Happy Maha Shivaratri

15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivaratri at The Sacred Grove Foundation is presented as an educational and contemplative observance that supports well-being, mindfulness, and personal reflection practices, and philosophical teachings originating from the yogic tradition. for people of all backgrounds.

The programme draws on teachings shared by Sri M, which explore universal themes such as self-awareness, emotional balance, ethical living, and inner resilience.

• Mental stillness and stress reduction

• Reflection on habits and behaviours

• Emotional resilience during change

• Cultivating compassion and simplicity

• Developing focused attention through meditation

A Night of Inner Awakening, Transformation & Stillness

Maha Shivaratri: The “Great Night of Shiva” is described by Sri M not merely as a religious observance but as a profound inner journey. It is a time for meditation, mantra chanting (contemplation), silence & self-understanding, where the individual moves from mental noise toward inner stillness.

While the night is traditionally devoted to spiritual practice, Sri M explains that its real meaning is timeless: every moment of life can become a Shivaratri when we turn inward.

Shiva represents:

• Shivam (Auspiciousness and inner bliss)

• Pure consciousness beyond mental constructions

• The silent witness within all beings

The teaching expressed in the phrase:

“Chidānanda rūpam Śivoham Śivoham”
(I am of the nature of consciousness and bliss; I am Shivam)

points not to personality but to inner awareness itself.

Why the Night of Shivaratri?

Night symbolises inwardness. When the world quietens, the mind can turn inward more easily.

To stay inwardly awake while the world sleeps is the deeper meaning of the vigil.

The real practice is not only for one night — every day can become Shivaratri when awareness is present.

Core Concepts from Sri M's Teachings

The following themes form the educational foundation of The Sacred Grove Foundation's Maha Shivaratri celebration. They are drawn from teachings shared by Sri M and are presented as reflective and educational principles applicable to everyday life.

1. Renewal Through Letting Go (Inner Transformation)

A central teaching describes Shiva's Tandava (dance of transformation) as symbolic of releasing outdated mental patterns and habits. Rather than destruction in a literal sense, it represents renewal and psychological flexibility.

Educational insight:

• People often live through repeated mental patterns.

• Growth begins when old assumptions are questioned.

• Learning to release unhelpful thought patterns supports emotional resilience.

This theme encourages reflective self-awareness and adaptability in modern life.

2. Developing Witness Awareness (Mindfulness and Attention)

Sri M describes spiritual practice as shifting from constant mental activity toward the position of a “witness” observing thoughts rather than being controlled by them.

Educational insight:

• Thought processes can be observed without judgement.

• Awareness improves decision-making and emotional regulation.

• Attention training supports mental clarity and calmness.

This aligns with contemporary mindfulness and well-being education.

3. Stillness and Mental Balance

Shiva is described symbolically as the “great yogi” seated in stillness, representing stability amidst change.

Educational insight:

• Physical stillness supports mental quietness.

• Calm observation can reduce reactive behaviour.

• Regular quiet practice supports concentration and well-being.

Participants learn practical techniques for cultivating calm attention.

4. Understanding Desire and Distraction

Teachings explore how continual outward seeking can create restlessness. Rather than rejection of daily life, the emphasis is on understanding patterns of desire and distraction.

Educational insight:

• Awareness of impulses improves self-control.

• Attention can be consciously redirected.

• Balanced engagement supports healthier choices.

This theme helps participants develop reflective habits and emotional maturity.

5. Symbolism as a Tool for Learning

Concepts such as Jyotirlinga (symbol of light) and mantra are explained as educational metaphors representing awareness, focus, and inner balance.

• The Jyotirlinga is described as a symbol of the infinite and the formless.

• Mantra repetition is presented as a method of focusing attention and calming mental activity.

Educational insight:

• Symbolic thinking can support introspection.

• Cultural traditions offer frameworks for understanding universal psychological experiences.

• Learning includes both historical and experiential understanding.

6. Simplicity, Ethics & Respectful Living

Sri M emphasises qualities such as simplicity, honesty, and non-harm as foundations for inner stability.

Educational insight:

• Ethical behaviour supports psychological well-being.

• Simplicity reduces stress caused by unnecessary mental complexity.

• Respectful interaction strengthens community harmony.

This theme connects contemplative practice with everyday ethical conduct.

7. Awareness of Impermanence and Resilience

Teachings on change and impermanence encourage participants to respond constructively to life transitions rather than resisting them.

Educational insight:

• Acceptance of change helps reduce anxiety.

• Difficult experiences can become learning opportunities.

• Perspective-taking strengthens emotional resilience.

This approach supports well-being and personal growth.

8. Human Potential and Inner Dignity

A recurring teaching is that every person carries an inner capacity for awareness and wisdom.

Educational insight:

• Participants are encouraged to see value in themselves and others.

• Inclusive respect for all individuals is emphasised.

• Spiritual ideas are presented as universal human possibilities rather than exclusive beliefs.

This supports social cohesion and mutual respect.

9. Practical Contemplative Skills

Participants are introduced to accessible practices such as:

• Quiet breathing awareness

• Mantra-based focus exercises

• Reflective silence

• Guided contemplation

These practices are taught as tools for concentration and mental well-being, adaptable to everyday life.

10. Integration into Daily Living

The teachings emphasise that learning does not end with the event itself.

Educational outcomes encouraged:

• Short daily moments of reflection

• Be simple and do not hold anything against anyone

• Let go of old mental patterns to create space for what is fresh and true

• Calmer responses to challenges

• Improved self-awareness in relationships

• Greater balance between activity and stillness

• Realising that the joy we seek outside is a small reflection of a deeper inner source

This helps ensure long-term public benefit through sustained well-being practices.

Maha Shivaratri practices from Sri M's teachings

This guided practice can be followed individually or offered as a structured session during Maha Shivaratri observances.

The timing is flexible (20–40 minutes) or can be continued through night based on one's capacity and time availability

[ 1 ] Preparation: Entering the Spirit of Maha Shivaratri Sadhana

• Sit comfortably with the spine naturally upright.

• Allow the body to settle.

• Chanting of Sri Guru Mantra is very beneficial. Om Hreem Sri Gurubhyo Namah:

• Take a few quiet breaths with full awareness. Ham Sau Kriya

In this video, Sri M shares insights into the significance of the Guru Mantra within the Kriya Yoga tradition, and the sacred role of the Guru in inner spiritual transformation. Drawing from the timeless lineage associated with Sri Guru Babaji, the teaching explores how the mantra serves as a reminder of inner guidance, discipline, and grace on the spiritual path.

In this video, Sri M, explains how the sincere practice of the simple 'Hum Sau Kriya technique', can yield immense spiritual benefits.

[ 2 ] Inner Tandava: Breaking Old Thought Patterns

Sri M describes Shiva's Tāṇḍava Nirta, the Cosmic Dance of Transformation, as the breaking of old inner structures. Tāṇḍava Nṛtya symbolises the dissolution of all that is outdated, constructed, or artificial, so that the new may arise naturally.

From the perspective of a yogi or spiritual aspirant, while Mahāśivarātri is celebrated once a year, inwardly every moment can be a Tāṇḍava, a continual process of renewal. Without letting go of old images, habits, and mental patterns, the mind cannot perceive what is fresh and true.

Practice

• Close your eyes and sit quietly in awareness.

• Thoughts and images will naturally arise.

• Notice how even thoughts, emotions, and reactions form patterns, structures built by the mind over time.

• Gently observe them and allow them to dissolve.

• Silently cut the chain — do not allow one thought to lead endlessly into another. Gently“cut them… break them… do not allow them to form a chain.”

• Then there is no "I" left to do anything. Everything created by the mind has fallen away. What remains is only stillness and bliss.

The ultimate Tāṇḍava happens when these mental structures fall away, leaving only the pure witness.

This pure witnessing awareness is Shivam, the state of Chidānanda Rūpa Śivoham Śivoham,

“I am of the nature of Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shivam. I am Shivam.”

Reflect that the structures, designs, and patterns we have created are not wrong in themselves — they often serve a purpose, yet they can also bind the mind, preventing it from recognising its own inner freedom and bliss.

When you feel ready, inwardly invoke Shiva's grace, asking for help in releasing old patterns, so that you may become inwardly free, open, still and expansive like Shiva.

This inner clearing creates the space in which true stillness can arise.

[ 3 ] Resting as the Witness

As thoughts quieten, remain aware without effort.

Sri M points to the state expressed as:

“Chidānanda rūpam Śivoham Śivoham”
(I am of the nature of consciousness and bliss; I am Shivam. I am Shivam.)

Practice

• Do not seek experiences.

• Simply notice awareness/knowing is already present, effortless, self-luminous.

• Rest as the silent witness.

Then you begin to perceive the beauty of life and nature that was always before you, yet unseen, because your awareness was enclosed within the structures you had created in the mind.

Anantam Ānandam Brahma, the infinite, boundless Bliss of the Absolute. In life, we experience small glimpses of this bliss from time to time and exclaim, ‘What a wonderful moment this is,’ often forgetting that these little drops arise from the great source within ourselves which is Shivam.

[ 4 ] Cultivating Simplicity

Shiva is described as Bhole Baba (the simple one).

Practice

Silently reflect:

• Be simple, do not hold anything against anybody

• Can I let go of inner complications?

• Can I sit without judgement or resistance?

Allow the mind to become simple and open.

[ 5 ] Observing Distractions Created by Desire Without Following It

Sri M explains that Kāmadeva (Lord of Desire) does not always appear in obvious or crude forms. Desire may come beautifully dressed — attractive, refined, even seemingly noble, yet still become a distraction for the spiritual aspirant.

As reflected in the teachings of the Yoga Vasistha, one of the important challenges for a yogi is learning to understand and transcend the pull of sense-based pleasure. For those not consciously walking a spiritual path, this may not be an issue, but for the seeker, it becomes part of inner discipline. This is one of the deeper symbolic teachings associated with Shiva.

Kāma does not merely mean sensual pleasure; it means desire itself. The movement of the mind is constantly seeking fulfillment outside. When the yogi begins to discover that the true treasure lies within, in silence and inward stillness, the hold of desire weakens naturally.

When the mind becomes quiet and turns inward, one sees that what was sought outside has always been present within. In that recognition, Kamadeva is overcome not by suppression, but by understanding and inner fulfillment.

Practice

1. Pause and Observe

When a strong desire arises, do not immediately follow or reject it. Simply pause and notice:

• What is the mind seeking right now?

• Is it comfort, recognition, excitement, or escape?

Observation itself begins the transformation.

2. See the Energy Behind the Desire

Instead of focusing on the object, feel the energy of wanting. Notice how it moves in the body and mind. Let it be seen without judgment.

3. Break the Chain Gently

If thoughts begin building stories around the desire, quietly return to the breath or awareness. Do not allow one thought to create another endlessly.

4. Turn Attention Inward

Close the eyes and rest awareness in the heart or between the eyebrows. Ask inwardly:

• “What remains if I do not chase this thought?”

5. Taste Inner Quiet

Even a few seconds of inner stillness reveals a subtle contentment that is not dependent on anything external.

6. Offer the Desire

Inwardly offer the desire to Shiva, symbolically allowing the fire of awareness (Third Eye of Shiva) to purify it rather than suppress it.

Contemplative Reflection

True victory over desire is not denial but discovery, realising that the joy we seek outside is a small reflection of a deeper inner source. As this understanding matures, desires lose their urgency, and stillness begins to blossom naturally.

[ 6 ] Inner Alignment: The Trishul Symbol

Sri M explains that the Trishul of Shiva is not merely a weapon but a profound yogic symbol. The central straight prong represents the Sushumna Nadi, the inner central channel, often called the Brahma Danda. The two side prongs symbolise the Ida and Pingala nadis, the energy channels on either side.

A yogi who holds the Trishul steadily symbolises one whose inner axis is steady, the spine upright, awareness centred, and energy flowing harmoniously towards Shivam. In this spirit, monks of the Dasanami order traditionally carry a staff representing the Brahma Danda, signifying inner alignment and discipline.

The teaching reminds us that spiritual steadiness begins with inner awareness. When the energy flows smoothly along the central channel, it is balanced and the mind naturally becomes tranquil. The practise of Kriya Yoga helps in this process.

Practice

• Sit with a straight spine
  Let the body be upright yet relaxed, as though a subtle staff supports you from within.

• Observe the breath
  Notice the natural flow between left and right nostrils, representing Ida and Pingala.

• Bring awareness to the centre
  Gently rest your awareness along the spinal axis, sensing a quiet, luminous central channel rising toward Shivam at the crown of the head.

• Remain steady
  As thoughts arise, return to stillness like holding the Trishul unmoving.

• Rest in balance
  Feel the harmony of opposite forces settling into a quiet centre.

Contemplative insight:

When the inner Trishul becomes steady, energy is no longer scattered outward; awareness rises naturally toward stillness and clarity.

[ 7 ] Letting Go and Resting

Sri M refers to the Upanishadic idea of:

“Tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā.”
(Let go and rejoice.)

Practice

For a few minutes:

• Stop all effort.

• Stop reaching for experiences.

• Rest in simple presence.

[ 8 ] The Panchakshara Mantra — Om Namaḥ Śivāya

On the sacred occasion of Mahāśivarātri, this meditative chant of Om Namah Shivaya is offered as a space for inner stillness, devotion, and self-reflection. In this recording, Sri M guides us into the contemplative vibration of the mantra, a timeless invocation associated with Lord Shiva, symbolising transformation, silence, and the awakening of inner awareness. The chant may be used for meditation, quiet reflection, or as a supportive spiritual practice during Mahāśivarātri and beyond.

🌑 About the Chant

Om Namah Shivaya is traditionally understood as a mantra of auspiciousness, purification, and inner awakening. The repetition of the mantra helps calm the mind and deepen meditative absorption. Maha Shivaratri is observed on the dark night of the lunar cycle, a sacred time dedicated to introspection, inner awakening, and remembrance of the Higher Self.

🕉️ How to Use This Video

• Sit comfortably with a straight spine

• Listen quietly or chant along gently

• Allow the sound to guide the mind inward

• Observe silence for a few moments after the chant ends

May this chant bring peace, clarity, and devotion to all sincere seekers.

Sri M Chants Om Namah Shivaya