Lord Shiva is the ultimate grandmaster of yoga, most personifying the practise of yoga. As Nataraj, the lord of the dance, lord Shivas dance and gestures also reflect yoga postures. As Yogeshwar, the great lord of yoga, he rules over all aspects of yoga relative to body, mind and consciousness. Shiva is the lord of asana practice with 84 lakhs of asanas said to have derived from his movements. Shiva symbolises the immortal Prana, the undying force of eternal existence. Tantric yoga teachings about Prana relate to Shiva, who holds the inner power of pranayama. Shiva is the lord of meditation, depicted seated in deep meditation. In his Dakshinamurti or youthful form, he is the teacher of Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge, through the power of the silent mind, enlightening all the great Rishis. Many great yoga traditions arise from Shiva and honour him as their original guru. Most Himalayan sadhus are Shaivites. Shaivite Yoga includes the Nath traditions that form the main teachings of Hatha Yoga and Siddha Yoga. In Vedic times, Shiva was lauded as Rudra along with the Maruts, his wandering sages, and with great Rishis like Vasishta. Shiva Yogis maintain a special sacred fire in honour of this Vedic heritage. Shaivite yoga in the Mahabharata is called Pashupata Yoga. Shiva represents the eternal presence of yoga behind the Dharmic culture of India. Shiva's numerous shrines throughout India hold many yogic powers, from Kailas and Manasarovar in the north to Rameshwaram in the south, including the famous 12 JyotirLingas from Somnath Ji to Kashi Vishwanath Ji. Those who practice yoga should always remember Shiva, the great lord of yoga. If one can surrender to Lord Shiva inwardly, all the powers and insights of yoga will naturally be revealed at the appropriate time and manner. Shiva is the inner guru of yoga and all true gurus function with his grace and insight!
Om Namah Shivaya ~ Boom Shankar! ๐๐ป๐๐ป
No comments:
Post a Comment