LILA- THE PLAY OF GOD
Shiva, the beloved of millions, described in thousands of ways by thousands of His lovers across thousands of years and lands. But one thing that stands out clearly in the descriptions, is that there is much paradox about Him. The moment anyone thinks they have understood one aspect of Him, immediately another one comes and juxtaposes itself in contrast. And so, Shiva is known by most people as the greatest enigma in the pantheon of the Hindu Gods.
No one was ever sure of His antiquity, or His antecedents; None knew who His parents were, or if He was actually a sibling to the Vedic Gods. Some said He was Brahma’s son, others asserted He was Swayambhu, the Self-created, who, after manifesting Himself, in fact, created Brahma - the father of all gods also.
Every search for Him spiraled into a concentricity of a higher realm. Even after hearing about Him endlessly, one would come back to the same mystery- Who is Shiva?
The rishis of Kashmir, who were said to have been graced by Shiva's knowledge- Gyan Shakti itself, said that before the creation of the Universe, God is by Himself, as a great independent energy, "Caitanyam" . This state of God resting in Himself can last for longer than the age of the Universe itself.
Then,there is a stir! and the God of desire begins to vibrate. Iccha Shakti. This vibration is His very Nature. He always aspires for play and growth. He is not just content with tranquility, as in the state of extreme nothingness. He needs to manifest, needs to reflect His own power of creation, to put it to use- Kriya Shakti. So the process of cosmic evolution may still be in its infancy, and God may be like an adorable baby whose play - Lila , has just begun.
Shiva’s mantra is not just Om Shanti, it must culminate in Om Anand, ultimate bliss, at all levels of existence.
Aum Namah Shivaye.
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