Twinn Swan

Shaiva Siddhanta is a form of Shaivism popular in South India and Sri Lanka. It propounds a devotional philosophy with the ultimate goal of experiencing union with Shiva. In Saiva Siddhanta, Shiva is conceived, not as one of the Trimurtis, but rather, the Supreme Being to whom Brahma and Vishnu offer their obeisance. Shiva is thus addressed as Pati Master.

As Pati, he possesses the five functions of Sristhi (origination), Sthiti (Sustentation), Samhara (destruction), Tirodhana (veiling) and Anugraha (Grace). The human being is called Pasu animal for he is bound by the rope of bondage. This state of bondage is the result of three impurities.

The first impurity is known as: Anava Mala, which is primordial ignorance. The second impurity is Karma Mala which accrues from our good and bad deeds. The final impurity is known as Maya Mala which arises from attachment to the world. To reduce Karma and Maya Mala, four paths are prescribed.

The Four Paths

The very first path is external worship. This includes: cleaning the temple, gathering flowers, lighting lamps and so on. This path is known as Dasa Marga: The Path of Service. The second stage is Kriyai, which consists of intimate service to God. During this stage, the devotee begins shifting from external worship to internal worship. Mantras, japa and even a spiritual initiation are required at this stage.

The third stage is Yogam. During this stage, one withdraws from external sense objects to perform internal purification which is done at the physical, mental and emotional levels. Various methods are either ascribed or employed at this stage. Through this journey, the intuitive mind begins to mature. Once this process is complete, the spiritual seeker is ready to enter the final stage: Jnanam.

Jnanam is the fourth and final stage of our spiritual evolution. This is a stage of the purity of knowledge and learning. This refers to the knowledge that is gained through direct inner experience. By being still, everything becomes empty and the person enters the Void: the source of all creation and manifestation. One begins to experience real knowledge as it is self-revealed by itself.