Our interpersonal relations are profoundly affected by our nature and attitude.

        Whether in a family, country or workplace, people have to live in a team.

        But it is common to hear people complaining about others on their team.

        This leads to frequent intolerance and bitterness. A relevant lesson however is

        commonly seen in India - though how many of us observe it, that anyone of any

        faith can easily observe.

               I mean the tableau of Lord Shiva's family. The important lesson that the

        Shiva Family gives us is togetherness and tolerance, despite fundamental

        differences.

                If we observe Lord Shiva, Himself, we see the Holy Ganga on His Head,

        and a Snake around His Throat. Mother Ganga is the source of Life, whereas the

        serpent is the symbol of Death. They are opposites, but exist peacefully on Shiva.

        Similarly we believe there is 'Amrit' on Shiva's tongue, but 'Vish' (the poison he

        drank to save the world) hereby coloring his throat blue, which is why we call Him

        - 'Neelkanth'.

                Now observe the Vahan (vehicles) of two sons of 'Shiva-Parvati'.

        Ganesha's Vahan is a 'Mouse' and Kartikeya's Vahan is a 'Peacock'. Both

        creatures are natural enemies of the Snake, but how peacefully they reside

        together.

                Look further at the Vehicles of the Divine Couple itself. Shiva's bull 'Nandi'

        and Parvati Ma's carrier the Lion, lie down peacefully together though they are

        ardent enemies by nature. Isn't it?

                In short, the whole concept of 'Shivalaya' gives us, an important life 'truth'.

        So to make this world work, we need to be tolerant of each other, accept our

        differences and live in harmony.

                And the peace we find in 'Shivalaya' is only possible because of the

        personality of Lord Shiva who gives us abundance to the world, but Himself lives

        like a Yogi on the Ashes, despite being the Head of the 1^st family.

                                        write to me on: harsh@ganeshchaturthi.com

Om Namah Shivay