One of my very favorite scriptures is The Chandi Path! In Bengal [and many other places, as well,] the Chandi Path [also known as "Devi Mahatmyam", And "Durga Saptasati"], is considered the "Bible" of many Mother Worshipers.
My very favorite translation of it is by Swamiji Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir. He desribes all the "Armies of the Great Ego" and names them, since knowing who our "enemies" are is half the battle. Some of them have names like, "Too Much" and "Too Little"; "Self-Conceit" and "Self-Deprecation"; "MEMORIES"! Do these asuras sound familiar" They should... As Swamiji Satyananda says in his introduction, "Every character mentioned in the Chandi is within us: the forces which impel us to realize our own divinity, filling our lives with Love and Joy, and a sense of meaningful purpose; as well as the forces which incline to diminish that perception."
Describing the Goddess, the Mother of the Universe, He says: "In one sense She resides in the image, the photo or idol of worship. In another application, She manifested in the body of the Worshiper. And again, 'Her feet cover the earth, and Her crown extends to the farthest reaches of the atmosphere.' On every level the scripture is a commentary on the evolution of consciousness."
Towards the end of his wonderful intro to the Chandi Path, Swamiji Satyananda says:
"Saptasati is a Way. Daily reciting the verses, we offer to Mother all our troubles, afflictions, and all manner of thoughts and perturbations -- even the very Ego itself; and one by one She cuts them down, purifies them with the vibrations of Her mantras, until we, too, become the 'One of Intuitive Vision [Known in the Chandi as Samadhi]' who only desires the Highest Wisdom which removes the attachments of the Ego."
i consider the Chandi Path, translated by Swamiji Satyananda Saraswati, one of the greatest spritual tools that any devotee of the Goddess could possibly have. i cannot praise this wonderful scripture, enough; and especially this particular translation. i had read other translations, but it wasn't until reading this particular translation, that i really FELT it...deeply and profoundly, and absolutely knew i had a spiritual tool that i would carry with me and practice throughout my life! Jai Maa! Blessings to all who read this!
MuktiMaa
