Ascending the Ladder to Paramshiva

One of the most popular expressions found in the Upanishads is “Tat tvam asi”, which means “Thou art That”. This maxim is used in many schools of philosophy to guide humans toward their final destination, that of becoming one with the Supreme Being, Paramshiva Himself.  In the above expression, “Tat” means “that”; “tvam” means “you” or “the individual”. The objective of each human birth is to merge “that” and “you” so that there is only “I” or “Aham”.   Tattva, which comes from the combination of “Tat” and “Twam”, are elements or principles of nature. They are both transcendental and immanent, macrocosm and microcosm or Bhagavan and the individual. These tattvas play an important role in the whole material manifestation and in the creation of the diversity of worlds.

Shaivism postulates 36 categories of tattvas to explain this process of the individual’s journey from the lowest state or grossest level to the state of supreme consciousness, the state of Paramshiva. The journey can be described as transcending the 36 elements listed below:

Gross Elements:

Panch Mahabhutas (Five Great Elements)

1. Prithivi – earth
2. Jal – water
3. Tayjas  – fire
4. Vaayu – air
5. Aakash  – ether

Tanmaatras (Subtle Elements)

1. Gandha – smell
2. Rasa – taste
3. Roopa – form
4. Sparsha – touch
5. Shabda – sound

Karma Indriyas (Organs of Action)

1. Upastha – organs of reproduction
2. Paayu – organs of excretion
3. Pada – feet
4. Paani – hands
5. Vaak – tongue

Gyaan Indriyas (Organs of Cognition/Senses of Perception)

1. Ghraana – nose, sense of smell
2. Rasaana – tongue, sense of taste
3. Chakshu – eye, sense of sight
4. Tvaak – skin, sense of touch
5. Shrotra – ear, sense of hearing

Antahkarana (Inner Equipment)

1. Manas – mind
2. Buddhi – intellect
3. Ahankaar – ego

Prakriti  – nature

Purush  – individuality/subjectivity

Kanchukas (Coverings/Limitations)

1. Niyati – limitation of place
2. Kaala – limitation of time
3. Raaga – limitation of attachment
4. Vidyaa – limitation of knowledge
5. Kalaa – limitation of creativity

Maayaa – illusion of individuality

Pure elements:

1. Shuddha vidyaa
2. Ishvara
3. Sadaa shiva
4. Shakti
5. Shiva

 PARAMSHIVA – BHAGAVAN Himself

At this final stage, there is no distinction between Shiva and His devotees. The world becomes all-encompassing, all embracing. Shiva and I are the same and there is no distinction.

The auspicious celebration of Maha Shiv Raatri reminds each individual of the journey one must embark upon in order to recreate one’s world and to purify the intent with which this is done. The ritualistic actions of jal-offering, havan, abhishek, fasting, jaagaran, mantra- jaap and puja combined with the practice of rising above the many limitations help to take one closer to Divinity and eventually merge with Him.