What is Nonduality?

Ardhanarishvara is a unique and profound concept in Hinduism that represents the union of both the divine masculine and feminine energies in the form of Shiva and Shakti. It is a tantric portrayal of the formless and ultimate God, Param Shiva.

In the Ardhanarishvara form, the right half of the deity is Shiva, representing the masculine aspect, and the left half is Shakti, representing the feminine aspect. The word “Ardhanarishvara” is derived from “Ardha,” meaning half, “Nari,” meaning woman, and “Ishvara,” meaning Lord or God. Therefore, Ardhanarishvara is the Lord who is both man and woman in one divine form.

The concept of Ardhanarishvara signifies the inseparable oneness of Shiva and Shakti, symbolizing that both aspects are essential for the balance and harmony in the universe. It represents the cosmic principle of the interplay between the Purusha (consciousness or spirit) and Prakriti (nature or matter).

Through Ardhanarishvara, Hindu philosophy emphasizes that the ultimate reality is beyond gender and duality. It represents the unification of opposites, showcasing that the divine is beyond all distinctions and is beyond comprehension by the human mind.

In this form, Shiva and Shakti are not separate entities but are one inseparable whole. Ardhanarishvara stands as a powerful embodiment of the divine principle that the masculine and feminine aspects are interdependent and harmoniously coexist in the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution.

Ardhanarishvara is a profound representation of the Advaita (non-dual) philosophy, which highlights the oneness of all existence and the ultimate truth that there is only one underlying reality, the Supreme Being. It invites devotees to transcend dualities and experience the unity and interconnectedness of all aspects of creation.

Ardhanarishvara as Symbol of Oneness

Ardhanarishvara represents the epitome of non-duality. The half-male and half-female form of Ardhanarishvara is a powerful metaphor for the inseparability and essential unity of Shiva (pure consciousness) and Shakti (primal creative energy or nature). The Ardhanarishvara form signifies the indivisible nature of Brahman, where the dualities of existence merge into an undivided whole.

The Cosmic Dance of Ardhanarishvara

The cosmic dance of Ardhanarishvara signifies the interplay between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). It illustrates how the pure consciousness (Shiva) and the creative power of nature (Shakti) are intertwined, cooperating to manifest the entire universe.

Shiva’s half represents transcendental consciousness, absolute stillness, and unchanging reality. Shakti’s half symbolizes dynamic creative energy, the perpetual motion of the cosmos, and the changing and manifest world. Their dance depicts the dynamic equilibrium between the unchanging and the ever-changing aspects of existence.

Consciousness and Nature as One

Brahman is the substratum of both consciousness and nature, and they are not independent entities. Consciousness and nature are not two separate realities but different manifestations of the same underlying Brahman.

In the context of Ardhanarishvara, the feminine aspect of Shakti is not distinct from the masculine aspect of Shiva. They are an indivisible whole, representing the inseparable unity of consciousness and nature. The form emphasizes that one cannot exist without the other and that they complement and support each other in the grand cosmic dance.

Transcending Dualities and Realizing Oneness

The profound wisdom of Ardhanarishvara teaches that transcending the apparent dualities of existence leads to the realization of Oneness. Just as the right and left sides of Ardhanarishvara coexist harmoniously, Advaita Vedanta encourages seekers to recognize the unity beyond all opposites – good and bad, joy and sorrow, birth and death. The right hand doesn’t oppose the left hand.

By understanding that all dualities are transient and illusory manifestations of Maya, one can go beyond the limitations of the mind and recognize the undivided nature of Brahman. This realization liberates the individual from the cycle of birth and death, leading to spiritual enlightenment (Moksha).

Ardhanarishvara embodies the profound concept of Oneness – the indivisible union of consciousness and nature, the undivided whole that transcends all dualities. The cosmic dance of Ardhanarishvara reveals the dynamic equilibrium between the unchanging reality of pure consciousness (Shiva) and the ever-changing creative energy of nature (Shakti).

One Divine Form

Ardhanarishvara stands as a powerful and unique concept in Hinduism, epitomizing the profound truth of Oneness. This divine form represents the inseparable union of the divine masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies, symbolizing the ultimate God, Param Shiva.

Through the half-male and half-female representation, Ardhanarishvara exemplifies the indivisibility and essential unity of Shiva and Shakti. The cosmic dance of Ardhanarishvara beautifully illustrates the interplay between pure consciousness (Shiva) and creative energy (Shakti), showcasing their harmonious cooperation in manifesting the entire universe.

Ardhanarishvara is a profound embodiment of the Advaita (non-dual) philosophy, revealing that the ultimate reality is beyond all dualities, transcending gender and distinctions. In this divine form, Shiva and Shakti are not separate entities; they are different manifestations of the same underlying Brahman.

The metaphor of Ardhanarishvara teaches us to transcend the apparent dualities of existence and realize the profound Oneness. By understanding that all opposites coexist harmoniously, seekers can go beyond the limitations of the mind and recognize the undivided nature of Brahman.

Sex or Gender?

It is essential to clarify that the concept of Ardhanarishvara in Hinduism should not be reduced to stereotyping gender roles, gender studies or even the idea of physical androgyny. Ardhanarishvara does not imply that men are women or vice versa. Instead, it conveys the state of indivision and oneness, akin to an undivided atom.

As creation begins, duality arises, and the cell divides instantly, representing the dual nature of existence. Ardhanarishvara symbolizes the cosmic principle of the interplay between consciousness (Shiva) and nature (Shakti), where both aspects are inseparable and essential for the balance and harmony in the universe.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand that Ardhanarishvara represents the profound state of non-duality, beyond any notions of actual sex or gender. It is a powerful metaphor for the unity and interconnectedness of all existence, guiding seekers to transcend dualities and realize the ultimate truth of Oneness.