On March 31 we begin the celebration of Navaratri, the nine-day festival of the goddess in her three forms of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati observed twice a year, in fall and spring. The first three days of Navaratri are traditionally dedicated to Durga, the aspect of the Divine Mother who gives us strength to overcome the difficulties of life. The Durga Path-- the 32 Names of Durga--is part of the morning sadhana those of us who have received initiation in the Satyananda Yoga tradition practice daily, and it is included in all of our Wise Heart sadhanas and havans.
Swami Niranjanananda tells us that chanting the Durga Path is especially important because we are living in a time of when we have to face great difficulties in both our inner and outer worlds. Durga, he says, represents "the powerful mother energy armed and ready to protect her children." Calling on that energy helps us find inner peace as we face the trials and tribulations of our lives. Just as importantly, "when we call on the divine mother, our family expands and with it our perspective of what is really important even beyond life and death." Not only does Durga help us "stand on our own two feet [and] learn the difficult lessons of life," but she also teaches us to "keep a protective eye on our brothers and sisters" as we move through this life.
Where do you need the mother energy of Durga in your own life right now? How is Durga working through you to watch over and protect this world? Join us to explore these questions at this week's sadhana: Sunday, March 30, 5:45 p.m., Ruscombe Holistic Health Center.
See our Community Resources page for the text and recordings of the 32 Names of Durga.
Swami Niranjanananda tells us that chanting the Durga Path is especially important because we are living in a time of when we have to face great difficulties in both our inner and outer worlds. Durga, he says, represents "the powerful mother energy armed and ready to protect her children." Calling on that energy helps us find inner peace as we face the trials and tribulations of our lives. Just as importantly, "when we call on the divine mother, our family expands and with it our perspective of what is really important even beyond life and death." Not only does Durga help us "stand on our own two feet [and] learn the difficult lessons of life," but she also teaches us to "keep a protective eye on our brothers and sisters" as we move through this life.
Where do you need the mother energy of Durga in your own life right now? How is Durga working through you to watch over and protect this world? Join us to explore these questions at this week's sadhana: Sunday, March 30, 5:45 p.m., Ruscombe Holistic Health Center.
See our Community Resources page for the text and recordings of the 32 Names of Durga.