Shiva: "The Nothingness That Created Everything — As Revealed by Sadhguru”

1. Shiva as “That Which Is Not”

One of the most striking ways Sadhguru describes Shiva:

> “The word ‘Shiva’ … means that which is not — a dimension which is not physical in nature.” 

“Only no-thing can be everywhere. Shiva means nothingness, ‘that which is not.’” 

In Sadhguru’s view:

Our senses detect the physical, the “some-thing”.

But there is another dimension—beyond what we can touch, see, name—the “no-thing”. That dimension is Shiva. 

When you touch that dimension, you have touched the source of everything.

➡ Implication for the seeker: If you are searching for meaning, depth, purpose — instead of looking only outward at “what is”, also inquire into “what is not”. That inquiry leads to Shiva.

2. Shiva as the Adiyogi — The First Yogi & Source of Yoga

Sadhguru often refers to Shiva as the “Adiyogi” (the first yogi) — the one who brought yoga to humanity. 

“The significance of the Adiyogi is he provided methods to evolve human consciousness that are relevant for all times.” 

In other words: Shiva is not simply a deity worshipped in temples — he is the principle of transformation, of consciousness evolving.

Yoga here is not just the physical postures — it is the tool to transcend physicality, limitations, to access that dimension of Shiva.

➡ For you: If you practice yoga (in any form) or meditation, the pure purpose isn’t only health or flexibility — it’s opening the doorway to this “that-which-is-not”.

3. Shiva as the Canvas of Existence

In one of his writings, Sadhguru uses a beautiful metaphor:

> “In this genderless scape does play / All that is this and that / Him and her, you and me / Don’t miss the canvas / In the play of multiple hues.” 

Here:

The “play of multiple hues” = the entire manifest world — people, emotions, events, nature.

The “canvas” = Shiva — the underlying dimension, infinite and formless, on which all of life is painted.

Noticing the canvas — instead of only getting lost in the play — is the key.

➡ Take-away: In your life, you’ll experience the colors, the drama, the relationships, the narrations. But the invitation is: also step back and sense the background — the ground of your being. That ground is Shiva.

4. Symbols and What They Point To

Sadhguru explains many of the classical iconographic symbols of Shiva as pointers to inner reality: 

The third eye: Not a literal extra eye, but the capacity of perception beyond survival. “You are able to see life just the way it is, not just the way necessary for your survival.” 

The snake around Shiva’s neck: The energies of life poised, under control — “the energies have hit the peak.” 

The blue throat (Neelakantha): Handling the poison of unconsciousness, prejudices, ignorance — thereby becoming the one who is free. 

➡ Reflection: When you see the icon of Shiva — it is not only a decoration. It is a map. Each symbol points inward to what can happen inside you.

5. Why Shiva Is Relevant Today

You might wonder: “This sounds mystical, but how is it relevant to my everyday life?” Sadhguru has a clear answer.

He says Shiva’s methods are timeless — not bound by a historical era, ritual, or culture alone. 

In today’s fast-changing world, when mental noise, physical stress, existential confusion abound — the possibility of stepping into that which is not limited by circumstances is crucial.

Shiva isn’t a god “out there” waiting to be propitiated — he is the dimension you can come into, here and now. “Shiva is everywhere. If you are there, you cannot feel it. If you are not, that is all there is.” 

➡ Practical edge: When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, defined by roles/labels — it can be useful to ground yourself in something beyond all that: the dimension of Shiva.

6. How To Approach Shiva — A Simple Practice

Here is a simple approach inspired by Sadhguru’s teachings:

1. Sit quietly for a few minutes each day — allow your perception to soften.

2. Instead of thinking “I am this body/mind”, ask: What is the background of my being? What remains when all the labels drop away?

3. Use a breath-anchor or mantra (if you have one) to steady yourself — when you feel your identity dissolving, simply rest in the sense of awareness itself.

4. Observe the world — the “play of multiple hues” — but also occasionally turn your attention to the canvas. Don’t get lost only in the content.

5. Recognize that this is a long-term practice — Shiva is not a quick fix for surface problems. He is the dimension beyond them.

7. Concluding Thoughts

In sum, according to Sadhguru:

Shiva = the formless, timeless dimension behind all existence.

Shiva = not only a mythological figure, but the very opportunity of self-transformation and consciousness.

Shiva = as relevant now as ten thousand years ago, because human nature, seeking, longing remain unchanged.

When you approach Shiva not as something distant, but as a dimension you can step into — life begins to shift.