Twinn Swan

Shaivism, a major tradition within Hinduism devoted to Lord Shiva, deeply embraces the concepts of karma and reincarnation. According to its teachings, every soul carries subtle imprints—or vasanas—from countless previous lifetimes. These are not simply memories, but ingrained tendencies, desires, relational habits, and emotional patterns held in what’s sometimes called the subtle body, or sukshma sharira. The shaping of a person’s current experiences—including how they approach boundaries and relationships—is seen as the unfolding of this accumulated karmic memory.

A Shaivite Perspective on Repeating Patterns

From this perspective, when a man persistently fails to understand or respect a woman’s “no,” it is not just a result of social conditioning or psychology in this life. Instead, it reflects deeper karmic samskaras: impressions left by repeated actions, attitudes, and experiences across many incarnations.

If, over lifetimes, someone has embraced entitlement or has habitually disregarded others’ autonomy—especially in environments where such conduct was tolerated or praised—these tendencies may become deeply etched in the causal layers of their being.

They naturally reappear until recognised and consciously released. On the other hand, even those who have suffered disrespect or violations themselves may find such karmic scenarios resurfacing, either as opportunities for resolution or as triggers for learning and compassion.

The Deeper Teaching

Yet, Shaivism does not regard these recurring patterns as inescapable fate. Central to its teachings is the idea that, while past karma frames our starting point, we always retain our autonomy. Through conscious awareness, spiritual discipline (tapas), and reflective self-inquiry, we can not only recognise our limiting patterns but also transmute them.

Painful or destructive tendencies from the past are not punishment, but invitations for growth and awakening. Shaivism emphasises that our true nature transcends these patterns—the deeper Self is Shiva, pure consciousness, untouched by ego or karma. Through devotional practices, meditation, and the realisation of our inherent divinity, we can move beyond entrenched behaviours and discover profound transformation.

Living the Shaivite Path

Practically speaking, Shaivism encourages using spiritual discipline to channel the energy behind old habits into self-inquiry, devotion, and acts of compassion.

By seeing oneself and others as expressions of Shiva, there is space for both accountability and compassion—recognising that destructive patterns are deeply rooted, but also that liberation is possible.

Ultimately, the purpose is not only to resolve personal karma, but to achieve moksha: final liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth and full union with the divine consciousness that is Shiva.

In the Shaivite worldview, entrenched patterns of disrespect or unconsciousness—like ignoring a woman’s “no”—are not only conditioned by society or psychology, but also rooted in the karmic imprints left by many past lives.

Yet these patterns are also powerful opportunities. They can be consciously recognised, worked with, and ultimately transcended through spiritual practice, compassion, and the remembrance of our deepest self. This understanding brings both a sense of personal responsibility and a deep, compassionate recognition of the shared journey all souls travel along the path to awakening.