A Deep, Intense, Constant and Total Gratitude
In addition to exploring Gratitude in a variety of hues, the issue also features pieces on the inner significance of Navaratri, the festival of Devi, and the cultural significance of Ramayana. Other highlights include a reflection on patriotism and leadership in the light of recent events in Afghanistan, and ‘The Real Gandhi’, an insightful essay approved by Sri Aurobindo.
Goddess Durga and the Festival of Devi: An Inner Meaning (Part 1)
The Festival of Devi is celebrated in India to mark the victory of the great Goddess Durga over the demon King Mahishāsura and his demon cohorts. Though outwardly it seems to be symbolic of the victory of Truth over falsehood which of course it is, there is much in it to help us understand the process of individual and cosmic evolution. A 3-part essay explores the deeper, inner significance of this festival.
Goddess Durga and the Festival of Devi: An Inner Meaning (Part 2)
The symbolism of the birth of Mahishasurmardini is presented here. The author also briefly outlines how the nine forms of the goddess form an ascending hierarchy of shakti or energy rising from the root chakra at the base of the spine, mulādhara, traveling upwards gaining strength and force and momentum with each upward gust and impulsion until it reaches the crown and passing beyond unites with its Lord.
Goddess Durga and the Festival of Devi: An Inner Meaning (Part 3)
The author, in this part, cites some significant descriptions given by the Mother of her realisations. These passages speak of how Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga takes a giant leap over tradition wherein he is not content with the slaying of a demon or many demons but by their conversion or dissolution for good. But for this not only man but even the gods must collaborate.
Sādhanā: An Audio-Visual Meditation on Sincerity
This month, we have selected a beautiful, meditative artistic creation by an international volunteer group ‘Art Studio-12 Qualities”. Watching this small film and listening in silence to the words of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo on sincerity is a meditative experience. Join us in this collective aspiration for growing in Sincerity.
Sincerity: The Bedrock of Sadhana
The author here reminds us that generally there is a great chasm between what the soul suggests and the intellect understands and the senses execute. The only way to bridge the rift between spirit and its instruments and to create harmony and order in place of clash and cacophony among the different parts of our being is to be absolutely sincere.
