dance of shiva

Factual Questions
1

I came across a reference to this in the 2003 Reith Lectures (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2003), highly recomend them if anyone is interested in the philosophy of mind or neuroscience.

In any event, the lecturer was discussing his views on god, and although he doesn’t believe in the traditional ‘man in the sky’, he said that he could perhaps subscribe to the view of the ‘dance of shiva’?

google came up with stuff but I got rather confused by it all.

2

Does this help at all, Logical Phallacy ?

3

getting closer, thanks

4

One of India’s most popular images is that of Shiva Nataraja or Shiva Lord of Dance (no relation to Michael Flatley (sp?)).

In a Hinduism course I took, we learned the symbolism of the statue.

Shiva has a calm face, meaning calmness and serenity even in midst of turmoil. One hand is in the “do not fear” position. Another hand is pointing to a foot held aloft, which symbolizes that one can seek salvation at the feet of Shiva (metaphorically). His other foot is trampling a dwarf/demon, which symbolizes ignorance. The dwarf/demon is looking at the foot held aloft, seeking salvation from Shiva. Shiva’s matted locks are flying about, indicating his abandonment and ecstasy, and the energy of the dance. He is surrounded by a ring of fire, symbolizing the circle of rebirth and death. In one hand he holds a drum, symbolizing creation (and the ceaseless rhythm of cyclical time), and in another he holds a flame, symbolizing destruction. His third eye also symbolizes destruction, it also symbolizes enlightenment.

And there is oh so much more.

Some links:
http://www.lotussculpture.com/1b30nataraja.htm
http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God9.html
http://rinoa.nu/shiva/connection.html

Frankly, the depiction of Shiva Nataraja is one of the most thrilling depictions of the divine I have come across.

WRS

5

thanks guys…one thing stil buggin me is why this diehard skeptic neuroscientist would believe in shiva but not ’ a man in the sky’… in seems that shiva is as ‘far-out’ as any other theological concept, no?

6

Well, because “the Man in the Sky” is perceived as being rooted in Western Judeo-Christian patriarchy whereas Shiva is more metaphysical and non-Western. After all, Shiva is a symbol, when all’s done and said.

WRS