From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
The concept of avataar in Hinduism essentially means that God so loves us that He manifests in an earthly form from time to time, and age after age. The Supreme Being has manifested many times, in multiple forms, over eons. He manifested as Shree Raam, Shree Krishna, Shree Durga, Shree Lakshmi, Shree Saraswati and as numerous other deities. God the Supreme Being is beyond these forms, names and places. Thus, His manifestations are limitless: as man, half-man, animal, fish and other creatures.
The avataars often manifest and live as humans on the earth, undergoing ordinary human processes; thus, we can learn from their examples about right conduct in life. In other words, the Perfect Master manifests to set the Perfect Example so that we ordinary humans can learn and attain perfection.
In one such manifestation, the Divine Mother was born in the home of the Lord of the Mountains. Once, Narad Muni visited their home and he advised the Divine Mother, Parvati to perform tapasya (penance) in order to propitiate Lord Shiva. He taught Her the five-syllabled mantra of Lord Shiva which she would recite constantly during her devotions so that Lord Shiva would be pleased and appear before Her.
Performing tapasya brings happiness in life and removes unhappiness. There are many methods and means to perform tapasya, from simple offerings to complex renunciation as performed in the scriptures and kathas. What devotional acts of service are we making as devotees on our spiritual path? The purpose of life and sacrifice is to ensure that, as humans, we must contribute to our family life, to our culture, religion, community and country.
Through the power of penance, we can awaken the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva within us, that is, our own personal power to create, sustain and dissolve. What have we created in our lives? Can we create a better society, country and world? And, having created it, are we sustaining it? When it is no longer suitable for the purpose for which it was created, can we then destroy it and recreate something else that will be of benefit to one and all? We can all be creators in some positive way.
The Devi went to her parents to explain her mission. At first, they were not pleased with her decision. With a view to removing any resistance from the parents’ minds, the holy ones explained to them that their daughter was in fact the Divine Mother manifested. Similarly, as humans, we must be reminded of the nature of the Lord and how to reach Him. Through the ongoing process of listening to kathas and worship, we can be reminded of the true purpose of life.
Mother in Hinduism is an all-encompassing concept that includes Dhaarti Maa (Mother Earth), Gow Maa (the cow), Gangaa Maataa (the Ganges River) and the biological mother. Knowledge is also a manifestation of the Divine Mother. When we have knowledge, we cannot be tricked, confused or fooled. Knowledge informs our character and integrity, which we must always develop and nurture. Thus, informed by the holy men that their daughter was divine in nature, the parents then had an appreciation of Her mission. Similarly, in our lives, as youth, if we seek parental blessing and support, we will be successful in our activities.
In the katha, Devi began her intense worship: she reached the Himalayan mountains and found a suitable spot for her tapasya. Facing east, she placed her hands together and concentrated her mind on Bhagavan Shankar. Her frame of mind was receptive, loving and with a sense of purpose. The weather changed; but through rain, snow and shine she maintained her devotion.
During Her devotions alone, she was sustained by the fact that God was always with her, everywhere and at every time. Similarly, in our own times of adversity, courage is our greatest friend. It is then that we must flood the mind with thoughts of God, chant His name continuously and recognise that He is Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram: Truth, Auspiciousness, Beauty.
The Devi intensified her devotions until finally, she heard an ethereal voice granting her wish. Through her earthly manifestation, Devi shows us that anything in life can be achieved with devotion and penance; all wishes are fulfilled, material and spiritual.
