Understanding Shaivam: The Concept of Dual Monism and the Unity of Eshwaram and Viswesam

 

Understanding Shaivam: The Concept of Dual Monism and the Unity of Eshwaram and Viswesam

Shaivam is a deeply spiritual religion centered around the belief in Eshwara (Lord Shiva) and Parvathy (Goddess Parvati) as the supreme beings. At the core of Shaivam philosophy is the idea of divine dualism and unity, where multiple aspects of the universe and the divine are seen as intertwined, existing in a delicate balance. This concept is beautifully illustrated through two key forms of the divine: Viswesa (or Nataraja) and Eshwara-Parvathy, representing the static and dynamic aspects of the cosmos.

Eshwara and Parvathy: The Supreme Beings

In Shaivism, Eshwara and Parvathy are worshiped as the supreme deities. Together, they represent the dual forces that shape and guide the universe. Eshwara (Lord Shiva) is often seen as the source of all energy, while Parvathy (Goddess Parvati) represents nurturing and growth. Together, they symbolize the balance between destruction and creation, transformation and preservation.

One of the key forms that represent their union is Viswesa (or Nataraja), which embodies both masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing the perfect harmony of duality within the divine. This dual nature is essential to understanding how the universe is perceived in Shaivam.

The Universe of Viswesa and Eshwaram: Static and Dynamic Realities

Shaivam divides the universe into two primary aspects: Viswesam and Eshwaram.

• Viswesam represents the static, unchanging nature of the universe, which is eternal and infinite. It symbolizes the universe as a constant, immutable reality. Viswesa, in this form, is the universe itself, embodying the idea of a cosmic being that remains unchanged.

• Eshwaram, on the other hand, represents the dynamic, ever-changing aspect of the universe. This dynamic universe includes Eshwara, Parvathy, and their divine children—Subramaniam (Murugan) and Ganesha. Together, they form the constantly evolving, creative force of the cosmos, a world in perpetual transformation. The interplay between creation, maintenance, and destruction is key to the understanding of this dynamic realm.

In Shaivam philosophy, the combination of these two universal aspects—Viswesam and Eshwaram—creates the complete picture of existence, where both the static and dynamic realities coexist, reflecting a profound understanding of the cosmos.

The Concept of Dual Monism in Shaivam

Shaivam introduces a unique philosophical concept known as Dual Monism, where everything in the universe exists as a pair of opposites but remains part of a unified whole. This dualistic approach is evident in several aspects of life and divinity, where opposites are seen not as contradictions, but as complementary forces that create balance.

Key Examples of Dual Monism:

1. Viswesam and Eshwaram: Representing the static and dynamic aspects of the universe, together they form what is called Prapanjam, the entire cosmos.

2. Rupam and Arupam (External and Internal Divine): This duality refers to the visible, external manifestation of the divine (Rupam) and its invisible, internal essence (Arupam). Together, these form Ruparupam, the complete understanding of the divine presence.

3. Swarnam and Arnam (Visible and Invisible Divine): This pair refers to the tangible and intangible aspects of divinity. Together, they are called Swarnarnam, signifying the complete perception of the divine, both seen and unseen.

4. Jeevajeevam (Creation and Maintenance): Reflecting the forces of creation and sustenance, this concept represents the constant cycle of life where the universe is both being created and maintained.

Additional examples include the philosophical ideas of "Nothing changes and everything changes", "Everything and Nothing", and "Existing reality and Creating reality", all of which emphasize the interconnected nature of opposites. In essence, the Shaivam view of the universe is one where dualities like action and learning, existence and non-existence, are not contradictions but parts of a greater unified whole.

The Unity of Opposites in Shaivam

Shaivam offers a profound view of the universe where opposites exist in harmony, reflecting the deeper unity of all things. Through the dual aspects of Viswesam and Eshwaram, Shaivism teaches that both the static and dynamic forces of the universe are essential to the fabric of existence. The philosophy of Dual Monism further reinforces the belief that opposites are part of a single reality, constantly interacting to maintain the balance of the cosmos.

In this way, Shaivam guides its followers to a deeper understanding of the divine, encouraging them to see beyond the surface of dualities and recognize the unity that pervades all aspects of life and the universe.