In the Vedas, Shiv is often described not as the doer but as the essence of “Sat Chit Anand”—being, consciousness, and bliss. He transcends the concepts of perfection, death, and immortality. Shiv is referred to as “Poornaah Poornamidam,” indicating his completeness even in a dormant state, yet active in the living world through his dynamic counterpart, Shakti.
This relationship is symbolically represented in the form of Kundalini energy in humans. Kundalini, residing at the Muladhara (the base), ascends to unite with Shiv at the Sahasrar (the crown) chakra. Life and the world are perceived as the dream or illusion of Kundalini, which, although transient, feels powerfully real.
Kundalini Awakening and the Role of Shiva-Mahakali
Kundalini awakening occurs when this dormant energy rises through the chakras, seeking Shiv. When awakened, Kundalini transforms a practitioner (Sadhak) into a Siddha person, capable of extraordinary feats and spiritual advancement. The true purpose of these abilities is to aid the journey towards uniting with Shiva in the Sahasrar, achieving Moksha or liberation.
As Kundalini ascends and pierces each of the seven chakras, it reaches the Sahasrar, merging with Shiv. This union dissolves duality, ego, and the illusion of separate existence, achieving a state of ultimate bliss and unity with the Supreme Being. This is the essence of true Moksha, where individual identity and ego vanish, merging into the divine consciousness.
The Illusion of Maya and the Journey Towards Unity
In the state of duality, Shiv and Shakti (or Kali) appear as separate entities, akin to the sun and its rays. However, as Kundalini awakens and moves from the state of deep sleep (sushupti) to full awareness, it yearns for Shiv, moving towards the ultimate state of bliss. This journey is not limited to humans but encompasses all beings, as both Shiv and Kali reside within each.
The process of Kundalini awakening involves transcending the layers of illusion (Maya) and realizing the inherent unity with the divine. When Shakti merges with Shiv, the cycle of illusion and duality ceases, and the individual soul (Jiva) realizes its true nature as one with the Supreme.
The Higher State of Liberation: Kaivalya Moksha
The highest form of liberation, Kaivalya Moksha, is described in the Vedas. It signifies a state where all dualities dissolve, and only the oneness with the Supreme remains. Unlike other forms of Mukti (liberation), where some aspects of ego and duality persist, Kaivalya Moksha represents the complete and final liberation from all illusions.
In this awakened state, the interplay of name and form ceases, and the divine dream dissolves into pure consciousness. Even divine entities like Krishna, Rama, or the Tridev operate within the realm of Maya, but their ultimate reality transcends these illusions.
Role of Mahakali in the Divine Dream
Mahakali, representing the dynamic aspect of Shakti, governs the illusionary realms. As long as duality exists, the divine realms are intertwined with Maya. The ultimate realization involves understanding that all forms and identities, even those of divine beings, are part of the divine dream governed by Mahakali.
In essence, the journey of Kundalini awakening is about transcending the illusion of Maya, realizing the unity of Shiv and Shakti within, and achieving the highest state of bliss and liberation. This profound spiritual journey leads to the ultimate realization of oneness with the Supreme, beyond all illusions and dualities.