In the Pashupata cult of Shaivism, the concept of "mala" refers to impurities or limitations that bind the individual soul (jiva) and hinder its realization of its true nature. These malas are believed to obstruct the soul's understanding of its divine essence and its connection to the ultimate reality, Shiva. There are three primary malas identified within this tradition:
Anava-mala: Anava-mala is the first and most fundamental
impurity that plagues the individual soul. It is the sense of limitation or
finitude that arises when the soul identifies itself as separate from the
divine. This mala creates a sense of individuality and ignorance about one's
true nature as a manifestation of the universal consciousness.
Mayiya-mala: Mayiya-mala refers to the impurity caused by
the illusion of the material world (Maya). This mala deludes the soul into
believing that the physical reality is the ultimate truth, thereby veiling the
awareness of the underlying spiritual reality. The individual becomes entangled
in the cycles of birth and death, attachment and aversion, driven by desires
and worldly pursuits.
Karma-mala: Karma-mala is the impurity generated by the
accumulation of actions (karma) performed by the individual across lifetimes.
These actions create a web of karmic bonds that bind the soul to the cycle of
samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and perpetuate its journey through
various life forms. Karma-mala influences the experiences and circumstances
that the soul encounters in its journey towards liberation.
The Pashupata cult emphasizes the practice of yoga as a
means to overcome these malas and attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of
rebirth. Through disciplined spiritual practices such as meditation, devotion,
self-inquiry, and ethical living, individuals seek to transcend the limitations
imposed by the malas and realize their innate divinity, ultimately merging with
the divine consciousness of Shiva. By purifying the mind, transcending egoic
identification, and aligning with the higher truth, practitioners aim to
liberate themselves from the bondage of the malas and experience the state of
absolute freedom and bliss.