Human life is a precious opportunity for spiritual development and self-realization to escape the cycle of rebirth. We must be constantly God-conscious in thought and action, with faithful, unconditional love. Our aim is to realize the universal Ātmā, not the individual soul bound by karma. Even divine beings exemplify spiritual pursuit; Śiva meditates on Viṣṇu's cosmic form, and Viṣṇu meditates on Śiva as pure consciousness. In a Himalayan tale, Pārvatī persistently asks Śiva why he wears a garland of skulls. He reveals they are her past skulls, kept out of love that transcends death. Distressed by her mortality, she begs for the secret of immortality. Śiva agrees but insists on strict conditions to prevent universal disruption. He renounces his companions, finds a secluded cave, and creates a ring of fire to ensure secrecy. As he teaches Pārvatī, she must stay awake and affirm each point. She falls asleep, but a parrot chick from a surviving egg listens and responds, receiving the immortal wisdom instead.
"Human life is given to protect all creatures, love God's creation, and attain self-realization, Mokṣa, Amaratattva."
"Pārvatī, I will make you, your body and your ātmā, your soul, immortal. But if you are a devotee of the Lord God, why are you scared?"
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
DVD 374