The Transformative Power of Shiva - Mental Clarity

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed

Shiva is known in Hinduism and the classical Yogic scriptures as one of the primary Gods among a pantheon of thousands of Gods and Goddesses. He is also known as the manifesting power of physical reality. His female consort, Shakti, is the creative, divine, formless energetic essence that permeates all of creation. Shiva, being her male consort, dances with her in such a way that he can manifest her divine energy on the physical plane. Shiva is also able to sustain his creation, and then destroy it in a never-ending cycle. This divine dance is referred to in Hinduism as Shiva's Tandava. 

In terms of a Yoga practice, invoking the transformative power of Shiva's energy can support you in clarifying your underlying beliefs, which are constructing your day-to-day reality. One way to fully engage with this transformative power is by holding a strong and steady drishti point during your practice of the Yoga asanas. A drishti is an intense gazing point. One of the original sources of information about the correct method of employing a drishti point during asana practice comes Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which elucidate in detail the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga practice. 

Patanjali refers to the practice of holding a steady drishti in both the fifth and six limbs of his eight fold path. The fifth limb details the importance of Pratayahara or sense withdrawal. The ability to allow our senses to rest is especially important during our modern age because our senses are constantly stimulated by all of the electronic media around us. By maintaining a steady gazing point during your Yoga practice, your mind will begin to settle, and you will be able to more easily witness your own thoughts and the reality those thoughts are creating. 

In the sixth limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the benefit of concentrating single pointedly on a drishti point is explained. Ultimately, the goal is to create and sustain a deep state of meditation, or dharana, both on and off the Yoga mat. Holding a steady drishti point during your Yoga practice will assist you in developing a more stable mind and a stronger ability to concentrate and focus on your daily activities, without being pulled about from one extraneous thought to another. As you hold a drishti point during your Yoga asana practice, you may notice that your mind repetitively plays the same negative thoughts over and over again. Do not view this as a failure on your part! This is the first step to becoming aware of your own mental tendencies, so that you have the opportunity to weed out the thoughts that dim your light, joy and effectiveness in the world.    

* Crescent Lunge Pose

The crescent moon is one of the most iconic symbols of Shiva's transformative energy. Crescent Lunge Pose is aptly named because when we practice the Yoga asana, we embody the form of the crescent moon. By holding a drishti point during your practice of Crescent Lunge Pose, you will help to calm and slow down the mental fluctuations of your mind. Traditionally, Hastagrahe Drishti is employed during the practice of Crescent Lunge Pose. This drishti focuses your gaze on your extended hand or fingertips while in a Yoga posture. 

To practice Crescent Lunge, you may wish to warm up first with a series of Sun Salutations. When you are ready, come to an equal standing position at the front of your Yoga mat. With your next inhale; begin to move through the initial movements of the Sun Salutation. As you release Downward Facing Dog, bring your right foot to the front of your Yoga mat with your foot parallel to the sides of your mat. Place your left foot two to three feet behind you at a comfortable distance from your right foot. For optimal alignment, keep your heels in a straight line and the toes of your left foot facing toward the side of your Yoga mat at a 45-degree angle. 

With your next inhale, raise your arms over your head and press your palms together in Prayer Position. As you exhale, bend your right knee to a 90 degree angle, or as far as you can today. Keep your knee and your ankle in a straight line. Do not extend your right knee beyond the line of your ankle. Gaze up at your outstretched hands as you hold Hastagrahe Drishti. Hold this position for three to five complete breaths, and with your next exhale, release the pose and continue through the rest of the poses of the Sun Salutation. Repeat Crescent Lunge Pose on the left side. 

© Copyright 2014 – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division