Apasmara

Apasmara is a concept found in Hindu philosophy, particularly within Shaivism. It is often personified as a dwarf-like demon, representing ignorance, forgetfulness, and the ego. In Hindu iconography, Apasmara is frequently depicted being trampled under the foot of Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. This imagery symbolizes Shiva's victory over ignorance and the liberation of the soul from the clutches of the ego.

The demon Apasmara is seen as embodying the delusion that the individual self (atman) is separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). This illusion leads to suffering, attachment, and a cycle of birth and death. By conquering Apasmara, Shiva demonstrates the power of divine knowledge and spiritual realization to dispel this ignorance. The act of treading on Apasmara signifies the destruction of the ego and the attainment of moksha, or liberation.

In practices like yoga and meditation, the practitioner strives to overcome their own inner Apasmara. This involves cultivating self-awareness, disengaging from the ego's demands, and seeking true understanding of one's spiritual nature. The ultimate goal is to transcend the limitations imposed by ignorance and realize the divine within.