This year the Arya Samaj used the observance of Shivaratri for the graduation of five of its successful candidates of the School of Vedic Studies, three of them were ordained as priests. The Ceremony was hosted by the Veda Dharma Sabha at their mandir in Verulam.
It was on the night of Shivaratri that Swami Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj, resolved to set out in search of the true meaning of Shiva, a Shiva beyond the simple myth, a Shiva that goes beyond the story to the most sublime speculations on the nature of the Supreme Being. After a long spiritual sojourn he found his answers in the Vedas, the earliest extant scripture of the Hindus.
The definition of Shiva is listed in a series of epithets that in a step by step progression unravel the derivation of the name ’Shiva’ in the classic style of Vedic etymology.
Siva is Shambhu, made up of the verbal roots sham + bhu meaning the embodiment or being of peace. Upon a realisation and experience of this peace Shambhu, we then proceed to become Shankara. Shankara is made up of the roots sham + kara meaning literally the doer or generator of peace. Having realised peace, we become Shambhu, the embodiment of peace; then we become agents of peace, Shankara, actively engaging in spreading peace by our word, thought and deed. The passive principle of peace translates into an active propagation of peace. Shiva then transcends into Shivatara – the Comparative Degree, a greater understanding of the Supreme Peace which then evolves into the greatest peace Shivatama, the Superlative of the highest peace, the ultimate experience of bliss – Shantatama.
Shiva in another mantra is described as jyotisham – of lights, jyotir-ekam – the one singular light, the resolve (shiva-sankalpa) of my fleeting mind (me-manah).
By understanding Shiva as enunciated in the Vedas we are then presented with an understanding of the Supreme Being as Shambhu, Shankara and Shiva and how we can enrich our personal lives by aspiring to become peaceful and by promoting peace among our fellow beings.
