Lessons from Shivaratri

[Guest guest]

Namaste

 

Friday night at the Devi Mandir, we had a satsung over dinner. We

discussed some of the lessons learned from 24 hours of Shiva. Several

of us had fasted the whole day, and performed seva throughout in

preparation for the evening program.

We learned that we are truly not the body, and that one can fast and

work, and still function well. As one devotee said, ..."one can fast

and work and not die".

Indeed it was very clear that the attachment to the body is a very

strong one. But the understanding that we do not need food to

survive, that Shiva's mantra and Maa's blessings will carry us through

any circumstances, that was a huge lesson. We experienced that the

constant thought of Shiva, and repeating His mantra, kept the energy

in the highest chakras, and the body was nourished by this higher energy.

Another personal lesson came from talking to a devotee who had to

leave the celebration to drive home at 4AM. With a 2.5 hour drive, it

concerned me that she would be safe. She said, no problem, my 2

friends and I will talk and keep each other awake. Suddenly the

thought came to my mind: why not sing bhajans instead of talking

worldly talk, as there would be more energy and bliss to carry them

safely home. I said the worldly thoughts will take over soon enough.

Keep the Lord's name on your lips and in your mind and heart as long

as possible. That is the best cure for all worldliness and gives the

most strength and joy.

This thought was so spontaneous and simple. Looking back on it, I

realize how true it was. All the worldly thoughts, all the things we

think about in order to function in the world, are like smoke in a

room. Just as the thoughts fill our mind and prevent us from

experiencing TRUE REALITY, the smoke prevents us from seeing the

details of the room. But, open the window, and the wind blows the

smoke away. Say the Lord's name, and, like the wind, His name will

blow away the smoke of our thoughts, and allow us to be with Him. He

is the True and Eternal Reality, while the rest is just smoke. He is

there always, just waiting for us to come to Him. We just have to

make the effort.

Please share any lessons and insights from Shivaratri.

 

Jai Maa Jai Swami

 

love

 

vishweshwar