I’m fascinated by the gentle and terrible depiction of Shiva, known as Nataraja. This God is also referred to as “The Lord of the Dance.” When I think of Vinyasa Yoga (flowing with breath and movement), I think of the graceful dance of Nataraja, poised on one leg as though coiled to leap into a whirling cosmic dance at any moment.
When people think of Shiva or Indian mythology, they often think of the image of Shiva, balanced on one leg, multiple arms spread wide, surrounded in flames and wrapped in a snake. This image is Nataraja. There are two dances performed by Nataraja, “Lasya (the gentle form of dance)” and “the Tandava (the violent and dangerous dance), associated with the destruction of the world. In essence, the Lasya and the Tandava are just two aspects of Shiva's nature; for he destroys in order to create, tearing down to build again."
I find great allure in the idea of a divine destruction in order to create new beginnings. I believe yoga often takes us through this process. We focus our mind and breath on the present, seeking deep within in order to grow but this is not enough--we also must learn to defeat our ego. This ego is also often part of the representation of Nataraja. It exists in the form of the dwarf, "(Apasmara) who symbolizes ignorance." In yoga, we are eternally at battle with this dwarf, this lesser, more petty part of ourselves. For me, Nataraja is the force that transcends this tiny inner demon.
To create, we also must destroy. We must let go of the things that do not serve us. We must let go of our insecurities and intolerances. May we all take a page from the book of Nataraja and destroy that within us that is destructive to our growth. In our yoga, let us embrace the lightness and joy of the dance as we free ourselves of the things we no longer need. Embrace the breath, embrace the dance and become something greater than you are at this moment.
