RELEVANCE OF INDIAN MYTHOLOGY IN THE PURSUIT OF EQUILIBRIUM: RECKONING THE IMPACT OF THE CHARACTER OF SHIVA ON THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Abstract [English]

Maintaining balance in the restless 21st century, where human beings have become multitaskers, is vital. Some do the double duty to earn the necessities, while others overwork to afford luxuries. Even children are loaded with the indulgence of multiple activities in their schedule. From the binaries of home and office in social life to mind and body in an individual self, balance is one of the indispensable factors for leading a vigorous and peaceful life. It brings stability and consistency, and a stable mind effectively gains knowledge. Balance of mind can be achieved via various means, such as doing sports, dancing, crafting, practicing meditation or mindfulness, and so on. Yoga is one such medium that not only increases the capacity to acquire knowledge more efficiently but is also beneficial in keeping a person mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy, boosting overall productivity. It is also helpful in relieving stress, which is common nowadays. Yoga is believed to have originated from Shiva, an Indian mythological character and widely worshipped god in India, as he is also known as Adiyogi, which means 'the first yogi'. While Yoga is a trend around the globe, it originated and resides in the core of ancient India. For a better understanding of yoga, it becomes essential to understand the Indian culture, mythology, and the knowledge it provides. This article deals with Yoga's impact on building a healthy physical and mental environment for acquiring knowledge and how the character of Shiva helps in bringing balancing in life.