Reflections on Shiva - Two Perspectives from the Yogic Tradition

Many of you have read my blogs or read my book, in which I explore Shiva [or Adi Yogi], as he is often called - in depth. In this perspective, the yogis of the past and I refer to this “Shiva” as a real historical figure from thousands of years ago who revealed (rather than invented, a common misconception) the science of yoga in conversation with his "glorious consort", Parvati.

This viewpoint presents Shiva as a historical source (the first teacher of yoga) who opened the door to inner exploration and a way to transcend what it means to be human, for all who are willing to strive. Essentially, it is about yoking or joining (or reuniting) with that which lies beyond the human mind. Remember that yoga means “to join” to bring two things together.

At the same time, however, there exists another perspective drawn from more classical Tantra texts, such as the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra. In this understanding, Shiva is presented primarily as the supreme, formless consciousness. Pure and unchanging, the ground of all being. He is “that which is not.” He is everything there is beyond the human mind.

In this more Tantric (and religious) perspective, Shiva is not portrayed as a historical human being who once walked the earth, but as the still, spacious presence from which everything arises and into which everything will eventually dissolve. He is a profound metaphor.

A summary of the two views:

The Adi Yogi perspective offers a clear, story-based account. It highlights Shiva as a pioneering human figure who first explored the depths of yoga and transmitted this knowledge to others, emphasising that humans can strive to be more than we are.

The Tantric perspective, by contrast, is more philosophical and experiential. Shiva is understood as a profound symbol of the highest state of being, "the silent, luminous consciousness that can arise in deep meditation". The Tantric portrayal is therefore both the goal (the state to be realised) and the guide (the voice revealing the methods).

The Adi Yogi framing offers a more accessible, story-based entry point that highlights introspection and human striving, yet it does not fully capture the symbolic depth found in the original Tantric sources.

Both perspectives hold value and can support a sincere yoga practice. One may find inspiration in the image of a great being who first explored these depths, while another may rest more naturally in the understanding that the silent, luminous presence called Shiva is already available within each breath, each moment of awareness.

What do I mean by that? In Nepal, when I questioned yogic holy men on their understanding of Shiva and the nature of Shiva, some said: “They are Shiva. You are Shiva. We are all Shiva.” Meaning that Shiva is not a god or a man. Shiva (formless and genderless) is beyond the artistry that depicts him in modern times. Shiva is not a “he” or something to strive towards. Shiva is an experience beyond the mind, and we all have that potential. Shiva represents a possibility, very much like what the Buddha experienced under the Bodhi tree. The Buddha transformed from Siddhartha Gautama into the awakened one, one who had now experienced a different dimension of life.

This always brings me back to the age-old question that so many students have asked over the years: Is Shiva a god? The answer is yes- he is to some, and can be seen as that if you wish. But that is not a consistent viewpoint across all yogic and Tantric traditions.

I like to see Shiva as a man, and belief in whether he existed does not really matter when you understand his message. Shiva, in both viewpoints (as a man or as myth) gave no philosophy or doctrine. He only left behind, in the hands of his first student (his wife), a self-help manual: a way for humanity to go “beyond.” Belief in his message transcends religion because it does not ask for belief. It asks only for trust in your own nature.

For further reading if you are interesting in the origins and depths of Yoga beyond the poses, you can browse through my BLOG page. Some of my blogs have been read hundreds of thousands of times by people all over the world. I'm sure you will find something valuable.

In the next Philosophy Friday email, I will share how 8.4 million yoga poses were first instructed by Shiva. That's the mythological viewpoint anyway. And I will try my best to explain the depths of their meaning.

Namaskar

Zahir Akram

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