Hinduism’s poetic mythology presents us with a visual representation of change, and, ultimately, death in the form of the Goddess Kali — the mother of us all. With her fangs dripping blood, her skirt made of severed arms, her necklace of skulls, her wild and matted hair, the primal look in her eyes, and her long, curling tongue, she makes quite the impression — one that most would indeed have many running to hide in fear, as escaping were possible — of which, we all know, it is not. Her husband, and our father, Shiva, is the one who creates and protects the Universe. Shiva is form, and Kali is the destroyer of form. Kali, as depicted above, is often seen dancing wildly on the corpse of her husband, Shiva. Like the Chinese yin and yang, Shiva and Kali are another poetic representation of the countless ways that duality of complementary opposites presents itself in form — i.e., darkness and light, space and matter, in and out, you and I — which are sustained beautifully and lovingly within this One, Unchanging, Non-Dual Reality — a reality of which neither birth nor death can effect, as they are happening within this and because of this; a Reality, while remaining unseen, unknown, unmoved and completely independent, is still present individually within each being doing what must be to accomplish its will — should it even have one. The Tae Te Ching illustrates this often, saying in Chapter 2, “What is and what is not create each other."  In other words, beyond all language, thought, and definition, things are as they are, no more and no less.

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“When everyone in the world sees beauty,

Then ugly exists.

When everyone sees good,

Then bad exists.

Therefore:

What is and what is not create each other.

Difficult and easy complement each other.

Tall and short shape each other.

High and low rest on each other.

Voice and tone blend with each other.

First and last follow each other.

So, the sage acts by doing nothing,

Teaches without speaking,

Attends all things without making claim on them,

Works for them without making them dependent,

Demands no honor for his deed.

Because he demands no honor,

He will never be dishonored.”

 

-Tao Te Ching, Chapter 2

 

“Thirty spokes join at one hub; emptiness makes the cart useful.

Cast clay into a pot; the emptiness inside makes it useful.

Cut doors and windows to make a room; emptiness makes the room useful.

Thus, being is beneficial, but usefulness comes from the void.”

 

-Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11

 

“Stop thinking, and end your problems.

What is the difference between yes and no?

What is the difference between success and failure?

Must you value what others value,

and avoid what others avoid?

How ridiculous!

 

Other people are excited,

as though they were at a parade.

I alone don't care,

I alone am expressionless,

like an infant before it can smile.

 

Other people have what they need;

I alone possess nothing.

I alone drift about,

like someone without a home.

I am like an idiot, my mind is so empty.

 

Other people are bright;

I alone am dark.

Other people are sharp;

I alone am dull.

Other people have purpose;

I alone don't know.

I drift like a wave on the ocean,

I blow as aimless as the wind.

 

I am different from ordinary people.

I drink from the Great Mother's breasts.”

-Tao Te Ching, Chapter 20​

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Often, those anticipating eternal heaven with an extraordinary God are still terrified of death. Likewise, many have rejected faith for a more nihilistic view, eventually leading them to a deep depression. Many seek to understand the world through scientific investigation, neglecting the most significant investigation. Going beyond the limitations of faith, fear, reason, and intellect, we can discover our true identity and the nature of this reality through self-inquiry. Knock, and the door will open!

 

It is here, it has been here, and it will be here. There is nowhere new to go, and there is nowhere we can go where it is not. Philosopher and author Alan Watts said, “We do not "come into" this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree.” When we look at a leaf, we can see how it was in the tree all along. When observing the tree, we can see within each branch and leaf the one seed from which it has arisen. In this seed, we can see the soil, the water, and ultimately the entire universe — in which each element rests upon one another. The space within which all is happening remains a great mystery. 

 

 

Everything born will someday die, be it the beautiful trees and flowers around us, those we love with which we share precious moments, or the one we love most of all who is looking back at us in the mirror. That Great Mystery remains. Remembering this can draw us into a more prosperous communion with one another and the world around us. The present moment is both fragile and powerful, as are we. What we do now continues to shape the environment we all share. What others do to complement our contributions is out of our control. How we respond is not. Remembering death can remind us how precious and intimate life is. Remembering death can help us love ourselves and all others with a greater appreciation more often as we continue to awaken to the unchanging, all-present love of that which is — a love that builds strength for discovery while challenging us all to come together while standing firmly and independently with fierce, fearless, radical, and bold acceptance.

 

Jai Kali Ma!

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Thank you to each artist for the gift of your music. If you’ve discovered anything that turns you on, don’t be afraid to go deeper. If you feel led, please support them any way you can, and if they've sailed on, share their legacy with everyone you love.​