Differences Between Aphrodite And Yogini

The statues of Aphrodite and the Yogini both feature feminine beauty, with full breasts and revealing body. Aphrodite is mostly covered while the Yogini is mainly nude, but both emanate an aura of superiority above the everyday civilian, and thus commands an air of respect. However, Aphrodite’s depiction is gentler, focusing on her physical features. Perhaps she once held objects in her hands, representative of something beyond bodily appearance, but that is unknown. The Yogini is more aggressive and fearsome. While she holds the traits of womanly beauty, her depiction is more explicit with spiritual Hindu elements. Aphrodite remains simpler, while the Yogini has many forces to balance and represent. This may indicate the cultural differences
between approaches of Divine superiority. One is more grounded in the elements of the mundane world, bringing the Divine down to the Greeks to become more humanized; the other aims to ascend and reach out to attain Divinity. However, cultural representations of the female body appear rather similar.
The Greek pot and Shiva’s statue are instances of destruction and danger, though carry differing contexts. The Greek pot is more akin to a dramatic story between people. There were arguments and fighting, and sides were being taken. The situation depicted was tense. Shiva’s dance of destruction represented more of a cosmic force than something rooted in mundane drama, which seems petty in comparison. Shiva harnessed force and was in full control – there was a sense of grace within the turmoil of the flames with his fluidity. The Greek figures were rigid and clashed with each other. Herakles’ club was a weapon, while Shiva’s held flame is representative of mastering his force. Again, it seems that the Greeks presented their mythological characters more like themselves in terms of conflict, while the Hindus’ depicted this deity performing their Divine role in the cosmic cycle.