According to the principles of Brahma Kumaris, on the path of devotion, we celebrate festivals as memorials of significant events that occurred in the past. This path is also the path of ignorance and exploitation. As a result we have become bankrupt- in health, wealth, happiness, morals and values. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on that special day with rituals of fasting and jagran. There is also a spiritual dimension to celebrate this festival. Ratri means night but it is not the night as we know, which follows the sunset. It is the darkness of ignorance of the consciousness.
What is ignorance?
Their approach suggests that when we have forgotten who really am I? What am I? What is my purpose in life? (dharma and karma), When we forget that we are the master of our senses and instead let our atma (soul) become dependent on the sensuous pleasures for happiness. Second form of darkness of consciousness is coming under the influence of five vices – Ego, Anger, Greed, Lust and Attachment. As a result, all the systems which govern our societies (political, religious, economical & science) have become irreligious and unrighteous. Political system devoid of principles, business devoid of ethics, violence in the name of religion, inhumane science and mindless pleasures – indicates that we are living in darkness of ignorance and a world of falsehood. This is an ideal set up for the incarnation of God in order to transform, renew and rejuvenate this world in chaos.
What is ignorance?
Their approach suggests that when we have forgotten who really am I? What am I? What is my purpose in life? (dharma and karma), When we forget that we are the master of our senses and instead let our atma (soul) become dependent on the sensuous pleasures for happiness. Second form of darkness of consciousness is coming under the influence of five vices – Ego, Anger, Greed, Lust and Attachment. As a result, all the systems which govern our societies (political, religious, economical & science) have become irreligious and unrighteous. Political system devoid of principles, business devoid of ethics, violence in the name of religion, inhumane science and mindless pleasures – indicates that we are living in darkness of ignorance and a world of falsehood. This is an ideal set up for the incarnation of God in order to transform, renew and rejuvenate this world in chaos.
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is worshipped in the form of lingam, He is a spiritual being remembered as Jyotirbindu, Sat Chit Anand, A Point of Light, Almighty, Ocean of knowledge (Gnan Sagar). Shiva means auspicious and World Benefactor.
Message from God Shiva
“Maha Shivratri is the spiritual way of celebrating the incarnation of Shiva. Just as father is form of point of light, so is your form. Father is always a bodiless being (Sada Shiva). Remember me as I am, and what I am (Manmanabhav), and your sins will be burnt away and you will become pure divine beings.”
(Message and approach: Brahma Kumaris)