Shiva, my old friend

A little while ago a commenter here on the blog summed me up. They said I was an Advaitan with Shivite leanings. I thought about that and wondered if that is what I am. 

There’s no doubt that I’m an Advaita Vedantist. That is my branch of Hinduism for sure. And there is also no doubt that Lord Shiva is the focus of my practice.

You may remember my stories about the Nataraja statue that I discovered when I was 18 and about to leave for college. I had grown up with a lot of Indian philosophy but not Hindu ritual or Gods so much. But I went into this New Age shop and among all the essential oils, incense, and jewelry I saw this little bronze dancing Shiva.

His eyes seemed almost alive. I felt like He was looking right at me, knowing me. The grace of His limbs looked like he was really moving. I couldn’t look away.

I bought the statue. The girl at the counter had no idea that it was a Hindu God. 

I brought Him with me to college and often instead of meditating I would just stare transfixed into His eyes. 

That statue has been with me for fourteen years now and is the center piece of my altar. (I know it’s not usual to worship the Nataraja. I have a Shiva Lingam too!)

Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that the Shankaracharya Math at Sringeri also worships Shiva as the supreme Godhead!

All devotion is directed towards Lord Shiva, though it is an Advaitan organization. I felt as though my God had come to meet up with me. All these years I’ve been guided down a path straight towards Him!

I look forward to celebrating MahaShivrathri tomorrow knowing that I have come home to Lord Shiva. All the threads of my practice have brought me here.