When our lives are in balance we feel a sense of harmony within our body, mind and spirit, as well as, the world around us. This harmony can be observed by the divine timing and cosmic ordering of opportunities which unfold for us at the right moment once we are ready for them.
Recently, I’ve been looking to the Hindu trinity of Gods to inspire balance in my life. In case you aren't familiar with them, allow me to introduce Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Brahma is the creator, Shiva is the destroyer, Vishnu is the sustainer, and together they create harmony within the natural cycle which sustains life in this world. Let’s take a closer look at their individual qualities in order to extract the wisdom they embody so we may apply their teachings to achieve a more balanced effort in life.
Shiva, the Destroyer
First, we employ the wisdom of Shiva, the destroyer. Destruction, in this sense, is not an act of violence or an attempt to dismantle our life. Instead, it’s the ability to recognize the impermanence of certain aspects of our life in order to let go and move on from them. Shiva’s power of destruction is a necessary action in order to make room for new opportunities and maintain the energy required to pursue new ideas. We see the benefits of destruction when certain wildfires create space for new seedlings to take root and develop into the next generation of growth in the forests. Our ability for growth is often hindered by our inflated sense of unlimited capacity; growth can only be achieved when we are able to let go to make room for the new. Once we've identified what we can let go of, we have room for the creation of new projects and space to dance into new growth.
Brahma, the Creator
Within the Hindu trinity, Brahma symbolizes creation. This is our call to recognize our potential to create, whether it be through a new professional project or as simple as choosing a new-to-you hobby to stoke this flame of creativity. Are you able to point to something in your life that requires this act of creation? Maybe you’re creating new life with a pregnancy, you’ve chosen to knit yarn into a blanket, or beautifully transfer paint across a canvas to express yourself in the form of art. Without creation in our lives, we may become dull or uninspired. Creation stimulates pathways through our mind which inspire new ideas and allow us to recognize our innate ability to provide for ourselves.
Vishnu, the Sustainer
Vishnu represents the sustainer, maintaining order in all which already exists. Daily rituals are a good example of ways we are able to sustain ourselves. Whether it’s practicing yoga or enjoying your morning cup of coffee, devotion to our own unique set of daily rituals aid in maintaining optimal health in body, mind and spirit. Recognize which aspects of your life require a certain amount of effort in order to be maintained, but do not hesitate to also recognize when those areas need the revitalizing power of Brahma or the fire of Shiva in order to enact change and progress.
When observed independently, we learn of the strength and wisdom embodied within each figure; when viewed together, we are able to observe the balance each provides to the flow of life as a whole. Consider checking in with yourself to employ the wisdom of balance the Hindu trinity exemplifies. With honest inquiry, you may find you’re already in a state of balance or it may reinspire action toward a new direction in your life!
Written by Rachel Lubich
Learn more about Hindu philosophy in our upcoming teacher training at Trilogy Sanctuary - Still time to sign up! Starts April 1st 2017
