Transcript of a Gurudev monologue explaining the symbolism of the Nataraja (dancing Shiva) statue: the demon/figure under Shiva’s foot (Apasmara) represents laziness/Tamas; the lifted and grounded feet symbolize imagination and practicality; hands, drum, fire, snake, and flowing hair represent protection, sound/air, cosmic energy, alertness and the universe. The talk concludes by linking the statue’s symbolism to non-duality (letting go of names/forms) and Samadhi (pure bliss).
Chapters
Dear Gurudev, please tell us about the statue of dancing Shiva on the stage. What is its meaning? The dancing Shiva. You see a demon on the feet of Shiva. It's not demon, just a person who is lazy. He's called Apasmara. Apasmara is one who just doesn't do anything, doesn't make any effort, doesn't take any initiative. And always in a state of Tamas. So he is putting his right foot on that saying hey, wake up. And then Nataraj has his left foot up. Means life needs both imagination and practicality. Only then life can become a celebration. Everything in the world has come out of imagination. Whether it is electricity or cell phone. It just comes as a concept in your mind first, right? You imagine every scientific invention, innovation first came up as a crazy idea. It was their imagination that made something very practical and which made something possible. So one leg up means you have to have an imaginative mind. A mind which visualizes. And one foot which is very grounded. Then the left hand is showing down to the feet and the right hand is giving. Fear not. Don't worry. Have patience. And the one which is showing down indicates be connected to me. It's a call. At the same time a symbol of devotion, dedication. And this is symbol of protection. I am there to protect you. You are protected. And the snake always indicates alertness and higher level of consciousness. And in one hand there is a drum, small drum that indicates air, element and sound both. On the other hand there is fire. This shows the cosmic energy. And the hairs are flowing. That also indicates the whole universe. The Shloka of Shiva says Brahmanda Vyapta Daya whose body is spread in the whole universe. Multiverse actually spread in many dimensions. That's what Shiva represents. Cosmic energy. So cosmic energy is always there. Some people say Shivaal lived 15,000 years ago. Stupid. That is he said he is Adi. Adi Guru Adiyogi and all. Whatever is Adi means beginning, it will have an end. Also. Shiva is called Adyanta Rahita. One has no beginning and no end, is no Adi. There is no beginning and is no Anta. There is no Ananta. There is no end. Endless. And he's always there in every breath. Everywhere is present. That is Shiva. How can you see the divine one condition? You have to reject all that you see. All that you is visible. All that is manifest. You have to reject them all. Whatever you call this, you have to eliminate this. And then from this you come to you. This is many. From this you just come. Me and you. You and me. And when you say you there is me also. Aham. Without me you can't be. And without you I can't be. Then again this is duality. Then you have to let go of you. And you have to let go of me. Then what is left? Nothing. All the names and forms are dissolved. When all the names and forms go then that is Samadhi, Nirvikalpa, Samadhi. Then all the names, forms, everything dissolves into just that one thing. That is a wow. That is Shambhav. That is Shiva. People go to Kailas to see whether Shiva is sitting up there. That's nonsense. Laas means happiness. Kailas means when there is only bliss. That is Kailas. And when Shiva is there, wherever Shiva is, that is Kailas. When you are in the non dual being of the self, there is only joy. Only joy. Nothing but joy. See, when you are bent on anything else, wants or even justice and all these things then you are into the field of duality. From duality you have to come back to non dual self.
