Modern interpretations Lila (Hinduism)

the relation of purusa prakrti—the unfolding force of nature—becomes here relation of male female. expressed in siva temple in core image of sivalinga, expression of male (linga) , female (yoni) union. basic cosmogonic motif of unfolding or flowering cosmos expressed here in relation of male female, in terms of consciousness , intentionality (in concept of lila divine play of male , female). such, core saivite image of cosmogony flowering of consciousness , sexual union rather sacrificial act. theme resonates other hindu doctrines, such tantra , sakta.

the vendantic yogi never tires of stating kaivalya, isolation-integration , can attained turning away distracting allure of world , worshiping single-pointed attention formless brahman-atman; tantric, however—as normal child of world—this notion seems pathological, wrong-headed effect of malady of intellect. (...) eating sugar, ramprasad said, have no desire become sugar. let suffer toils of samsara seek release: perfect devotee not suffer; can both visualize , experience life , universe revelation of supreme divine force (shakti) in love, all-comprehensive divine being in cosmic aspect of playful, aimless display (lila)—which precipitates pain joy, in bliss transcends them both.

the basic recurring theme in hindu mythology creation of world self-sacrifice of god— sacrifice in original sense of making sacred —whereby god becomes world which, in end, becomes again god. creative activity of divine called lila, play of god, , world seen stage of divine play. of hindu mythology, myth of lila has strong magical flavour. brahman great magician transforms himself world , performs feat magic creative power , original meaning of maya in rig veda. word maya—one of important terms in indian philosophy—has changed meaning on centuries. might, or power, of divine actor , magician, came signify psychological state of under spell of magic play. long confuse myriad forms of divine lila reality, without perceiving unity of brahman underlying these forms, under spell of maya. (...) in hindu view of nature, then, forms relative, fluid , ever-changing maya, conjured great magician of divine play. world of maya changes continuously, because divine lila rhythmic, dynamic play. dynamic force of play karma, important concept of indian thought. karma means action . active principle of play, total universe in action, dynamically connected else. in words of gita karma force of creation, wherefrom things have life.