Perhaps this is because I’m naturally inclined to think with a “western” mindset, but I’m somewhat confused with the way the author differentiates Siva from our traditional views of “God” or “Lord.” The author says that Siva is different in that Siva is within us. Personally, I’ve felt that “God” is a distinct being, but is also within every person. I’m therefore not sure if they’re differentiating this western way of thinking by saying that Siva is completely within each person’s Self instead of only partially. I like how Shantananda claims that we carry out Siva’s “dance.” This makes me think of our yoga practice and life in general, because we are each at different places– physically, mentally and otherwise– in our yoga practices, just as various dancers have differing styles and levels. Similarly, in life, people have differing interests, morals and values. However, because we are all conscious and purposefully executing our “dance moves” as best fits us individually, we are all “dancing.” Each dance move has different meaning and purpose for each person, just as the speaker states each word in this article is received differently by various people. This article makes me want to be aware of opening to grace in a similar manner to the way the speaker expresses the words–and the entire book– dissolving once they’ve left consciousness; I want to let any past experiences or influences aside be open to new possibilities.