Shiva Stories
Decoding Myths of the Blue-Throated Lord
What wisdom do we find in myths of Shiva?
The mythology of the great god Śiva is perhaps the most profound in existence. Variously called Auspicious One, Destroyer, Blue-Throat, Lord of Beasts, Great God, Lord of Dance, Śiva at once embodies the outsider, the ascetic, the lover, the seeker, and the supreme. From the grounding of the Ganges, to the wrathful manifestations Vīrabhadra and Bhairava; from the incineration of Kāma to the love affair with Pārvatī; from yogic trance to cosmic dance to destroy the universe – stories of Shiva encode deep yogic wisdom.
We will explore various Sanskrit storyworlds in order to decipher the yogic wisdom encoded within the mythology of Śiva. Each class integrates academic content, captivating storytelling and esoteric exposition. Special emphasis will be paid to the relationship between Śiva's mythic motifs and the yoga postures named after them. We will also decode key elements of his rich iconography, including his matted hair, animal skins, shamanic drum, trident, cobra, and bull.
This 4-week online course is taught by renowned online teacher Dr. Raj Balkaran. It draws from his forthcoming book The Stories Behind the Poses (released June 21, 2022).
Stories Covered
- The Seat of Wisdom: The Decapitation of Gaṇeśa
- The Descent of the Ganges
- Śiva as Bhairava: The Decapitation of Brahmā
- Śiva as Vīrabhadra: The Decapitation of Dakṣa
- Śiva's Dance of Destruction
- Śiva Neutralizing Poison in his Throat
- Bhairava's Faithful Dog
- Śiva as Corpse
Yoga Poses Covered
- Parvatāsana/Tāḍāsana: Mountain Pose
- Siddhāsana: Adept Pose
- Śvānāsana: Dog Pose
- Bhujaṅgāsana: Cobra Pose
- Vīrabhadrāsana: Warrior Pose
- Bhairavāsana: Formidable Pose
- Tāṇḍavāsana: Lord of Dance Pose
- Śavāsana: Corpse Pose
Learning Outcomes
- Śiva mythologies and their profound meanings
- Insight into key yoga postures related to myths of Śiva
- History of Śiva worship
- Śiva’s Sanskrit Texts
- Śiva’s iconographies and their rich symbolisms
- Śiva’s core significations and archetypal energy
- Insight into human nature and spiritual evolution
- Śiva mantras
Classes Include
- Academic content
- Live storytelling
- Esoteric spiritual teachings
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
Shiva, Lord of Mountains
Module 2
Shiva, Lord of Beasts
Module 3
Śiva, Lord of Wrath
Module 4
Śiva, Lord of Yoga
Śiva, Lord of Mountains
Parvatāsana/Tāḍāsana: Mountain Pose
Story: "Śiva’s Mountain Abode"
Siddhāsana: Adept Pose
Story: "The Power of Yogic Attainment"
Module 1
Śiva, Lord of Beasts
Śvānāsana: Dog Pose
Story: "Bhairava’s Loyal Vehicle"
Bhujaṅgāsana: Cobra Pose
Story: "Śiva’s Rising Cobra"
Module 2
Śiva, Lord of Wrath
Vīrabhadrāsana: Warrior Pose
Story: "The Destruction of Dakṣa"
Bhairavāsana: Formidable Pose
Story: "Brahma’s Lesson"
Module 3
Śiva, Lord of Yoga
Tāṇḍavāsana: Lord of Dance Pose
Story: "Śiva’s Dance of Destruction"
Śavāsana: Corpse Pose
Story: "The Power of Inertia"
Module 4
Course Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is an expert in Indian traditions. Skilled at applying ancient Indian teachings to modern life, he dovetails academic training, live storytelling, and life wisdom to nourish his students’ hearts and minds alike.
He is also an avid spiritual practitioner and initiate into ancient Indian wisdom practices, which he has been engaged in for nearly two decades. He has literally done thousands of hours of mantra practice.
He has extensive experience teaching academics, continuing studies learners, and practitioners alike, and is a seasoned online educator who serves on the Course Development Board at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
See https://rajbalkaran.com for more information.
Questions about this course?
Contact him directly at [email protected]
