SIVA is referred to, in the Nath literature and much of ancient Indian literature as – The Absolute One, Supreme Spirit, the Ultimate reality behind all phenomenal existence or the changeless, differenceless, nameless, formless, self luminous, non-dual one. All these words define the One called Siva.

But the self-modifying self differentiating, self multiplying, dynamic source of all spatio-temporal relative phenomenal existences is referred to as SAKTI.

In case you are looking to deepen your understanding of the concept of Siva-Sakti, do also read our article on Para-Sambit, if you have not already read through it.

Our wordly experience exposes us to self expressions/Vilaasa of Sakti. The transcendent Siva, normally remains hidden to our senses. Even Sakti is hidden from us as we only experience her Vilaasa and not her directly. With our normal 5 senses we only perceive the multi form world, phenomenal world and its constant changes but are unable to understand what power creates this Universe, maintains, regulates, and organizes it and what goal it is moving towards – universally, however, our individual self is constantly looking to discover the answer. It is for this reason that the discovery of Siva-Sakti can be invaluable to the seeker.

In Siddha Siddhanta-Paddhati, Mahayogi, Guru Gorakshanath says –
Sivasya abhyantare Saktih Sakter Abhyantare Sivah
Antaram naiva janiyat candra-candrikayor iva

Translation as done by Akshaya Kumar Banerjea – ‘Sakti is immanent (innate within) in Siva and Siva is immanent in Sakti: see no difference between the two, as between the moon and the moonlight.’

To explain further, moonlight exists due to the moon and has no self existence. Similarly, the moon is evident only when the moonlight exists.

Guru Gorakshanath, says that Siva is eternal and infinite, existing beyond the plane of time and space. Siva is the seat of Sakti. Or, in other words, he can be seen as Sakti in the most concentrated, self focused, self conscious, self enjoying transcendent form without any self expression, self unfoldment resulting in actions or phenomenon.

Sakti is the self manifestation of Siva, a form of continuous evolution and involution of the multi faceted universe. Siva and Sakti are like the Body and soul.

Another way to define these 2 would be – Siva is Sakti in the transcendent plane and Sakti is Siva in the phenomenal plane. In his transcendent nature, Siva’s Sakti is avyakta or hidden in Him, in the phenomenal unfoldment and creation of the cosmos, he is the antaryami or indweller in the Sakti.

Without Siva, Sakti has no existence and without Sakti, Siva has no expression, manifestation and no self consciousness.

So Guru Gorakshanatha says –
Sivopi Sakti-rahitah saktah kartum na kincana
Swa-saktya sahitah Sopi Sarvaysa Abhasko bhavet
(S.S.P.IV.13)

Translation as done by Akshaya Kumar Banerjea – Siva bereft of his power is not able to do a single thing, but with his own power He becomes the absolute revealer (creator and illumine) of all orders of existences.

Siva experiences himself only when he is reflected in his Sakti which serves as a mirror.
The important point to note is that Siva carries the unique quality of being able to remain eternally absorbed in the enjoyment or Ananda of his differenceless, self luminescent, transcendent state and at the same time extend outwards to create, maintain and destroy the phenomenal universe.

Guru Gorakshanath says – Iti Atah Shaktiman – This proves that he must possess some power. He further says –

Ata eva ekakarah ananta-shaktiman nijanandataya avasthitah api nanakaratwena bilasan swa-prathistham swayam eva bhajati iti bhyavaharah,
Alupta-saktiman nityam sarvakaratya sphuram, punah swenaiva rupena eka eva avasishyate
(S.S.P.IV.12)

Translation as done by Akshaya Kumar Banerjea – Siva while dwelling in his blissful, differenceless, changeless state, playfully and effortlessly creates the phenomenal universe and enjoys the manifold expressions he creates. Hence, becoming both:
• enjoyer and what is enjoyable
• creator and created
• supporter and supported
• soul and body
• self and its expressions and so on

With his Sakti, Siva eternally manifests into infinite forms (Alupta-saktiman nityam sarvakaratya sphuram), but at the same time continues to remain the eka eva avasishyate – one without a second – or the changeless, differenceless, non-dual reality also called the Nirguna Brahma or Kevala Siva.

Guru Gorakshnath then says that it is in the state of Samadhi that one is able to experience the Nirguna Brahman. This is the experience that a seeker needs to set as the goal and it is the ultimate experience of a Maha Siddha.

But the self manifesting, self diversifying, cosmos of infinite forms, diversities and changes which is revealed to us in normal day to day life should not be denied or seen as an illusion. This phenomenal world exists as an expression of Siva-Sakti. So one must recognize both as 2 aspects of reality or what is termed as Kula-Akula.

Next I will be delving into Kula-Akula – Eternal Being and Eternal Becoming