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25. ADORATION Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, Nepal |
The creative essence of Shiva is evident in the worship of the linga, phallus. The combination of linga and its embracing yoni, its female counterpart, like the union of man and woman, represents the creative seed and the nurturing womb-thus source from which all life springs in eternal enjoyment. This shaivite Sadhu wears a copper chastity belt and dreads wrapped in the form of a phallus sitting inside a yoni head base of sacred rudraksha beads. He plays brass cymbals and chants to Lord Shiva. Yogis believe one of the quickest ways to progress along the spiritual path is to engage in ascetic practices. This idea is similar to removing sin, except unlike the normal devote, the yogi aims to become so purified that he has a direct, unmediated vision of the divine in this life time, a goal that requires the most extreme of penance. |