Navratri Sadhana, Part II

[Guest guest]

Physicists and scientists have proved now that everything is pure

imperishable energy. This energy is only a form of Divine Shakti

which exists on every form of existence.

 

Since Shakti cannot be worshipped in its essential nature, it is

worshipped as conceived of in its manifestations, viz., creation,

preservation and destruction. Shakti in relation to these three

functions is Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Kali. These, as is evident, are

not three distinct Devis, but the one formless Devi worshipped in

three different forms. Navaratri is the festive occasion of

the 'nine-day-worship of Maha-Kali, Maha-Lakshmi and Maha-

Sarasvati,' the Divinity of the Universe adored in three ways.

 

Sarasvati is cosmic Intelligence, cosmic consciousness, cosmic

knowledge. Worship of Sarasvati is necessary for Buddhi-Shuddi,

Viveka-Udaya, Vichara-Shakti for Jnana for Self-illumination.

Lakshmi does not mean mere material wealth like gold, cattle, etc.

All kinds of prosperity, glory, magnificence, joy, exaltation or

greatness come under the grace of Goddess Lakshmi. Sri Appayya

Dikshitar calls even final Liberation as "Moksha Samrajya Lakshmi."

Hence worship of Lakshmi means the worship of Divinity, the power

that dissolves multiplicity in unity. The worship of Devi is

therefore the explanation of the entire process of spiritual Sadhana

in all its aspect.

 

During Navaratri, observe strict anushthana, and purify your inner

spiritual nature. This is the most auspicious time in the year for

Mother-Worship. Read Sapthasathi, or Devi Mahatmya and Lalita

Sahasranama. Do Japa of the Mantra of Devi. Perform formal worship

with purity and sincerity and absolute devotion. Cry for the Darshan

of Mother Devi. The Divine Mother will bless you with the knowledge,

the peace and the joy that know no end. May the Divine Mother bless

you all!

 

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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