Dakshinamurti — 108 Names of Shiva

Dakshinamurti is the aspect of Shiva as the primordial Guru, the supreme teacher of all knowledge—spiritual, musical, and scientific. The name literally means 'the one who faces south'. In traditional Indian vastu and symbolism, the South represents death (Yama). By facing south, Shiva conquers death and turns it into a direction of wisdom and liberation. He is typically depicted sitting under a Banyan tree (Vata Vruksha), which represents the expansive nature of the universe. He is the 'Silent Teacher' who taught the four mind-born sons of Brahma (the Kumaras) the highest truth of the Self through the language of silence (Mauna-Vyakhyana) and the Chin-Mudra (the gesture of consciousness). This form of Shiva is the patron deity of students, seekers, and philosophers. Contemplating Dakshinamurti involves quieting the mind to hear the 'soundless sound' of truth. He represents the transmission of knowledge that goes beyond words and logic. When we meditate on this form, we are seeking the grace of 'Viveka' (discrimination) and 'Vairagya' (dispassion). He is the embodiment of the calm, meditative state that is necessary to perceive the subtle reality of the Atman. Dakshinamurti reminds us that the highest wisdom is already present within us; we simply need the stillness of the Guru's presence to recognize it.