Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
देवर्षि-प्रश्नः तथा असुर-वध-हेतुनिवेदनम् | The Devas’ Petition and the Cause for Slaying Asuras
एकस्वरूपा हि वयं भिन्नाः कार्यस्य भेदतः । कार्यभेदो न सिद्धश्चेद्रूपभेदाऽप्रयोजनः
ekasvarūpā hi vayaṃ bhinnāḥ kāryasya bhedataḥ | kāryabhedo na siddhaścedrūpabhedā'prayojanaḥ
En vérité, nous sommes d’une seule et même essence ; toute apparence de différence ne vient que de la diversité des fonctions. Mais si nulle différence réelle de fonction ne peut être établie, alors supposer une différence de formes devient sans objet.
Lord Shiva (in philosophical instruction within Satīkhaṇḍa narration as relayed by Sūta to the sages)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches discernment (viveka): the seeker should recognize one underlying reality (Shiva as the supreme Pati) and not cling to superficial distinctions unless they serve a real spiritual purpose—leading the mind toward liberation.
Linga and other forms are meaningful when they serve a definite function—focusing devotion and purifying the mind. The verse implies that forms are not ultimate in themselves; their value lies in guiding the devotee toward the one Shiva beyond all limiting distinctions.
Practice one-pointed worship that has clear inner purpose: japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with meditation on Shiva as the single reality, using Linga-pūjā, bhasma (tripuṇḍra), or rudrākṣa as supports for concentration rather than as mere external markers.