Goddess Durga

During the Krishna Das concert the other night I was deeply moved by the mantra chanted in homage to the Goddess Durga. It came as a surprise. For whatever reason it deeply resonated within me. On a hunch, I thought I would further investigate. However, before I go on, to those who may not be familiar with the various Hindu gods and goddesses, please understand that all are representations of the one God, or whatever you choose to call it. Each embodying a colorful array of attributes and qualities we all can aspire to realize on some level. It's refreshing to have this beautiful cast of characters that make up the Divine experience.

The Goddess Durga represents the power of the Supreme Being that preserves moral order and righteousness in the universe. She is the energy aspect of the Lord. Without Durga, Lord Shiva has no expression and without Shiva, Durga has no existence. Lord Shiva is only the silent witness. He is motionless, absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the cosmic play. Shiva has no direct connection with the tangible elements in the universe and is obliged to emanate a manifestation, an emission of energy, shakti, through the goddess. It is Durga who is the doer of all actions. Shiva and Durga are regarded as the twofold personalization of Brahman, the primeval substance.

She is the embodiment of purity, knowledge, truth and self-realization. The highest form of truth present in any being or Jiva is known as "Aatman" or supreme consciousness. This supreme consciousness or the absolute soul is infinite, birthless, deathless, beyond time and space, and beyond the law of causation. Goddess Durga is the inherent dynamic energy through which this supreme consciousness manifests itself.

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Durga, a force to be reckoned with. A force of divine inspiration in this reality. When feeling the pull to create, dance, sing, and revel in the energy of the moment we tap into Durga, otherwise known as Shakti. There are many facets to Durga, one as the fierce, wrathful Kali, and/or as Pravati, the serene, peaceful side of the Divine Mother. Goddess Durga is a mosaic, representing the many faces of the feminine energy.

I enjoy tapping into the various attributes of the Hindu gods and goddesses, and the myths and stories around them. They give us the feeling of our bigness. Of our unearthly, boundless potential. It's fun to play with. To be inspired by.

Never underestimate the power of myth.