Shiva and Shakti (Sati, Kama, Dattatreya, Ardhanarishwar)

Dattatreya, the incarnation of the divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, usually roams and wander around the world. And there is always a mystery where he goes.

The cult of Aghori and the cult of Sidha (those who make gold from base metal or search for immortality), are supposed to come from Dattatreya. He is immortal and he can grant immortality to others. They say that without receiving the grace of Dattatreya no one can achieve immortality. This is what is believed in India, and I also believe in it. Yogis say that Dattatreya has three heads — Brahma’s, Vishnu’s and Shiva’s. So when Brahma’s head is awaken and two other heads are in Samadhi, the whole world worships Brahma. Then Brahma goes into Samadhi, Vishnu wakes up and everybody begins to revere Vishnu. Then Shiva awakens — and the whole world worships him.

When Dattatreya appears, you will see one body and three heads. He is the most mysterious being in Indian mythology. There is a story of his birth. There was a dispute among wives of three Gods who of them was superior and they said that the wife of Atri rishi, Anusuiya, was superior. So the three Gods came down to test her. She offered them fruits and they told that they would take food on conditions that she would serve them naked. She converted them into six months old children and fed them with her own milk. They remained like that for a very long time. Then their wives came, asked her for forgiveness, and she made them Gods again. She told: “You have drunk my milk so you will be my child”. So all three Gods came into one — Dattatreya.

* * *

It is believed in India that natural Shiva Lings form where Shiva appears in person. That is the only criterion – if you find a Shiva Ling, then Shiva was here…

* * *

Some stones are worshipped because they are a part of the Govardhan place. You just put a stone and put some red colour on it and it becomes either Hanuman or Bhairav or anyone. All India recognises that. Anyone can do it – for asking for money it is very simple.

But natural Shiva Lingams are very rarely found.

Actually the word ‘ling’ has created a mystery that it is a fallic symbol. But if you go by the grammar, it is of female gender. And Shiva Lingam is not a male, not a female, not a eunuch. It is beyond these three. The symbol of Shiva.

And another point here is that your immortal substance inside is also called Shiva. So it also represents your inner immortal substance.

* * *

Q: Does Shiva develop further and further as a yogi?

Sh: I am sure because he is always portrayed as sitting in Samadhi doing something. You never see Shiva relaxing or taking it easy, he is always in padmasan, always in siddhasan, always in samadhi.

Somebody asked me: “We see Shiva all the time mediating on something, what is he meditating on?” and I simply answered: “He is just thinking about people who are thinking of him”. That is reciprocal. The more people will think about Shiva the more he will in return think about them, so that’s why he is eternally in meditation, in samadhi.

puja , soul

SYMBOLISM OF SHIVALINGAM

Shiva Ji is the Guru of yoga - so it came very naturally to me. Before that I was not to much into puja and I rarely visited temple; my Guru told me to go to Kashi Vishvanath- you already knew the story. Now I’m doing Shiva puja every day: that’s how the life changed.

it’s about middle of 19th century when the western scientists and anthropologists described the Shivalingam symbol: they would saying it’s organ of Shiva; and for the hindus it’s definitely different symbol: it’s the unity of the world?

Guruji: If you go by grammar it’s very simple: in every language there are female gender, male gender; we can say- he is not the male gender, purush ling; he is not stri ling, he is not in between- it is Shiva. He is not a man, not a woman, not a eunuch- he is Shiva. Turiya, the fourth.

in tamil language they call it a symbol, a mark? ( chinnam)

Guruji: even the “ling” is mark- in sanskrit and hindi also. But most of the westerners translate it as a male organ.

because the mind is working in a certain way: because it’s a male god so it might be the assosiation to the form?

Guruji: I told one britisher- he came many years before and asked why are You worshipping this male organ? I said: this is Shiva’s organ! And see the power of Shiva: whole word is worshipping His organ! Of course he never came after. No matter how much philosophy one will study- we are all result of the union of human beings, no one can object this.

ABOUT MAHASHIVARATRI

We’re fortunate people, Today this is the SHIVARATRI, and it is the day after tomorrow we will have 26th anniversary of finding SHIVA, and it is our luck, that Shiv’s grace on us, and we able to celebrate Shivaratri, Remain in devotion to Sviva Ji!

ABOUT WOMAN’s DAY

Well, today's Woman's Day also, and we are celebrating Shivaratri, so I will just remind you one thing which we said some time back in the GYM.

Everybody says that Shiva appeared as half man and half woman,

but my take on it - maybe Adi Shakti appear as half man and half woman.

So, we should call Ardhapurusheshvari which we are calling Ardhanarishvary.

So without Shakti, Shiva is half, without Shiva Shakti is half. For us - they are together forever, only they are together forever.

So, our deepest regard to them, and all our devotion.

Kali, The Highest Love, Trailanga Swami, Sacrifices

Guruji: "[About Vimalananda] It’s rare to have such a combination: practice of aghora, intellectuality, as well as a sense of humor. Most so-called aghoris just sit around with a frustrated look on their faces. A touch of humor is rare. Or you can say that humor probably comes only after a certain level, after you are past the periods of frustration and toil. He can afford to laugh who has achieved something. Or rather than achievement, you can say someone who’s resolved all his questions. Then they don’t care what kind of image is being conveyed. Such a person would talk honestly, in forthright manner, and they can share a joke as well! Robert Svaboda should be considered lucky. Among all the books I’ve read, his experience is among the most interesting.

"One should also remember that Kali is basically the goddess of Tantra. She is the primary presiding deity for all black magic and other such rituals. Her universal form, etc, was later developed by philosophers. All forms of black magic rituals, hexes, death spells, human and animal sacrifices, etc, are sworn in the name of Kali. Isn’t Bengal’s black magic famous? And she is most worshiped there only. Kali’s rituals prescribe eating rice and fish in the night before repeating her mantras, and you can see that rice and fish are totally inscribed in Bengali culture. It's compulsory for married women in Bengal to eat fish everyday!

"That’s why I don’t go to Bengal. Wherever you go there’s the smell of the fish. Not that I have a problem with what people are eating (laughs), but when you see dead fishes all around you it spoils the mood."

"Guruji, why do gods require sacrifices?"

Guruji: "It is directly related to the game of power. Whichever animal you are sacrificing, you gain control over its spirit. These are just means to become powerful in the astral world. Whether it’s theashwamedha yagna, or human sacrifice, or lamb sacrifice, you are able to control their life-force, in a way. If you want to gain control over a spirit, why go through the trouble of looking for a spirit? Do a human sacrifice and catch the released spirit! Many tantrics and aghoris used to do that. Ultimately what's the result? Nothing. Impress the world, get your petty things done, and gain a little feeling of power. But I’ve seen such tantrics meet very pathetic ends."

"So gods and goddesses don’t get appeased with sacrifices?"

Guruji: "Who will be appeased by a sacrifice? Their appeasement or provocation depends entirely on the intent and motivation of the person. Most sacrifices are offered to fulfill a desire or after it has been fulfilled. It’s purely a worldly matter.

"Why is there no sacrifices offered to Shiva? Sacrifices are never offered to Shiva. Only abhishek(sacred anointment, ablution). He doesn’t like sacrifices. The purest form of worship is only Shiva's – even the priest needs to be completely vegetarian."

"Guruji, why is Shiva offered the pyre ash?"

Guruji: "Only in Ujjain Mahakala, nowhere else. The story is this: when Devi Sati immolated herself in Daksha yagna, Shiva took the ash from Her half-burned body and applied it on His body. Because he loved her so much, he carried her body on his shoulder throughout the world and rubbed her ash on himself and made a garland of her bones which he wore himself, and then removed himself into solitary meditation! That was, I think, the highest form of love expressed, ever!"

SHIV JI AND KAMDEV

when Shiva JI incinerated Kamadev – all the fire from his third eye go there?

Guruji: some portion of the fire went inside the ocean. That fire is continuously igniting and burning in the depth of ocean. You have to remember that water is cold fire. It’s oxygen and hydrogen – maybe some reaction is taking place and it acts like fire. It is called Vadava agni.

could it be the mean of destruction of the world?

Guruji: it is very much possible. If it will become very hot – oceans will begin to boil. And when something is boiling – it goes above the pot. Maybe the oceans will go above their pot and then it will be Apocalypse – big flood will come. only to incinerate Kamadev Shiva opened his third eye. Only one time; he was not destroying the world by opening of his third eye. He is dancing to put the harmony, to put the creation in tune.

why he didn’t destroy Kamadev by some weapon?

Guruji: I think it was the yogic achievement for Him. since then Kamadev is without any body – he is omnipotent and everywhere. Maybe it was done to create it like it. It was the transformation of Kamadev to more sublime unit. In every religion exists the Kupid, shooting with flower arrows. Shiva transformed him and now he doesn’t have to shoot arrows – he’s already there, wherever he needs to. More advanced. It is said that he incarnated as Pradyumna – grandson of Krishna: but what happened to him – nobody knows. He was killed in the battle of Yadavas. So again Kamadev is without body. And it was the power of creation – all the gods were worrying too much to get the son from Shiva.

GURUJI ABOUT SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 10

One is One Ishwar

Two is Shiva and Shakti or Male and Female

Three is Three Gunas

Four is Four Purushartha

Five is Five Tattvas

Six is Six Aishwarya, Sadaiswarya as told in Sanskrit

Seven is Seven Rishis and Seven Immortals

Eight is Eight Bhairava and Eight Vasu

Nine is Nine Devi, Nine Nath, Nine Naga and Nine Planets

Ten is Ten Mahavidhya Ten Directions and Ten Gurus.

SHIVA

is it true, that Shiva in form of Dakshinamurti is the founder of all tantras?

Guruji: actually Shiva has five faces; Dakshinamurti is the face, facing towards south. That was the story that some people asked him very deep questions and that time Shiva was sitting facing south and the great wisdom come from him. They begin worship Shiva facing south – that’s it.

I’ve read that Shiva told rishi Agastya to go to the south to give knowledge

Guruji: it was his son. Agastya went to control one mountain who was growing out of proportion.

who was Andhaka?

Guruji: son of Shiva. He was born blind but very powerful. He doesn’t know that he’s son of Shiva – so he attacked and was defeated by Shiva. Now he is granted to be superpowerful gan of Shiva.

but Parvati was involved in this conflict

Guruji: yes, because he doesn’t know who he is.

he is some kind of bhut?

Guruji: no, he’s shivangan.

why he was born blind?

Guruji: when Shiva and Parvati was playing – she close his eyes and from this Andhaka appear. Play for them – problems for us.

why we call Shiva – Adinath?

Guruji: because “adi” means primal, the first. He was the first nath – so we call him Adinath. The first yogi.

and why we worship Shiva in the form of lingam?

Guruji: actually this is another mysterious thing. Most of the people translate “linga” as phallus. But if you go by the language – there are certain words with the male gender, there are certain words with the female gender, and there are words, which are in between – nor male, nor female. That Shivalinga means – he’s not a man, he’s not a female, he’s not an impotent person – he is Shiva besides these things. This lingam represents his status, symbol. The fourth state – turya.

what about the story when Shiva met with rishis in forest…

Guruji: o, there are numerous stories, but original Shivalingam is the symbol of Time. You need the symbol to worship and to understand something. Most of the original Shivalingams appearing on their own – they are not made by men. Nature provides.

I don’t understand – why exactly this shape?

Guruji: actually nobody knows. It is just there. It is not men-made – that’s why nobody can explain, why it must be that shape. It started from the calculation of Time begin. The big lingam from fire appear between Brahma and Vishnu. Time calculation begins with the appearance of Kalabhairav.

but what was before? The Time was set like one moment or how?

Guruji: I mean – calculation for the creation. Time doesn’t need to calculate itself. Only creation does.

I read that before vedic era Shiva was not mention anywhere like Shiva – he was only Rudra?

Guruji: most of the vedic gods were heavenly gods. They find break to no men in spiritual world – people were worshipping them with different rituals so after death the gods could let them in. That was the main aim of all these things. But Shiva is the Guru; no god was teaching anything – only Shiva begin to teach human. So many arts, yoga, dance came to us. Shiva started.

I think the same question was asked in the movie about yoga and tradition and it was a very important interview.

Guruji: Yes, yoga goes a very long way and in a very mysterious way.

So does one have to be Shivait to practice?

Guruji: No. Again: my family god is Shiva - but I’m not a Shivait. That’s the beauty here!

But you worship Shiva Ji every night...

Guruji: No, I’m not a Shivait: it comes very natural to me, because He is the first Guru and He is the family god. In India there are many different clans and every clan has a family god.

So who is a Shivait?

Guruji: Someone who is initiated to Shaivism by certain lineage.

You’re taking the official approach here: the initiation into the lineage required?

Guruji: Into the cult. When you are initiated to any cult - after some time it becomes culture.

Here comes less convenient question: if spirits were born even before gods, and came into existence before them, what about ShivaJi?

Guruji: Nobody knows, He is the supreme spirit, Parameshwar. Books do not say from where He appeared - He just came out of nowhere.

and still prefers remain on Earth

Guruji: because - different body parts of Sati fell on Earth. He came down out of love. this is the first love story we came across in any literature or in any religion.

SHIVA JI: THE GIVER OF KNOWLEDGE

The life span was not so long before Shiva Ji came to Earth?

Guruji: For human beings.

So humans could learn yoga and live longer?

Guruji: Something happened; and all this knowledge of mercury and all these things came. Before that – 100 years maximum.

Maybe it was in the “At the right hand of god” that rishis invoked Shiva Ji from another dimension?

Guruji: It could be: His origin is unknown. Or maybe, for the sake of discussion, hypothetically: He may be the first human being who discovered the secret of immortality and became immortal: that’s why all gods were so much against Him. It could be that also.

But then rishi became angry on Shiva Ji?

Guruji: They were angry because they were jealous of His beauty. Their wives began to follow Him.

ARDHANARISHWARI AND ARDHAPURUSHESHVARI

They say that the first appearance of Shiva was Ardhanarishwar – half-men, half-woman. As long as I’ve been pondering on this and looking down on things and the nature in general: on Mother Earth and all the physiological discoveries, which modern scientists tell, I’ve beginning to think: we should call her as Ardhapurusheshwari, Adi Shakti – the main female principle, became half- man: not the man, who became half-woman. We all start in our mother's womb- for the first three months everybody was a girl, then became different. So I think this is very important, we should understand this thing: she became Ardhapurusheshwari, she took on the form of a man – so the Creation begins and the play of man and woman started.

SHIVA JI PARVATI AND KAMADEV

when You have perceived these two forces in Your own body, how was it?

Guruji: when you are aware of these things – then you are aware where they are. That gives you so many different perspectives on so many things. Very different experiences.

could You differentiate in Your body: this is Time and this is Space?

Guruji: now I can see that. The body is a miniature representation of the Universe. From one point of view – it’s vast and big also; it depends on your point of view.

Shiva Ji married Parvati after burning Kamadev; does it mean that it was the experience of pure love without lust or attachment?

Guruji: most marriages are for reproduction; and yet they never reproduced anyone. It’s a very different thing.

maybe it was done deliberately to let Parvati attain the state close to Shiva Ji?

Guruji: I think so, yes. That was the reason: to let her evolve to his level. When he married Sati – Kamadev was there. And again, it was the revolution against Brahma. Kamadev was his project.

And remember: Shiva Ji was teaching yoga to Parvati – not Sati – when Matsyendranath heard it in the form of a fish. In all Tantras, Shiva Ji is talking to Parvati. You can see the line: how the burning of Kamadev led to yoga coming to humanity.

There was no previous avatar before Krishna who was called Yogeshwar, because yoga was not available for everybody. That brings us to another interesting conclusion: the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place after Rama. Daksha Yagya happened after Rama; then, after a long time, Parvati appeared. That is between the incarnations of Rama and Krishna. That means Matsyendranath is senior to Krishna but came after Rama, if we go by the story.

He teaches how to become immortal – after Rama Avatar, after Daksha Yagya, and before Krishna. Even the thousands of years of tapas that Parvati performed didn’t lead to immortality: only Shiva Ji could teach her how to become immortal.

and Sati – when she went to her father’s yagya and burnt herself – she knew that before?

Guruji: You know why she burnt herself?

Because her father said bad words about her husband?

Guruji: and she said: my body is because of you – so I’m leaving that. This is a fantastic emotion. They didn’t react, Shiva lived in peace also. That tells us another interesting thing: everybody has heard this word and everybody is in love with love itself; but very rarely does somebody experience it.

When people see: O h, this bastard is experiencing love- and we couldn’t: then they start to torture that person, who is experiencing love. That is jealousy. So every lover, who is in love, needs to be insulated - so they don’t let society know about it.

Shiva was the only one, who married: there is no record of any god marrying like that. They may be jealous of it also (smiling) that was a big surprise to them: wow, they are husband and wife - and they love each other so much, how can it be?! That’s how the problem begins.

Maybe it was the first step to humanity: when Shiva Ji married Sati?

Guruji: No, she was divine already.

I mean the whole ritual and the very fact of marriage?

Guruji: Maybe it was the waken of that ritual.

Tell me one example of him being the greatest!

You said previously that only He is named like Ishwar?

Guruji: That’s philosophy, but from the idle note: he was the first bridegroom looking at him and his mother-in-law fainted. Usually the son-in-law fainted looking at his mother-in-law. This very fact proves: he's the greatest! (laughing)

I’ve read somewhere that Vishnu became brother-in-law for Parvati: why is it so?

Guruji: Symbolically. It’s a part of the ritual.

GIRL’S HEART ARE VERY MYSTIC; MEN’S HEART…

Just look at the story of Shiva and Sati: when she gone – he refuse to let her go; If it is not love – than tell me what could be love. Still it is my observation that Shivji is giving most highest example of genuine true love. I see no comparison with him. hats off to Him – that’s why we worshipping every day. His love is more than anyone can say. Somebody tells that Sati and Parvati did tapas to get Shiva, but look from another side: He Himself did tapas for millions of years to get Adi Shakti. Every coin has two sides. I feel myself extremely privileged and proud, that He allows me to worship Him every day. It’s a very lucky thing.

I think more tapas you will do to achieve something – more you will appreciate this?

Guruji: I think more your mind will open up. Then you will begin to see the depth of this feeling – then of course appreciation will follow. Shallow minds will see shallow things, deeper mind will see deeper things.

if something is coming for us very easy – we will not appreciate it?

Guruji: the easiest thing coming to us is to criticize anybody . And criticizing anybody else is just a way to insulate our own inferiority complex – oh, I’m not like him, he’s a bastard, he’s this and she’s that. We’re just trying to insulate our short complex. But still it’s god given privilege, blessings and grace: otherwise more people will go mad. Criticizing of anybody is the way to release the steam of emotions on somebody. We never see ourselves, we see others. Beauty is in the eyes of beholder – and criticism is also in the eyes of beholder. Again I will say: to win over the woman’s heart is the very difficult achievement. If you think on it: we all believe that Ishwar lives inside the heart. So if you’re able to win over the girls’ heart – it means Ishwar in her heart is also supporting you. Winning over girls’ heart are very mystic; winning over the men’ heart – I don’t know what they are.

in that case – what is the highest achievement for yogini?

Guruji: to be one with Shiva. To know all mysteries of their own mind and all creation. Even of man – that is very easy thing.

everything on the Earth can evolve?

Guruji: Shivji come down to Earth to live; he was not born as the earthling.

He is like alien?

Guruji: nobody knows: about Shivaji origin all the books are silent.

52 SHAKTIPEETHAS

When Sati’s body was carried by Shiva Ji – how was it subdivided to these 64 Shaktipeethas?

Guruji: When He was moving – this the real story about her – He refused to leave her dead body and was carrying her like a mad man; and the balance of Creation was gone. Brahma and Vishnu consulted and Vishnu cut her body by the chakra in pieces and then fell on Earth, 52 places. And Shiva came down to the Earth, remaining with her.

Is it connected with 52 letters and 52 Bhairavas?

Guruji: I think so, yes: they are all connected.

TANDAVA

If you’re experiencing absolutely genuine true love – most of the people will become very jealous and they will do their best to spoil your life happiness – look into the history.

is Shiva connected with love?

Guruji: Shiva is the biggest example of love – that even after Sati was dead he refused to leave her body.

he could destroy the whole Universe by that roaming?

Guruji: even Shiva is allowed to this type of feelings and he can show such emotions. He’s just dancing for destruction – this is his job. But it’s not the destruction: putting back the harmony again. The word in Sanskrit is “pralaya”, which is translated as “destruction”; but “laya” means absolute harmony. When the music of the creation is disturbed and cacophony starts – then he dances to put it back into harmony. He’s not using any celestial weapon to destroy. You need to understand – there are so many mistranslations. People just taking his dance as a destruction – but he put back the harmony again. We keep disturbing the harmony of the nature; when the music of nature is disturbed by so many people doing different tunes: so He dances and put back the harmony again. So all bad sounds will be destroyed – if you can call it destruction. Whoever is out of harmony will disappear.

it is like the fire in forest?

Guruji: no. Dance, rhythm, music.

when He starts to dance – it’s like the another vibration of nada starts?

Guruji: only He is powerful enough to create any vibration with his steps and all his dance: that will spread all over the Creation and the harmony will be restored. And the sound of his damaru at the same time.

the sound will be the same as He create in the beginning?

Guruji: I think so, yes. It’s restoring – putting back the harmony. From lies we went to the destruction or tandava.

who decide that Vyasa must be changed?

Guruji: now I think Shiva is decided: he took over the vedic gods, the creator – he is setting things according to his own will. He appeared and cut off the fifth head of Brahma – all the stories begin from that.

I’m the descendant of Ashwatthaman – maybe it’s some immortal gen or DNA memory inside? Think big.

but Ishwar is higher than Bhagavan?

Guruji: actually high and low are very impossible here, but it is on record – you must read: in Mahabharat and many puranas are written that Vishnu was doing the very great tapas to please Shiva. Shri Krishna also did great tapas to please Shiva and took many boons from him. Narayana himself was doing tapas for 66000 years to please Shiva. I’ve never ever come across anywhere that Shiva was doing great tapas to please Vishnu or Krishna. We can consider Ishwar as the embodiment of Time.

he is Kalabhairav?

Guruji: with the appearance of Kalabhairav the calculation of Time begins.

before Kalabhairav it was no Time?

Guruji: no calculation of Time. Impossible to imagine.

NATURAL SHIVALINGAM

With every finding of natural Shivalingam we can say it’s a surest sign of Shiva Ji appearing. Kedarnath and Ujjain: there Shivalingams are looking very natural.

in other places the stories about His appearing may be not very true?

Guruji: His appearance was there, but the Shivalingams are man-made, not exactly natural.

before You initiated disciples only twice in a year: on Shivaratri and Janmashtami?

Guruji: no. it depends on how I feel.

because I remember when we wanted to come for the first time someone told us that it could be done only twice in a year – that’s why we planned on Shivaratri time?

Guruji: so many rumours are still roaming on it. It’s a disturbing time because of so many people: for practice you need more calm atmosphere.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT WAS SHAILENDRA SHARMA TALKING

Shiva and Shakti – you can call them bindu and raj, they are all synonyms.

TOO MUCH PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSIONS ARE NOT GOOD FOR HEALTH

Shiva’s ganas are forever with Him?

Guruji: they are eternally there. They are supposed to be the most powerful beings, immortals.

but could someone be added to their number?

Guruji: only if Shiva wishes that. The story of Banasura became Mahakal –I don’t think any ordinary person could pass such test. He achieved the state of Mahakal; and one of Shiva’s names is also Mahakal. In Ujjain millions of people coming to his temple and worships Him.

one of Shiva’s ganas name is Amogha: what is the meaning?

Guruji: Amogha means “who never fails”

so Banasura is Mahakal?

Guruji: I’ve come across two references about Mahakal; there was one Brahmin, whose name was Mante - this story might be from Skanda Purana. By the power of his tapas he also achieved the state of Mahakal. He invoked Shiva successfully and He granted him that he will be Mahakal. In second reference it was Banasura. His test was different. Being Mahakal maybe the level of development of mind and consciousness. Keep thinking and develop your consciousness; by developing your consciousness you will begin to understand the genuine meaning behind any word. Words limits us – so we need to develop the mind to understand, what is the meaning. Too much philosophical discussions are not good for mental health.

When people start discussing Gita – you already know, that I’m not Krishna and you’re not Arjun. There will always be misunderstanding. Keep practicing yoga – so your own understanding will develop and you will begin to understand.

so for what we are discussing now?

Guruji: one day this great information will penetrate your mind – and maybe one day you will understand.

SHIV AND

KALI MAA

is it true that vama and dakshina marga differs by the leg of Kali which she is standing on Shiva Ji – right or left?

Guruji: again they are complicating the

things. She is standing – and the way whoever pictured her, creating a picture

and a statue, still debates is going on – whether her left foot is first or

right foot is first.

I’ve

given the very different explanation to it: some people say that she was so furious that

she will just finishing off the creation; so Shiva just lying in front of her

and when she stand on Him – suddenly she came to her senses. And she said

“oops!”and the tongue came out – this is the general explanation.

I’ve

given the different explanation: Shiva is the bringer od Apocalypse, pralaya,

when everything is finished. And it is compassion of the Mother Kali that she-s

standing on Him: somehow she managed to lay Him down and standing on Him. the

day she will step off – the Dance of Destruction will begin. So thanks to

Mother – creation is going on. Keep the Mother happy!

why in this text yoga practice is mixed with Shakti worshipping and other practice?

Guruji: remember, Shiva is the Guru of yoga, but he is very deeply connected with Shakti. Where is yoga – the Shakti will be near you. Sati took ten forms to protect Shiva in ten directions.

such great power could need protection?

Guruji: Jiva is Shiva, that’s why the spirit is immortal. And we have ten different senses – and these senses are keep protecting the Jiva. Many great things are written, but not many will understand them.

does gods have jivatma and paramatma – or they have only paramatma?

Guruji: everybody has jiva, gods also. Jiva is everywhere, because it’s one part of karma. In every being, whoever he is.

but Shiva is paramatma himself?

Guruji: yes. And I like what they say in Shiva purana about Shiva, the essence of Shiva: the only thing that I can say that HE IS. That’s it. I can not describe anything more than that. We must read that very carefully. We’re really discussing deep things.

could human have paramatma?

Guruji: yes, it is there. Nobody is out of paramatma.

HAR HAR MAHADEV

He overcome the sexual instinct when he incinerated him.( talking about Shiva Ji and Kama )

but it must be some different impact on humans: when Kama has the body and when not?

Guruji: without body it is just a thought: it may affect you, it may not. But physical impact is much more powerful than thought, flying somewhere.

so Kamadev has much less power after that?

Guruji: well, my observations are very different: this incident took place after Daksha yagya, when all the vedic gods were beaten; it was the sort of take over from the creator’s creation begin. And creator created this world based on kama, on sex; so maybe that was the final take over by Shiva Ji by incinerating Kamadev, who was created by the creator. Maybe it was the final takeover. Of course, you can go on explaining it in philosophical way – but this is the very simple grassroots level observation.

interesting, how it affect gods and people – when he lose his gross body?

Guruji: then the worshipping of Shiva became universal; and instead of worshipping Kamadev on Vasant Panchami day we begin to worship goddess Saraswati – goddess of wisdom. It’s a shift from sexuality to wisdom. Talk about celibacy begin; if you just look at it before and after – it’s big difference. You can take it as a symbolic thing and as a literal fact: for me it’s a literal fact – final takeover of the Brahma’s creation. And also from another point of view: Shiva Ji addressed as Ishwar; and in ancient time, Kamadev – because it’s a sexual creation – one of the name of Kamadev, he was

SHIVA IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM

We are all reading it — it’s in our books.

And they say: “Shiva is the most beautiful!”

And I agree, absolutely.

But from a mundane point of view — He is the Destroyer!

Who would dare

not to say that He is beautiful?

The Destroyer!

So remain careful there.

41. THERE IS A FEELING OF ONE BEING LIKE SHIVA

that person, who becomes the son of Shiva ji, he attain some qualities like Shiva ji?

Guruji: he will definitely have some qualities like Shiva ji. That is great achievement.

It looks like a play of Shakti all the time. Shakti is playing and takes the form of a man. The fetus for the first three months is a girl; then the transformation comes and it suppose to be become a man. Many of the greatest of the yogis and the saints – realized saints saying that there is only one man in creation that is Shiva. Everybody else is just a female. It’s very simple, because man’s body is created from the woman’s body – so they are women then. No big difference. It is Shakti playing entertain herself. There is only one man – no one else. Just to pass the time for Shakti to entertain her in any way she loves – so this game of duality begins.

she created Ganesh also and he is a man?

Guruji: yes, but he was created from her also – even not from the body

what about that people who’re going to the mountains or sadhu who live without the women?

Guruji: they’re living with the woman – the spirit is supposed to be a female gender. The word “spirit “ is of female gender in grammatical point of view. No matter wherever you live – you will always be with a woman: Mother Earth is supposed to be the female – you cannot escape.

Whatever you see – is female energy absolutely. Shakti is everyewhere.

I’m answering the question: which energy is better – man’s energy or woman’s energy? I say as a yogi: whatever we see in this world – we just see pure display of female energy. What is a man? He’s another expression of female energy. Whatever you see – male or female – is absolutely female energy, expressed in different ways. Everything is Shakti. There is only one man in entire creation, which is Shiva. All others are females. Some yogis are saying – and now I begin to believe in that – male is just a female, because his body was created through the female’s body; technically speaking everybody is a female.

There is only one man in whole entire creation – that is Shiva.

from that point of view what can You say: everybody is saying that yoga is only for the men?

Guruji: who said that? They are not aware of the history of yoga. There was a very famous woman, yogini, she was the disciple of Jalandhar Nath – who was the disciple of Adinath himself; and she became immortal by the power of yoga. Yoga does not discriminate between man and woman for yoga practice. it’s open for them both.

they have equal possibilities?

Guruji: if the girl is determined – she has more possibilities than man. If she took that strong decision – I’m sure she can go very high. I’ve seen quite a few now.

Anna: Guruji, what traditional Shiva scripture do you like most?

Guruji: I like all the Yoga scriptures. I love Shiva Sutras. They are my favourite texts as well as Shiva Puranas. Everybody must read Shiva Puranas.

Anna: What is your advice to the westerners who feel attraction to Shiva, the connection with Shiva, with this Deity?

Guruji: I think inclination towards Shiva is very natural because (as we understand now) Shiva maybe the male principal of the nature. And in a way every male is actually indirectly representing him. If they are feeling inclined towards worshipping Shiva - it’s very positive thing; Shiva is also embodiment of Time itself.

So if you respect time, time will support you. I think if you somehow are able to attract His attention and His blessing - everything will come to you. His graces enough to do it. Not only material things, Great knowledge will come - because He is a first Guru of all kind. If He is looking at you with great blessing and grace in His eyes - every knowledge, every wisdom will come to you.

Anna: Guruji, as you said once not to pronounce His name (without reason)

Guruji: Yes, you see simply calling out name is not enough. And in India (maybe everywhere except USA) it is not considered polite to call very senior man only by his first name. I think in India we don’t do that; also in Russia you don’t do that. Only in America they call a person by (a first) name. Shiva is so senior that it would not be respectful to call him by name. We all know his name - so you can keep remembering it; you don’t have to say it aloud.

All names are Shiva’s names, because tradition say that Jiva (soul) is Shiva. Jiva is the essence of life inside you and this essence is considered as Shiva. That’s why Jiva is immortal, being the immortal spirit. Jiva is in every being - that means Shiva is in every being. Just start to respect life, try to understand Time and a Void, and you will have everything: great knowledge, great wisdom, everything.

Anna: Guruji, and with appearance of Adi Shakti is the energy of this room had changed? (an ancient murti/sculpture of Godess riding tiger was found during land works on the smashan)

Guruji: I think it had. Adi Shakti had appear here before Siva. He came because of Her. That’s what I think. Maybe the first original story of true love recorded in history is of Shiva and Sati. When She left her body Shiva was so sad that he refused to leave Her corpse. He put Her dead body on His shoulder and begin to roam. Later Her body was cut into pieces by Vishnu.

We found pieces of these parts (parts of female body made from stone were founded on the land) Such love was never seen before of after. So He is original lover. We have to accept that. By the way, it is believed that only Shiva lives on this planet, Earth, all other Gods are living somewhere in heaven dimensions or in some different places. So maybe He cares for humanity… probably.

Woman: Guruji, when the body is burned in Varanasi, does this person really finds moksha?

Guruji: There are 7 cities in India like that. Mathura is also one of them. Mathura, Vanarasi, Ujjain, Puri, Dwaraka, Kanchi (Kanchipuram) and Ayodhya

Q: can the void exist without time? Or time without void?

Guruji: void is ending where time is beginning – no one is able to draw the line. That’s why Shiva and Shakti is called Ardhanarishwar – half-man, half-woman. They are together all the time. When first time Shiva appeared in front of Brahma and Vishnu – he appears half-man, half-woman, – Ardhanarishwar. Then he separate him himself – then man and woman was created. The story of Shiva, we read his marriage on Sati and Parvati – go back to the first appearance like column of fire, – out of that Kalabhairav came. Who cut one of the heads of Brahma. That’s why all gods were against Shiva. Kalabhairav and Shankar are one and the same. First incarnation of Shiva.

You should read Devi Sutra. I will give you 2-3 examples only. Oh, Shakti, you are hunger in every being;- I offer my pranam to you. The hunger is like expression. Oh, Shakti, you are a mother of every being. That’s why mother in respect. Everything – the thirst, the hunger, consciousness – it’s all Shakti expressions. And Shiva is her husband. He’s lieing, and she’s dancing on his chest.

Which game Shiva was playing with Parvati?

Guruji: This is called “chopard” — very ancient game. And they say that he made day and night the dice and all those things — they were jivas: then they were playing the game of life.

Do people play it now?

Guruji: Yes — old people still play.