The Chandi Path is the allegorical story of Surath and Samadhi – the former is a king, the latter a businessman. They both go through the angst of living – note this was not any different hundreds of thousands of years ago than it is now. They both find themselves grieving over things they are attached to, a way of life they were used to, which is no longer available to them – i.e. life’s various changes. They happen to have the good fortune of meeting with Medhas Rishi and seek his guidance. He narrates the Chandi to them, the summary is this – “Chant the Chandi – that is all there is for one to do, when you are ready, when the Divine Mother is ready, she will give you what you need and what you deserve. There is no need for angst, depression, anger, stress, tension, nerves and what have you.”

I feel I was not any different than Surath and Samadhi, neither is anyone else. My prayers brought me to Shree Maa and Swamiji and what they said in essence is exactly what Medhas Rishi said to Surath and Samadhi. “Chant the Chandi, it is a privilege, what more could one ask for”. Swamiji also taught the proper way to chant the Chandi per his lineage in Siddhasana with Pranayam.

I have now been chanting the Chandi since 2007. Initially it took me a week to chant the Chandi, over a matter of several months to a year and half, this improved gradually to where I was able to chant it in a matter of an hour and fifteen minutes. The Asana was very hard and painful, this too improved with time to where I could chant in one Asana and finish the Seedha Path.

Over the last 2 years I have been chanting the Chandi with Samputs. I was drawn to the Chandi Samput book that Swamiji has written and asked him about it, he encouraged me to chant it with the samput.

I have not resolved all my problems, have not answered the meaning of life and continue to float in the river of life. Chanting the Chandi has made me handle what life throws my way in a more mature, able, calm fashion. I have noticed the very same demons rise and fall in my being that is described in the various chapters of the Chandi and patiently wait for the fruition of the penance that is described in Chapter 13.

Raghu

The Ratri Suktam, translated by Swami Satyananda,
from the Samavidhaana Braahmana.

Please post on the Devi Mandir Yahoo Group for any questions about this mantra.

~~OM~~

The full text of the Qualities of An Ideal Human Being from the Shrimad Bhagavatam is available for download here:

The Qualities of An Ideal Human Being

According to Narada Purana, there are six stages of Sannyas.

Kutirchak - Who dwells in a hut, practically one who practices his or her own sadhana and studies according to his or her own rhythm.

Bahudak - Who visits many teachers, learns their ways, employs their knowledge, and explores how to integrate various teachings into his or her own discipline.

Hamsa - Who employs discrimination in discerning what practices fit into his or her own life style.

Paramahamsa - Who has supreme discrimination, and whose life style is always an inspiration to others.

Turyatita - Who has moved beyond the bonds of karma and is fixed in stillness.

Avadhuta - Who is centered in Oneness, whether sitting in samadhi or acting in the world, his or her own center is never compromised.

~~OM~~

Mantras from the Saraswati Kavach:

The full text of the Saraswati Kavach from the Devi Bhagavatam (text and Roman transliteration) is available for download here:

Saraswati Kavach

~~OM~~

~~OM~~

When love is tainted by selfishness, it cannot illumine at all. Self is lovelessness; Love is selflessness. Love gives and forgives. Self gets and forgets. Love can never entertain the idea of revenge, for it sees all others as Oneself. When the tongue is hurt by the teeth, do you seek vengeance against the teeth? No, they both belong to you and are integral parts of your body. So too, when some other person insults you or inflicts pain, allow wisdom to have mastery over you. Discover the truth and do not rush to conclusions, always keeping love as your guide. This is a difficult task, but not beyond your capacity. Embark on this task with ardor and faith, you will attain sweet victory.

~~OM~~

A devotee shares his love and devotion to Shree Maa and Swamiji in this beautiful poem in Marathi.

Chotich Murti Piwali Vastra Dhaari |
Sooti Kesh Jiche Janu Keshi Ari ||
Bhaali Charche Kumkum Jasaa Tri-nayanaa |
Namaksar Tya Shree Maa Ni Swami Ranaa ||1||

Meaning: You are petite and you wear Yellow clothes. Your hair is open as is of Kesi Ari (Krishna). You have Bindi on your forehead as if that’s your third eye. We Bow to Shree Maa and Swamiji.

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