Q&A with Swamiji .....174...Shiva and Atman

[Guest guest]

Question from Chris:

The Atman is said to be the same as Brahman. It is also said

there is no difference between Shiva and the Absolute. The

Atman is said to share every aspect of our life, to observe

everything, and yet remain unaffected. It is said to be very

near.

 

When we perform praana pratishthaa we establish Him within, and

then affirm to Shiva (in this case) "you are the life of this

life,you are situated in this life,you are all these

organs [senses?] (of action and knowledge)," and then, "you are

all these vibrations, mind, sound, eyes, ears, tongue, nose,

and life force."

 

Ostensibly, when we perform praana pratishthaa and establishment

within, we are establishing Shiva in the heart chakra and

enlivening His presence. If Shiva is the same as the Atman, and

the Atman is already possessed of this relationship with us,

what then is happening when we perform this ritual? What is the

effect of this ritual on the subtle and causal levels? What is

the difference between the consciousness of Shiva and the

Atman? Thanks.

 

Swamiji's response :

 

There is no difference between consciousness of Shiva and the Atman.

Through Prana Pratishtha we remember.

[Guest guest]

Swamiji,

 

So then, (no need to forward this, Latha, I'm thinking out loud) what

you're saying is, when we perform praanapratishtaa we are creating a

link (or strengthening a link) between the Self (the indwelling Shiva)

and the mind so that we become aware of these qualities.

 

Chris

 

 

 

, "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote:

>

>

> Question from Chris:

> The Atman is said to be the same as Brahman. It is also said

> there is no difference between Shiva and the Absolute. The

> Atman is said to share every aspect of our life, to observe

> everything, and yet remain unaffected. It is said to be very

> near.

>

> When we perform praana pratishthaa we establish Him within, and

> then affirm to Shiva (in this case) "you are the life of this

> life,you are situated in this life,you are all these

> organs [senses?] (of action and knowledge)," and then, "you are

> all these vibrations, mind, sound, eyes, ears, tongue, nose,

> and life force."

>

> Ostensibly, when we perform praana pratishthaa and establishment

> within, we are establishing Shiva in the heart chakra and

> enlivening His presence. If Shiva is the same as the Atman, and

> the Atman is already possessed of this relationship with us,

> what then is happening when we perform this ritual? What is the

> effect of this ritual on the subtle and causal levels? What is

> the difference between the consciousness of Shiva and the

> Atman? Thanks.

>

> Swamiji's response :

>

> There is no difference between consciousness of Shiva and the Atman.

> Through Prana Pratishtha we remember.