As I turned the pages of the newspaper today, I was intrigued by a picture of Thomas Edison. The note below honoured him for his invention of the motion picture camera, patented on August 24, 1891, which laid the foundation for the world of cinema. This invention allowed stationary images to be perceived as moving, creating an immersive experience that captures our minds and emotions, temporarily detaching us from reality. This revolution in entertainment created an illusion so powerful that it continues to shape our perceptions today.
As I delved further into this idea, I found myself comparing it to the concept of Maya in our scriptures. Just as Edison’s motion camera exploited the persistence of vision to create the illusion of movement, Maya is perceived as reality by our mind’s perception. The Rigveda 7.104.24 elucidates the concept of Maya:
मायाꣳ तव सवितः सर्पिरासीत्सत्यम्भ्र्तं यदनु धायि पूषा |
तुमिदग्ने मायाꣳ तपसि वत्सो अनूषता ददृशे सूरिरर्भेः ||
Interpretation: In this hymn, the spiritual insight of the wise is akin to the energy of the Sun God and fire, which brings out the ghee from a lump of butter. Similarly, developed human consciousness is capable of discerning the truth wrapped in illusion.
In the case of motion pictures, the truth is that they are merely stationary frames arranged in a certain sequence, generating the illusion of reality. Yet, while we are engrossed in it, this illusion feels real. It is relatively easy to decipher the truth in the context of motion pictures. However, the general public often makes the mistake of perceiving the roles of actors as reflective of their real lives, sometimes even adopting them as role models. This occurs despite the knowledge that the actor is merely performing a role according to the story’s requirements.
In real life, the situation can be far more complex, with truth often camouflaged in multiple layers of illusion. Perhaps this is why the profound philosophy behind metaphors and epic stories is neither effectively propagated by most preachers nor retained by the masses. The result is a dilution of the essence of the deep philosophies intrinsic to Hinduism.
In my earlier post on deciphering metaphors, I discussed the symbolism of the Shiv Lingam, whose elliptical shape symbolizes the entire universe. To my understanding, offering Jal (water), milk, flowers, or fruits to the Shivlingam is not just a ritual; it is also a promise to the Supreme to respect and nurture each component of the universe that nurtures us. The Shivlingam’s position symbolizes the ascending energy of consciousness and life in nature, reflecting cosmic masculine principles like immutability, stability, strength, and endurance. Likewise, the Shakti Yoni complements the Linga, representing the feminine descending force and creative energy, embodying balance and harmony in nature. Both ascending and descending energies are a pre-requisite of completeness.
Thus, the five tatvas (elements) of nature, viz. earth, water, fire, air and space that nurture and sustain life, have always been integral to the profound philosophy of Hinduism. Hinduism has always taught us to use natural resources wisely while also nurturing them. It dissuades humans from exploiting natural resources—how can we exploit nature, which our religion reveres as a mother?
Lord Shiva’s Connection with Five Tatvas
In further reverence to nature, Lord Shiva is associated with the five fundamental elements, known as “Pancha Bhootas” or “Pancha Tatvas” — Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether/Space (Akasha). There are five temples in South India, known as the “Pancha Bhoota Sthalams,” each representing one of these elements:
- Kanchipuram (Earth): The temple here is characterized by an earth lingam believed to have been established by Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati.
- Thiruvanaikaval (Water): The Jambukeswarar Temple represents water and is characterized by a perennial underground water stream in the sanctum of the temple.
- Tiruvannamalai (Fire): The temple at Tiruvannamalai represents fire (or energy) and is located on a hill believed to be a manifestation of fire. It is famous for the Karthigai Deepam festival, where a large lamp is lit on the hill, symbolizing the fire element.
- Srikalahasti (Air): The temple at Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh represents air. The sanctum is designed in such a way that a lamp constantly flickers, even without an apparent source of wind, symbolizing the air element.
- Chidambaram (Space): The Thillai Nataraja Temple represents the Akasha or space element. The main deity is Nataraja, symbolizing the cosmic dance of creation, which represents the boundless and infinite nature of space.
These five temples collectively remind us of the profound Hindu philosophy that the human body is composed of the five elements and has a deep connection with them. Beyond the symbols and metaphors, it is essential to understand that sustaining human life requires all the above mentioned five tatvas. These tatvas should be cared for not just through symbolic worship, as many people practice, but by actively nurturing and preserving them.
Unfortunately, the profound philosophy behind these temples is not always elaborated upon during visits. It is often wrongly assumed that by merely visiting these places and offering prayers, our duty is fulfilled. However, the true responsibility begins with the visit to these sacred places.
The Implied Purpose of These Visits:
- Kanchipuram (Earth): Worshiping the earth lingam reminds us to take care of Mother Earth as we would our own mother.
- Thiruvanaikaval (Water): Visiting the Jambukeswarar Temple reminds us to strive to keep our water resources perennial and pure, just like the underground water in the sanctum.
- Tiruvannamalai (Fire): A visit to Tiruvannamalai, which represents fire (or energy), reminds us to conserve and protect our energy sources and not waste them. Praying to Agni Dev (the fire deity) also reiterates our wish that nature keeps forests safe from wildfires, which have become more frequent due to climate change.
- Srikalahasti (Air): The temple at Srikalahasti reminds us to preserve and protect the resources that maintain the purity of “Pran Vayu” or oxygen, which is essential for life on Earth.
- Chidambaram (Space): The word “Chit” means consciousness, and “ambram” means space, together forming “Chidambaram,” which implies the development of spiritual consciousness. The temple is dedicated to Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, highlighting the deep connection between dance and spirituality. The symbolism of the Nataraja idol is profound: the demon under his feet symbolizes the triumph over ignorance, the fire in his hand represents the destruction of evil, his raised hand offers blessings to those on the right path, the ring around his back symbolizes the cosmos, and the damru (drum) represents the origin of life. Thus, the temple dedicated to space directs humans to strive for spiritual development and to enjoy it fully, much like the cosmic dance.
This is why the temple at Chidambaram, representing a connection between dance and spirituality, emphasizes that just as a dancer is completely engrossed in their art, so too should our resolve be in spiritual pursuits.
Consciousness
In a recent post by Jaya Row entitled “Shift Attention to Atman for Instant Liberation,” some interesting interpretations of epic childhood stories of Lord Krishna were discussed. According to her, Krishna’s blue colour denotes infinity, while his yellow garment represents the earth, metaphorically illustrating that we are spirit clothed in matter.
Jaya Row further explained the metaphor of the water body and the multi-headed serpent Kaliya, who had polluted it. The lake or water body represents our mind, and the multiple heads of Kaliya represent our desires. If we can dance over them like Krishna did on Kaliya’s heads, instead of submitting to them meekly, we have attained a state of consciousness where we can control our mind and intellect in accordance with our will.
In another interpretation, Kaliya’s heads represent pollution, and Krishna dancing on them symbolizes control over it. However, in most places, the story is narrated merely as a tale, without explaining the metaphor. Those who propagate such ignorance are responsible for the growing disinterest of the masses in understanding the profound philosophies intrinsic to Hinduism.
Every aspect of Krishna’s appearance, from his blue skin to the flute he plays, carries deep philosophical significance. The hollowness of the flute represents our personality, and its seven apertures symbolize the five senses, mind, and intellect. When we use our senses, mind, and intellect properly, the flute of our personality generates heavenly music. This metaphor directs us to use our faculties to produce the divine music of life. The Bhagavad Gita guides us on how to do this by advising us to be deeply involved in our duties with our heart and soul, yet remain unattached to the outcome.
These profound philosophies guide us to dispel the darkness within us and attain consciousness in reverence of the supreme. We should do everything possible to avoid being led into the illusion of ignorance, while striving to understand metaphors and their profound meanings.
Way Forward
In this blog, we began by exploring the profound similarity between Maya and the illusions created by motion pictures in the world of entertainment. While this comparison helps to grasp the concept of illusion or Maya, in reality, life becomes much more complicated. The stakes are higher, and the temptations and greed are more profound. Yet, to find solace and peace, one must elevate their level of consciousness and seek out the truth.
Achieving this requires interpreting the metaphors of Hinduism in their proper context and understanding the deep philosophies that lie beneath their outward appearances. A few of these have been briefly explored in this blog to initiate a journey in this direction. Moving forward, it is crucial to chart a path that balances our engagement with contemporary life while remaining true to our spiritual heritage.
Let us attempt to chalk out a way forward:
1. Cultivating Awareness of Maya:
Just as we enjoy motion pictures while knowing they are illusions; we must develop a similar awareness in our daily lives. Recognizing that much of what we perceive as reality is influenced by our desires, fears, and societal conditioning can help us navigate life with greater clarity. This awareness can be cultivated through regular reflection, meditation, and studying spiritual texts that emphasize discernment between the real and the illusory.
2. Nurturing Our Connection with Nature:
The philosophy of Pancha Tatvas reminds us that our well-being is deeply interconnected with the elements of nature. Beyond symbolic worship, we must actively engage in practices that preserve and nurture the environment. This can include reducing our carbon footprint, conserving water, protecting green spaces, and advocating for sustainable practices in our communities. By doing so, we honor the elements and align our lives with the natural order.
3. Deepening Our Understanding of Symbolism:
To prevent the dilution of profound philosophies, it is crucial to delve deeper into the symbolic meanings behind our rituals and stories. Educators, spiritual leaders, and parents have a responsibility to go beyond surface-level explanations and encourage inquiry into the rich metaphors that Hinduism offers. This can be achieved through discussions, workshops, and storytelling sessions that emphasize the wisdom embedded in our traditions.
4. Embracing Spiritual Practices:
The teachings of Lord Krishna, as well as the guidance of the Bhagavad Gita, remind us of the importance of performing our duties with detachment and devotion. By incorporating daily spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, or reading scriptures, we can strengthen our connection to the divine and maintain balance amidst the distractions of modern life. These practices serve as reminders of the higher purpose of our existence and help us stay rooted in our spiritual goals.
5. Promoting Holistic Education:
Our educational systems should integrate the study of philosophy, ethics, and spirituality alongside conventional subjects. This holistic approach can help individuals develop a well-rounded perspective, equipping them to make informed decisions that honor both material and spiritual aspects of life. Schools, universities, and community centers can play a pivotal role in offering programs that explore the intersections of science, philosophy, and spirituality.
6. Fostering a Community of Conscious Individuals:
A community that shares these values can serve as a support system, encouraging each other to live consciously and purposefully. Whether through local spiritual groups, online forums, or social gatherings, creating spaces for like-minded individuals to connect and share insights can reinforce these practices. Together, such a community can inspire positive change and help counter the forces of materialism and ignorance that often overshadow deeper truths.
7. Spreading Awareness through Creative Mediums:
Just as motion pictures utilize the power of visuals to create immersive experiences, we can harness the same mediums to spread awareness about the deeper meanings of our spiritual heritage. Documentaries, films, art, and literature that depict these philosophies in relatable and engaging ways can reach a broader audience, especially younger generations. Encouraging creative expressions that draw from these profound truths can help bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
8. Embodying the Change:
Ultimately, the way forward begins with individual transformation. By embodying the principles of awareness, respect for nature, understanding of symbolism, and devotion in our daily lives, we set an example for others. Leading by example, we can inspire those around us to look beyond the superficial and seek the deeper meanings in their actions, relationships, and pursuits.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the path forward involves a conscious effort to live with awareness, nurture our environment, and deepen our understanding of the rich spiritual heritage that guides us. By doing so, we can navigate the illusions of the modern world while staying true to the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. If we practice this as a way of life, we will move closer to attaining a state akin to the one described by Yogeshwar Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita:
भगवद गीता 4.35:
“यज्ज्ञात्वा न पुनर्मोहमेवं यास्यसि पाण्डव |
येन भूतान्यशेषाणि द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मन्यथो मयि ||”
Interpretation:
“Having gained this knowledge, you will no longer fall into such delusion, and by this knowledge, you will see all beings in your own Self, and also in Me.”
Let us draw from the timeless wisdom of our spiritual heritage, anchoring ourselves in truth and reverence for the resources that nature has bestowed upon humankind. Let us continue the effort to dispel ignorance and pass this wisdom to future generations, keeping alive the beacon of knowledge imparted by our timeless scriptures. So help me, Oh Supreme!
Inspire Positivity 