Observations placeholder
Shaivism - Concepts and symbols - Heroes and demigods
Identifier
022482
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A hero is an active participant in the Great Work, who, by doing as opposed to just contemplating, contributes through his or her skills and active participation.
A description of the experience
Alain Danielou – Gods of Love and Ecstasy: The traditions of Shiva and Dionysus
ln Shivaite Tantrism, "hero" (vira) is the name given to initiates who through practising Yoga, have acquired the strength to dominate, both the physical world and the subtle world of spirits. Thus they are able to vanquish the gods and to conquer heaven. These are the men who have become demigods. In Aryanized Shivaism both Hindu and Achaean, a divine origin is often attributed to heroes or supermen, who accomplish wonderful deeds and are finally received amongst the gods.