From a satsang with Paramacharya of SWAHA, Pt. Hardeo Persad
Every atom of creation in this world consists of Brahm, yet, as humans, our perception of that Infinite Consciousness is limited by the human senses. With our human eyes we view the external world, including the jewels of nature, but do we see that these are all representations of divinity? Our senses, the gyaan indriyas, the source of our perceptions, are important for viewing and hearing, etc., but there is a power that lies beyond the senses. When we can transcend the physical and see the real essence that underlies everything in existence, then we will have advanced spiritually.
Both the Devi Bhagwat and the Shiv Puraan reveal the importance of seeing the reality beyond the physical realm. Even the Devtas themselves were challenged to see and understand the Ultimate Reality: Once, the Devtas were celebrating after being victorious in battle. Suddenly, a powerful and brilliant light appeared. The Devtas tried to discover the source of light; they each went to the light, questioned it and they were asked to move a blade of grass, but each of them was unable to budge it. The light revealed Herself as Devi and reminded them that their powers all emanated from Shakti Maa, and without Her, they were powerless. It was She who had caused them to be victorious.
As we go about the business of our lives, it is important to take care of the body gifted to us by God, but we must also remember that we need to take care of the imperishable, the real, that which is beyond time, place and circumstances, the soul. During the pandemic lockdown we were told to stay inside. Once we participate in the world outside, the senses are drawn by the world’s maya (delusive power). We have to move beyond the gross senses and see the world of the subtle. There is a special place within us that is filled with divine nectar. We must sit quietly and stabilise ourselves; ultimately we must withdraw from the noisy distractions of the outer world so that we can connect with the subtle sounds and vibrations that are beyond physical hearing and are in fact the subtle pulsations of the universe. We can thus reach higher levels of consciousness until we reach that state of divine ecstasy. We also gain the ability to perceive divine sights, just as Shree Krishna revealed Viraat Swaroop, the cosmic form on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Although millions were present, waiting to kill each other in battle, only Arjuna was privy to the divine vision (divya drishti) as well as Sanjay who was narrating the tale. Within this body we have the capacity to see the subtle divine sights, hear the subtle divine sounds and taste the divine nectar, but we must first transcend the physical limits.
The mythology surrounding Devi Durga explain that through Her transformative power, the devotee must eliminate the demons, Mahishaasur and Raktabeej (the always-changing, never-ending desires), Shumbh and Nishumbha (sense of ego and attachment), Madhu and Kaitabh (the duality of attraction and aversion; praise and criticism), the demons that exist inside us. All that exists in the universe, good and bad, also exists inside us: the sun, the moon, the universe, etc. We must identify with that Cosmic Being and practise scriptural teachings consistently so that we may experience what the sages have revealed. Special occasions such as Navraatri and Divali have been prescribed by the sages in their wisdom so that we may intensify our spiritual practices, transcend the physical world and uncover that Divine Ultimate Reality.
