Nataraja Dances at Year's End

Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja) on view at the Norton Simon Museum


I figured that Paideia would celebrate the New Year with images of Shiva Nataraja, of which the Los Angeles area is fortunate enough to have a few awesome sculptures, some that date to about a thousand years ago. Why Nataraja? Because he symbolizes the destruction of the old era and the initiation of the new.

So let us take inspiration from the image, letting go of those thoughts or habits that brought us down in 2011. Let's enter into 2012 with a fresh approach to life, a renewed sense of purpose and value, a desire to cultivate virtue. Let the New Year be an opportunity to change your life for the better.

That may be a high hope, necessarily vague, but it is an attitude that I hope will lead me well in treading the path of a fulfilling life.

Shiva as the Lord of the Dance on view at LACMA

Happy New Year!!! May 2012 bring you prosperity and joy!!!

And here are a few vids:

Nataraja Dance, performed by the Danzananta Dance Company

"Nataraja" by Jai Uttal

Ancient Art Podcast discussing the iconography of Shiva Nataraja

Enjoy!!!