Chapter #1 (v 1-38)

[Guest guest]

Namaste Everyone!

In response to Srini’s last request, we are considering

chapter one of the Chandi, up to verse #38. Here are some of my thoughts –

I hope that my understanding will deepen more and more over time with the help

of Maa and Swamiji.

For me this chapter is like a short story, illustrating

the state of the world we live in today. Each mantra seems like a symbol that

contains deep meaning. It so very accurately describes our own inner state with

wonderful psychological sophistication and understanding. It is just as applicable

to our times now, – probably even more so -, than when the Chandi was

originally written. The “ King “ – the “Devotee

Ego”, or the “Ego of the Servant of the Divine”, has been

defeated in battle by the enemies of good thoughts. The noble lineage of the Way

of Truth of Those Who Dwell in Consciousness is in danger. Who are these

enemies? They are the Destroyers of Worship, meaning a sense of active

gratitude and reciprocal maintenance for “All that Is” –

giving more than we take. The ”Devotees Ego” is now gone - fractured

into many warring Enemy Thoughts within us. The King flees into the deep

forest to escape – in today’s psychological language – he has

become part of the unconscious mind, while the outer world (or conscious mind)

is dominated by greed and avarice, Too Much and Too Little.

We see the evidence everywhere!

The Businessman – our “Pure Intuitive Perception”

- has also given up his rightful duty in the world. He is not there any longer

to make sure that our actions are guided by “right knowing” of how

to deal with the resources at our disposal - His wife – the passive

principle – has taken over the mind and also the naughty children. He has

been cast out by them, and his estate has fallen into the hands of Avarice and

Greed. His lineage of “Those Who Worship Infinite Energy” –

has also retired into the deep forest of the unconscious. The active principle

of “Intuitive Perception of Infinite Energy” acting in the world

has become inactive – an ascetic.

Both the king and the businessman are still attached to

their former world. They are worried that things are not well in the world

outside of the forest. Our still small voice within – Good Thoughts and Intuitive

Glimpses - makes us seek out a teacher. If we seek hard enough, we are lucky to

find a Rishi of our own to help us re-claim the balance we have lost. When we

find them – they live in peace with all the animals – all the

animal tendencies are tamed.

We meet together in the circular sacrificial area –

the circle and mandala of wholeness – in the presence of the Master. The

sacrifice of greed, selfishness, anger and ignorance is asked of us – the

help of the Divine Mother is promised. Now the journey and battle of the Chandi

can begin.