From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
Through the vibrant mythology of Sanataan Dharma, the faithful are linked to a profound connection with the Divine in all forms. The sacred journey encompasses the rituals of festivals, the veneration of Ganga Maa, and the soul’s immersion in the waters of consciousness. It is the essence of Kaartik Nahaan, a journey that carries us from mere existence to spiritual rebirth, inviting us to satiate the soul’s quest for moksha.
The two births we all experience, the biological and the spiritual, are not merely a concept within Hinduism but a universal truth embraced by various belief systems. The spiritual birth is the gateway to immersion, a powerful metaphor for life’s higher purpose. To achieve this divine communion, we must embark on our individual paths, guided by the purified and enlightened intellect.
In this spiritual voyage, the terrain is diverse, leading some through thick forests and others through open landscapes. However, the spiritual goal consists of embarking upon such a transformative journey. To attain immersion with the Divine, one must first elevate one’s consciousness to divine thoughts. Bhagavan Vishnu’s symbolism plays a pivotal role in this awakening. His conch shell, the shankh, represents the intellect, and the chakra or discus symbolises the ego, which must be led by divine guidance. The gadaa or mace is one’s mind, and the padma or lotus signifies consciousness. These emblems convey the necessity to control the mind, transcend negativity like the lotus rising above the muddy waters, and surrender the ego to the divine. It is the eradication of egoism that leads us to be guided by the intellect, in place of superstition, misinformation or falsehoods. We must anchor ourselves in the profound wisdom of Vishnu Bhagavan, letting the intellect be our guide in discerning the truth from the false.
As we stand on the threshold of the Kaartik season, let us heed the call to immerse ourselves in the ocean of non-duality, to attain oneness with the Divine. It is an opportunity we must welcome, for it is only in the profound journey of the soul that one can truly find essence and purpose.
