Shiva - by James H Bae (Hardcover)

About the Book

Shiva: Lord of the Dance recalls captivating ancient tales of kingly sacrifices, sinister plots, ghastly armies, spontaneous incinerations and plummeting rivers that threaten the planet. These are stories of otherworldly passions and celestial dancing, worthy of retelling again and again. Coupled with over 30 full-color illustrations, this attractive mini book eclipses traditional symbolism, exploring the very nature of this complex god and how he relates to us. For many of us, the mention of Shiva's name conjures up images of an ash-smeared ascetic meditating high in the Himalayas, a protector of Parvati and Ganesh, or a dancing, destructive god. In traditional art, he is seen sitting on a tiger skin rug, his long matted hair tied in a topknot, adorned by the crescent moon. But who is this mysterious figure, and what does he have to teach us?

Book Synopsis

Perhaps the best known of all Hindu deities is Shiva and known as a god of the people. He is also a god of paradox, appearing to live out two extremely contradictory lives. He is depicted in the Puranas as wild, recklessly austere and even ferociously destructive. At the same time we hear of his compassionate and merciful nature. The stories of this complex god, such as how he swallowed a pool of poison that threatened to destroy the world, make for an engaging and mystifying read! Shiva features generous illustration by both traditional and contemporary Indian artists.

About the Author

James H. Bae is a practitioner of both Hindu and Buddhist yoga systems. For years Bae has lived in India investing himself in his spiritual study and training as a monk. His primary areas of study include Oriental medicine, Hindu and Buddhist art, and Eastern philosophy and culture. Bae is the author of Darshan: Sweet Sounds of Surrender, Smaranam: A Garland of Kirtan, In a World of Gods and Goddesses: The Mystic Art of Indra Sharma, and a frequent writer for the Mandala diety mini-books. Bae currently writes and studies at his home in Hilo, Hawaii.