Author: Constantina Rhodes
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 0791495639
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
Utpaladeva was a siddha and one of the great philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism. His poetry serves, and has for a thousand years served, as a guidebook for the spiritual path, providing words to express the otherwise ineffable experiences of personal transformation.
Meditations on Shiva
Author: Constantina Rhodes
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 0791495639
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
Utpaladeva was a siddha and one of the great philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism. His poetry serves, and has for a thousand years served, as a guidebook for the spiritual path, providing words to express the otherwise ineffable experiences of personal transformation.
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 0791495639
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
Utpaladeva was a siddha and one of the great philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism. His poetry serves, and has for a thousand years served, as a guidebook for the spiritual path, providing words to express the otherwise ineffable experiences of personal transformation.
Meditations on Shiva
Author:
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791425305
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
Utpaladeva was a siddha and one of the great philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism. His poetry serves, and has for a thousand years served, as a guidebook for the spiritual path, providing words to express the otherwise ineffable experiences of personal transformation.
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791425305
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
Utpaladeva was a siddha and one of the great philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism. His poetry serves, and has for a thousand years served, as a guidebook for the spiritual path, providing words to express the otherwise ineffable experiences of personal transformation.
Vigyan bhairav tantra
Author: Osho
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783893380862
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 7
Book Description
112 methods of meditation with one card each.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783893380862
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 7
Book Description
112 methods of meditation with one card each.
Return to Oneness with Shiva: Why I Meditate on Hanuman Ji with You Hold the Healing Codes
Author: Ricardo B. Serrano R. Ac
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780988050211
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 108
Book Description
The goal of the fifth book Return to Oneness with Shiva is to offer a solution to most people whose life challenge is battling their monkey-mind (ego) which I believe is the cause of suffering and can be conquered by becoming like Hanuman whose love and devotion to his Sadguru is shown by the application of Hanuman Qigong and Hunaman ji's mantras and self-realization teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Healing with the hologram of love merkaba energy ball of light encoded with the healing conscious mind encodements is also included. Most people are not aware that their healing and spiritual ascension are essentially associated with the functioning of their thyroid gland or throat chakra. Who and what you meditate on, you become. The unified chakra and aligned energy fields are very important, not just for survival, but - more importantly - as vital tools for ascension, healing and channeling. "Ascension is basically a change in frequency and a change in focus of consciousness. Because the energy you are has frequency, you can change it. The low-frequency stuff of fear and limitation will fall away and you will live in a state of what you would today call ecstasy, at one with your spirit and with the spirit of everyone else. That's ascension." - Master Enoch "Spiritual oneness means the incarnated soul is achieving a higher degree of oneness with the higher soul, and a certain degree of oneness with God and oneness with all." - Master Choa Kok Sui "Use the Triangles Work with the Great Invocation by Holy Master Djwhal Khul and encourage others to use it." - Mang Mike Nator "This universe, which is created in His Consciousness, is dependent on that Consciousness. It is always dependent on that Consciousness. It cannot move outside of that Consciousness. It exists only when it is residing in His Consciousness. This is the way the creation of His universe takes place. You must understand that this universe, which is created by the Lord of Consciousness, is one with that Creator Who is wholly self-luminous light with Consciousness." - Swami Lakshmanjoo "When one finds true Oneness, there will be no words. . . One will only have the experience of Love and a smiling heart. No words can express that happiness and peace. It is beyond words. Oneness is everything. Oneness is the only truth worth seeking. Oneness is a gift from Heaven." - Hanuman Qigong, origin of the heart, a form of Sheng Zhen Gong The Shamballa Temple of Love with its Ascended Masters can be experienced through the Merkaba meditation facilitated by Ricardo B Serrano of the Melchizedek Order of Mastery (Shamballa Temple of Love). "You will find 'Return to Oneness with Shiva' an excellent addition to your spiritual and healing library." - Bookreview.com
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780988050211
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 108
Book Description
The goal of the fifth book Return to Oneness with Shiva is to offer a solution to most people whose life challenge is battling their monkey-mind (ego) which I believe is the cause of suffering and can be conquered by becoming like Hanuman whose love and devotion to his Sadguru is shown by the application of Hanuman Qigong and Hunaman ji's mantras and self-realization teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Healing with the hologram of love merkaba energy ball of light encoded with the healing conscious mind encodements is also included. Most people are not aware that their healing and spiritual ascension are essentially associated with the functioning of their thyroid gland or throat chakra. Who and what you meditate on, you become. The unified chakra and aligned energy fields are very important, not just for survival, but - more importantly - as vital tools for ascension, healing and channeling. "Ascension is basically a change in frequency and a change in focus of consciousness. Because the energy you are has frequency, you can change it. The low-frequency stuff of fear and limitation will fall away and you will live in a state of what you would today call ecstasy, at one with your spirit and with the spirit of everyone else. That's ascension." - Master Enoch "Spiritual oneness means the incarnated soul is achieving a higher degree of oneness with the higher soul, and a certain degree of oneness with God and oneness with all." - Master Choa Kok Sui "Use the Triangles Work with the Great Invocation by Holy Master Djwhal Khul and encourage others to use it." - Mang Mike Nator "This universe, which is created in His Consciousness, is dependent on that Consciousness. It is always dependent on that Consciousness. It cannot move outside of that Consciousness. It exists only when it is residing in His Consciousness. This is the way the creation of His universe takes place. You must understand that this universe, which is created by the Lord of Consciousness, is one with that Creator Who is wholly self-luminous light with Consciousness." - Swami Lakshmanjoo "When one finds true Oneness, there will be no words. . . One will only have the experience of Love and a smiling heart. No words can express that happiness and peace. It is beyond words. Oneness is everything. Oneness is the only truth worth seeking. Oneness is a gift from Heaven." - Hanuman Qigong, origin of the heart, a form of Sheng Zhen Gong The Shamballa Temple of Love with its Ascended Masters can be experienced through the Merkaba meditation facilitated by Ricardo B Serrano of the Melchizedek Order of Mastery (Shamballa Temple of Love). "You will find 'Return to Oneness with Shiva' an excellent addition to your spiritual and healing library." - Bookreview.com
Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir
Author: Constantina Rhodes
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 0791495647
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Utpaladeva was considered a siddha, a "perfected being," one of the masters of the tantric tradition in Kashmir, and he is best known for his philosophical treatises. The Shivastotravali reflects Utpaladeva's philosophy, known as the Pratyabhijna school. And yet it is unique among the author's works in its not being a straightforward philosophical treatise but instead, as Dr. Bailly points out in her introduction, more of a spiritual diary of one who is actually treading the path of Shiva. The path that Utpaladeva has chosen does not require leaving one's home and heading for a mountain cave; instead it calls for changing one's view of the world, for leading a life of divine recognition while carrying on with ordinary life. In clearly written, lucid prose Dr. Bailly illuminates the many facets of Utpaladeva's quest. At the core of his spiritual journey is the enigmatic relationship between devotion and grace: how much does spiritual attainment depend upon the individual's efforts, and how much is a divine gift? And how are these to be realized while living in the midst of society, maintaining worldly obligations and lifestyle? For over a thousand years the Shaiva community of Kashmir has used in its worship the hymns of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali. Here for the first time these hymns are presented in translation as English verse along with the Sanskrit, a clear and lively introduction, two appendices on special aspects of Kashmir Shaivism, and additional notes.
Publisher: State University of New York Press
ISBN: 0791495647
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Utpaladeva was considered a siddha, a "perfected being," one of the masters of the tantric tradition in Kashmir, and he is best known for his philosophical treatises. The Shivastotravali reflects Utpaladeva's philosophy, known as the Pratyabhijna school. And yet it is unique among the author's works in its not being a straightforward philosophical treatise but instead, as Dr. Bailly points out in her introduction, more of a spiritual diary of one who is actually treading the path of Shiva. The path that Utpaladeva has chosen does not require leaving one's home and heading for a mountain cave; instead it calls for changing one's view of the world, for leading a life of divine recognition while carrying on with ordinary life. In clearly written, lucid prose Dr. Bailly illuminates the many facets of Utpaladeva's quest. At the core of his spiritual journey is the enigmatic relationship between devotion and grace: how much does spiritual attainment depend upon the individual's efforts, and how much is a divine gift? And how are these to be realized while living in the midst of society, maintaining worldly obligations and lifestyle? For over a thousand years the Shaiva community of Kashmir has used in its worship the hymns of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali. Here for the first time these hymns are presented in translation as English verse along with the Sanskrit, a clear and lively introduction, two appendices on special aspects of Kashmir Shaivism, and additional notes.
Cannabis in Spiritual Practice
Author: Will Johnson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620556863
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
An exploration of the use of cannabis as a sacrament in spiritual practice • Provides instructions for using marijuana for the spiritual practices of spontaneous movement, ecstatic dance, sitting meditation, and gazing meditation, allowing you to open the body’s energies more fully and get closer to the Divine or your higher self • Includes a new translation of the Five Moral Precepts of Buddhism, adapted to include energetic practices and the judicious use of entheogenic substances as a legitimate support for spiritual growth • Includes access to 9 audio meditations With the end of marijuana prohibition on the horizon, people are now openly seeking a spiritual path that embraces the benefits of cannabis. Drawing upon his decades of experience as a teacher of Buddhism, breathing, yoga, and embodied spirituality, Will Johnson examines Eastern spiritual perspectives on marijuana and offers specific guidelines and exercises for integrating cannabis into spiritual practice. The author explains how the great Hindu god Shiva enjoyed consuming bhang, a marijuana mixture that would cause his body to make spontaneous movements. From these cannabis-inspired movements, Shiva brought the body-focused practices of dance and yoga to the world. Examining the spiritual path of Shiva, including the Sadhu tradition, Johnson provides specific instructions and protocols for using marijuana as a sacrament as Shiva did. He explores how to embrace cannabis for the practices of spontaneous movement, ecstatic dance, sitting meditation, and gazing meditation. He reveals how the ecstatic surrender to the feeling energies of the body in these practices is enhanced through the ingestion of Shiva’s herb, allowing you to open the body’s energies more fully and get closer to the Divine or your higher self. Exploring the Buddhist practices of calming the mind and grounding yourself in sensory awareness, Johnson shows that, while traditional Buddhist teachings forbid the use of intoxicating substances, Buddhists who use cannabis are not committing a cardinal sin--in following our dharma, we must embrace what best supports our spiritual practice. He concludes with a new translation of the Five Moral Precepts of Buddhism--what he calls the Five Precepts of Embodied Responsibility--adapted to include energetic practices using breath, interaction with the energies of nature, sacred sex, and the judicious use of entheogenic substances, such as cannabis, as legitimate support for spiritual growth.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620556863
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
An exploration of the use of cannabis as a sacrament in spiritual practice • Provides instructions for using marijuana for the spiritual practices of spontaneous movement, ecstatic dance, sitting meditation, and gazing meditation, allowing you to open the body’s energies more fully and get closer to the Divine or your higher self • Includes a new translation of the Five Moral Precepts of Buddhism, adapted to include energetic practices and the judicious use of entheogenic substances as a legitimate support for spiritual growth • Includes access to 9 audio meditations With the end of marijuana prohibition on the horizon, people are now openly seeking a spiritual path that embraces the benefits of cannabis. Drawing upon his decades of experience as a teacher of Buddhism, breathing, yoga, and embodied spirituality, Will Johnson examines Eastern spiritual perspectives on marijuana and offers specific guidelines and exercises for integrating cannabis into spiritual practice. The author explains how the great Hindu god Shiva enjoyed consuming bhang, a marijuana mixture that would cause his body to make spontaneous movements. From these cannabis-inspired movements, Shiva brought the body-focused practices of dance and yoga to the world. Examining the spiritual path of Shiva, including the Sadhu tradition, Johnson provides specific instructions and protocols for using marijuana as a sacrament as Shiva did. He explores how to embrace cannabis for the practices of spontaneous movement, ecstatic dance, sitting meditation, and gazing meditation. He reveals how the ecstatic surrender to the feeling energies of the body in these practices is enhanced through the ingestion of Shiva’s herb, allowing you to open the body’s energies more fully and get closer to the Divine or your higher self. Exploring the Buddhist practices of calming the mind and grounding yourself in sensory awareness, Johnson shows that, while traditional Buddhist teachings forbid the use of intoxicating substances, Buddhists who use cannabis are not committing a cardinal sin--in following our dharma, we must embrace what best supports our spiritual practice. He concludes with a new translation of the Five Moral Precepts of Buddhism--what he calls the Five Precepts of Embodied Responsibility--adapted to include energetic practices using breath, interaction with the energies of nature, sacred sex, and the judicious use of entheogenic substances, such as cannabis, as legitimate support for spiritual growth.
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra
Author: Lord Shiva
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 76
Book Description
After getting love and positive response of my previous book "Shiv Swarodaya - A Divine Law of Breathing" and "The Basic Mantras", of the series " The Mantras"; now, I am presenting a new book on meditation "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" (Edition 2) to boost and take your spiritual and meditation level in zenith. Recently, I also wrote book namely, "Black Magic & Witchcraft " which will help you in your daily life in many ways. The "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" is an ancient Indian text book of around 5,000 years old which is considered by many as the only book of meditation. This book is originally in Sanskrit. The book, which is before you, is the exact translation of the original text book. No discussion is complete on meditation without mentioning this book. It contains 112 methods and techniques of meditation in the form of conversation between God Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Devi, Gazelle-eyed). Many Sadhus, Saints, Gurus, etc. are also using these techniques of meditation.The book "Vigyan Bhairava Tantra" literally means: Bhairava - A God of Hindu religion or another name of God Shiva; Tantra - A mystical spiritual path, a specific ancient science; Science - Vigyan. In this book, 112 techniques of meditation are discussed which can also help you for realizing your own true self. The book "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" is started with conversation between God Shiva and Goddesss Parvati (Shakti). Devi asked God Shiva about the nature of reality, about Universe, about fundamental nature of the world. She also asked God Shiva, how can one go beyond space and time to understand this truth. God Shiva does not answer her directly of her questions. Rather than he tells her about the methods and techniques to get answers of these questions. He tells her how one can realize this reality through 112 methods of entering in the self. As every person has his own specific problems and questions. This book not only helped Goddess Parvati to get her answers but also can help same to the entire world.The methods are in their seed form which points towards various powerful meditation and concentration techniques. On contemplating about these techniques, you will get one of the most powerful collections of meditation techniques which are simple and very effective.The Book "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" has 112 meditation methods and techniques which covered all meditation techniques and methods. These meditational techniques and methods can be used by the people of all ages and times (past, present and future). It is impossible to find a meditational method or technique beyond these 112 techniques. It is also impossible for anybody to find a technique which is not suitable to his own level of spiritual development and inner temperament.
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 76
Book Description
After getting love and positive response of my previous book "Shiv Swarodaya - A Divine Law of Breathing" and "The Basic Mantras", of the series " The Mantras"; now, I am presenting a new book on meditation "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" (Edition 2) to boost and take your spiritual and meditation level in zenith. Recently, I also wrote book namely, "Black Magic & Witchcraft " which will help you in your daily life in many ways. The "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" is an ancient Indian text book of around 5,000 years old which is considered by many as the only book of meditation. This book is originally in Sanskrit. The book, which is before you, is the exact translation of the original text book. No discussion is complete on meditation without mentioning this book. It contains 112 methods and techniques of meditation in the form of conversation between God Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Devi, Gazelle-eyed). Many Sadhus, Saints, Gurus, etc. are also using these techniques of meditation.The book "Vigyan Bhairava Tantra" literally means: Bhairava - A God of Hindu religion or another name of God Shiva; Tantra - A mystical spiritual path, a specific ancient science; Science - Vigyan. In this book, 112 techniques of meditation are discussed which can also help you for realizing your own true self. The book "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" is started with conversation between God Shiva and Goddesss Parvati (Shakti). Devi asked God Shiva about the nature of reality, about Universe, about fundamental nature of the world. She also asked God Shiva, how can one go beyond space and time to understand this truth. God Shiva does not answer her directly of her questions. Rather than he tells her about the methods and techniques to get answers of these questions. He tells her how one can realize this reality through 112 methods of entering in the self. As every person has his own specific problems and questions. This book not only helped Goddess Parvati to get her answers but also can help same to the entire world.The methods are in their seed form which points towards various powerful meditation and concentration techniques. On contemplating about these techniques, you will get one of the most powerful collections of meditation techniques which are simple and very effective.The Book "Vigyan Bhairav Tantra" has 112 meditation methods and techniques which covered all meditation techniques and methods. These meditational techniques and methods can be used by the people of all ages and times (past, present and future). It is impossible to find a meditational method or technique beyond these 112 techniques. It is also impossible for anybody to find a technique which is not suitable to his own level of spiritual development and inner temperament.
A Trident of Wisdom
Author: Abhinavagupta
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791401804
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
"I have prepared a trident of Wisdom in order to cut asunder their bondage." -- Abhinavagupta This is a long commentary on a short Tantra. One of the most authoritative and venerated texts in Kashmir Shaivism, it deals with the nature of Ultimate Reality and with methods of realization focusing on the theory and practice of Mantra. Abhinavagupta presents his metaphysics of language, of the Word (Vak), and its relation to consciousness. He calls it, "trikasastra-rahasya-upadesa: The teaching of the secret of the Trika doctrine."
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791401804
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
"I have prepared a trident of Wisdom in order to cut asunder their bondage." -- Abhinavagupta This is a long commentary on a short Tantra. One of the most authoritative and venerated texts in Kashmir Shaivism, it deals with the nature of Ultimate Reality and with methods of realization focusing on the theory and practice of Mantra. Abhinavagupta presents his metaphysics of language, of the Word (Vak), and its relation to consciousness. He calls it, "trikasastra-rahasya-upadesa: The teaching of the secret of the Trika doctrine."
The Shiva Sutra of Vasugupta
Author: Gerard DC Kuiken
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 9078623071
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 44
Book Description
The Shiva Sutra was revealed to and written down by Vasugupta (ca 875--925 CE). The Sutra is considered mystical and of divine origin. For Kashmir Shaivism, it is one of the most important key sources. It outlines the teachings of Shaiva non-dualism, where the focus is on attaining the Ultimate Reality in which everything is created and dissolved. This ultimate state is called Param Shiva and is beyond description. For attaining this state of Shiva for those who remember to reside in their own inherent-self-nature, which is of the nature of Shiva, no effort or no way is needed. For everyone else there are three ways for the attainment of Param Shiva described in the Shiva Sutra. There is no strict order given for meditating on the Sutra. It depends on one's stage of evolution. Translation from the original Sanskrit with notes.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 9078623071
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 44
Book Description
The Shiva Sutra was revealed to and written down by Vasugupta (ca 875--925 CE). The Sutra is considered mystical and of divine origin. For Kashmir Shaivism, it is one of the most important key sources. It outlines the teachings of Shaiva non-dualism, where the focus is on attaining the Ultimate Reality in which everything is created and dissolved. This ultimate state is called Param Shiva and is beyond description. For attaining this state of Shiva for those who remember to reside in their own inherent-self-nature, which is of the nature of Shiva, no effort or no way is needed. For everyone else there are three ways for the attainment of Param Shiva described in the Shiva Sutra. There is no strict order given for meditating on the Sutra. It depends on one's stage of evolution. Translation from the original Sanskrit with notes.
Shiva
Author: Vanamali
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620552493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 171
Book Description
The traditional understanding of Shiva told through stories and teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana • Explains Shiva’s contradictory forms, such as destroyer or benefactor, and how his form depends on the needs of the devotee • Reveals how Shiva’s teachings allow one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life • Explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya Shiva, the most ancient and complex deity of the Hindu pantheon, has been portrayed in many contrasting lights: destroyer and benefactor, ascetic and householder, wild demon slayer and calm yogi atop Mount Kailash. Drawing from the Hindu sacred text the Shiva Mahapurana--said to be written by Shiva himself--Vanamali selects the essential stories of Shiva, both those from his dark wild side and those from his benevolent peaceful side. Vanamali discusses Shiva’s many avatars such as Shambunatha and Bhola, as well as Dakshinamurti who taught the shastras and tantras to the rishis. She explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Examining Shiva’s acceptance of outsiders, Vanamali explains why ghosts and ghouls are his attendants and why his greatest devotees are demon kings, like Ravana. She includes famous Shiva stories such as the Descent of the River Ganga and Churning the Milky Ocean as well as those that reveal the origin of the festival of lights, Diwali; his creation of the cosmic couple, or hierogamos; and how Shiva and Parvati taught the world the secrets of Kundalini Shakti. The author also draws upon Shaivite teachings to illustrate the differences between Western science and Vedic science and their explanations for the origins of consciousness. Integrating Shiva’s two sides, the fierce and the peaceful, Vanamali reveals that Shiva’s form depends on the needs of the devotee. Understanding his teachings allows one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life, for Shiva is the wielder of maya who does not fall under its spell. While Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, Shiva is the remover of tears.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620552493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 171
Book Description
The traditional understanding of Shiva told through stories and teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana • Explains Shiva’s contradictory forms, such as destroyer or benefactor, and how his form depends on the needs of the devotee • Reveals how Shiva’s teachings allow one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life • Explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya Shiva, the most ancient and complex deity of the Hindu pantheon, has been portrayed in many contrasting lights: destroyer and benefactor, ascetic and householder, wild demon slayer and calm yogi atop Mount Kailash. Drawing from the Hindu sacred text the Shiva Mahapurana--said to be written by Shiva himself--Vanamali selects the essential stories of Shiva, both those from his dark wild side and those from his benevolent peaceful side. Vanamali discusses Shiva’s many avatars such as Shambunatha and Bhola, as well as Dakshinamurti who taught the shastras and tantras to the rishis. She explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Examining Shiva’s acceptance of outsiders, Vanamali explains why ghosts and ghouls are his attendants and why his greatest devotees are demon kings, like Ravana. She includes famous Shiva stories such as the Descent of the River Ganga and Churning the Milky Ocean as well as those that reveal the origin of the festival of lights, Diwali; his creation of the cosmic couple, or hierogamos; and how Shiva and Parvati taught the world the secrets of Kundalini Shakti. The author also draws upon Shaivite teachings to illustrate the differences between Western science and Vedic science and their explanations for the origins of consciousness. Integrating Shiva’s two sides, the fierce and the peaceful, Vanamali reveals that Shiva’s form depends on the needs of the devotee. Understanding his teachings allows one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life, for Shiva is the wielder of maya who does not fall under its spell. While Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, Shiva is the remover of tears.