Symbolism Of Shiva's Tandava Dance
"This world, with its movable and immovable objects, is nothing but the Cosmic Dance of Shiva (Shiva Tandava). This blissful Shiva Tandava is full of awe and wonder and is beyond human comprehension. The dualities of night and day, pleasure and pain, birth and death are endless. Just as birth and death are natural, so also is the existence of Dharma (righteousness) and Adharama (unrighteousness). When Dharma is on rise, Adharma is on decline and vice versa. Men and women are responsible for the rise and decline of Dharma and Adharma. Man. unable to realise the divinity within, is under the delusion that divinity is different from him." Sai Baba, SS. 12/99. p. 362
Sai's Messages On Shivaratri Day
"Resolve to eradicate hatred and restlessness. On this holy day of Shivaratri, develop the principle of love more and more." Sai Baba, SS. 4/2000. p. 105
"On this sacred Shiva-ratri day, develop love for the Divine within you. Continuously chant the Divine name. Do every act with love. This is the greatest Sadhana. The way of love will transform the world. Love is God. Truth is God. This is the message of Shivaratri. Understanding this, dedicate all actions to God and render selfless service to the people to redeem your lives." Sai Baaa, SS. 3/98, p. 61
"The lesson of Shiva-ratri is that devotees should foster good and sacred thoughts. They should be filled with godly thoughts. They should seek to become one with the Divine by reflecting on their inherent divinity. If you constantly chant the name of God, God realisation will come in due course." Sai Baba, SS. 3/98, p. 65
"Shiva-ratri comes once a year. But the auspicious qualities in you are always there. Constant repetition of the Lord's name at all times and all places is the message of Shiva-ratri." Sai Baba, SS. 3/96, p. 62
"He who has understood the truth that Shiva (God) and Jiva (individual) are one and the same is the true Brahmajnani (one who has known the Brahman). Shiva and Jiva are not different from each other as the same divine Atmic principle is present in both. One who has realised this truth is a true human being. The objective of human life is to understand this truth." Sai Baba, SS, 10/99, p. 261
"Today (12 February 1991) is celebrated as Shivaratri. Shi-va-raa-tri consists of four syllables. Numerologically, the three letters, 'Sa' 'va' and 'Raa' together make eleven. These eleven represent the five sensory organs, five organs of action (Karmendriyas) and the mind. These eleven organs are governed by the eleven Rudras. These eleven organs involve man in sensual desires and drag him down to worldly existence. Beyond these eleven is the Paramatma, the Omni-self. When one relies on the Supreme, he can master the eleven. No one should make any distinction between Shiva and Ranga or "Rama and Krishna, because the Divine is One, under whatever Names it may be worshipped. To worship one Name and revile another is not true devotion." Sai Baba. SS. 3/91. p. 61