Tag: art interpretation

Durga: Mother Goddess as Symbol of Non-duality

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Durga, दुर्गा means “the inaccessible” (wikipedia). She is a powerful form of the Goddess. We can meditate on Durga to realize the power of the sacred feminine. Meditation on her image helps us to fight oppression and overcome obstacles. Durga will clear all illusion, inner and outer.

Durga, as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess or Devi, encompasses boundless power and represents the sacred feminine. Through deep meditation on her image, we can connect with her immense strength and courage, empowering us to overcome the dualsistc constructs of the mind. In this transformative journey, Durga’s presence dismantles dualistic illusions, paving the way for spiritual liberation.

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Phanes: The Primordial Deity as a Symbol of Non-Dual Emergence

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In the realm of timeless symbols, Phanes emerges as a profound emblem of non-duality. This primordial deity, with wings of an eagle and cloven feet, merges the masculine and feminine, the celestial and the terrestrial, embodying the unity of all existence. Encircled by serpents, Phanes holds an egg ablaze with transformative flames, representing the cyclical nature of the cosmos—birth, death, and rebirth.

Phanes, whose very name suggests bringing to light, stands not just as a deity but as a concept, a metaphor for the emergence of consciousness. The serpents that crown and embrace Phanes signify wisdom and the eternal cycle of life, while the fiery egg hints at the boundless potential within every moment of creation.

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The Child Archetype: Exploring the Symbol of the Inner Child as a Self-state

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In my journey towards self-discovery, I increasingly tune into the complex interplay of various self-states. Enlightenment is the realization of the non-dual nature of the Self. The first state of enlightenment entails knowledge of the core Self beyond the fragmented states of being. The second state entails the realization of the self as it flows through the various self-states. One self state that is quite important on the path to enlightenment is the inner child.

Meditation on the inner child is a method I work with to integrate the core Self with the childlike self state that is part of my larger personhood, or being-in-world. The inner child is an embodiment of a self-state that craves care and love. This facet being yearns to be held and loved by the core self…. like a child’s light merging with a mother light.

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Kali: The Fierce Goddess of Non-duality

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In the realm of Indian myth and philosophy, Kali, also known as the “Black Goddess,” represents the transformative energy necessary for the realization of non-dual awareness. Her relentless fight against demons symbolizes our journey into the inner battle ground of conflicted feelings and thought.

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The Mahavidyas: The Esoteric Goddesses of Non-dual Consciousness

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In Hindu spirituality, the concept of the Mahavidyas, a group of ten goddesses, offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the divine feminine, each embodying distinct aspects of cosmic reality and spiritual wisdom. These goddesses serve as archetypal guides on the path to realizing non-dual awareness, a journey that transcends dualistic thoughts and feelings, embracing the totality of existence as an interconnected and unified whole.

The Mahavidyas illuminate the hidden aspects of consciousness. These deities reveal that at the core of life is non-dual consciousness, often obscured by the veils of our dualistic perception.

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Goddess Dhumavati: Guide into the Void

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In the realm of spiritual exploration, the tale of Dhumavati in Hindu mythology stands as a profound metaphor for the yogi’s quest to perceive non-dual consciousness in the form of the void. For those adventurous souls seeking to sit in the pure empty void of non-dual awareness, Dhumavati emerges as a pivotal spiritual guide.

The mantra “Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Svaha,” with its hypnotic repetition of her seed syllable ‘Dhum,’ serves as a vital tool for yogis delving into the esoteric realms of the self. This mantra, when chanted in the presence of her yantra, is believed to create a protective aura, offering sanctuary to those on the path to enlightenment. It invites practitioners to journey deep into their psyche, meditating on the profound silence and the void that Dhumavati personifies.

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The Moon: Symbol of the Sacred

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The moon, with its serene radiance and cyclical nature, offers a profound metaphor for understanding non-dual consciousness. Unlike the sun, which represents the outward, manifest world, the moon reflects a more subtle, reflective quality of awareness. Let’s delve deeper into the symbolism of the moon and its connection to non-dual consciousness.

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Inanna’s Journey: Courageous Descent into the Shadowy Underworld

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Inanna, the ancient Sumerian goddess of love, fertility, and procreation, revered as the ‘Queen of Heaven’, embarks on a profound journey in the poem The Descent of Inanna (c. 1900-1600 BCE). This myth, more than a narrative, serves as a deep allegory of the “Great Round,” mirroring our transformative quests and personal growth. When I read this, I see powerful themes of non-duality woven throughout the story.

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Churning the Cosmic Ocean: A Journey from Duality to Non-Duality in the Samudra Manthan

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The Samudra Manthan, also known as “The Churning of the Ocean of Milk,” is a powerful and symbolic myth from ancient Hindu traditions that helps us to understand the play of duality and non-duality. This ancient mythological narrative, far from being a mere saga, encapsulates deep spiritual truths and symbols reflecting the dualities and eventual transcendence towards spiritual awakening.

The story begins with the Devas (gods) losing their power due to a curse from the sage Durvasa. Advised by Vishnu, they form an alliance with their enemies, the Asuras (demons), to churn the ocean of milk to obtain the Amrita, which can restore their strength. Mount Mandara is used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, is used as the churning rope. The Devas hold Vasuki’s tail, and the Asuras hold his head, and they begin the task of churning.

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Impermanence: Parallels in Buddhist Anicca and the Western Memento Mori

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In both Eastern and Western thoughts, there’s this big focus on life being temporary. We see this idea in lots of ways – like in symbols, sayings, or big ideas. They all kind of nudge us to remember that life doesn’t last forever, pushing us to really live our lives, be present, and care for each other.

In the West, there’s this thing called ‘Memento Mori.’ It’s Latin and means ‘remember you have to die.’ It’s a pretty direct way of saying we’re not here forever. There’s this old saying, “In all your works, remember your very end, and so you won’t sin, forever.” It’s like a reminder to think about how we live our lives.

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