Collecting Indian ness

A rare sculpture of Shiva with a linga

“The erect phallus, the linga, is self stirred, a result of spiritual enlightenment. The erect phallus of Shiva represents the inner flames of tapa.  It is the symbol of ananda, true bliss that follows the uncrumpling of the mind”  Dr Devdutt Pattanaik  A Handbook of Hindu Mythology.

At last an understanabale explanation of the linga.  It is an arousal from the inner self and not external stimulus.  Hinduism doesn’t share the judeo christian discomfort with the body and “sexuality”