Spring means change in the weather and new burgeoning happen. The spring flowers burgeon once the warm weather is around the corner. Burgeoning means growing, expanding and developing rapidly.
How are we affected with the advent of spring?
We are looking forward to the bright sunshine and the flowering of the fruit trees. The liturgical meaning of the Advent season is the dual coming of Jesus. In Roman Catholicism the traditional liturgical color for advent is violet; many Protestant denominations have also adopted blue or purple. Easter Advent is a major Christian celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, typically celebrated on a Sunday in spring.
It is a symbolic celebration of the second coming of Jesus. It celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. Spring also heralds the birth of Rama and we celebrate his birthday with prayers and joyousness. Rama, Vishnu’s avatar was born to remove the evil in the universe.
Again, I will write about the Visshudhi chakra, which when awakens, leads to purification of body, mind and consciousness. Visha means impurity, poison and Shuddhi means purification. The color of the chakra is violet and Rama is visualized as a blue God.
Now is the time for us to purify ourselves. The practice of Tattva Shuddhi will purify the tattvas (elements) which comprise our physical and spiritual body. The ether element is associated with the Visshudhi chakra and when we have cleansed our elements, we can actually feel the real spring. Visshudhi chakra is behind the throat pit. There is a story from the Puranas which illustrates the purificatory powers of the Visshudhi Chakra.
There was a churning of the ocean, because the Devas and the asuras wanted to raise the Amrita (nectar of immortality), and other treasures which were buried in the depth of the ocean. They used the Mount Mandara as the stirring of the ocean and the world serpent, Vasuki was the rope. The Gods held the tail and the demons held its head. Numerous treasures were thrown up and finally the Amrita rose up in a gold vessel.
However, the serpent, Vasuki spat out a poison which would destroy the universe. The Devas caught the poison in a bowl. They had no idea what to do with it, so they asked Shiva for help. Shiva being the God, who can never refuse a sincere Ask, drank the poison to the last drop. He did not swallow the poison; he held it in the Visshudhi chakra. He purified it with the practice of ujjayi pranayama and Jalandhara bandh. His throat became blue and he is also known as Nilakanthaya (the blue throated one).
What is the symbolism behind this story?
Our own negative thoughts and qualities are the demons; the Devas are the good qualities. The good qualities are understanding, compassion, mercy, wisdom, and devotion. Both qualities exist within us. We can always make a choice of which direction to go in. Either towards light or towards darkness. The serpent, Kundalini represents the lifetime that is at our disposal and Shakti brings the treasures up.
In the 21st Century, there is so much turmoil and toxic stress. We are engaged in an ongoing battle with the environment and earth. We therefore have to purify our Visshudhi chakra and if we do it collectively, we will be able to live in a world free of violence and environmentally friendly.
We will learn to practice Karuna. Karuna means deep empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others for their own sake, rather than for personal gain.
Aim Hrim Klim