Hari Aum.
A very happy Navaratri to all. May the Divine Mother inspire us to continue along the spiritual path and overcome all obstacles.
According to my Guru, Sivananda, the first three nights out of the nine nights of Navaratri are said to be dedicated to Mother Durga. She is said to be the one who destroys all evil within and without us.
The next three nights are dedicated to Mother Lakshmi who blesses us with all auspicious qualities (spiritual and material wealth) needed for spiritual progress.
Finally, the last three nights are celebrated in honour of Mother Saraswati, the giver of spiritual wisdom. All are different aspects of the one Divine Mother.
This pattern of worship is said to reflect the journey of the spiritual seeker-- first there is the destruction of evil qualities within. This allows good qualities within to flourish. As a result of the work of cleansing and developing virtues, spiritual wisdom dawns upon us.
Today is the first day of Navaratri. Some options to worship Mother Durga include recitation of:
1. Mantras: Om Shri Durgayai Namah and/or Navarna mantra Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicche
2. Mahishasura Mardini Stothram
3. Saptasloki Durga
4. Lalita sahasranama
There are many other hymns and prayers to the Divine Mother. These are just a few suggestions.
May She bless us all.
The spiritual journey is a very arduous one. One cannot relax for even a second. The gurus say that until we attain liberation, we remain vulnerable to downfall. We can become a victim of lower human emotions and go astray.
There is no question of us being able to handle all the powerful energies of our minds on our own-- anger, desire, greed, jealousy etc are the inner demons that powerfully sway our minds and endlessly trouble us. The yogis say, the name of the Divine is the one way to safely handle all these and make sure spiritual progress.
Let us repeat the names of the Divine for our own welfare and that of others. This will keep us on the right path and we will emerge victorious from the battle of life.
Om Shri Durgayai Namah.
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Hari Aum Tat Sat
