Happy Mothers Day

Guruji, Swami Satyananda has always told us that the qualities of Devi, the Mother Goddess can be seen here on earth in the form of Mother.  Only a mother has ability to create, the quality of unconditional love, the ability to sacrifice.

Here is an excerpt from a discussion between Narada, the celestial sage, and Narayana, Lord Vishnu, about the divine attributes of Devi, the Mother of the world, as described in the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam (Book IX).

The great Devi, the highest Prakriti, Who is this Prakriti? Why did She manifest Herself?

The word prakriti is comprised of two parts: the prefix pra denotes ‘intensity’, ‘excellence’, and the root kriti means ‘action’, ‘creation’. So the Goddess, the Devi, is most excellent in the work of creation.  Her 3 forms are:

Durga: This eternal, all auspicious Devi, when pleased, destroys all the sorrow, pain and troubles of those who take refuge in her. She bestows all the auspicious things upon them, including dharma, name and fame, bliss, happiness and even moksha, final liberation.

Lakshmi: The second shakti, is of the nature of pure and is a complete master of the senses, and is free from greed, lust, delusion, anger, vanity and egoism.  Her speech is very sweet and she is always in service of those dear to her. She is the beauty that is seen in all living beings and things; the glory and fame of those who have done good works, and the power and valour of great kings

Saraswati: The third shakti presides over knowledge, speech, intelligence and learning.  She is memory, wit, light, splendour and creative genius. She is the e light of understanding that gives real meaning difficult passages so that we can understand them and removes all confusion and doubt.

Durga Maa

Saraswati Maa

Lakshmi Maa

Balance Yoga Team wishes all you beautiful and divine Devi Maa’s out there a very Happy Mothers Day

 

Navaratri Begins. Scene 1. Enter Durga

Navaratri is the nine nights of festivity and worship.  It is the perfect blend of fun, dance and worship all in the honour of the Mother Goddess and her many forms.

My favorite part of Navaratri is watching the atmosphere of the city and its people transform as the different aspects of Devi pass through, purifying and intoxicating all in her path. During these nine nights become aware of the presence of the Goddess and try to attune your self to her subtle forces at play.

The first 3 nights, begining tonight, witness the arrival of  Durga, the fierce warrior, the shakti force mounted on her tiger carrying weapons to slay.  Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humor even in the most fierce of battles.  It is a time of purification and during the first three days this purification takes the form of anger, impatience, short tempers and petty fights which seem to manifest in abundance all around us as Durga purges us off these impurities.  Be aware of the forces working within you and those around you-  it is a truly magical sight to behold.

And then just a quickly as she came, Durga Maa leaves only to be replaced by her other forms of Lakshmi and Saraswati over the continuing days.

Enjoy the festivities and blessings over the next nine days as we watch the divine forces of the Goddess  unfold!

Hari Om Tat Sat