THE NATURE OF BONDAGE AND LIBERATION

1.            A Jiva is said to be in bondage if he is tied up by the noose of eight fold primary essences (Prakriti).

2.            When freed from them he is said to be liberated.

3.            Perfect control and Subjugation of Prakriti (Nature) and its offshoots is Salvation.

4.            The eight fold primary essences (Prakriti) are-

a.    Prakriti – Nature

b.    Ahamkara – Ego

c.    Buddhi – Intelligence

d.    The 5 tanmatras –Earth, Fire, Air, Water, Ether.

5.            The body is evolved out of the above eight. The body carries out activities ( Karma) and The activities (Karma) generate the body.

Karma <-------------------------------->   Body

6.            The body is of three types:-

a.    Gross – Responsible for Activities (Karma)

b.    Subtle – Yields the enjoyment of pleasures through Senses.

c.    Causal – To enjoy the fruits of Karma.

7.            Jiva experiences the result of his karma – Past and Present.

8.            Prakriti comes under control by Shiva’s grace.

9.            One shall worship SHIVA for Shiva’s grace.

10.         How to carry out Self less (nish kama) Worship of Shiva?

a.    All activites done dedicated to Shiva.

b.    Worship the Shiva Linga

c.    Serve the Saiva devotees

d.    By means of Body, Mind , Speech, Money

                                          i.    Body – Kriya – Sweeping the temple courtyard, Lighting lamps,, Performing Abhisheka ,Listening to Siva Puran, Reading about Shiva.

                                        ii.    Speech – Japa, Bhajan , Kirtan etc

                                       iii.    Mind- Manana – Thinking , contemplating about Shiva

                                       iv.    Money – Charity, Building Shiva Temples, Feeding the Poor to Please Siva.

11.         First just Listen (Sravanam). That is the easiest. Morning till night and Night till morning-  Just Hear – On repeat – Shiva Shiva – Everything about Shiva.

12.         First Karma comes under control and then eventually Prakriti.

13.         When Karma comes under control – Devotee attains residence at Siva Loka. – Salokya.

14.         When the Subtle elements comes under control he attains Similarity to Shiva. The Shiva Ganas have a body which resembles the form of Shiva. – Sarupya siddhi.

15.         Prakriti comes under control by the grace of Siva – Sayujya Siddhi- Complete absorption into Siva- Shivoham.

16.         Thus the devotee must worship SHIVA by:-

a.    Performing sacred rites

b.    Japa

c.    Worship

d.    Abhishekam

e.    The time till retirement to Bed and the time till retirement to Death must be spent in contemplation (Meditation) on Siva.

17.         Sravanam , Kirtanam, Mananam – Hear , Chant , Meditate – on Siva

|| Aum Namah Shivaya ||

Ref:-

Chapter 18 Vidyeshwar Samhita Shiva Puran