Anumita talks about parenting, with special reference to Autism. Read her column about how to care for special needs children, as we in Different Truths, join the cause of Autism Awareness month, in April. Sound sensitivity is a very common phenomenon for Autistic people. They often find it difficult to listen to the pitch of sounds and would react by either covering their ears or by uttering some sound themselves. Then, there is just the opposite case. Some ignore or block sound to such an extent that people may think them to be deaf. And there are those in between. Broadly there are five types of sound sensitivities that she describes in detail, previously published in Different Truths on April 10, 2017.
“Varun always covers his ears when we passed near the old temple,” Minu told Asha. “I have told him that this is disrespectful, but he would not listen. He has become very obstinate.” Minu and Asha had become friends during their waiting time for the bus. Minu worked in the school where Varun studied.
Asha touched Varun’s head and smiled. She got down on her knees, while they waited for the bus to arrive. She had noticed Varun’s distraction and often wanted to talk to him. What Minu did not know is that Asha was a special education teacher. She worked with children in her school who had special needs. Varun was in pre-school and his teacher has been a bit worried about him at school.
After a while, Asha took out her phone and played a mild ring tone, and looked at Varun. He smiled. Then, she played a jarring tone. Instantly Varun covered his ears. Asha switched it off. Although the music was jarring, it was not so loud to cause someone irritation, but Varun was distressed.
Asha told Minu that Varun has sound sensitivity. Minu eyes became moist and few drops spilt. She confined in Asha that she knew that things are different for Varun and she had told her husband that Varun needs a thorough check-up but her husband is in denial. Asha kept a sympathetic face. “Minu, I think Varun needs to be checked by a child psychologist, he needs help.” Asha just kept looking and gave a slight nod. Encouraged by the slight signal, Asha gave her the name of the school psychologist and child behaviour specialist.
Later, Varun was diagnosed to be on the spectrum of Autism, with high sound sensitivity.
Sound sensitivity is a very common phenomenon for autistic people.
They often find it difficult to listen to the pitch of sounds and would react by either covering their ears or by uttering some sound themselves. Then, there is just the opposite case. Some ignore or block sound to such an extent that people may think them to be deaf. And there are those in between. Broadly there is five type of sensitivity: Hyperacusis- sensitivity to all environmental sounds; Hypersensitivity of to a particular frequency, this which may or may not be associated with autism; Recruitment- often due to damaged hair cells in the ear; Phonophobia – a fear of specific sounds, e.g. bells or washing machines or other motorized sounds, and Misophobia – getting disturbed by specific sounds made by a specific person.
For children, especially, it is the parents’ and teachers’ duty to formulate strategies to see that children with sound sensitivity are not upset. That would not mean to keep all quiet, it would mean slowly get the child acclimatized to his or her phobias and issues.
In the case of Varun, jarring bells caused him anxiety. So, Asha asked Minu to buy different bells. To start with small and soft chiming ones. Let him ring them. Then once he gets used to that sound, Varun can go up a scale and get a bigger one and learn the sound and get used to its pitch and decibel. Anxiety level decreases as the child becomes exposed to the sounds that bother them but should not be used too much that they suffer a sensory overcharge.
Varun’s mother decided to use another walking route to the school bus stop for few days. Then, once a week she chose the temple route. This gave Varun a break and got him that quiet space and time. She decided to give him earplugs the days she knew it is going to be very loud, as the temple often had occasions when they had loudspeakers blaring.
These strategies helped Varun get comfortable with his surrounding sounds. He received help from the school and got to work in his classes.
Our world is a very noisy place for everyone but for children, who have sound sensitivity with autism, have a tough battle to fight every day. We can do our part to help to reduce their pain a little.
©Anumita Chatterjee Roy
Picture sourced by the author
Decoding Shiva
Shiva is the most potent and enigmatic Hindu god. Every civilization, every culture, and every
individual require some kind of symbolism as inspiration. Shiva’s symbols have deep significance
beyond the realm of religion. Shiva is also known as Shankar, Mahadev, Mahesh, Rudra, Natraj,
Bholenath, and Chandrashekhar. Shiva means “The Auspicious One.” Every moniker represents a
different aspect of his character and the virtues he symbolizes. In a similar vein, character credibility
stems from our awareness of our various aspects and good traits.
Shiva is referred to as “Adiyogi,” which translates to “the first yogi.” The first person to embrace yoga
and meditation as a way of life was Shiva. He demonstrated how-to live-in peace with nature as an
Adiyogi. In addition, he lived in an ascetic manner and studied the science of consciousness in great
detail.
Shiva is also referred to as the Destroyer or Transformer. He is the Destroyer of Darkness. The deeper
meaning is that with self-awareness, self-awakening, and self-control, we can defeat our inner
demons and accept the shadow inside. We may turn the darkness inside and around us into light by
working on ourselves.
The Core values are Courage, Detachment, Equality, Honesty, Humility, Innocence, Justice, Respect,
and Self Control are qualities that Shiva embodies. This stands for the ideals that all people should
strive to live by.
Shiva stands for the Harmony of Forces. Shiva is fundamentally Shakti, or power. The underlying idea
is that each of us possesses an equal amount of both feminine and masculine energy. We become
genuinely strong and influential when we honour the masculine and feminine aspects of ourselves
and those around us.
Shiva is known for having a third eye on his forehead. Although the pineal gland is represented by
this, the greater meaning is the awakening of consciousness. We can attain higher states of wisdom
and consciousness by opening our third eye. Starting a spiritual path toward enlightenment is
another meaning of opening the third eye. It’s the very symbol of empathy .. that tells us that we are
all one, humanity is one .
The Snake around his neck; Ego is symbolized by the snake. When we control our ego, it turns into a
valuable asset that defines who we are and is worn like an ornament. The ego can harm us if it is
allowed to run wild, just like a snake. In addition, the snake is coiled around Shiva’s neck three times,
signifying the three phases of time that humans pass through: past, present, and future.
The Trident, also referred to as the Trishul, is Shiva’s weapon. . The three prongs of this spear stand
for the Three States and the Three Powers. The three abilities are Action, Knowledge and Will. Our
aims can be accomplished when these powers are in harmony. The three states that humans
experience are truly the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and sleeping.
The Moon Crescent: The moon nestled on Shiva’s hair is a symbol of a tranquil mind. It represents
how we can attain inner peace, self-control, and great accomplishments when our minds are as clear
and peaceful as the moon. It basically means taking control of one’s own thoughts.
From Shiva’s matted locks flows the Ganges (or Ganga) river. The Ganga is a river that is associated
with both life-giving purity and cleanliness. The underlying meaning is one of flow: the flow of
knowledge, the flow of energy, the flow of purity. It implies that, just as a river flow with time,
energy, and change, so too can we utilize flow in our daily lives.
The Trident’s associated drum is known as Damru. It stands for the cosmic sound energy, which is the
force of words and mantras that surround us with beats, rhythms and vibrations. Wave-based energy
is sound. The deeper message is that, like sound waves, we can elevate our own inner vibrations.
Om Namah Shivaya is a potent mantra recited by Shiva. Om is the initial vibration in the universe,
and Namah signifies bowing. This mantra is a journey to discover and comprehend who we are; it is a
moment to spend with our inner selves and our most fundamental selves. The phrase “I bow to my
inner self” is this mantra’s deeper meaning.
Shiva’s body is covered with ashes, signifying that he is an ascetic. It stands for the ultimate fact,
which is that everyone will eventually experience death. The ashes serve as a reminder to maintain
our humility and sense of realism while acknowledging the passing of life.
Shiva only dresses in tiger skins. It represents both bravery and disengagement from worldly
possessions. The tiger is a symbol for inner strength, power, and resilience; the deeper meaning is
about one’s inner might.
Rudraksha is another name for the beads that Shiva wears around his neck and hands in the style of
a rosary. These holy beads, which are made from dried seeds, represent focus and purity. It
represents the process of sanctifying the mind via meditation.
Nandi , Shiva’s bull has long been associated with righteousness in India. Shiva’s figure on the bull
just signifies that you possess the infinite, innocent consciousness when you are truthful and
virtuous. Nandi symbolises patience and fortitude.
Shiva is represented by blue skin, which is boundless like the sky. The colour blue represents the
limitless, formless infinity that permeates everything. Though it is shapeless, knowledge is present in
every single particle in the universe. Shiva fills the entire globe. Blue was therefore used to symbolize
infinity.
A Linga is a sign for identification that helps you determine what reality is. What is the process of
determining the gender of a newborn? Just one body component can be used to determine if the
baby is a male or a girl. Due to this, the genital is also referred to as a “linga” in India. Thats the
significance of the Shiva Linga.
Shiva, represents a mystic who has mastery over oneself, has nothing to prove, and is capable of
intentionally directing energy. Shiva was essentially the first yogi to master the mind, harmonize the
energies, and get access to true power.
Shiva is seated on a tiger’s hide, this ascetic had a third eye, a blue throat, and a moon resting atop
his head has been often described as pure consciousness of a still mind .
Shiva is a place of extreme quiet and solitude where all mental activity dissolves. When you find your
centre, you realize that divinity is all around you. When you meditate, this is what transpires. Beyond
the states of waking, profound sleep, and dreams, Shiva is the fourth state of consciousness, or the
meditative state. Shiva is the universally existent, non-dual mind. Shiva is chidanandarupa, the
consciousness of absolute ecstasy.
A passage in Sanskrit states that tolerance and yoga, tapo-yoga-gamya, are the paths to knowing
Shiva, the happy, innocent condition of consciousness. Shiva cannot be experienced without yoga.
Yoga is more than just poses. It refers to the awareness that can be experienced by breathing
exercises and meditation.
Mantras are energetic sounds that have the power to raise subtle energy and consciousness. During
meditation, mantras are those sounds that come from deep within. Reverting to the source is the
intention behind these sounds.
Every mantra has a unique energy and resonance. “Om Namah Shivaya” has been chanted by people
for countless years. Among the most potent mantras is this one. “Na-mah-shi-va-ya” is composed of
five sounds, each of which stands for one of the five elements of creation: earth, water, fire, air, and
space. All that exists, including the human body, is composed of the five elements.
“Om” has multiple meanings and is a symbol for the life force. “Om” denotes love and serenity.
Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” is a way to harmonize the five elements in the environment since it
represents the life energy found in all of the elements. Joy is the result of harmony, love, and serenity
existing in all five components.
Shiva’s Dance
There is only one Creator and one creation. Just as dancing arises from the dancer, creation arises
from the creator.
One exquisite form Shiva has been bestowed with is that of Nataraja, a figure depicted dancing in
pure pleasure. This image’s essence is so lovely and distinctive.
Shiva makes the courageous abhaya mudra with one of his hands during the dance. Thus, there is
nothing to be afraid about. Let go of your concerns. Be content.
The other hand points to the dancers’ feet by reaching over and bending slightly downward. What is
meant by that? It implies: Move! Celebrate and rejoice! In life, walk with confidence and a level head
while remaining humble. Arrogance does not always mean lack of fear. It so implies to be
straightforward and natural, free from fear without turning stiff with ego. It serves as a reminder that
you already possess all you require. The deeper meaning behind Shiva’s depiction in a happy dance is
this.
Furthermore, the cosmos as a whole is a single consciousness dancing. The manifestation of nature
in all its diversity and magnificence is one’s awareness dancing. Thus, the dance of consciousness is
this limitless creation. Shiva is the one who gave birth to everything in the universe and who is all-
encompassing.
Shiva can be seen balancing on the demon of ignorance, Apasmara, while raising one leg in this well-
known stance. This dance represents the ebb and flow of life and is more than just an artistic
expression. It’s a story told through movement.
Standing on a lotus pedestal, he is encircled by a ring of fire, elevating his left leg (or, in rare
instances, his right leg) and balancing/trampling atop a demon depicted as a dwarf (Apasmara or
Muyalaka), who stands for spiritual ignorance.
The Dance of Shiva is heavily cited by Fritjof Capra, who contends that modern physicists have
employed cutting edge technology to depict the cosmic dance’s patterns. “The images of Shiva’s
dance are as beautiful and profoundly significant as those of Indian artists, and the bubble-chamber
photos of interacting particles testify to the universe’s constant rhythm of creation and destruction.
Thus, he argues, “the cosmic dance metaphor unites modern physics, religious art, and ancient
mythology.” He claims that the two hands’ balance symbolizes the dynamic balance between
creation and destruction in the world. This is further highlighted by the Dancer’s composed,
detached face, which is located in the middle of the two hands and where the polarity between
creation and destruction is transcended. The left-hand points down to the elevated foot, signifying
freedom from the maya’s hold, while the second right hand is raised in the “do not fear” gesture,
signifying upkeep, protection, and serenity. Fritjof Capra adds that the god is depicted as dancing on
the body of a demon, which is a symbol of man’s ignorance that must be overcome in order to
achieve liberation.
The abhayamudra is a symbol of kindness, tranquility, protection, and the removal of fear. Nataraja, a
manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, is seen with his second right hand doing the abhayamudra,
which shields followers of dharma from ignorance and evil.
Shivaratri, or the Night of Shiva, is an ancient custom. The purpose of Shivratri, the night of Shiva, is
to serve as a reminder of the non-dual reality that forms the cornerstone of all creation.
You rest within yourself during Shivratri. You feel comforted by the darkness. No matter how
frustrated you are, frustration does not affect you while you sleep. You get relief from pain, misery,
annoyance, wants, and fears when you sleep. Since sleep relieves you of all of these feelings, it is
devoid of all of these emotions. It gives you comfort.
We are incredibly busy when we are awake. We have a lot of stuff going on right now. Moreover, we
go off to sleep and enter inertia when we are exhausted. However, there is a middle ground.
You come across the amazing, universal, limitless, and timeless aspects of yourself when you
intentionally rest in your being. Even though Shiva is eternal, he is referred to as the grand time. How
does meditation make you feel? The timeless quality is palpable. You discover that emptiness is full
of happiness when you take a swim in the empty space, that meditation is the path that brings us to
the experience of the Shiva principle, and meditation is that rest. You briefly realize that everything
in this magnificent universe is fleeting, like a dream. Everything in the universe is dreamlike, which
helps you realize that you are that boundless, unfathomable mind. You just have to let go of anything
that is bothering you. Shiva is both universal and personal, embodying an infinite contrast. Shiva is
beautiful, yet invisible. Every atom of what we see contains Shiva, and Shiva also exists in the
invisible. The night is what allows you to see infinitely. You can see the expanse of the universe at
night. The night displays the splendour of life.
Deep meditation relieves and uplifts you in the same manner that the night carries you on its lap and
calms all emotions, both positive and negative. Deep relaxation is the goal of meditation. To be
internally alert and to rest inside oneself is the essence of Shivaratri. Every Shivaratri serves as a
reminder to turn away from conflict and toward Shiva’s attributes of truth, beauty, serenity, and
kindness.
The Shiva-Sutras – An old book on living a happy life
We all have days when it rains. These times frequently put your inner fortitude to the test, offering
you the opportunity to emerge stronger. The age-old proverbs known as the Shiva Sutras assist you in
overcoming any negativity. They alter the inclination of the mind to ignore the good and cling to the
bad. They help us connect to the three facets of Shiva that reside within us:
Veracity – Satyam
Innocence – Shivam
Beauty – Sundaram,
Even at the darkest moments of life, they inspire you in these ways.
A thread is a sutra. What should you do if someone has fallen into a deep well? You launch a rope at
them. They ascend while clinging to the rope. You raise them up. That is the purpose of the Shiva
Sutras. These short, one-line sutras are meant to help you realize that bliss, joy, and light are the
genuine nature of who you are. The Shiva Sutras aim to fill the soul with bliss, as it is stated in the
Upanishads, “Life happens in joy and finds completion in joy.”
Shiva is a state in which the only thing there is the inner sky of awareness.
By Sohini Roychowdhury
Rishi Dasgupta.