The Divine Mother manifests ten cosmic powers and universal personalities. The first five represent the universal concepts that apply to all of us. The second five represent methods of transformation in yoga. Each aspect has a specific cosmic function and leads to a special realisation of the One Reality.
Tripura Sundari Devi, the third cosmic manifestation of Devi, represents light and love. Tripura means ‘three’ together with ‘cities’, ‘places’ or ‘fields of activity’. Sundari means ‘beautiful’. Tripura Sundari represents the desire for creation and the Divine Love that permeates the three worlds. It is the essential bliss that overflows in everything and is said to be the foundation of creation, of you and I, and of the universe. It is always in existence. Tripura Sundari represents the Icchaa Shakti or the subtle energy of willpower. We are all fragments of the Divine Being. We have desires because the Supreme has a desire for creation. The will to create is the power and energy of Tripura Sundari.
The groups of three, tripura, exist both externally and internally. In Sanaatan Dharma, there are various worlds, which can be explained in the external sense as well as metaphysically. There are seven worlds or planes of consciousness: bhu, bhuvah, swaha, mahat, janaha, tapaha and satyam. Physically, bhu is agni (fire), bhuvah is vayu (air), swaha is Aditya or the sun. These three represent maana (the measure), maatra (the measurer) and meya (the measurable). On a personal level, they also mean anam (the physical), prana (the vital) and manas (the mental). With respect to the vital airs in the body, bhu is praan (upbreathing), bhuvah is apaan (downbreathing) and vyaan is that vital air that pervades everything. They are also jagrat, swapna and sushupti, the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming and deep sleep).
Bhu bhuvah swaha is the complete creation as well as the complete individual. The bliss that pervades these three worlds is referred to as Tripura Sundari, the beauty of pure perception of the three worlds. This beauty can only be perceived when we see the beauty of our Self reflected in the universe. It means seeing oneself as a connected part of the whole universe. Tripura Sundari exists in each us as the Illumined Mind in the sahasraara chakra (seventh chakra).
To worship Tripura Sundari Devi, we need to see beauty in all its forms. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder in a physical, aesthetic sense. However, we should also see that underlying bliss or perfection in everything. Devi is manifested everywhere as Divine Love. In this world, we have likes and dislikes, attractions and aversions. However, this leads to separation and suffering. Even someone who is against us is a form of the Divine. We must be able to see through such guises in our daily experience. Things may appear ugly but we must see the beauty and bliss that lies within. Otherwise, we are living as mere individuals clinging to our physical bodies and sense of ‘me-ness’ which precludes us from seeing the underlying reality.
To achieve Tripura Sundari, we should practise being cheerful and confident in all circumstances. We have to trust to a certain degree that everything is happening as it should happen; then we will attain a state of peace and bliss. We must take this practice beyond our moments of prayer and apply it continuously in order to see the full effect. The underlying bliss, which is beyond the limited self, is Tripura Sundari. Another practice to reach that state of bliss is selfless service. We should help others while expecting nothing in return. It is service without expectation of a return. In so doing, we realise that the world is not just about me and I, but about assisting others. This opens up the consciousness to a larger reality.
Pt. Dr. Umesh Persad, Spiritual Leader, Gyaan Deepak Kirtan Mandali (from a Sunday morning service)
