We all have to join together and rid the universe of evil and destruction. In the Shastras it is written that the easiest way to experience God in these troubled and turbulent times is by worship. We need not go into a complicated philosophical discussion. All we have to do is to bow our heads before the deity, who is greater than any other power of the world. Aradhana (prayer) starts from this act and progresses gradually towards bliss and love. Begin with the deity, one loves and adores (it can be the elements, chakras, and yantras), and one rises progressively above the form and merges into the supreme atman.

Be joyous in the worship of God. Chant his name, sing about his glory, perform pujas with rituals, or mental absorption of him. Ritual precision means, blowing a conch shell, ringing a bell, lighting incense, and lighting the lamp. Placing fragrant flowers on the alter. Do it today and daily thereafter. Remember that a simple offering in the spirit of devotion is more acceptable than a mechanistic practice. It is a wonderful feeling when you light a fragrant incense stick, the aroma wafting, camphor burning to purify the air, each act brings you closer to your aradhana. The chants elevate you, the light of the lamp brightens your life and the flowers add to the bouquet of aromas. Sometimes you may find a lady bird in your offering of flowers. Be centered. Each act brings you closer to your deity. Chant and listen to the mellifluous sound. Use all your senses for the prayers.

Navratri is the worship of Matri Shakti or mother energy. She is known as Devi. When energy is liberated from matter, it is called moksha. And moksha is known as Devi. It is always considered female. Shakti is the nucleus within us, not just of our mind, but of our soul. She is manifest in countless forms and vibrations as well as in the formless state. Mother is the giver and nourisher of life. She has the power to bless all and she will never punish us. Mother has three forms, benign, destructive and creative. Worship of her benign powers gives quick rewards and blessing. Worship of mother is best with a pure and sincere heart.

Transformation of the gunas

During Navratri, during the nine nights of worship, the Goddess is worshipped in her aspects of Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. They represent tamas, rajas, and sattwa respectively. Transformation, preservation and creation are the cosmic functions of the mother. In this nine day worship, we worship Kali in order to destroy our impurities (tamas-shakti) in the first three days. She is the power which converts our destructive energy and baser qualities. She protects our sadhana. The next three days we worship Lakshmi, in order to convert our ego and ambition (rajas-shakti) into an orderly state to develop serenity and purity. Also she bestows wealth, which is a happy side. The last three days are dedicated to the worship of Saraswati, in order to be the recipient of the sattwa shakti. We have been cleansed of tamas and rajas guna and are ready to receive her blessings and supreme wisdom.

What should we do?

Be disciplined in our sadhana. Work on converting our negative qualities into positive qualities. Be constantly aware of the fluctuation of the balance in tamas, rajas, and sattwa gunas. Practice Atma Bhava.

Remember Mother is always there for us, she never lets us down. We are doing it constantly. She never holds grudges. Even if we trample mother earth ruthlessly, we still have the sun shining, birds singing and flowers, fruits and vegetables. Let us join hands and save the universe, and rid it of noxious evil.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Pontus Wellgraf on Unsplash