Navratri Sadhana, Part I

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Navaratri is the most suitable occasion for doing intense Sadhana.

These nine days are very sacred to Mother. Plunge yourself in Her

worship. It is an occasion symbolizing the victory of the higher,

divine forces over the lower, negative qualities that find their

expression in injustice, oppression, aggrandisement, greed,

selfishness, hatred and a host of other undivine forces that add to

the suffering of man.

 

Worship the Mother in all Her manifestations. She is the creative

aspect of the Absolute. She is symbolised as Cosmic Energy. Energy

is the physical ultimate of all forms of matter and the sustaining

force of the Spirit. Energy and Spirit are inseparable. They are

essentially one. The five elements and their combinations are the

external manifestations of the Mother. Intelligence, discrimination,

psychic power and will are Her internal manifestations. Humanity is

Her visible form. Service of humanity is, therefore, the worship of

the Divine Mother.

 

Feel that the Mother sees through your eyes, hears through your

ears, and works through your hands. Feel that the body, mind, Prana,

intellect and all their functions are Her manifestations. The one,

universal life throbs in the heart of all. How can there be any room

for hatred and selfishness, when by hating another you are but

hating the Mother, when by being selfish to another you are but

denying your own self. Drive deep this consciousness within your

heart. Always meditate and practise this ideal of divine oneness.

 

Mother's grace is boundless. Her mercy is illimitable. She is

pleased with a little purity of heart. The sacred Navaratri is

approaching. Do not lose this glorious opportunity. Make a definite

and sincere attempt to obtain the grace Of the Mother. She will

transform your entire life, and bless you with the milk of divine

wisdom, spiritual insight and Kaivalya!

 

May you all obtain the grace of Mother Durga!

 

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The above passage is excerpted from Sri Swami Sivananda's book GOD

AS MOTHER, a collection of Navratri lectures. The book is on file

here at the Group; I encourage all of you to read it, newcomers

especially. Simply click on "Files" in the lefthand column, then

select the file, "God As Mother." After two brief, introductory

essays, the book is arranged into nine chapters -- one corresponding

to each night of the Navratri observance. Happy Navratri to all --

and enjoy!

 

Aum Maatangyai Namahe