~~OM~~
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We continued our discussion of the Chandi Path with Chapter 1.
In Chapter 1, the first episode, King Suratha (good thoughts) flees from his Kingdom and Samadhi (pure intuitive perception), the businessman, is driven from his home by his family. They both arrive at the ashram of Medhas Muni (the Intellect of Love). Even while at this peaceful ashram, the contemplations of both men continue to be afflicted by attachment to their family and kingdom.
Overcome by these thoughts, they approach Medhas Muni. After observing all the proper conventions and congenialities of learning, the King asks the Muni, “Why are we afflicted by egotism and attachment? How can we make our minds sit still so that it does not contemplate these attachments?” Medhas Muni’s response is the subject of the rest of the Chapter.
Medhas Muni describes how the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha attack Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma prays to Goddess Yoga Nidra to wake up Lord Vishnu (who is in deep meditation) so that he can battle the demons. After a long battle of over 5000 years, aided by the Divine Mother, Lord Vishnu conquers the two demons.
Madhu means as sweet as honey. Madhu (too sweet) is “too much”. Kaitabha means insignificant as an insect. Kaitabha is “too little.” Madhu and Kaitabaha are “too much” and “too little.” See how they manifest in our lives.
Swamiji says, “We sit down we want to be still, too little says, “you can’t sit still, you don’t have enough.” We go out in the market place of life we get all the goodies and bring them home and too much says, “you can’t sit still, you’ve got too much.” The first step to sitting still is having the right amount. If you have too much you can’t sit still, if you have too little you can’t sit still. That’s the story of Chapter 1, this is the beginning of our spiritual discipline.
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Follow these links to useful resources on Chapter 1:
- Listen to Swamiji chanting Chapter 1
- Listen to Swamiji’s Class on Chapter 1
- Watch Swamiji’s Video Classes on the Chandi Path
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