The Holy Trinity of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
Like Christians, Hindus believe that the Divine contains three separate and unique figures who together form a trinity. In Christianity, these aspects of Divinity are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Hinduism, they are Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer. The combined actions of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva enable life in the universe to manifest.
The Myth of Shiva and Virabhadra
One myth recounts Shiva’s rage when not invited to a great sacrifice held by the god Daksha. According to John Dowson in A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, the sweat falling from Shiva’s brow materialized into the demon Virabhadra, described as a being of immense power and terrifying appearance. Britannica notes that the Trimurti represents the three fundamental aspects of the divine.
Virabhadra and his army destroyed the sacrifice and beheaded Daksha, replacing his head with a goat’s. The disruption caused immense upheaval: mountains tottered, the earth shook, winds roared, and the depths of the sea were disturbed.
Virabhadra: The Essence of Destruction
Virabhadra’s terrifying nature reflects the potent essence of Shiva, a god embodying the power of destruction. He is likened to the thunderbolt of Zeus and the wrath of the Old Testament’s Jehovah. Ancient yogis named three yoga asanas after him – Virabhadrasana I, II, and III.
While often translated as Warrior Pose, a more accurate translation, given the mythological origins, might be Destroyer Pose. This name, yet, evokes unsettling imagery, contrasting with the ethereal world of spirituality.
The Transformative Power of Virabhadrasana II
Virabhadrasana II, like all Virabhadrasana poses, demands significant stamina. Attempting to hold the pose even for a short time can evoke a sense of inner upheaval, mirroring the myth of Virabhadra. The experience can feel like a powerful, disorienting force.
B.K.S. Iyengar, in Light on Yoga, cautioned against prolonged practice of Virabhadrasana I, even for those with strength. This highlights the potent energy of the “Destroyer” within these poses.
Destruction as a Natural Force
The energy of destruction is not solely negative. Just as a rosebud decays as it blooms, and forests require periodic burning for renewal, destruction is integral to life’s cycle. For growth and transformation to occur, we must release what no longer serves us. As Joseph Campbell stated, “One can experience an unconditional affirmation of life only when one has accepted death, not as contrary to life but as an aspect of life.”
The Role of the Destroyer in Human Life
We are sometimes called upon to embody the role of the Destroyer – ending relationships that are no longer beneficial, making difficult decisions regarding employment, or facing challenging moral dilemmas. The Bhagavad Gita illustrates this through Arjuna’s struggle on the battlefield, contemplating the act of taking a life. Krishna reminds Arjuna of the importance of action without attachment to results, emphasizing that the Eternal within cannot be killed or die.
The Bhagavad Gita asserts that we may be called upon to perform the operate of the Destroyer. The challenge lies in discerning whether our actions are guided by divine inspiration or ego. The Virabhadrasana poses offer a safe context to practice working with this powerful energy.
Shiva Nataraja: The Dance of Destruction and Creation
The image of Shiva Nataraja, surrounded by flames, embodies the cyclical nature of destruction and creation. Shiva’s hair contains a skull and a new moon, symbolizing death and rebirth simultaneously. He dances atop ignorance (avidya), destroying it with his power. The drum of time shuts out the knowledge of eternity, while the flame burns away illusion, opening the mind to a larger reality. Despite the destructive imagery, the overall sense is one of joy, as the temporal is destroyed to make way for the eternal.
How to Practice Virabhadrasana II
Benefits:
- Strengthens legs
- Opens hip joints
- Combines stamina and flexibility
- Teaches correct body alignment
Contraindications: Do not practice this pose if you have heart problems, fever, or diarrhea. Pregnant women may practice it but should not hold it for extended periods.
Beginners
Focus on aligning and distributing weight correctly. Ensure the knee of the front leg is positioned directly over the heel, and the shinbone functions as an upright pillar.
Continuing Students
Descend deeply into the pose, ensuring the underside of the front thigh is parallel to the ground. Simultaneously, maintain weight on the back leg and lift the thigh, creating a balance between opposing actions.
Experienced Students
Center the body on its axis, aligning each limb and creating a sense of harmony. Seek the spiritual center within, operating from a place of dispassionate wisdom.