Convergence

From atomic structures to the trillions of cells that compose each one of us, every human being shares a divine connection to the universe. Every element found within the human body originated in stardust.The celestial bodies of our world influence our lives, our interactions with nature, our dispositions.

We evolve—sharing atoms, elements, cells, bodies, emotions, morals, ancestors, traditions.

We witness—endless creation, preservation, and destruction.

Within us all is eternal, infinite masculine and feminine energy.

In my exploration of Hindu stories, history, and teachings, I found this duality’s ceaseless presence. I learned not only of Lord Arjuna’s valor, but his humility. I read about Lord Rama’s prowess as a warrior and his righteousness. I learned of King Krishnadevaraya’s honor and his compassion. I understood Kunti Devi’s selflessness, but also her intelligence. I saw not only Kali Devi’s fierceness, but her maternal love and protection. The stories of Rani of Jhansi highlight both her skill on the battlefield and her compassion as a ruler.

Ardhanarishvara, the dual form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Devi, shows us that no creation, preservation, or destruction can occur without the convergence of the divine feminine and masculine energies within us all.

Expansive skies, cleansing fire, and the brilliance of the Sun. The divine masculine reflects the strength, power, and physical ability of the body to take action and to protect. Connection to this energy symbolizes the incredible ability of the mind to solve problems through logical, analytical thinking, and to tie to the physical form.

The divine feminine is empathy, emotional awareness, and intuition. Closely tied to the earth and moon, the feminine spirit is grounding, empowered, and receptive. The heart, the soul, and cycles of life. I was taught as a child that rooted deep in our culture is a deep reverence and awe for the divine feminine energy—shakti.

The most powerful aspect of divine feminine energy is the ability to create and give life. Shakti, with the force of a rushing current, is the agent of change, the power innate within women to give life.

My mother (Amma) is the perfect representation of these energies in my life. She filled my childhood with warmth and flowing love. I remember streaming rays of morning light illuminating our bedroom, where my stuffed animal friends and I slept on a mattress right next to hers. She would dutifully hold my small hand until I fell asleep, telling me of Little Krishna’s antics and Lord Shiva’s divine dances. She held me for hours, her arms tired yet strong. She would chase me as a toddler with undying energy to get me to eat, despite a lack of sleep the night prior with my newborn younger sister. With maternal intuition, her physical strength, and love, she was able to protect and nurture my sister and I.

As I entered my teenage years, her role of strength continues to be shown as she maintains the traditions she was raised with in our household, despite living in a foreign country with different customs. Born and raised in the USA, I am strongly influenced by American culture, and without my mother there to teach me the ceremonies, rituals, and practice she wanted me to uphold, I would have experienced a strong disconnect in my South Indian identity. This was no small feat—to preserve and maintain duties and tradition requires a great deal of determination and reverence for the spiritual meanings behind them.

She is the divine masculine—strong, intelligent, and enduring. She is the divine feminine—loving, gentle, guided by intuition. She created me through her sacrifices, breathing into me energy and life.

The concept of an overflowing, powerful spiritual energy is overwhelming to comprehend. In our world of materialistic illusions and maya, it is difficult to see the interconnectedness of everything all at once. As humans, we constantly seek to understand. We have an innate curiosity and a burning desire to comprehend how the world works, yet it is extraordinarily difficult to fully grasp the infinite depth of the universe.

But in this swirling unknown, I am slowly learning how to see the divinity in us all.