Hari Aum.
I have never really been interested previously in the Tantra (in fact, I have generally been wary of it) but, for some peculiar reason, I found myself extremely drawn to Kala Bhairava in the past couple of days (and His worship is key in certain Tantra practices). As I had some extra time this week (being on annual leave), I took the opportunity to learn a little about Him and His worship (as mentioned in my previous post).
As I read about Bhairava and His consort Bhairavi, certain insights seemed to develop regarding Them and particularly with regard to the twin soul dynamic (this is still in the early stages, but I want to share my thoughts here).
In the Puranas, it is said that every human being is a manifestation of the Divine. Every man is said to be a manifestation of Shiva/Narayana, and every woman of Shakti/Lakshmi. This very much seems to apply to the twin soul dynamic. However, it is my observation that there is some similarity specifically between the energy of Bhairava and Bhairavi and respectively the divine masculine and divine feminine.
Bhairava symbolises truth, justice, and particularly tremendous strength and protection. Bhairavi symbolises truth, independence, compassion and strength.
In both, there is a balance between intense desire and the ability to control that desire. There is a fiery nature, a kind side and an intense cutting side. Most of all, between the Bhairava and Bhairavi, there is an intense all-consuming love and attraction. They are forms of the Divine of course, and so ultimately, They represent the Higher Self, the state of Self-Realisation that transcends our human consciousness.
There are various lineages of Tantra practitioners who worship Them in a multitude of ways, ranging from the performance of pujas and homams, and recitation of mantras and specific types of breathwork/pranayama. There are detailed ancient manuals which are said to contain conversations between Shiva and Parvati on the subject.
After my unexpected interest in worshipping Kala Bhairava, I have decided to educate myself a little on the Tantra, specifically related to Bhairava and Bhairavi. I am already a worshipper of Mother Kali, and Bhairavi is none other than Her. I also already worship Lord Shiva, and Lord Bhairava/ Kala Bhairava is one aspect.
I want to say to all twin souls out there-- I feel we have a connection with this particular divine aspect. We can continue of course to worship God/Truth/the Self in whichever way appeals to us (I will of course continue with my Narayana worship). But this is an interesting aspect of our nature in my view and I plan to delve into it further.
I had a dream two years ago about Shiva working upon a man (the details were hazy and I did not feel I knew him) who appeared to be a Shakta (Goddess-worshipper). I will not go into the details here but it seems to support my theory that twin souls have a connection with Shiva/Bhairava and Shakti/Bhairavi/Kali.
One manifestation of the protective aspect of the Bhairava nature in the twin soul dynamic, appears to be the twin souls attempting to protect other people (including possibly each other) from themselves. Over time, it becomes apparent that this is not at all healthy. Bhairava is truth, and we each have to be true to ourselves. I would say that the feelings between the twin soul pairs is like the connection between the Bhairava and Bhairavi manifestation of the Divine-- it is intense and all-consuming.
I am going to read a bit about the Tantra, reflect upon it, and write about some general aspects here (that can be useful for any spiritual seeker, including those like myself who are not following a Tantric path; the path of Tantra of course always requires a suitable Guru).
Om Sri ParvatiShivabhyam Namah.
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Hari Aum Tat Sat.
