Twinn Swan

In Shaivism, a Hindu tradition centred on the worship of Shiva, surrender is a profound spiritual practice that involves complete trust, devotion and letting go of one’s ego. It’s a state of being where one places their faith in the divine and accepts their circumstances without resistance.

Imagine surrender to Shiva as a dance. The dancer, representing the individual soul, moves gracefully and rhythmically to the music of the divine. The dance is not about perfect steps or predetermined movements; it’s about surrendering to the flow of the music and letting the body move naturally.

The music in this dance is the divine will or the cosmic rhythm. It is a force that guides and directs the dancer. Surrendering to Shiva means listening to this music and allowing it to lead the dance. Just as a dancer must let go of control over their movements to truly express themselves, the individual soul must let go of their ego and its desires to surrender to Shiva.

Karma

The concept of karma plays a significant role in Shaivism. While surrendering to Shiva can help to mitigate the negative effects of past karma, it does not negate the need for personal effort and ethical behaviour. Karma is often understood as the accumulated result of one’s thoughts, words, and actions. Positive actions lead to positive consequences, while negative actions lead to negative consequences.

Karma can influence one’s life in various ways, including health, wealth, relationships, and spiritual progress. It can create obstacles or provide opportunities, depending on one’s past actions. Surrendering to Shiva can help to mitigate the negative effects of past karma. By aligning oneself with the divine, one can receive the grace and blessings that can help to overcome the challenges created by negative karma.

However, surrendering to Shiva does not absolve one of the responsibility to act ethically. It is still important to strive for positive actions and avoid negative ones. Ethical behaviour can help to create positive karma and pave the way for spiritual progress. Surrendering to Shiva can help to mitigate the negative effects of karma, but it does not negate the need for personal effort and ethical behaviour. By combining surrender with ethical living, one can create a more positive and fulfilling life.

Divine Sovereignty

The dance of surrender is a joyful and liberating experience. It is a way to connect with the divine and experience the bliss of union. It is also a dance of creation. As the dancer moves freely and expressively, they create new patterns and possibilities. In the same way, surrendering to Shiva can lead to the creation of a new and more enlightened self.

Surrender to Shiva is not just a philosophical concept; it is a practical spiritual practice that can be cultivated through various means. Meditation, mantra recitation, yoga, and pilgrimage are some of the common practices that can help one to deepen their connection with the divine and facilitate surrender.

Ultimately, surrendering to Shiva is about recognising the divine’s sovereignty, letting go of one’s ego and trusting in the divine’s plan. It is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation that can lead to a life of peace, joy and fulfilment.