GLH+P4+2015+Shiva

__Audience: Kylie Barela__ Hindus created Shiva in order to explain why nothing in life lasts forever. In an article it states, “Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. According to Hindu belief, this destruction is not arbitrary, but constructive. Shiva is therefore seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements” (Shiva 1). Shiva was an idea that is provided for those who practice Hinduism, especially those who are a part of Shaivism, the cult of Shiva. Whenever something is destroyed, such as the death of a loved one. However, Shiva’s destruction is not seen as a bad thing; his destruction is seen as a necessity to life. Shiva is a god that symbolizes many self-contradictory characteristics, such as he is both destroyer and recreator, or he can be very wrathful but always wears a serene look on his face (Tortora 1). His paintings are always filled with different symbols for his different myths, such as the images of his dance he supposedly does while destroying the world. Religions always use stories, myths and different figures in order to explain things of the world. For the Hindus Shiva is one of their most important figures and cults, which is why Shiva is a very well known legend.

__Historical: Hsin-Yu Chen__ As a god in the religion of Hinduism, Shiva is “...associated with Time, and particularly as the destroyer of all things... [while also] with creation”. Due many various sources that point to different origins of Hinduism, there is not a very accurate time or date of how long ago Shiva was first written about. However, given his role in society, it can be predicted that Shiva was created when Hinduism was also first created because he is highly regarded and has also been placed as a member of the “holy trinity” (Cartwright). As of now, Hinduism is one of the oldest known religions backed up by archaeological evidence found at the site of northwestern India. Through his supposed existence, people follow the belief of his being and the soul. Many have long since consider the practicality of “undergo[ing] the necessary training to purify and refine the mind and senses to feel the truth of this” continuing on to the present. Also, through the creation of other religions similar to these practices, Hinduism can be inferred of its long existence to be branched off and developed into “almost one billion people professing some aspect of Hinduism” (“Hinduism... “). Since from the beginnings of Hinduism, the origins of the Shiva have always been duly loved and respected for many generations.

__Cultural: Hannah Morse__ Shiva in the context of Hinduism is a deity known as “the destroyer of the world” (Gruenwald, Marchand). Shiva is one of the most prominent deities in Hinduism other than Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. Shiva represents both negativity and positivity - negativity in the sense that Shiva represents death and destruction, but positivity found in Shiva’s other name as the destroyer of ego. Shiva has many forms. Shiva’s Panchamukha form has 5 heads and is “a combination of all Shiva energies” (Gruenwald, Marchand). Panchamukha is a word not only used to describe Shiva but also describes other five-faced deities in Hinduism (Kolli). Shiva’s five forms are called Aghora, Ishana, Tat Purusha, Varna Deva, and Sadyojat. Aghora lives in cremation grounds. Ishana appears as a stone or shrine and is Shiva’s “male creative energy” (Gruenwald, Marchand). Tat Purusha is the meditating Shiva, and Varna Deva is the eternal Shiva. Sadyojat is Shiva’s past wrathful form. All of these forms summarize Shiva’s title as the destroyer. Shiva is an important part of Hinduism that plays a large role in Hindu lore.

__Aim: Davian Peterson__ Shiva was introduced in Hinduism to show how everything in existence ends. This being is known as the Destroyer whether that means the cause of destruction and death or the one that ends the negativity in the world. Peter says, “All that has a beginning by necessity must have an end. In destruction, truly nothing is destroyed but the illusion of individuality” (Marchand). In this, he reveals that end and change go hand in hand with each other. Ironically, change is an occurrence that will never change as everything has to come to an end. This is not necessarily a bad thing despite the bad connotation that comes with destruction and end. Shiva was introduced to embrace change and to be looked on equally as creation and preservation. Stability is safe and comforting but Hinduism argues, through Shiva, that it might not always be the best and that death and destruction is necessary for life.

__Works Cited__ Cartwright, Mark. "Shiva." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. Gruenwald, Christine and Marchand, Peter. “Shiva.” Sanatan Society. Web. 24 Feb. 2015. "Hinduism: Background, Basic Beliefs and Sacred Texts." URI Kids. United Religion Initiative, 2002. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. Kolli, Raj. “Panchamukha Hanuman”. Jai Hanuman. 2008. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. Marchand, Peter. “Hindu God Shiva” Sanatan Society. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. “Shiva.” BBC. 24 Sept. 2009. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. Tortora, Kyle. “Lord Shiva - The Destroyer”. Lotus Sculpture. Lotus Sculpture LLC. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.