navaratri

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Navratri

 

 

Navaratri is a festival of self- Restrain, a festival of

Spiritual upliftment of individual soul to perfection, to the God realization.

Mythology of Devi Bhagavatam brings a truth at home that problems of the

present mankind simply existed before the creation of the cosmic phenomenon.

Durga Saptasati of Sri Markandey-Purana narrates the story of destruction of Madhu,

Kaitabha, Raktabij, Mahisashur, Shumbh and Nishumbha. Those Devils

were slained by Mother Durga or Mother Kali. All the devas were troubled,

distressed by them and when they found themselves helpless, they collectively

prayed and worshiped Mother Goddess, the Supreme Power to overcome them. From

individual devas a sparkling energy appeared, and that collective energy

is known as Shakti, which was capable of destroying the entire race of the

devils.

.. The story of Devi Bhagavat or Markandey Purana or any of

the epics is a great essay on the subject of minding the Mind. Mind is the

principal cause of agony, pain, sorrow, and disharmony of disrupted lives. It

may be individual, social, national or international. Problems may be

economical, physical, mental or so on, but the cause of the problem lies in the

individual's mind.

Lust, anger, greed, ego, desires and passions are the

devils that rob one of the peace and harmony. What one

needs is to restore ones own energy and contemplate whole-heartedly to be free

from the undesirable vices. To eradicate vices and gain values of life what one

needs is to cultivate a sincere, scientific and earnest habit of self-control.

Pujya Bapuji, Mahatma Gandhiji poured out his heart on this subject by

following self-restraint versus self-indulgence.

The entire spiritual festivities of Sri Durga Puja spread

out in Nine nights called 'Navaratri" and then follows "Vijaya Dashmi"

the tenth day of the victory. Why these nights are only nine and not seven or

five? The physical frame of

human being is known as a city with nine gates. "Nav Dware Pureh Dehi".

These gates are two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, one mouth and two lower gates

of execratory system, the principal holes from where our energy is being

drained out. But if we cultivate a new way of living by which we conserve our

energy.

 

"See but Look not, Touch but Feel not,

Taste but Relish not, hear but Listen not."

 

This all is possible. What is required is the earnest effort of total individual's energy to

divert in one direction only towards the absolute peace and supreme blessedness

which is the realization of the absolute. A little moderation in daily routine

of getting up at early dawn before sunrise, little balance, harmony and

moderation in food habits, essential exercise, prayer, meditation,

contemplation, charity, introspection, purity and chastity in conduct in

individual and social behavior can certainly rejuvenates and reshapes our lives

on this earth planet. One can shine and prosper. This is the secret of

Navaratri. This is the meaning behind the Shakti worship. May Mother Durga's abundant

grace be ever upon us! Let us realize that we all are children of the Supreme

Mother. Let us live and lead our lives in natural love, harmony, peace and

happiness.

Om Shanti!

Swami Adhyatmananda

 

 

 

http://www.divyajivan.org/articles/adhyatma/Navaratri.htm