Abstract
Shiva means nothing; nothing from which everything was created; created and manifested to be
adorned and respected. Observers cannot exist when the whole world is in non-duality because
all is one; no distinction between observers and observed would be possible. Therefore to satisfy
the urge for an observer, Shakti or energy manifests itself as consciousness. Consciousness, the
manifested gives us the ability to perceive and experience. Religion originates from our
perception as a medium to bring in morality and humanity and helps us experience reality. We
emerge from nothingness and go back to nothingness.