Aptavani-8
207
Symbols from the Perspective of Worldly and
Non-Worldly Vision
Questioner: In the temple of Shiva (Shivalaya), symbolic
images of all the eight parts of Ashtangyoga, namely: yama
(moral codes); niyam (discipline, self purification and study);
aasan (postures; sitting place), pranayam (breath control);
pratyahaar (sense control); dhyan (meditation), dhaarna
(intention, upholding, supporting) and samadhi (oneness with
the pure Self), have been placed there.
The tortoise symbolizes control over the senses
(pratyahaar). The standing posture on the bull (nandiswar)
represents the sitting or standing place (aasan). The consort of
Lord Shiva (Parvatiji) represents the focusing of the chit (inner
component of knowledge and vision) in one location (dhaarna),
and Lord Shiva (Shankar Mahadev) symbolizes oneness with
the pure Self (samadhi)…
Dadashri: These are symbolic representations. However
deep one ventures into this, he must hurry back home as quickly
as possible. All these symbols have been instilled for the benefit
of others. However, if they help, they may help; otherwise, the
symbols just remain as mere symbols. But these people have
come to regard the symbols themselves as the truth. There is no
such thing as Brahmaa, Vishnu or Mahesh. They are just symbolic
representations of the three qualities (guna) of strength and virtue
(sattva), passion (rajas) and darkness (tamas).
Questioner: Creator, preserver and destroyer.
Dadashri: Yes, and in the language of the Tirthankars,
do you know what they are?
Origination (utpaad), preservation (dhrauv) and
destruction (vyaya), is the language of the Tirthankars’. These
three words, because of all these symbols allotted to them,
have caused so much confusion, and the symbols themselves