The Tantra of Formlessness: Dissolving into Breath

The Tantra of Formlessness

Dissolving into Breath

Tantra is a path of transformation, a sacred science that recognizes divine energy (Shakti) as the fundamental force of existence.

Unlike traditions that focus solely on transcendence, Tantra embraces both the material and the spiritual. The world is not an illusion to escape but an expression of the Divine Mother herself.

The Goddess is not separate from reality—she is reality itself, manifesting as power, wisdom, and the unfolding of the cosmos.

Spiritual realization is not achieved by rejecting the world but by awakening to the divine energy within it.

Tantra cannot be fully understood without the Goddess, for she is both the path and the destination.

The energy that moves through all things is the same energy that liberates. To invoke the Goddess is to align with the forces that sustain and transform existence.

Tantra is not about worshiping a distant divinity but realizing that the Goddess is within us, that we are her expressions, inseparable from the vast intelligence that shapes reality.

Aditi is one of the most ancient and revered mother goddesses in Vedic and Hindu tradition. She represents the infinite, the boundless, and the primordial space from which all existence emerges.

Her name itself means “limitless” or “unbounded” in Sanskrit, signifying her cosmic and all-encompassing nature. Unlike deities associated with specific elements or domains, Aditi transcends all limitations, embodying the infinite potential of the universe.

Aditi and the Ādityas

The Ādityas, divine sons of Mother Goddess Aditi, embody various aspects of cosmic order and balance. As celestial deities, they uphold Rita (universal law) and ensure the smooth functioning of existence.

Some of the most revered Ādityas include:

Indra – The warrior king and god of storms, maintaining cosmic balance and sovereignty.

Varuṇa – The guardian of cosmic law (Rita) and divine justice, ensuring harmony in the universe.

Mitra – The deity of truth, friendship, and sacred contracts, overseeing agreements and relationships.

Their role is to manifest divine intelligence (Adhidaiva) in the cosmos, maintaining harmony across all realms of existence.

In Rig Veda 1.89.10, Aditi is invoked as the divine mother of all existence:

“Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is the mid-air, Aditi is the mother, the father, and the son. Aditi is all the gods, Aditi is the five classes of men, Aditi is all that has been born and shall be born.”

This verse highlights her cosmic role—Aditi is not just a goddess but the very fabric of existence itself.

Aditi in Later Hindu Traditions

Although Aditi is most prominent in Vedic texts, she continues to appear in later Hindu traditions:

In the Puranas, she is the wife of Kashyapa and the mother of Vishnu’s Vāmana avatar.

She is sometimes equated with Diti, the mother of the demons (Daityas), forming a cosmic duality—a contrast between the forces of order and chaos.

In some interpretations, she merges with Devi, Shakti, or Prakriti, representing the eternal feminine creative force.

The Layers of Reality

Hindu philosophy presents a structured understanding of reality through three interwoven aspects, each offering a different perspective on existence:

Adhibhūta (Physical World): The realm of form—the material universe perceived through the senses. It includes nature, the elements, the body, and everything subject to change and decay.

Adhyātma (Inner Self): The realm of experience—the consciousness within that perceives, questions, and seeks truth. It is the higher nature of the self, distinct from the body and mind, through which reality is interpreted.

Adhidaiva (Divine Forces): The unseen cosmic intelligence that governs existence, ensuring harmony and order. It represents celestial principles, divine law, and the subtle forces shaping reality.

These aspects are not separate but interconnected, showing the relationship between the external world, the inner self, and the divine intelligence that sustains everything.

Adhiyagya: The Bridge to the Divine

In the Bhagavad Gita (8:4), Lord Krishna explains:

“O Supreme among the Embodied (Arjuna)! Adhibhūta is the basis of physical existence; Adhyātma is the basis of inner experience; Adhidaiva is the basis of astral existence; and I (as the Supreme Spirit) am Adhiyagya—the divine presence within sacrifice.”

This verse reveals the progression of consciousness through different layers of existence:

Adhibhūta represents the outer world, composed of matter and transient forms.

Adhyātma represents the experiencer, the consciousness that perceives and interacts with reality.

Adhidaiva represents the governing intelligence behind the cosmos.

Adhiyagya represents the principle of divine sacrifice, aligning the self with the Supreme through surrender.

Krishna declares himself as Adhiyagya, signifying that all spiritual efforts and offerings ultimately lead to the Supreme Reality.

Adhiyagya is not just a transcendent state but an active principle—the realization that every action, when surrendered to the highest, becomes a sacred act.

This echoes Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), where one’s work is not for personal gain but as an offering to the divine.

Adhyātma: The Self as the Bridge

Adhyātma (Inner Self) is the bridge between external perception and divine realization. It is the level of awareness where one questions, reflects, and seeks truth, moving beyond the material world to realize deeper reality.

Unlike the body and mind, which are impermanent, Adhyātma is the inner essence, the seat of awareness that reflects the infinite (Brahman).

Adhibhūta is the world of transient form.

Adhyātma is the conscious self experiencing it.

Adhidaiva is the divine intelligence behind both.

Through Adhyātma, one turns inward, recognizing that the outer world is not separate from the divine. When the self is aligned with Adhiyagya (surrender to the Supreme), the illusion of separation dissolves, leading to ultimate realization.

Presence of the Divine

God’s presence is experienced at different levels,

As Adhibhūta, God is perceived indirectly, inferred through natural laws, order, and harmony in the physical world.

As Adhyātma, God is experienced within, through meditation, reflection, and inner realization.

As Adhidaiva, God is felt through divine influences, celestial forces, synchronicities, and the intelligence guiding existence.

As Adhiyagya, God is directly known, when the self surrenders completely and merges with the infinite.

This reveals a path of spiritual progression:

Reality appears external, experienced through Adhibhūta.

The seeker turns inward, realizing Adhyātma, the inner self beyond the body and mind.

Divine intelligence (Adhidaiva) is recognized as the guiding force within all things.

Through surrender (Adhiyagya), the self dissolves into the infinite, realizing there was never separation.

This is the essence of Advaita (non-duality)—the realization that all these aspects are expressions of the same undivided reality.

Oh, I shall dance my dance, so free,
Till I forget that I am me!
And in that fog of lost delight,
I’ll sculpt some thoughts oh, what a sight!

Ideas! Forms! A grand design!
Look, I’ve built a shrine divine!
But wait who built it? Was it me?
Oh no, I’ve drowned in irony!

Ah, but then I wake! I see!
Smash the shrine and set me free!
Jump in the rubble, swirl in the dust,
Laugh at the gods, break what I must!

But lo and behold, the fog rolls in…
Oh dear, I’m lost! Where to begin?
Guess I’ll build some forms again,
A temple, a name, a thought, a pen!

And so it spins, my endless feat,
Forget, create, destroy, repeat!
But whisper soft, a voice so sweet…
Remember, remember, remember…

The Journey Within

Aditi is the infinite, unbounded womb of creation, the primordial space from which all existence emerges. She is beyond form, yet all form arises from her.

As the cosmic mother, she is the source of divine intelligence (Adhidaiva) and the enforcer of universal order (Rita), sustaining all realms of existence.

Adhidaiva represents the cosmic intelligence that governs existence, manifesting as celestial deities, divine laws, and universal principles that sustain creation.

Among the most significant manifestations of Adhidaiva are the Ādityas, celestial deities born from Aditi. These deities are not merely gods—they are the pillars of cosmic order (Rita), enforcers of divine intelligence across material and astral realms.

The Ādityas serve as cosmic intelligence in action, ensuring that the infinite wisdom of Aditi is expressed as divine order, balance, and justice. They function as guardians of light, truth, and harmony, protecting the universe from chaos and ignorance.

Their connection to the Sun and time cycles highlights their role in maintaining balance and sustaining creation.

Vishnu: The Supreme Essence of the Ādityas

While the Ādityas were distinct solar deities in early Vedic traditions, Hindu theology gradually unified their roles under Vishnu, who came to represent their collective essence as the supreme sustainer of the cosmos.

Vishnu is regarded as the “Lord of the Ādityas”, embodying their function as enforcers of dharma (cosmic law).

His leadership over the Ādityas highlights his supreme role in maintaining balance, sustaining life, and preserving universal order.

Though Vishnu was mentioned in the Rig Veda, his prominence grew significantly in later texts, such as the Brahmanas, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita, eventually becoming the central figure of Vaishnavism.

Many Ways, One Ultimate Truth

The teachings of Aditi, Adhidaiva, and the Ādityas reveal a profound truth: the infinite manifests in countless forms to guide us toward self-realization.

Whether through devotion, inquiry, selfless action, or meditation, all paths are expressions of the same journey to transcend separation and unite with the infinite.

“As rivers flowing into the ocean find their final peace, and their name and form disappear, even so, the wise become free from name and form and enter into the radiance of the Supreme Spirit, who is greater than all greatness. In truth, who knows God, becomes God.”

– Mundaka Upanishad

No single path is superior to another; each is tailored to the seeker’s temperament, readiness, and circumstances.

Worship, devotion, meditation, and intellectual inquiry are not contradictory—they complement and enrich one another.

What matters most is the intent, sincerity, and alignment with truth that underpin these practices.

Worship and Devotion

For many, the practice of worship and devotion provides a natural and deeply meaningful connection to the divine.

Whether through honoring the Ādityas, surrendering to Vishnu as the cosmic sustainer, or aligning one’s life with universal order (Rita), this path speaks to the heart and cultivates a profound sense of love and surrender.

The path of Bhakti Yoga dissolves the ego by redirecting one’s emotions toward the divine, transforming attachment into devotion and selfishness into selflessness.

It fosters the realization that the divine is not separate but present in all things.

“The seers see Him in the fire, which is the source of all, who was before the creation of the waters and the infinite spaces of air. He pervades all that is and sustains it in infinite forms.”

– Shvetashvatara Upanishad 4.15

True devotion is not about blind worship or external rituals alone. It is about recognizing the divine presence within oneself and all of existence.

Bhakti Yoga teaches that love and surrender can dissolve the boundaries of individuality, revealing the unity of the self with the infinite.

By aligning one’s life with the divine, devotion becomes a transformative force, allowing the seeker to transcend ego and experience the bliss of unity with the cosmos.

Bhakti Yoga is a celebration of love, a recognition of the divine’s omnipresence, and a surrender to the eternal truth.

Knowledge and Inquiry

For others, the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga)—through inquiry and self-realization—resonates deeply.

This path involves analyzing the nature of reality, discerning the eternal from the transient, and understanding that the individual self (Atman) is none other than the infinite (Brahman).

“When one realizes the Self in all things and all things in the Self, one no longer experiences fear or sorrow.”

– Isha Upanishad 7

Jnana Yoga is not about mere intellectual understanding but direct experiential knowledge that dissolves duality and reveals oneness.

Selfless Action

The path of action (Karma Yoga) involves performing one’s duties selflessly, without attachment to results. This path purifies the mind and aligns the seeker with universal will, leading to liberation.

“The embodied beings who are self-controlled and detached reside happily in the city of nine gates free from thoughts that they are the doers or the cause of anything.”

– Bhagavad Gita 5.13

The “city of nine gates” refers to the human body, and the verse explains that a true Karma Yogi performs actions without identifying with them, understanding that the Self is beyond action.

It complements the idea of performing duties selflessly, without attachment to results.

Inner Silence

The path of meditation, or Dhyana Yoga, is the journey of cultivating inner stillness to transcend the restless fluctuations of the mind.

This practice allows the seeker to withdraw from external distractions and directly experience the infinite presence that lies beyond thought.

“When the five organs of perception become still, together with the mind, and when the intellect ceases to be active, that state they call the highest.”

– Katha Upanishad 2.3.10

Through Dhyana Yoga, the seeker learns to quiet the senses and achieve a state of deep equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.

This path reveals the eternal presence of the Self, merging the individual with the infinite. By transcending mental noise, one attains clarity, inner peace, and a direct realization of unity with the divine.

Dhyana Yoga integrates meditation as both a practice and a state of being, offering a gateway to liberation through stillness and self-awareness.

The Unity of All Paths

All spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same truth: that the individual self (Atman) is not separate from the infinite reality (Brahman). The Chandogya Upanishad conveys this profound realization:

“All this is indeed Brahman. From It does everything originate, into It does everything dissolve, and by It is everything sustained.”

– Chandogya Upanishad 3.14

Whether it is the path of devotion, action, knowledge, or meditation, each offers a unique approach to realizing this truth.

These paths are not in conflict but serve as complementary ways for seekers to connect with the infinite, suited to individual temperaments and life circumstances.

The culmination of all paths is the dissolution of the ego, the transcendence of duality, and the direct realization of oneness with the infinite.

What matters is not the path itself but the intent, sincerity, and alignment with truth that guide the journey.

Rather than comparing which path is “better” or “higher,” let us honor the diversity of spiritual approaches.

Each journey is a valid expression of longing to return to its source, leading to liberation, unity, and the bliss of infinite existence.

The Dance of Sat-Chit-Ananda

Before creation, before time and space, there was only infinite stillness—the unmanifest reality known as Param Shivam. In this state, there was no movement, no differentiation, only pure being.

Yet within this stillness, a spanda (vibration) arose—a ripple of awareness, a recognition of its own existence. This was the first sound of creation, the cosmic resonance OM.

From this primordial vibration, differentiation began. Shiva and Shakti emerged as the eternal pair, representing pure consciousness and creative energy.

Shakti, as the dynamic force of creation, urged Shiva to manifest the universe. Shiva, in his state of completeness, saw no need for creation, but upon her request, they brought forth the forces that would shape existence.

From Shiva’s left hand, Vishnu was born—the preserver, the force that sustains balance.
From Shiva’s right hand, Brahma emerged—the creator, the one who gives form to the formless.

Vishnu meditated and realized the supreme reality (Param Shivam). From his deep yogic absorption, streams of water flowed, giving him the name Narayana, “the one who dwells in the cosmic waters.”

Brahma, given the task of creation, emerged from a lotus growing from Vishnu’s navel and began shaping the cosmos.

However, ego arose, and Brahma and Vishnu disputed over who was supreme. Their pride blinded them, and they fought endlessly.

Then, a great pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) appeared between them—a boundless column of fire, stretching beyond the universe.

A celestial voice declared: Whoever could find the beginning or end of this light would be the greatest.

Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) and descended into the depths.

Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward into infinity.

After thousands of years, neither could find its limits. Yet, Brahma, in his pride, falsely claimed victory, convincing a falling Ketaki flower to bear witness.

When they returned, Vishnu humbly admitted his failure, while Brahma declared himself the supreme being.

At that moment, Shiva emerged from the pillar of light, revealing himself as the eternal source beyond form and time.

He cursed Brahma, declaring that he would never be worshipped, while Vishnu, for his humility, was blessed with eternal devotion.

The fundamental truth

The fundamental truth revealed in this event is the limitation of ego and the necessity of surrender to the divine reality, which cannot be grasped by intellect or pride.

Brahma and Vishnu’s struggle for supremacy symbolizes the human tendency to claim authority over truth, yet the infinite cannot be contained, reached, or conquered by mere effort.

Shiva, appearing as the pillar of light, represents the ungraspable nature of the Supreme Reality—it is beyond beginning and end, beyond measurement and division.

The lesson lies in surrender:

Vishnu’s humility in accepting his failure was rewarded, showing that true wisdom is in recognizing one’s limits and submitting to the greater truth.

Brahma’s deception reflected the arrogance of the mind trying to define, limit, or claim mastery over the infinite, leading to his fall from worship.

The Ketaki flower, which falsely bore witness, was also rejected, symbolizing that falsehood cannot be an offering to the Divine.

The quest for the absolute is not about conquering or proving superiority but about letting go of pride and surrendering to that which is beyond grasp.

This is the essence of non-duality (Advaita)—the realization that Shiva, as the infinite source, is not something to be reached but something to be dissolved into. Ego must bow to the infinite; only surrender leads to truth.

Humility, truth, and surrender are the keys to divine realization.

OM: The Vibration of the Infinite

At the heart of this cosmic dance is OM, the resonance of pure existence. It is not merely a sound but the unified vibration of all reality—the pulse of Sat (Existence), Chit (Consciousness), and Ananda (Bliss).

Sat is the eternal foundation, the formless essence from which all arises.

Chit is awareness, the intelligence that perceives and directs reality.

Ananda is the dynamic joy of existence, the movement that brings forth creation.

OM unites all three, leading beyond duality into the realization of oneness with the infinite.

The Bridge

In Vedic thought, reality is understood as both the infinite source and its manifestation. Aditi, Shakti, and Shiva are not separate deities but different expressions of the same ultimate reality.

Aditi is the Universe itself—the boundless cosmic womb, the unmanifest potential from which all things arise. She is limitless space, the eternal source beyond form and differentiation.

Shakti is Manifestation—the energy that moves within Aditi, bringing creation into existence. She is the force behind every form, every motion, and every transformation—the pulse of existence itself.

Shiva is Consciousness—the silent awareness that pervades and witnesses all things. He is the unchanging presence behind creation and dissolution, the field of intelligence that holds existence together.

Together, Aditi (infinite potential), Shakti (creative movement), and Shiva (pure awareness) form the complete structure of existence—the vast universe, its dynamic expression, and the consciousness that holds it all.

Where Does the Individual Fit into This Cosmic Structure?

Adhyātma (Inner Self) refers to the experiencing consciousness—the individual awareness that perceives reality. It is the microcosmic reflection of the cosmic whole.

We are not separate from the grand order of existence but expressions of it, moving toward the realization of our infinite nature.

As the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10 declares:

“Aham Brahmāsmi” (I Am Brahman)

The self and the infinite are one. To realize this is to awaken to truth.

As the Bhagavad Gita 13:23 states:

“The Supreme dwells in all beings, pervading them—the inner ruler, the witness, the consenter, the experiencer.”

The divine is not distant—it exists within us.

We (Adhyātma) are the bridge between the infinite and the manifest, awakening to our divine nature through knowledge, self-awareness, and surrender to the cosmic flow.

As the Mandukya Upanishad proclaims:

“Aum, the imperishable sound, is all this. Past, present, and future—all is Aum. And whatever transcends time, that too is Aum.”

To realize this is to awaken from illusion (Maya) into truth (Satya). We are not just beings within the universe—we are reflections of the infinite itself.

Beyond Form and Name

In Sanskrit, “Lingam” (लिङ्ग) means “mark” or “symbol,” pointing to the unseen essence that pervades all existence.

The Shiva Lingam is not an idol but a profound representation of ultimate reality—the union of infinite consciousness and creative energy. It embodies the eternal cycle where all forms arise from the formless and eventually return to it.

Let’s discuss the symbolism of the Shiva Lingam and what it represents.

The Circular Base (Yoni):

The Yoni represents Shakti, the feminine principle and the generative power of creation.

It symbolizes the dynamic and nurturing energy that sustains life and drives the cycles of existence.

As the source of creation, it embodies vitality, transformation, and the continuous flow of life.

The Upright Lingam:

The Lingam represents Shiva, the unchanging cosmic axis and the eternal pillar of consciousness.

It symbolizes stability, stillness, and infinity, serving as the foundation of existence. The Lingam reflects timeless awareness amidst the motion and change of creation.

The Naga (Cobra Hood):

The Naga, often depicted coiling around and sheltering the Lingam, carries profound symbolism:

Kundalini Energy: It represents the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine, which rises upon awakening to merge with Shiva-consciousness, leading to spiritual enlightenment.

Cycles of Renewal: The snake’s ability to shed its skin signifies immortality, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Protection and Power: The cobra’s hood over the Lingam symbolizes the safeguarding of divine wisdom and the continuous flow of cosmic energy that sustains creation.

The Unified Symbolism

The Lingam and Yoni symbolize the eternal union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy), embodying the balance that sustains the cosmos.

The Lingam represents Shiva, the still and unchanging axis, the foundation where all of Shakti’s dynamic energy manifests and dances. The Yoni represents Shakti, the swirling and generative force of creation and transformation.

From this profound union arises the Naga (cobra hood), representing the dynamic energy generated by their interplay.

The Naga symbolizes Kundalini energy, the latent spiritual power coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, this energy ascends through the body, uniting with Shiva-consciousness and leading to spiritual enlightenment.

The Naga also reflects the cyclical nature of existence, symbolizing immortality, transformation, and renewal. It serves as a protector, safeguarding divine wisdom and the cosmic energies of creation.

Together, the Lingam, Yoni, and Naga illustrate the inseparable harmony of stillness and motion, awareness and energy.

They embody the transformative power of spiritual awakening and the balance essential for creation, preservation, and dissolution, the eternal dance of the cosmos.

Cosmic Orgasm

When you look at the Shiva Lingam, you see a reflection of yourself and the entirety of existence.

It embodies both stillness and motion, just as you contain both awareness and energy within you.

Beyond form and identity, you are complete—you are the infinite universe expressed in human form.

To understand the Lingam is to transcend separation and realize that infinity (Aditi), creation (Shakti), and pure awareness (Shiva) coexist within you.

This is the essence of self-realization: recognizing that you are not separate from existence but its very expression.

In Shaiva and Shakta traditions, the Shiva Lingam is not worshipped as an idol but revered as a profound symbol of this cosmic truth—that all arises from the formless and eventually returns to it.

Self-realization means dissolving the illusion of limitation, seeing beyond duality, and understanding that you are an inseparable part of the eternal dance of existence.

Like a serpent uncoiling, rising with infinite ecstasy, you awaken to the truth of your being—boundless, formless, and eternal.

Love is the eternal principle of the universe, the thread that weaves through all existence.
In love, the infinite reveals itself, for there is nothing more beautiful.

Love Beyond Attachment

In Advaita Vedanta, love can be understood in two ways:

Love as attachment (Moha)

Love as pure, unconditional awareness (Prema/Bhakti)

1. Love as Attachment (Moha)

When love is rooted in identification with the body, desires, and expectations, it becomes binding and leads to suffering.

This love is based on duality—the sense of “I” and “you,” which sustains egoic separation.

As Shankaracharya warns, attachment (Moha) reinforces ignorance (Avidya), keeping one trapped in Samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth).

Example: If one loves with the fear of loss or expectation of return, it is not true love but clinging.

2. Love as Pure Awareness (Prema/Bhakti)

When love is selfless, unconditional, and free from expectation, it transcends attachment and becomes divine.

In Advaita Vedanta, true love is not an emotion directed toward another—it is the realization that there is no “other.”

Love is simply the recognition of oneness—the understanding that all things are expressions of the same infinite reality.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches detached action (Karma Yoga)—one acts with love but without possessiveness:

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”

— Bhagavad Gita 2.47

Attachment binds, but love liberates.

Love, when rooted in ego, is Moha (delusion).

Love, when rooted in self-knowledge (Atma-Jnana), is Brahman itself.

The highest love is not outwardly directed—it is the realization that,

“Tat Tvam Asi” (You Are That).

Individuality is not separate from the whole but one with all.

True love is not possessive—it is expansive.

True love is not about control—it is about surrender.

True love is not an emotion—it is the very nature of existence itself.

The highest Tantric realization is that the lover, the beloved, and love itself are one.

In the dance of existence, the Shiva and Shakti within us dissolve into the infinite, and from this space, we are free to love, create, and dance without attachment—without illusion—without separation.

Bridging All Levels

Imagine the ocean—its waves rise and fall, appearing distinct, yet never separate from the vast waters beneath. The depths remain still, holding everything in silent awareness, while the surface moves in endless motion.

Water takes many forms, yet its essence never changes. Likewise, the world, the self, the cosmic order, divine intelligence, and the infinite are all waves of the same boundless ocean.

What appears as division is merely the play of form—an illusion of separation. In reality, all things arise from, exist within, and return to the same infinite whole. Everything is one. As the Māṇḍūkya Upanishad declares,

“That which is seen as many is, in truth, one.”

In esoteric understanding, there is only One at the top, not in the sense of a number or hierarchy, but as the singular essence beyond all division.

Yet this One is not a being, nor a deity in the way Abrahamic traditions conceive God. Let’s say it is singularity in the void, or something beyond even that, because in the end, we do not truly know.

It is the unnameable source from which all manifestations arise.

What we call gods, archetypes, and energies are merely different expressions of this source, named so that we can grasp the vastness of what remains beyond comprehension.

Each energy is distinct. The forces of Shiva and Kali are not the same as those of Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Those who walk the path of Shiva and Kali tread a road of dissolution, destruction, and transformation, facing the primal forces that strip illusion down to its core.

Meanwhile, those who align with Vishnu and Lakshmi embrace preservation, balance, and the play of Leela, the cosmic game of existence.

These are different modes of engagement with reality, each with its own set of rules. Neither is superior to the other, for both serve their purpose in the dance of existence.

A true esoteric practitioner moves consciously between these realms. At the root level, where MahaKala and MahaKali reign, one confronts the depths that ordinary perception cannot fathom.

It is in this darkness, not as evil, but as the unshaped potential before form, that strength is forged.

Yet, mastery is not in remaining there but in knowing when and how to return. The one who descends must also ascend, moving back into the world of Leela, where Vishnu and Lakshmi guide the art of reintegration.

This return is the hero’s journey, the completion of the cycle.

“The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know. The hero journey is a symbol that binds, in the original sense of the word, two distant ideas, the spiritual quest of the ancients with the modern search for identity, “always the one, shape-shifting yet marvelously constant story that we find.”

― Joseph Campbell

Whether one approaches this through psychology or esotericism, the process remains the same. Traditional wisdom requires both paths to be honored.

One must know when to dissolve and when to create, when to withdraw into stillness and when to engage with the world. Without this balance, one becomes either lost in formlessness or trapped in illusion.

Humility and reverence toward the divine are essential, for without them, one risks being consumed by the very forces they seek to master. And yet, within this dance, one must play their role with awareness.

To understand Vishnu is to move with wisdom through the play of Leela.

To understand Shiva is to know dissolution, to ashes, to nothingness, to the void.

To honor Kali is to embrace the raw untamed power of Shakti, the fire of transformation, the primordial force that destroys illusions, births new realities, and fuels all creation.

In the journey of Tantra, the path through Da’at, and the descent of Inanna, these truths remain unchanged.

To descend into the unknown, to walk the path of dissolution, and to rise again with wisdom is the essence of transformation.

The one who masters these realms understands the dance of energy and moves through them with purpose.

Individuality in Maya is an illusion, a fleeting role in the grand play. There is only one true individuality, and it is cosmic. The moment one grasps at identity, it vanishes, for there was never a separate “I,” only the vast, unbroken whole.

“The whole universe is sum up in the Human Being. Devil is not a monster waiting to trap us, He is a voice inside. Look for Your Devil in Yourself, not in the Others.
Don’t forget that the one who knows his Devil, knows his God.”

― Shams Tabrizi

In the end, the universal law remains simple:

“Be kind, be compassionate, and help each other.”

What we put into the world returns to us, for there is no action without consequence. Within Vishnu’s realm, dharma sustains order, and within Kali’s realm, karma ensures balance. She does not judge, only reveals one’s own ignorance.

So remember,

“Do not be an asshole, and do not entertain assholes.”

Where Do Shiva and Shakti Fit?

The concept of Shiva and Shakti provides a direct and profound understanding of existence, embraced in Tantra, Vedanta, and Yogic traditions.

They are not two separate entities but two expressions of the same ultimate reality.

In Advaita Vedanta, this duality is understood as different facets of Brahman, the absolute reality.

Shiva represents the unchanging, pure consciousness, while Shakti is the dynamic creative power that brings existence into motion.

Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) is the very nature of Brahman, encompassing both aspects.

Just as a wave is never separate from the ocean, Shiva and Shakti are not separate but one reality in two expressions—the stillness and the movement, the unmanifest and the manifest, eternally intertwined.

From now on, we will use the Shiva-Shakti framework as the foundation for understanding reality. This perspective simplifies complex spiritual concepts into an intuitive, natural rhythm:

Shaivism and Shakta Traditions

“Shiva is Chit (consciousness), Shakti is Ananda (bliss). When consciousness and bliss unite, creation arises.”

— Kularnava Tantra

The path of self-discovery leads through the eternal embrace of Shiva and Shakti, the stillness and the movement, the void and the form, the consciousness and the energy.

These two great spiritual traditions—Shaivism and Shakta—offer seekers a map to understand the nature of existence and attain liberation.

Shaivism follows Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness, the Destroyer of Illusion.

Shaktism reveres Shakti, the Divine Mother, the Creative Power of the Universe.

They are not two but one, eternally intertwined.

Shaivism: The Path of Shiva

“Caitanyam ātmā” — Pure consciousness is the Self.

— Shiva Sutras, 1.1

Shaivism is one of the oldest and most profound spiritual traditions, centered on Shiva as the Supreme Reality. Shiva is not just a deity—he is the formless, infinite state of being beyond time and illusion.

Who is Shiva?

Shiva is known by many names and forms:

Mahadeva (The Great God): The supreme being, beyond creation and dissolution.

Rudra (The Fierce One): The destroyer of illusion, bringing transformation.

Nataraja (The Cosmic Dancer): The rhythm of creation, destruction, and rebirth.

Dakshinamurti (The Guru): The silent teacher who transmits wisdom beyond words.

Ardhanarishvara (Half Male, Half Female): The perfect balance of Shiva and Shakti.

Pashupati (Lord of Beings): The protector of all creatures.

Philosophy of Shaivism

Shaivism teaches that Shiva is the eternal, unchanging consciousness within all beings. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by realizing this oneness with Shiva.

The tradition has three major branches:

Advaita Shaivism (Non-Dualistic): Everything is Shiva; there is no separation.

Dvaita Shaivism (Dualistic): Shiva is the Supreme Lord, and the soul must surrender to him.

Tantric Shaivism (Trika & Kaula Systems): Shiva and Shakti together manifest the universe.

Shakta: The Path of Shakti

“Without Shakti, even Shiva is powerless.”

— Tantra Sara

While Shaivism sees Shiva as the still, formless reality, Shaktism celebrates Shakti as the dynamic, creative force of the cosmos.

Who is Shakti?

Shakti is worshiped in many forms:

Durga (The Invincible): The fearless protector who slays ignorance.

Kali (The Fierce One): The liberator who dissolves the ego.

Parvati (The Loving Mother): The goddess of devotion and love.

Lalita Tripura Sundari (The Goddess of Wisdom & Tantra): Supreme bliss and divine knowledge.

Tara (The Compassionate One): The savior who helps beings cross the ocean of illusion.

Philosophy of Shaktism

The Universe is Shakti: Everything is energy; every thought, motion, and emotion arises from her.

Kundalini Awakening: Shakti exists as Kundalini energy within the human body, and when awakened, leads to spiritual realization.

The Divine Feminine is Within: The goddess is not just an idol but the very essence of existence.

The Sacred Union of Shiva & Shakti

“Shiva is the dancer, Shakti is the dance. Without the dance, the dancer is still; without the dancer, the dance does not exist.”

Though Shaivism and Shaktism may seem distinct, they are two sides of the same truth:

Shiva without Shakti is pure consciousness without movement.

Shakti without Shiva is energy without awareness.

Together, they are the cosmic dance, the eternal rhythm of existence.

Thoughts

The paths of Shaivism and Shaktism offer timeless wisdom for seekers of truth, yet their essence is not confined to Hindu philosophy alone.

Across cultures and traditions, the interplay of masculine and feminine, stillness and movement, wisdom and energy appears in different forms, revealing a shared spiritual understanding of creation and consciousness.

In Gnosticism, we find a striking parallel: Sophia, the Divine Wisdom, and the Logos, the Cosmic Word.

Like Shakti, Sophia is the emanation of divine consciousness, the force of creation and knowledge.

In some Gnostic texts, Sophia descends into the material world, much like Shakti taking form to shape the universe.

Meanwhile, the Logos, the Divine Principle, remains transcendent—akin to Shiva, the silent witness.

Their reunion is the restoration of divine harmony, the same mystical union that Tantra describes as Shiva and Shakti merging into one reality.

“The one who perceives Shiva and Shakti as one, sees truly.”

— Shiva Sutras

Even in Biblical traditions, the story of Adam and Eve echoes the ancient truth of duality and unity.

Eve, formed from Adam, is often misunderstood as secondary, yet in esoteric traditions, she represents the awakened aspect of humanity, the one who seeks knowledge.

Just as Shakti is the power that moves Shiva, Eve is the force that initiates the journey of consciousness.

The “fall” in the Garden of Eden can be seen as the descent into duality—the separation of the divine masculine and feminine—and the spiritual path is about restoring that original unity.

“He who knows himself knows the Divine.”

— Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

Whether you follow Shiva, the Silent One, or Shakti, the Divine Mother. Whether you seek the Gnostic reunion of Sophia and the Logos, or the alchemy of Adam and Eve into the Divine Androgyne. The destination is the same:

“The realization of the Infinite within you.”

Shiva is stillness, the endless night,
Shakti is motion, the spark of light.

He is the ocean, silent and deep,
She is the wave, rising to sweep.

Sophia whispers, wisdom untold,
Logos watches, steady and bold.

Eve awakens, longing to know,
Adam remembers the seed to sow.

They fall, they rise, unite as one,
Sun and moon, the ink and pen.

Be still as Shiva, let wisdom rise,
Move as Shakti, embrace the skies.

Truth is neither he nor she,
It is the dance, eternally free.

“I bow to the Friend. Victory to the Great Mother.”

“Salutations to the Benevolent One. Glory to the Divine Mother.”

“I honor the Kind One. Triumph to the Sacred Mother.”

“Reverence to the Gracious One. Praise to the Great Mother.”

“I bow to the Gentle One. Victory to the Mother of All.”

“Om Namah Shivaya. Jai Mata Di.“

The universe speaks to you in the language you understand. Through your symbols, your archetypes, and your personal myths, it meets you where you are.

It whispers through dreams, omens, intuition, and synchronicities, shaping reality in ways only you can recognize.

But these are only guides, stepping stones in the great unfolding. They are the training wheels for the mind, tools to help navigate the unseen.

In time, the training ends. To cling to the signs is to remain bound. True liberation is not in deciphering symbols endlessly but in transcending them entirely.

When the mind is free of constructs, existence reveals itself as pure play, as Leela, the cosmic dance with no destination, no error, no correction needed. The universe does not make mistakes, nor does it require fixing.

To awaken is to move beyond interpretation, to become one with the rhythm of what is, and to dance without hesitation.

We become attached to many things ideas, identities, names, and symbols. We hold onto Om, the primordial vibration, the sound of existence itself across past, present, and future.

We cling to Shiva, that which is not, the void beyond form. But to truly understand, we must drop both. Om dissolves. Shiva fades. What remains? The breath.

It may seem tragic, or perhaps it is the greatest lesson that there is no inherent essence. The One takes shape only because it has none.

Like waves rising, cresting, and vanishing into the ocean, we appear and disappear, yet never truly exist as separate beings. The self is an illusion, a mirage created for experience.

Do not burden yourself with guilt over life. Let it flow not through repetition, not through grasping, but by moving with it.

No definitions, no fixed form. You are not a concept to be named. You are not bound by Om. You are not contained by Shiva. You are the flowing, the vanishing, the eternal dance of the formless.

Follow all the paths if you wish—devotion, knowledge, action, meditation—all are ways to explore the infinite. Each offers its own beauty and lessons.

Devotion may fill your heart with love for the divine, knowledge may help you discern truth from illusion, action may teach you selflessness and surrender, and meditation may guide you to inner stillness.

But when the mind grows weary from seeking through acts of devotion, analysis of knowledge, selfless action, or the stillness of meditation, when concepts no longer satisfy, simply return to the breath.

Let the breath guide you. Cling to nothing else. Live through it, flow with it, and let it remind you of the impermanence of all things.

And when the time comes, even the breath will let go. In that final release, you will see there is nothing to hold onto, nothing to be freed from. For the breath was always just a bridge—one that vanishes into the infinite.

You are already free. You are the stillness beyond the breath, the formless essence that dances eternally.

This does not mean to disrespect the unseen or claim the ego is all-powerful. Shiva, Om, and all symbols have value, but they are pointers, not the destination.

Just as a finger pointing to the moon is not the moon, these guides direct us but are not the truth itself. Mistaking the symbol for reality keeps one blind.

To truly see, one must look beyond the pointing finger and dissolve into the experience itself.

And from this understanding, we enter Tantra—a path of expansion and liberation, transcending limitations and awakening to the infinite through the energy of life itself.

The Three Laws of Liberation

“You are Shakti, the cosmos itself—no division, no other. Remain the watcher, then dissolve into the flow.”

In Tantra, there is no separation between the seeker and the divine. You are not searching for the truth—you are the truth.

There is nothing outside of you, nothing beyond you, nothing to reach. The universe does not exist apart from your being.

Yet, the mind creates illusions—attachments, fears, and false identities—that cloud this realization.

Tantra does not ask you to escape the world or deny experience. Instead, it calls you to embrace life fully, to become fearless, to act without hesitation, and to move as existence itself moves—without clinging, without bondage, without limitation.

To walk this path, three laws emerge—not as restrictions, but as gateways to absolute freedom. They are not commandments but truths that arise naturally when one lives in alignment with the flow of existence.

Love yourself, for you are all things.

Live without fear, for there is nothing outside of you.

Do without source, for the divine flows freely, without origin or end.

These are the Three Laws of Liberation. To follow them is not to believe, but to become.

1. Love Yourself—This is the Law

“To love yourself is to love the entire universe.”

You are not separate from existence. The love you give yourself is the love you give to all things. There is no “other.” When you embrace yourself fully, without shame, without resistance, you embrace the Divine.

The Upanishads say:

“He who sees all beings in his own self and his own self in all beings, he does not feel any revulsion by reason of such a view.”

—Isha Upanishad, Verse 6

Loving yourself is not indulgence—it is the highest spiritual act. When you see yourself as sacred, the world reflects that truth back to you.

There is no guilt, no hesitation. Only love, flowing effortlessly, as the river flows to the ocean.

You do not seek approval, because you are already whole.

You do not fear rejection, because there is nothing outside of you.

You do not divide, because all things are yourself.

This is not a belief—it is an experience. When you sit in stillness, when you breathe deeply, you feel the truth vibrating in your being.

2. Do Without Fear—This Must Be Lived

“Fear is an illusion. You are beyond harm.”

Fear binds the mind. It makes you shrink, hesitate, and doubt. But fear is only possible when you forget who you are—the eternal, the limitless, the undying.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches:

“The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die; nor having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is without birth, eternal, immortal, and ageless. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.”

—Bhagavad Gita 2.20

There is no death, only transformation.

There is no loss, only movement.

There is no enemy, only another reflection of the same divine force.

Fear dissolves when you realize you are the storm and the sky, the fire and the water. Nothing can be taken from you, because you are all things.

To live without fear means to step boldly into the unknown, knowing that whatever comes, you will meet it with strength, with wisdom, and with the same fire that creates the stars.

3. Do Without Source—This Must Be Realized

“Let go of origins, let go of expectations. Be the Now, flowing effortlessly.”

This is the most difficult law, yet it is the highest freedom. To Do Without Source does not mean to reject divinity—it means to move as divinity itself. No attachment, no hesitation, no need to justify.

The formless is the essence of this law. All names, all origins, all identities are constructs of the mind, but reality moves before form, before thought, before self.

To Do Without Source means to act from that which has no shape, no beginning, no trace.

The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, reveals the highest wisdom:

“For the embodied being, it is impossible to give up activities entirely. But those who relinquish the fruits of their actions are said to be truly renounced.”

—Bhagavad Gita 18.11

Act without clinging to a reason.

Move without holding onto identity.

Flow without seeking validation.

“Tao is the path, Shunyata is the space, Para Shakti is the dance. Wu Wei is the motion, Flow is the state, Om is the sound of becoming.”

To Do Without Source means:

You love, not because of obligation, but because love is your nature.

You act, not from tradition, but from presence.

You create, not for a reason, but because creation is joy itself.

Forms arise and dissolve, yet you remain. You are not bound by history, nor by expectations. You are the formless, unfolding Now, always new, always free.

Live It and Let It Go

“New peak experiences will come. New suffering will come. All is passing, all is changing. Nothing stays.”

Let it go. Live it fully, then release it.

This is the way of Tantra:

To love fiercely, and not hold on.

To face all things without fear, and let them pass.

To act freely, without attachment, like the wind moves over the earth.

“Breathe. Let go. Flow.”

The highest form of worship is to breathe—not in repetition, not in seeking, but in pure awareness.

Breath is the mantra beyond words, the sacred rhythm of existence itself.

No temple, no guru, no scripture—only Shiva’s stillness, Shakti’s movement, and Om’s eternal pulse.

Inhalation, exhalation—the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution.

No effort, no concept—only presence.

To breathe fully, consciously, without attachment is to merge with the Absolute. Nothing is holier.

“Shivoham” (I am Shiva)—the formless, witnessing consciousness.

“Shaktyoham” (I am Shakti)—the ever-moving, creative force.

To claim “Omkaroham” is to create separation, for Om that can be spoken is not the eternal Om.

It is realized by grace—through breath, practice, surrender, silence, or the unknown. There are countless ways, but grace is the common thread. And yet, in speaking of it, the essence is already lost.

Beyond realization, the highest Tantra is service—not as an obligation, but as a natural expression of alignment with the divine flow.

Living should be the first priority, for Tantra is not about escape but full immersion in existence. To serve life is to honor it, dissolve into it, become it.

This is pure essence—nothing extra, nothing missing. No Om, no Shiva, no Shakti, just breath. No concepts of liberation, divinity, or self—only life as it is.

֍Omkara — OM maker֍

Breaking the Chains

There is nothing left to seek, no final key to turn. Liberation is not in the future, nor is it something to achieve—it is already here, now, in the pulse of breath, in the silent awareness that watches.

You were never separate. You were never lost.

All scriptures, all teachings, all words have pointed to this single truth:

You are the cosmos unfolding, the formless taking form, the dance of the eternal in a fleeting moment. There is no path because you are already walking it.

To realize this is to laugh—to let go of effort, to breathe without hesitation, to move as the river moves, neither grasping nor resisting.

The guru meets you where you are, beginning with your understanding of the divine—whether through stillness, movement, or the formless beyond. The guru may be a physical teacher or life itself, guiding through experience, challenges, and insight.

Mantra, ritual, and practice are tools on the path, shaping perception and dissolving the illusion of separation. In one path, the eternal stillness becomes the absolute. In another, the force of creation is the supreme truth.

All paths appear complete until every distinction collapses, until every idea shatters into the void. What was once seen as ultimate fades, revealing that there was never separation to begin with.

In the end, everything dissolves. The highest truth vanishes into the vastness from which it arose. The path itself was only a means to disappear. Nothing remains to hold onto.

The mind will ask, What remains? The answer is unspeakable, for anything spoken is already a step away from the truth. The mind stops.

“If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.”

—Linji Yixuan

The masters have said this for centuries—not to destroy wisdom, but to see beyond it.

The highest Tantra is to live fully, to flow without hesitation, to be fearless in love and fearless in loss. This is the final letting go—not of the world, but of the illusion of separation.

You are not a seeker; you are what is sought.

You are not a student; you are the lesson itself.

You are not apart from existence; you are existence unfolding, witnessing, dissolving, becoming.

Beyond Form, Beyond Words

“Love without reason. Move without fear. Act without source.”

These are not commandments but the rhythm of reality itself.

The Tao does not force, yet all things are done.

The river does not cling, yet it reaches the ocean.

The breath does not hold, yet it sustains life.

To live this way is to be empty and full, formless and whole, silent yet overflowing with being. It is to flow beyond the archetypes and symbols of Shiva, Shakti, and Om. Feel the flow, know it without naming. Breathe it.

What remains?

Nothing to name. Nothing to define. Nothing to hold onto. Only life—unbound, unbroken, infinite.

This is liberation. Not an ending, but a beginning with no beginning. Breathe. Let go. Flow.

Dissolving the Chains

“The Greater Discourse to Mālunkyāputta” (MN 64) is a teaching by the Buddha on the five lower fetters—mental chains that keep beings trapped in suffering and rebirth.

He explains that even if a person is unaware of these fetters, their underlying tendencies exist within them, like seeds waiting to sprout.

The Buddha then reveals the path to liberation, emphasizing deep meditation (jhānas) and insight as the way to break these fetters.

Through wisdom and direct realization, one sees through the illusion of self, abandons attachment, and attains Nirvana.

The discourse highlights that true freedom is not about rituals or external beliefs but about transforming the mind and letting go of all clinging.

Simplified Explanation

1. What is this discourse about?

The Buddha is teaching about the five lower fetters—mental chains that keep people stuck in suffering and rebirth. He explains how to break free from them and attain Nirvana.

2. What are the Five Lower Fetters?

These are deep-rooted mental attachments that keep a person bound to the lower realms of existence (samsara):

Identity View (Sakkāya-diṭṭhi) – The belief in a fixed self or ego.

Doubt (Vicikicchā) – Uncertainty about the path and the teachings.

Attachment to Rules and Rituals (Sīlabbata-parāmāsa) – Blindly following religious practices, thinking they alone lead to liberation.

Sensual Desire (Kāmarāga) – Craving for pleasure and attachment to the senses.

Ill Will (Byāpāda) – Hatred, anger, and resentment toward others.

The Buddha explains that even an infant, though not yet aware of these, carries the potential for these fetters within. Over time, as they grow, these tendencies surface.

3. How Do These Fetters Keep Us Trapped?

They create illusion and suffering by making us think we are separate individuals.

They lead to attachment, doubt, and desire, causing repeated mental rebirth in lower states.

Without breaking these chains, true freedom (Nirvana) is impossible.

4. Breaking the Five Lower Fetters

The Buddha teaches that freedom requires wisdom, meditation, and direct realization. Just as a tree cannot be cut at its core without cutting through its outer layers, one cannot remove suffering without following the path.

5. The Role of Meditation (Jhānas) in Liberation

The Buddha explains the path to overcoming these fetters through deep meditation. These states of meditation (Jhānas) are not just relaxation—they are stages of deep insight that gradually dissolve attachment to the self.

The Eight Jhāna Stages:

First Jhāna – Deep focus, joy, and clarity arise.

Second Jhāna – Thought slows down, deeper peace arises.

Third Jhāna – Joy fades into deep contentment and equanimity.

Fourth Jhāna – Pure stillness, neither pleasure nor pain.

Fifth Jhāna – Base of Infinite Space, The sense of form dissolves.

Sixth Jhāna – Base of Infinite Consciousness, Awareness expands beyond limits.

Seventh Jhāna – Base of Nothingness, Even awareness itself begins to dissolve.

Eighth Jhāna – Base of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception, Almost beyond mind and existence.

At each level, the meditator sees reality more clearly, detaching from illusions.

6. Directing the Mind

While progressing through these meditative stages, the practitioner realizes the impermanence of all things—including the body, emotions, and mind.

This deep insight allows them to turn away from attachments and move toward the “deathless element” (Nirvana).

If one fully lets go, Nirvana is attained in this life.

If attachment remains, even to the teachings themselves, they experience repeated mental rebirth, leading to higher, pure realms, where liberation unfolds naturally and eventually leads to Nirvana.

7. Two Types of Liberation

Ānanda asks why some monks attain “deliverance of mind” while others attain “deliverance by wisdom”.

The Buddha explains:

Some are naturally meditative, attaining liberation through deep states of stillness (Jhāna).

Others rely more on insight and wisdom, seeing through illusions directly.

Both paths lead to the same realization.

Key Takeaways

The five lower fetters keep beings trapped in suffering and cycles of mental rebirth

Liberation requires deep meditation, wisdom, and insight.

Breaking the illusion of self leads to freedom.

Meditation (Jhānas) helps dissolve attachments and reveal the true nature of existence.

The strongest force is not effort but letting go—only in surrender does freedom arise.

The Buddha gives a final analogy:

A weak man tries to cross a great river but is too frail and drowns.

A strong man swims with confidence and reaches the other shore.

Similarly, one who approaches the Dhamma (Dharma), the universal law that upholds existence, the moral and ethical path that guides beings, with doubt, fear, and hesitation cannot cross the ocean of suffering.

But one who embraces the path with confidence, effort, and wisdom will reach the far shore, Nirvana.

Let go. Stop wanting anything. Meditate not to gain but to release. In surrender there is freedom. In stillness there is truth.

Seeing that all life is a magnificent illusion, a play of energy, there is nothing to hold onto, nothing to lose, and absolutely nothing to fear.

Do not cling to anything. There is no final destination, no final path. But if you must cling to something, cling to your breath, the ever-flowing energy of life, always changing yet anchoring you to the present, neither past nor future, only NOW.

Move as the river, unbound, free,
No fear, no guilt, just Now, just be.

When a flame vanishes from a candle, where does it go? Does it rise to heaven or fall into hell? The mind seeks a destination, but there is none. It simply returns to sunyata, the formless emptiness from which all things arise and dissolve.

Like a river merging with the sea, where is the river? It is not lost, only transformed. Energy is never destroyed, only shifting, only moving, only flowing.

“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.”

― Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

Let yourself dissolve without grasping, without fear. You have never been confined, and what you become has never been separate.

What binds us is not some external force but our own clinging, our illusions, projections, and fear of impermanence. We want to own, to endure, to control, believing it will bring peace. Yet the more we grasp, the more we suffer.

There is no forever for the ego or the individual self. There is only movement, cause and effect, the echoes of every action rippling through time.

No action is lost. No thought is wasted. What you do does not fade. It shapes the whole. Your voice matters. Speak. Write. Live. Let the fire burn and do not stop dancing.

When success and failure no longer define you, when creation is its own joy, when the dance is without hesitation, when meditation is not to achieve but to release, then you are the river, the fire, the breath, the stillness. Then you are truly free.

My living is devotion, my dance is prayer,
My breath is a mantra, whispered in air.
My mind is still, my hands let go,
My heart surrenders to all that flows.
In stillness, I vanish, in silence, I rise,
No path is separate, no step unwise.
All motion, all being, all that must be,
Flows into the void, boundless and free.

“To unlearn what you have learned, even the attachment to the teachings themselves, and move on.”

I Am Shiva

(That Which Is Not)

I’m not the mind, not the name,
Not the thoughts that rise and wane.
Not the senses, taste or sight,
Not the elements—dark or bright.
I am the bliss, I am the flow,
I am Shiva, beyond the show.

Oh Shiva, that which is not,
Beyond all form, beyond all thought.
No beginning, never lost,
Just pure bliss… free from cost.

No breath to take, no hands to hold,
No fleeting youth, no growing old.
No hunger, thirst, no weight to bear,
Just the stillness everywhere.
I am the bliss, I am the light,
I am Shiva, beyond the night.

Oh Shiva, that which is not,
Beyond all time, beyond the plot.
Silent, boundless, vast and free,
Just pure bliss… eternity.

No pride, no fear, no ties to break,
No chains to mend, no past to make.
No wishes left, no debts to pay,
Only presence in the play.
I am the bliss, I am the sea,
I am Shiva, endlessly.

Oh Shiva, that which is not,
Beyond the veil, beyond the thought.
No arrival, no goodbye,
Just pure bliss… and open sky.

No need for words, no need for fight,
No wrong or right, no shade or light.
No path to walk, no place to stay,
Only being, come what may.
I am the bliss, I am the song,
I am Shiva, all along.

Oh Shiva, that which is not,
All dissolves, yet all is caught.
No forgetting, nothing gone,
Just pure bliss… moving on.