Showing results by author "Henry Romano" in All Categories

It would be common to hear stories of the gods fighting demons (the machines). It would not be easy to establish and maintain order. Several gods reestablished order repeatedly after Indra defeated the serpent-dragon Vritra. He fought demons when he was young, but only as an incarnation, or avatar, such as a fish, a boar, Krishna, or Rama, not as the Supreme. There was a contest for supremacy with a sage-like Nârada—if not with another god or demon. The ascetic practice of tapas (giving up the pleasure of gaining power) was the currency of the gods.

Hinduism has a complex system of world ages, and cycles of creation and destruction as its chief characteristics. The remarkable theory of the yugas has always played a prominent role within this elaborate system. The article explains why society is, and what people should do if they want to live according to religious principles.

The Vedic and Sanskrit periods are different in matter, spirit, and form from the earlier periods. Sanskrit literature, which is abundant and well developed, is profane; Vedic literature is primarily religious. However, the Upanishads also contain a moralizing spirit despite their speculative tendencies. The Hindu Vedas are filled with gods’ stories, powers, and epic battles supposedly fought thousands of years ago. Sagas are mythological stories intended to be taken as allegories to learn valuable lessons for life.

In his dancing position, Shiva is known as Nataraja, the king of dancers, and is one of the most beautiful forms of Lord Shiva. The upper right hand of Shiva, as Nataraja, holds the damaru drum. It shows nothing, but it represents universal development. Meanwhile, the lower-right hand holds a flame of destruction. Shiva views everything with the proportions of love, justice, and inner knowledge; thus, he is neither too harsh nor lenient. Shiva's three eyes also symbolize the sun, moon, and fire, how the universe is illuminated.