The Chandi Path, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir Ashram in Napa Valley, is both an incredible story and a path of discovery of and worship to the Divine Mother. The story is an incredible epic of how the Goddess in numerous forms battles the "Great Ego" and his forces of negative thoughts, such as "Too Much" and "Too Little," "Self Conceit" and "Self Deprecation," Pride, Confusion, etc. ~ all negative thoughts.
It is a fearsome battle that takes place over many chapters, but eventually, the Goddess wins and a great celebration ensues. But the Chandi Path is more than an epic story; it is also a path of worship and discovery. I found much to identify with in the negative thoughts and much to be greatful for because, though they were defeated, they were ultimately accepted by the Goddess and taken up to the heavenly realms.
One chapter in particular, Chapter 11, identifies many of the qualities of the Goddess such as "the instrinsic nature of earth," "the Energy of Consciousness Which Pervades All," the "Source of Refuge," "the Eternal Energy of Creation," "Faith," "Self-sustenance," "Constancy," "She Who is Beyond all Time," and others. What is given through this ancient sacred text is a method of achieving clarity through the removal of negative thoughts and replacing them, as we identify with the Goddess in all Her forms, with positive qualities most of us would seek to achieve.
Each time I chant the Chandi Path, my experience of it becomes deeper and richer; I discover more meaning ~ nuances that become clearer with each chanting; and my love for the Goddess, in all Her forms, becomes greater. What Swami Satyananda Saraswati has done in his translation of this and other ancient texts is made them fresh and new for the present. This is tremendous gift, that the Chandi Path is made accessible to all, including westerners, in the present time.
Linda R. Talbott, Silver City, NM
