Ever since I first heard about shadow work decades ago, I've wondered exactly what it is. I always thought of deep abysses in the soul, traumas, taboos, secrets that you haven't shared with anyone because it's too shameful to talk about. I thought shadows are what we hide from ourselves and from others. And there's probably something to that idea. Now I've realized that shadows first appear somewhere else...
During the Chola Empire, the layout of Shiva temples was highly formalized. Based on the Agamas and Shastras, the temple was fully developed into a place in space, time, and consciousness where the microcosm and macrocosm mirror each other. When a temple is built, a site will be chosen, and it has to be indicated as auspicious. Often an unusually friendly encounter with the animal realm is considered a good sign. The site then has to be…
During the Chola Empire, the layout of Shiva temples became highly formalized. Based on the Agamas and Shastras, the temple was fully developed into a locus in space, time, and consciousness where the microcosm and macrocosm mirror each other. The study of the Irumbai temple, as a smaller temple that follows the strict rules of temple architecture and serves as a practitioner's temple, reveals its central role in a cluster of about two dozen temples in the vicinity. It follows the main principles of Vastu,…
I am slowly delving a little deeper into superficiality. Concepts I have absorbed from various knowledge systems like the Vedas, Agamas, and Shastras are slowly connecting. I see broad root systems. For example, how the 5 elements (water, fire, earth, ether, and air) as a starting point in the teachings of the Vedas further develop in Vastu or Ayurveda, thus into space and the body. I see how various knowledge systems intertwine in the temple, and how this is still reflected in contemporary art practice today...
I am fascinated by the synchronicities here in Auroville. The mental, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional spaces that intertwine here often do so over several days, seemingly effortlessly, intuitively, easily. I was exhausted. A friend had left his body, as they say here. The community had provided support for over a month, many had grown closer. In a small circle, the death ceremony Karumadhi was held, a specific type of puja on the 16th day when the soul leaves this world. For a few weeks...
Sacred spaces such as Catholic churches offer contemplation and silence. Temples in Italy, France, Greece and Egypt are impressive ruins that provide a connection to nature and history. The spirit of polytheism characterizes these places. OM expresses this.