The Meaning and Purpose of Navarathri from Swami's Discourses

September 9, 2009

" Navaratri means nine nights. Darkness is associated with night. What is this darkness? It is the darkness of ignorance.Navaratri means 'nine nights'. What does the nine signify? There are nine 'Grahas' (planets according to astrology). The human body has nine openings. If a deep inquiry is made, it will be found that mankind is dependent on the planets (Grahas). Although astrologers speak about nine, in reality, there are only two planets that matter. They are 'Raga' (attachment) and Dwesha (hatred)From Swami's Divine Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam in November'1992"The six enemies of man are eating into his vitals, embedded in his own inner consciousness. They are the demons to be killed. They are lust (Kama), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), attachment (Moha), pride (Mada), and malice (Matsarya). They reduce man to the level of a demon. They

have to be overpowered and transmuted, by the SupremeAlchemy of the Divine Urge. Then, the nine (Nava) nights (Ratri) of struggle will become new (Nava), a new type of night, devoted to the purification of the mind, illumination of the soul - the night described in the Gita as "the day of the worldly". What is clear andattractive to the ordinary man is uninteresting and unknown to the Yogi. What is clear and attractive to the Yogi is uninteresting and unknown to the worldly man.From Swami's Divine Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam in October'1994"All festivals have been designed to teach men how to lead a godly life while carrying out worldly activities. It is to teach this truth to mankind that Avatars and saints made their advent on earth from time to time. This day (the first day of Navaratri) has anotherspecial significance. Shirdi Sai Baba was bom on 27 September 1838.He was born in a poor Brahmin family in a village of

Aurangabad District".From Bhagawan's Divine Discourse on 27th September'1992PURPOSE OF NAVARATHRI'The Navaratri is a festival to commemorate the victory of the good over the evil. The Embodiment of Divine Power (Para-Shakti), in its various manifestations, Satwic (as Maha- Saraswati), Rajasic (as Maha- Lakshmi), Tamasic (as Mahakali) was able to overcome the forces of vice, wickedness and egoism, during the nine days' struggle and finally, on Vijaya Dashami (Dasara, the tenth Day commemorating victory), the valedictory worship is done".From Bhagawan's Divine Discourse on 12th October'1969" The purpose of the Navaratri celebration is to enable man to get rid of nine types of darkness, which have taken hold of him. The Navaratri festival is observed by contemplating on God for ten days, cleansing one's self of all the impurities to experience the Divinity within. This festival is intended to make man realise his

true worthas the most precious object in creation.All things in the world derive their value from the labour and skill of man. It is a festival of thanksgiving. Gratitude is Divine. Ingratitude is demonic. But while offering the homage of gratitude, you must also try to discover who was killed, who was saved, and why.The Navaratri celebration is an occasion for revering nature (Prakriti) and considering how natural resources can be used properly in the best interest of mankind. Resources like water, air, power and minerals should be used properly and not misused or wasted. Economy in the use of every natural resource is vital. Pollution of the air has many evil consequences. The inner significance of observances like Nagar Sankirtan and Bhajans is to fill the atmosphere with sacred vibrations and holy thoughts.From Bhagawan's Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam in October'1999."Our Vice-Chancellor described Swami's

love as that of a thousand mothers. But, one who cannot understand the love of one mother, how can he understand the love of a thousand mothers? So, first and foremost try to understand and experience the love of your physicalmother. Go on adding to the physical mother's love a millions times. The divinity principle of the God lies in this love, which is your life principle. Experience this love and understand the significance of mother worship in Navaratri."OM SAI RAM.

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