Mahashivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva

Mahashivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a special occasion in the Hard Light Center calendar. On Shivaratri, we keep vigil from dusk until dawn with pujas and meditation in honor of Shiva, the Lord of Yoga. Discussing the significance of this all-night event, Mark Griffin explains:

“Mahashivaratri is the fulfillment of a promise between the aspect of the Godhead that exists beyond infinity and that aspect of the Godhead we call Shiva. Once a year, and it has to do with an astrological condition, the curtain is pulled back. Anyone who cares to look, can see into the Beyond. Over the course of the evening, you will run into countless beings that are swimming along with you in this incredible stream.

It is said in this time and place in the world, that aspect of the Godhead known as Shiva is the current Protector of the world and the Protector of the human race. Shivaratri in this regard is like a peregrination. A peregrination is the dynamic of when a ruler shows themselves, walks naked among the people, within an arm’s length of anyone who cares to look – no guards, no pomp or circumstance. In that regard, it is like a revelation.

It is said that if one stays in perfect contact with the unfoldment of the connection throughout the evening, in the space between sundown and sunrise, a person can attain realization, can gain enlightenment. You should sit naturally throughout the evening. If there are particular spiritual practices you are studying at a given time, if there are blessings, the removal of obstacles you seek, capabilities that you are seeking in spiritual life, it is possible to ask. The idea behind this event is a powerful step forward, a boost in your life. To be clear, though, do not ask for anything that you don’t mean. It will occur.

Shivaratri is like a cosmic party. It takes place in all the planes. We will be flowing within and participating. The greater your skill, the greater your ability to move in the inner world, the more you’ll enjoy. The nature of Shiva is mercy, grace, and power. And there is virtually no being that is removed from that grace – so much so that he is said to be even the Lord of Hell, present in all heavens, especially fond of yogis—people who risk all to awaken.”

Please join us for all or part of this extraordinary celebration.