shivratri by SRI SRI

Shivaratri is taking refuge in Shiva. And Shiva is peace, infinity,
beauty and the non-dual one. You take refuge in Shiva for your true
nature is Shiva as he is the meditative aspect of the entire Universe.

Albert Einstein proved that energy can neither be created nor destroyed;
it can only be changed from one form to another. That energy, which
changes from one form to another, is called Shiva.

Shiva is that blissful and innocent consciousness which exists in every
atom of the universe and also in us. Celebrating the Shiva tattva in
oneself is called Shivaratri. 'Ratri' means night, the time for rest and
comfort. When all activities stop and everything becomes quiet and
peaceful, the body goes to sleep. Shivaratri is a rest not only for the
body, but also for the mind, intellect and ego.

Paradoxically, 'Shiva Tattva' also means to be awakened. Shiva-ratri is
thus an occasion to awaken from all sorts of slumber. It is not a night
to be slept through but one to remain awake in. It signifies being aware
of everything you have and being grateful for it. Be grateful for the
happiness which has led to growth and also for sadness which gives depth
to life. This is the right way of observing Shivaratri.

The meaning of Kailasa, the abode of Shiva, is celebration. Whether in
sanyasa or samsara, you cannot escape Shiva for wherever there is
celebration there is Shiva. Feeling his presence all the time is the
essence of Shivaratri. That is the real sanyasa. No worship is complete
without offering something to the deity. Shiva is very simple; he is
innocent, hence he is called Bholanath. One just needs to offer
bel-patra to him. There's a deep message here. Bel-patra offerings
signify the surrender of all three aspects of one's nature - tamas,
rajas and sattva. You have to surrender the positives and negatives of
your life to Shiva and become carefree.

The greatest offering is yourself. To do so is the key to happiness in
life. After all, why do you get sad? It is mainly because you are not
able to achieve something in life. At such times you should surrender
everything to the all-knowing God. The greatest power is in surrender to
the Divine. It is like a drop owning the ocean. If a drop remains
separate, it will perish. But when it becomes the ocean, it is eternal.

Shivam, Shantam, Advaitam: Shiva means your very Self, your innermost
core, the purest Self. Shanta is quiet, peaceful, very innocent. Advaita
is non-dual, where there is only One. So, Shiva means good and
benevolent and Ratri means that which gives rest, which takes you into
its lap and gives comfort. Shivaratri is a rest which is so deep that
the mind rests with the Divine.

Any meditation we do on this day has a manifold effect, for this is the
day when spirit touches the earth. If you meditate on Shivaratri then
the power of meditation is 100 times more. So, that which is always,
nitya and which is, shashwat, that is Shiva Tattva.

It's said beautifully in the shloka: "Namamishamishaan nirvana rupam,
vibhumvyapakam brahma vedaswaroopam."

Shivaratri is the transcendental, divine peace which brings solace to
all layers of existence. Resting in Shiva Tattva is called Shivaratri.
There are certain days and time frames in a year that enhance one's
mental and spiritual faculties. In such times whatever one wishes,
materialises. Shivaratri is one such precious day