The products of mystic art are finite and transitory in forms, but infinite and eternal in significance. They aim to bring the essence of spiritual truth into the realm of tangible experience while inspiring the imagination to grasp the reality beyond the material world.
Unlike the natural objects of ordinary sense-perception, the products of the spiritual Art instead of veiling the Truth seek to unveil its inner character through suggestive powers.
Sitting calm inside an unfrequented resort
On the bank of the Ganga I shall cogitate
The Moon-crested Lord, leaving all wicked thoughts
Joining my hands in prayer to my head,
The sacred name of Shiva, with eyes full of tears,
When shall I cogitate and be happy forever!
In the realm of Spiritual Art, the symbolic representations of deities hold profound significance, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of existence. Two such powerful and contrasting figures in Hindu mythology are Shiva and Kali, each embodying unique aspects of the spiritual journey.
Shiva: The Cosmic Dancer
Shiva, often depicted as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, is a symbol of cosmic energy and the eternal rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction. His dance, known as the Tandava, represents the ever-changing cycles of life and the cosmic forces that govern the universe. The circle of fire surrounding him symbolizes the transformative nature of destruction and the regenerative power inherent in every ending.
The third eye of Shiva signifies insight and spiritual awakening, capable of seeing beyond the illusions of the material world. The snake coiled around his neck represents the kundalini energy, the dormant spiritual power within each individual, waiting to be awakened through self-realization.
Kali: The Divine Mother of Time
In stark contrast to Shiva's tranquil dance, Kali embodies the fierce and destructive aspect of the divine feminine. Often depicted with a garland of skulls and a severed head in her hand, Kali symbolizes the relentless march of time and the inevitability of death. However, her tongue protruding out signifies her ability to consume and transcend the limitations of time.
When Time dances on the breast of timeless eternity
The dark complexion of Kali signifies the primal energy from which the universe emerges, and her intense gaze represents the piercing awareness required to navigate the complexities of life. When exploring the symbolism of Shiva and Kali, it's essential to recognize their complementary roles in the cosmic drama. Shiva's meditative stillness complements Kali's dynamic energy, creating a harmonious balance between creation and destruction, birth and death, and the temporal and the eternal.
Without Shiva Kali has no existence, and without Kali Shiva has no expression. Shiva is the soul of Kali, and Kali as manifested is the embodiment of Shiva.
In Spiritual Art, images, poetry, dance forms, and hymnal literature depicting Shiva and Kali serve as powerful tools to convey the intricate dance of existence. They invite viewers and practitioners alike to contemplate the deeper meanings of life, encouraging a connection with the divine and an understanding of the profound interdependence of all things.
Through the symbolism of Shiva and Kali, Spiritual Art beckons us to explore the paradoxes and mysteries that define our spiritual journey.