with passion and regularlity.

The holy mystery that we approach as Shiva, the "kind one," is what Rudolf Otto aptly termed "mysterium tremendum."

While we might think we know what Shiva means, this familiarity can be comfortable; however, such comfort is incongruous with a mysterium tremendum. At the very least, while we may begin with some sense of comfort, there are aspects of this holy mystery that lie beyond what is familiar and comforting.

Embarking on a journey to seek Shiva involves asking: What does this mean? What does it entail? Much depends on the sadhaka (the seeker) and the upasaka (the practitioner). We are all different, with diverse interests and varying attention spans.

Not everyone feels the same way simultaneously. So, what does it mean to explore this journey toward the holy mystery we call Shiva? We must remember that the word "Shiva" serves as a signpost, one of its functions being to point toward this mystery.

Like a Buddhist Zen teacher who points to the moon, we may become preoccupied with the finger instead of what it points to. We might analyze the word "Shiva" through our rational minds or rely on what we've learned about it, but neither of these approaches truly explores the mystery.

To genuinely delve into this holy mystery—the reality to which this word points—we must undertake an exploration akin to the efforts made in the 1960s when the United States, under President Kennedy, aimed to land a human on the moon. All the research and dedication that went into preparing a spacecraft to break free from Earth's atmosphere and gravitational pull, and then truly explore the moon—that is the kind of exploration I invite you to embark upon.

I cannot assume that you will share my depth of interest in this process, built over many decades. For those of you who wish to engage with me in this endeavor, the first step is to make a sankalpa. Sankalpa means being resolute and making a dedication that is more than just a fleeting intention. It involves having a strong sense of why you are doing this, what you hope to gain, what you are willing to do, and how far you are prepared to go.

Making A Commitment: Being Resolute

Above is a mudra that we utilize when making a sankalpa (resolution). And one of the phrases commonly used is "mama upātta samasta duridakshaya dvārā shri parameshwara prītyartham." The phrase dedicates our practice to the fabulous, holy, and pervasive presence known as Parameshwara, a term we often use to refer to Shiva. We might then specify the particular practice and time of day.

We approach this holy mystery with humility. And to truly enter this mystery, we need practices that guide us. Our approach to these practices should be rooted in devotion, enabling us to move beyond mere words and concepts. While we need these linguistic and conceptual tools, we also strive to go deeper than them.

The Shaiva Agama, an incredible tradition embodying the holy mystery of Shiva, serves as a vital resource in this exploration. This is the same tradition we encountered during our pilgrimages, especially in the temples of Shiva in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, which is often regarded as the heartland of Shaivism.

At home, we aim to engage in our practices in a way that connects us directly with this holy mystery—much like the divine presence hidden in the innermost shrine of the temple, the Garbha Griha, or womb chamber. This mystery is also concealed within the depths of our being, in the Guha, or cave of the heart. Discovering this sacred presence is essential.

As the Upanishads often state, "words do not reach there, nor does fire." Anything that belongs to the created world, even elements like lightning and thunder associated with Rudra, another name for this divine mystery, pales in comparison to the essence we seek. 

The words we use—Shiva, Parameshwara, Maheshawara—carry inherent power and shakti. They function as catalysts for transformation within us. It's important to understand what these words mean and how to incorporate them into our practice.

In Shaivism, we typically engage in some form of puja or worship. This ritual allows the boundaries between the visible and invisible worlds to dissolve, facilitating our entry into the holy mystery and offering us a direct experience. 

Through this engagement, we attain pratyaksha, or direct perception, which enables us to know intensely (prajñānam). While these words are indeed beautiful and can evoke deep memories within us, they also compel us to yearn for something that lies beyond the realm of our ordinary experience.

In Yoga, we develop the ability for direct perception, known as pratyaksha. We can know, declare, and see intensely—these beautiful concepts can resonate within us and stir a yearning for something beyond the limits of our usual understanding. While these ideas are inspiring and helpful, words alone cannot take us on the journey; we must embark on it ourselves. As Lao Tzu famously stated, the longest journey begins with a single step.

Every step we take toward this sacred mystery draws it nearer to us, perhaps even a thousand steps closer. As Kierkegaard and our friend Wayne Teasdale, along with Tim Heller, have pointed out, it’s about closing the distance. The Upanishads tell us that this mystery is both distant and near. It resides within us and exists outside of us. It is in constant motion, yet it is also still, a combination that conveys a sense of fullness. This fullness, as expressed in the Sanskrit phrase, pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idam pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacchate, illustrates that from this fullness, fullness flows. 

But how do we access this fullness? How can we do it in a way that transcends mere abstract ideas or projections? How can we engage with this vibrant and alive holy mystery? This focus on aliveness is crucial. Therefore, I invite those of you truly interested in exploring this path to dedicate your Mondays to this sacred mystery.

Traditionally, Mondays are associated with Shiva, making it a fitting day for spiritual practice. If you can commit to a little practice each Monday, that’s excellent. If you can extend it to daily practice, even better! Asha and I dedicate Mondays as our sacred day since we work most other days of the week. While Sunday serves as a day of rest and a holy day, Monday holds a special significance for us as it is linked to Shiva and the opportunity for intense spiritual practice.

As you prepare for the next Monday, perhaps following Labor Day weekend or another upcoming Monday, we keep in mind that not everyone has the luxury of a free Monday. Ultimately, this practice will depend on your personal inclinations, dedication, and where you are spiritually at this moment in your life. Consider your sensitivities and how much you are drawn to this practice.

It’s common to feel excitement initially, but distractions can quickly draw our attention away. In spiritual practice, it’s essential to maintain our focus at the forefront of our minds. This is what sadhana—goal-oriented spiritual practice—entails; it stems from the Sanskrit root 'sadhya,' meaning ‘to have a purpose.’ 

Join our Shiva-oriented spiritual practice.

EXPLORE SHAIVISM

 At the very least, chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya."

For those inclined to go deeper, the powerful text from the Vedas known as the Rudram will help transform strong karma that persists while strengthening your soul at the same time. Here's the opening to help galvanize your practice today.