From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
How does one know if we are blessed by Durga Devi? Devi’s main functions are as Durga Maa, Lakshmi Maa and Saraswati Maa, icchaa shakti (willpower), gyaan shakti (right knowledge and wisdom) and kriyaa shakti (right action), which leads to the right result. As such, if the Divine Mother is pleased with us, it manifests in our lives in many positive ways.
The devotee who is blessed by Her has the will to confront his or her fears, whether it is the fear of death or any of the various phobias which are in the human mind. The blessed devotee also has energy and power. They will struggle, survive and succeed. The devotee who attains the blessings of Durga Devi will not only succeed, but will be able to maintain a sense of tranquillity. Such devotees will remain calm in the face of adversity and provocation. In society today, there are many provocations to be faced, perhaps from your neighbour or your kith and kin, even from strangers on the roadways. In dealing with such everyday provocations, our religious teachings become applicable. By practising its principles, we understand why Sanaatan Dharma is referred to as a way of life and the eternal religion.
A devotee blessed by the Divine Mother will be filled with physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual strength. They will be strong in body, mind and spirit. For example, they exercise and eat healthily to strengthen their bodies. They know how to strengthen their minds by associating with good people and influences. They will be able to stand their ground in the face of adversity. Our scriptures are filled with such positive examples of devotion, such as Prahlad, who was renowned for his bravery, steadfastness and faith in the Lord, or Sevari who was visited by Shree Raam Himself. There is an impulse in such devotees to shield and stand up for their values, traditions, religious beliefs and practices.
Through the blessings of Durga Maa, they will have great parents, wonderful children, good neighbours, a great Guru, a good husband and a good wife. They will be filled with talents and skills which they will use to impart to others in order to uplift them, such as musical, educational or professional skills. They will have the desire to serve society, religion and culture.
During such auspicious occasions as Navraatri, we are given the opportunity to intensify our worship and advance along the spiritual path. However, we must continue to seek Her blessings daily, and like seeds that are planted and nurtured, divine grace will blossom in our lives.
