VASANT-CHAITRA-RAAM NAVARAATRI
Our Hindu community commences Navaraatri today. This Navaraatri is unique in many ways. It is known by three main names—Vasant, Chaitra and Raam Navaraatri. Each name captures a legend, a historical event, a devotional moment and an opportunity for spiritual introspection.
Vasant means spring. The Navaraatri welcomes the arrival of spring. Nature is reborn—all creatures, flora and fauna get a new lease of life.
Chaitra is the month in which this holy observance takes place. It is the first month of the Hindu year. Thus, Chaitra Navaraatri welcomes the new year in a spirit of worship and spirituality.
As Raam Navaraatri, the period culminates with the observance of Raamnavami—the birth or incarnation of Lord Sri Raama—the supreme self descending into the realm of the flesh so that the human who is already in the flesh may ascend into the Spirit that Lord Raam embodies.
Navaraatri process allows the seeker to advance his spiritual journey through a method of gradual transformation within. He has to invoke the power of dynamism (Kriya Shakti) buried deeply within to rise above the pettiness of the mind and the lower self. This inherent latent power is outwardly manifested a Mother Durga who beams in brilliance and illumination.
As the base self is transformed by Kriya Shakti, the seeker has to seek to invoke the values of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice) through Iccha Shakti—the power of will to amass the wealth of virtues and self control. The outward appearance of this power is revered as Maha Lakshmi, the benign Mother.
With dynamism and virtues at their peak, knowledge begins to flash upon the seeker who gradually moves to higher and higher realization of the Ultimate Self. This power is called Jnana Shakti—the power of wisdom and is manifested on the outside as Mother Saraswati.
The final goal and message of this Navaraatri is to bring the seeker to the Pure Self which Lord Sri Raam represents. Ultimately, Vasant-Chaitra-Raam Navaraatri is an evergreen reminder of our personal spiritual journey and goal. Satsangh, Pooja, Keertan, Katha and all the accompanying festivies of the holy nights are all important and necessary elements to this final goal. Underlying each of the three names is the common message of spiritual renewal, rejuvenation and reinvigoration.
May this glorious period of Navaraatri inspire us further on the spiritual path. May the grace of Mother and Lord Sri Raam be with us all.
Happy Navaraatri from The Hindu Media Guyana
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