argala stotram
TRANSCRIPT
http://www.shreemaa.org/drupal/chandi_sadhana_2008_argala_stotram
Chandi Sadhana 2008: Argala Stotram
~~OM~~
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We continued our discussion of the Chandi Path with the Argala Stotram (The Praise
that Unfastens the Bolt). Swamiji says, "We've already adorned our suit of armor. No
other vibration can permeate our armor. We are protected. We are going to open up
the bolt so that we can open the doors to the secret of the Divine Mother."
The Argala Stotram has a beautiful refrain, a prayer to the Divine Mother:
"Give us your form, give us victory, give us welfare, remove all hostility."
Swamiji explains, "Give us your form" means let us reflect the form, the appearance
of the Divine Mother entirely in our every action, every thought. "Give us victory"
means let us conquer this small egotism, this selfish self, give us victory over that
selfishness. "Remove hostility" means give us a world of peace, consciousness filled
with peace, every perception will radiate peace.
And Markandeya Muni says, "After reciting this hymn of praise one should recite the
great hymn of praise the number of which is seven hundred (Devi Mahatmyam), and
he or she will attain to Supreme Perfection" -- Argala Stotram
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Follow these links to useful resources on the Argala Stotram:
Listen to Swamiji's Class on Argala Stotram
Listen to Shree Maa chanting Argala Stotram
Saptasloki Durga
1. What is the spiritual discipline She is talking about in the 7 seven verses
that describe the essence.
The sadhana of the Chandi.
Sri Durgastottara Satanama Stotram
2. In Sri Durgastottara Satanama Stotram, it is written that it is best recited
evening before the New Moon Day known as Bhaumavati, when the
celestial configuration is in asterism known as Satabhisa. What and when
is Bhaumavati? What is Satabhisa and when does this happen?
Bhaumavati is Tuesday. Satabhisa is the name of a Nakshatra (asterism
or star). When that specific Nakshatra falls on a Tuesday, that is most
auspicious.
3. Are all days before New Moon called Bhaumavati or is it the Amavasya
that falls on a Tuesday? Also, how do we find out when the celestial
configuration is in the asterism Satabhisa?
Only the Tuesday on which Amavasya falls. Check the Panchanga to
know the asterism on that day.
4. After the 108 names of Durga, there is a section - "om aim
atmatattvam ...svaha" Are we to sip water after each svaha?
Yes.
5. Should we say "Om Vishnu" after that and wash our hands ?
No need for the Om Vishnu. Just wash your hands.
Removal of Curses
6. Why are there 3 mantras (the Sapoddhara, Sapa Vimocana and the
Brahmadi Sapa Vimocanam) to remove curses.
They were different curses.
7. Can you please let me know the sanctity of the number 11 used to chant
the sapoddhara mantras in the Chandi?
There are eleven forms of Rudra, eleven jyotir lingams, and eleven is a
holy number.
8. When chanting the Sapoddhara mantras in the Chandi, I generally chant
3 mantras to a breath. So I do 4 repetitions of 3 each making the number
of mantras 12, and not 11 as stated in the book. My understanding is that
the minimum recommended is 11 and so is it OK to chant 12 or more
depending on the pranayam?
Never harmful to do more. All the minimums are just that - the least you
want to perform. There are no maximums listed.
9. Are the Sapoddhara mantras part of the Seeda Path?
The Seeda Path means straight through, without the six limbs. The six
limbs are devyah kavacham, argala stotram, kilakam and the three
secrets at the end. Vedic Ratri Shuktam and Vedic Devi Shuktam and the
Navarna Viddhi are always included at the beginning and end.
Therefore, the sapoddhara mantras may or may not be included in the
seeda path at the discretion of the individual.
10. Why is the Mrtasamjivani Mantrah the mantra that bestows life from
death?
Mrityu means death; samjivani means to restore to life. Because of
worldly attachments we become dead to our spiritual lives. Reciting this
mantra we remember our spirituals Selves, and become restored to life.
Devyah Kavacham
11. If I recite the kavach once, how long would it last on me?
That depends on the amount of sincerity and faith with which you recited.
It could be a practice that you want to add to your daily worship.
12. Why do we chant the kavach?
The Kavach is one of the limbs of the Chandi. It allows us to establish the
energies of the Goddess in the different parts of our bodies. It gives more
than protection. It allows us to unite with Her.
13. Is it an insurance policy?
The best one available.
14. Does complete faith mean Total Protection?
Great definition.
15. What is total protection?
No matter what happens, we remain in the presence of the Divine
Mother.
16. What is it that we want to be protected from?
The changes and modifications of our minds.
17. Are there specific mudras, symbolic gestures or physical actions intended
to accompany the chanting of Kavach?
There are.
18. Is it sufficient to chant the mantras and visualize without doing physical
gestures if one has not received instruction?
Absolutely.
19. In verse 3, "second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the
Goddess of the delight of Practice". The seeker is inspired and meets the
Guru. S/he receives the knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not
practiced. What prevents knowledge from being practiced?
Old habits are hard to break. It is easy to become inspired, but to really
make the change is very difficult.
20. In the Viniyoga, "that which bind the the Gods of all the directions" is
defined as the principle underlying the Kavach. What is it that binds the
Gods?
Devotion.
21. Why are the Nine Durgas listed here and what are we to get from their
mention here? Are they intended as signposts for our sadhana? If that is
so, then why are the descriptions so terse? Do they relate to what occurs
in the main text? Are they a kind of table of contents to what happens
later?
They do comprise a chronology of events, both in the Chandi and in our
lives. Again and again we get an inspiration, cultivate the knowledge, put
it into practice, and then things get better and better.
22. In verses 9 and 10 of the Kavach the buffalo, bull, elephant, and peacock
are mentioned. What is the significance of each animal, and how do they
relate to human evolution. I am especially puzzled by the buffalo since
the ego later changes into a buffalo.
This buffalo is different from the Great Ego's form. This one stands for
perseverance and is the conveyance of the Goddess Varahi. The Great
Ego's form as a buffalo stands for stubbornness.
23. While I have great faith that the kavach works, how can one know
objectively that one is putting on Chandi's armor? I can understand that a
pure soul can have total protection, but if a devotee of limited awakening
puts on Her armor, does that devotee only gain partial protection?And, if
that is so, what can one do to increase the power of Her protection?
We can establish the amount of protection of which we are capable. As
much as we do, so much is our benefit.
24. What is the method of wearing any armor? e.g. Devyah kavacham, Kali
kavacham, Vishnu kavacham etc
I presume that we are speaking of the physical kavach or amulet. After it
has been prepared, perform the puja and establish the yantra. During the
offerings section, offer the amulet on the yantra, just as you would offer a
rudraksha. You can use the Gayatri mantra for the offering. Afterwards,
recite the kavach for that particular deity. Then perform the prana
pratishtha to the kavach, kara - anga nyasa, and japa of the mula mantra.
After the visarjana is complete, remove the amulet and you can wear it.
Please do not let others touch the amulet after the offering has been
completed. Also, you can remove it from your body during personal
functions: toilet, bathing, etc.
25. Why are the mantras of the Kavacham, Argala Stotram, and Kilakam not
offered with Svaha at the fire?
It comes from the oral tradition. They are all parts of an internal
purification, during which process we do not want to direct our attention
outside.
Argala Stotram
26. Why do we chant the Argala Stotram before the Kilakam?
Actually in different books the order is reversed. And in some books the
Kavacham comes after the 700 verses. Here we followed the North Indian
tradition.
27. In the Argala Stotram you have translated "dvisho jahi" as "remove all
hostility". Does that mean remove all the hostility inside us or remove the
hostility from people around us so that they become friendly toward us?
Both - all hostility. Make this world to be at peace, and make me to be at
peace with the world.
28. In other texts we pray for Moksha, but why is it in Argala stotram we pray
for form and welfare? What does it mean when we say 'give us Your
form?
Your form means may we have the Infinite form of the Divine Mother, the
form of Satchidananda, the form of Mulaprakriti.
29. In verse 18 of the Argala Stotram, this is said: "The four-faced Creative
Capacity, Brahma, sings the praise of the four-armed Energy of the
Supreme Sovereign." What do the four arms represent?
The Goddess is often seen as four armed. Each arm is a power. Each arm
holds a weapon. For example, in Chapter 6 Her four hands hold a rosary -
continuous japa, a gourd - renunciation, a skull - abandonment of the
ego, and a lotus - peace. In Chapter 8 Her four hands hold the net - unity,
the curved sword - sword of wisdom, bow - determination, arrow - one-
pointed focus.
30. In the Argala Stotram, what is the bolt in our lives? And how do we
unfasten it?
The bolt locks the door to the secret of the Goddess. It is like a dead-bolt
lock. We unfasten it by remembering that our prayer is for the perception
of your form, welfare or fame as heroic warriors, becoming victorious
over the ego, and the elimination of all hostility or conflict.
31. Verse 24 on p78 says, "patnim manoramam dehi." The transliteration
says, "give me a wife in harmony with my mind, who follows the changes
of mind." What does "follow changes of mind,” mean here? Does it imply
change from materialistic to spiritual state?
The wife is the Shakti, and the husband of Shakti is Shiva. Therefore, this
verse applies to all without deference to gender. Make me Shiva in
harmony with Shakti. No matter where my mind wants to travel, no
matter how mind changes or fluctuates, may I always remember that I
am Shiva, Pure Consciousness, in complete harmony with Shakti, Pure
Energy or Nature.
Kilakam
32. Does verse 1 of kilakam mean that when the pin is removed, we are like
Shiva?
Yes. It also means that we become one with pure knowledge, the wisdom
of the Vedas.
33. In Verse 3 of the Kilakam, Markandeya Muni says to the Goddess that "by
chanting this hymn, they attain the perfection of indifference to each and
every object of existence." Can we describe this indifference better? Does
it mean that all we will want to do is to chant the Chandi?
And so we start working to organize our lives so that we can?
Yes, that is how it works. As we chant, the world has less and less
influence upon us. Therefore, we increase the chanting. And it continues
to grow, and worldliness retreats even more.
34. In the concluding remarks after the Kilakam, you have mentioned that
"Mother will reveal at a certain stage in the development of an aspirant"
its significance. How will I get it, being so far away from you or Shreemaa.
Is it related to the inner meaning of the text "He gives and in return he
receives, and by no other means is She pleased". After each repetition of
my mantra I visualize that I am offering the mantra puspha to Her. And I
feel that at higher stages of development it should grow into offering the
moment to moment consciousness to her, offering the chaitanya
kusumas. Is this the meaning of "he gives", and does "he receives" mean
the joy of offering which comes out of the mental offering.
Yes, you understand. It is the law of karma: you will get the prasad of
your offering. Understanding this, you will want to give the most. It is the
opposite of every other business transaction, where everyone is desiring
to give the least and trying to get the most. In our relationship with God
we want to give the most and receive what She wills as prasad.
35. After the Kilakam you have mentioned that its meaning will be clear after
initiation into the utkilana and Saapa vimochana mantras. Are there two
separate initiations for the Chandi - one to the Navarna and the other to
the utkilana and sapa vimochana mantras or just one "master" initiation.
There are many levels of initiation in the Chandi.
Vedoktam Ratri Suktam
36. Who is the seer kushika? In general, is the seer the one who is credited
as the original composer of the verses?
Yes, the seer is the one who made the original composition or discovered
the original mantras. Kushika was such a seer.
37. Verse 4 says, "She is ours now. May we see Her effortless, unimpaired
movements upon the earth as a bird sees from its dwelling in a tree,
(remaining only the witness)." Were Her movements impaired before (in
the Night of Duality) but now they are not? Was it our saying to Her "do
not change" that was impairing Her movement? When we become the
witness then She is no longer impaired because we are no longer
attached to her changes?
Excellent! As long as we are saying, I like things the way they are, please
do not change, we are trying to restrict Nature to what is pleasing to us.
In making Her our own, we allow Her to change as She will, change as
She must, because that is Her Nature to change. We become the witness
of all the changes of Nature.
38. Verse 5 says, "For the entire host of humanity, for animals who traverse
by foot, or birds who fly in the air, She is the object of desperate search."
I can understand the host of humanity desperately searching for Her once
the Dawning Light has begun to shine, but were we searching for Her
during the Night of Duality also? Perhaps during the Night of Duality our
desperate search was for the Goddess of Night (who else was there?). We
tried to come closer to Her by pursuing our many selfish desires.
Exactly! All movement in creation is seeking a greater degree of
perfection. Now, consciously we are seeking to recognize Her in every
movement.
39. What does it mean for an animal or bird to desperately search for Her?
To seek a greater degree off perfection through their efforts.
Tantroktam Ratri Suktam
40. In verse 3 of the Tantroktam Ratri Suktam, what does the "eternal half
vowel?" mean?
Anuswara - literally the sound of an atom.
41. Verse 7 mentions the Night of Time, the Great Night and the Night of
Ignorance as the Goddess as the qualities of Nature (Nature is also the
Goddess). How we might get a sense of the qualities of "the Night of
Time," "the Great Night" and "the Night of Ignorance?"
"The Night of Time" creates the illusion of time and allows perception,
because we perceive in time. "The Great Night" is the darkness which
exposes the light. "The Night of Ignorance" is the darkness which
obscures the light.
42. Are these associated with specific gunas in this verse?
Not necessarily. Of course, it is possible to relate every thing to all three
gunas at any point in time, but this Tantric Ratri Shukta is more a
description of Her various attributes for the purpose of praising Her. And
then, who can praise Her? If the Lord of Existence is subject to Her will,
then what can I say about Her?
43. In verse 14 of Tantroktam Ratri Suktam could you comment on "cause
the ignorance of egotism to fall upon those two thoughts Too Much and
Too Little."
Definitely. When we succumb to egotism, we act from ignorance, and
invariably we make mistakes.
Devi Atharvashirsham
44. What is an Atharvashirsham such as Devi Atharvashirsham for?
The highest meaning.
Navarna Viddhi
45. Is it true that the mantra "Om Aim Hrim Klim Camundayai Vicce" should
not be chanted unless it is taught by a Guru?
The Navarana mantra should be received in initiation, but that is not
always possible. There are no ill effects of reciting the mantra without
initiation, if you have the intention of self purification, but the energy
contained in the mantra is ever so much more potent after having
received it from a qualified guru. In the absence of such a relationship, if
you are devoted to the Divine Mother, then recite Her mantras with full
faith, and when the circumstances permit, She will bring the appropriate
guru to give you initiation. This is true for all mantras performed with the
intention of self purification. If you have other intentions, please consult a
qualified teacher. But do not ever hesitate to read, study, or practice.
46. Is it true that without a formal initiation into the Navarna Mantra I will not
get the benefits of the chanting? Can I consider hearing Shree Maa
chanting the Navarna mantra as an initiation?
There are many kinds and levels of initiation. If you consider Shree Maa
as the example you want to follow, then she is your Guru. You have been
initiated. More will come as is necessary.
47. Is there a time when we add a "namaha" at the end of the Navarna
mantra?
Some sadhus do. We do not. It depends on the tradition of your Guru
lineage.
48. Why is the Navarna Mantra Chamundayai and not Chandikayai?
Look in the Devyatharvashirsham chapter of the Chandi Path, where She
describes the meaning of the mantra and how it is derived.
49. Is using my Guru mantra, not Navarna, OK for pranayam with Chandi?
What is the preferred mantra for pranayam with Chandi - one's Guru
mantra or the Navarna.
The Guru mantra is the preferred pranayam with any scripture.
50. Is the Navarna Viddhi part of Sri Vidya Upasana?
Yes.
51. Are Chandi Upasana and Sri Vidyopasana related sadhanas?
Yes.
52. I have heard that at an advanced stage, Navarna Viddhi would involve
some amount of Vamachara? Is this true?
It is possible, but not necessary.
53. Is Navarana Viddhi something that an initiate would have to practice
continuously to obtain the relevant results?
The more you do the more you will get.
54. Can one add this to his/her sadhana tools?
Absolutely.
55. Can the navarna mantra be permutated and the syllables rearranged in
different orders to generate different effects?
No. Read it the way it is written: Creation - Preservation -Transformation.
56. Klim is the pin the whole thing hangs on, what does that mean, and what
does removing the pin mean?
It means purifying desire so that we are praying with sincerity. Removing
the pin allows us to open the doors to the secret of the Chandi.
57. Does klim open the pin?
It is one ingredient. So also are Aim and Hrim.
58. Does it mean that unshakable faith in the guru unties the granthi of the
heart?
That is not the only meaning of Klim, but it is true.
59. Does navarna mantra make up the form of Maa Kali and will we invoke
that form of Mother by repetition of these letters?
No, it is the form of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, and we
invoke all three by the mantra.
Chapter 1
60. In Chapter 1, verses 49 and 50, there is a discussion on how objects of
senses are perceived differently by different creatures. Then it says "It is
true that humans have a capacity of understanding, but not only humans.
This knowledge is common to all animals, whether beasts of the forest or
birds of the air; all living beings possess this understanding just as human
beings." What is this understanding? What is the "general principle" that
is being referred to here and in verse 51?
The understanding is the capacity of discrimination, consciousness,
awareness, and the general principle is that all awareness is alike: we
either recognize or we do not.
61. In the Dhyanam on MahaKali in the Chandi (Khadgam Chakra Gadheshu
Chaapa ...), She is described as holding nine weapons in Her nine hands.
Is Her tenth hand in Abhaya Mudra?
No, you counted correctly. The Dhyanam specifically says that She has
ten hands, but only lists nine weapons. However, in the Verse 5 of
Vaikritikam Rahasya, the missing weapon is an Arrow. In the Dhyanam it
is understood bow and arrow.
62. In verse 6 of Chapter 1, “Good Thoughts (Suratha) moved against the
Destroyers of Worship to engage in battle, and even though they were
fewer in numbers, nevertheless Good thoughts was defeated. We have
good intentions, good thoughts, and good goals. But these do not
manifest as good actions. What are the chief causes of this phenomenon?
How does iccha shakti become kriya shakti?
There are a number of variables included in iccha shakti. First look at the
intensity or sincerity of desire. Then durability, sustainability. How quickly
are we distracted from our inspiration? How easily are we dissuaded from
our resolution? Look at our capacity. Do we really have the capability to
perform? Do we have sufficient resources?
There are a number of reasons why we can excuse our inaction.
63. In verse 16, "And as the King went into deeper contemplation of the loss
of his wealth and his present situation, his mind became absorbed in pain
and his thoughts controlled by worldly attachments." As such
contemplations arise in our mind, what remedies are available?
Focus on our goals. Sing the Chandi. Do more sadhana.
64. In verses 37-38, "Observing the proper customs and congenialities for
learning, they sat down and engaged in conversation." What are some of
the proper customs and congenialities for learning from a Guru?
Be open. Have a sincere desire to learn. Don't go to a Guru to show how
much you know. Be humble, respectful, helpful. Take copious notes.
Organize your notes at every opportunity.
65. In verses 48-49, Medhas Muni says that the objects of the senses are
perceived differently by all beings. What is this seeing?
Any operation of consciousness: pratyaksha, pratyay, prakash.
66. Is it confined to perception with our senses?
No. We perceive our thoughts and intuitions.
67. What is its significance to Suratha and Samadhi, in light of their
problems? Why does the sage mention this?
His next example about the birds feeding their young illustrates the
nature of attachment. Even though acknowledging their own hunger, the
birds are feeding their young. We perceive and think about our
perceptions differently.
Chapter 2
68. Verse 66 of Chapter 2 refers to dancing torsos and great rivers, what is
this great river?
In the Chandi it is known as a great river of desires that come pouring
forth from the defeated forces of duality. These desires spill across the
earth as they no longer possess the capacity to bind us further. That is, in
the battle with the thoughts, the Divine Mother sets us free from all
negativities.
69. On page 4 of "Chandi Path: Study of Chapter Two" You state that,
"Remember in Chapter One when we describe the manifestations of the
Goddess, She gave us the boon that whenever devotees praise Her with
pure devotion She will make Herself manifest." Which verses of Chapter 1
is this referring to?
Verses 89-91 of Chapter 1. She gave the boon through Her actions,
performing just as the worshipper had asked: She emerged and became
visible. And in 91-92 by freeing Vishnu from the mystic slumber that She
caused, He woke up and rose and saw the impending attack.
70. Swamiji translates the asura Mahahanuh's name as "The Great Deceiver."
Is Mahahanuh some part of myself that I can identify? Is he deceiving
me? Is he deceiving those around me? Just what is the deception? And
why does it exist?
Every form of deception comes under the domain of the Great Deceiver:
to myself and to others, from me and from others. He is constantly
creating deception.
He is able to do so because it is so hard to live with truth. In order to live
with truth we must surrender to Mother. Therefore he is so powerful.
71. In "The Bell of Continuous Tone", is a continuous tone more
beneficial/pleasant than a non-continuous tone? Can you please offer any
insight on this weapon.
Yes, the continuous tone brings us into the nada, the subtle vibration
which doesn't change. That takes us deeper and deeper inside.
72. In Chapter 2, Verse 23 we find Brahma presenting to the Goddess "the
bowl of renunciation". What is the function, purpose, and symbolism of
this bowl in the hands of the Divine Mother? Is this bowl full or empty?
What is its' importance in the battle with the Great Ego?
The bowl of renunciation is a sadhu's bhiksha patra, a begging bowl,
meaning I have nothing of my own; it all belongs to Her. Everything we
get is Her prasad. The bowl is empty as we present it to Her, because we
have nothing to give except for our devotion. It is usually full when She
gives it back to us, because She is the Giver of All.
In the battle with the Great Ego it is important for us to renounce our
attachments. We cannot move in to samadhi while we cling to duality.
Chapter 3
73. In the Praise of the Goddess in Chapter 3, the moon is situated in a
"jeweled crown." In Chapters 4 to 10 we see mention of a digit or half
moon. After the shield bearing a hundred moons was cut by Mother's
sharp sword (chapter 10) the Moon then became Mother's crown. Can
you please explain the significance of the moon in this context since most
of the deities are depicted with a digit of the moon?
The Moon indicates Devotion, which is the highest manifestation of
divinity.
Chapter 5
74. In Chapter 5 of the Chandi Path, the Goddess is praised for various divine
attributes, such as Patient Forgiveness, Peace, Humility, etc. Why are
attributes such as Hunger, Sleep, and Confusion also included?
Hunger means intense desire for God. Sleep means unconsciousness or
forgetfulness of God. As soon as we praise Her as forgetfulness, we are
remembering. The same with Confusion. As soon as we praise Her as
Confusion, we are no longer confused.
Chapter 7
75. In Verse 24 of Chapter 7 the Remover of Darkness gives the heads of
Passion and Anger to She Who Tears Apart Thought and says, "Now in the
war of sacrifice, you yourself will kill Self-Conceit and Self-Deprecation." I
would appreciate comments on the term "war of sacrifice." Does that
term refer to the battle to kill thoughts? I wonder at the use of the word
sacrifice.
The word sacrifice, yajna, comes from the root yuj - to unite. It is the
same root as yoga. The sacrifice is giving up of all duality that precludes
union.
Chapter 8
76. Can you help us understand verse 23 of chapter 8 a little more? From the
body of which Goddess does "She who tears apart thought" come from? I
thought in Verse 22 that "She who tears apart thought" was already
present on the battlefield.
The excessively fearful and extremely terrific ENERGY of She Who Tears
Apart Thoughts becomes manifest.
77. Could you please elaborate on the intense energy of She Who Tears Apart
Thought that you refer to in verse 23 of Chapter 8?
There is no language by which to describe.
Chapter 9
78. Regarding chapter 9, verse 35 of the Chandi "Emerging from the heart
pierced by the pike came a spirit of great strength and valor, crying
Stop!" Is the spirit leaving the heart of Self Deprecation the death of the
small ego?
Actually it is not the death. Rather he is crying to stop this process of
killing the ego!
79. In verse 38 of Chapter 9 of the Chandi, we read others were repulsed
being sprinkled by the water sanctified by the incantation of the Creative
Energy. Can Swamiji give us the the inner significance of this verse,
especially of the water?
The water being sprinkled in abhishek represents the conch shell water
that we sprinkle on the heads of all devotees at the culmination of the
worship. The mantra with which it is sprinkled says: amritam kuru swaha
- make this immortal nectar.
Chapter 10
80. Verse 29 of Chapter 10 refers to "symptomatic confusion". What is
symptomatic confusion?
Confusions as they manifest in our lives.
Chapter 11
81. The hymn of praise in Chapter 11 is dedicated to Narayani, "the energy
which exposes consciousness." What does it mean to expose
consciousness?
To make consciousness perceivable. That is, She gives consciousness a
form so we can see it.
Vedoktam Devi Suktam
82. What does the term Vedic Praise mean?
It means that it came from the Rig Veda as compared with the Tantrik
Praise which cam from the Markandeya Purana.
83. What is the purpose of these verses? What state of consciousness are
they to enliven in us? What value do they have for the aspirant?
These verses describe the state of enlightenment of one who has realized
unity consciousness, a oneness with all the Gods and all of creation.
Vaikrtikam Rahasyam
84. In the Chandi Path - Modified Secret - Verse 21-22, how do you worship
Time and Death?
Time = Kaal = Shiva
Death = Mrityu = Yama
You will find both viddhis in the Cosmic Puja.
Pradhanikam Rahasyam
85. In the Pradhanikam Rahasyam, Mahalakshmi creates Brahma and
Lakshmi from Hiranyagarbha, the Golden Womb, also called Bindhu.
Later, the Creative Capacity and his wife, the Spirit of All-Pervading
Knowledge, give birth to the Cosmic Egg. I was under the impression that
Hiranyabarbha and the Cosmic Egg are one and the same; in fact, I recall
having seen it referred to as the Golden Egg. Are the two the same?
If they are, how is it that those gods who were themselves products of
this "first spark of creation" again created the "first spark of creation" in
order to produce the universe? Is it that Hiranyagarbha is eternal,
existing outside of time, a sort of eternal instant, eternal birth potential,
accessible to anyone able to approach it? Must all who attain to
asamprajnata samadhi first pass through hiranyagarbha?
We call Hiranyagarbha the Golden Womb and Brahmanda the Cosmic
Egg. The Egg takes birth in the Womb. The Womb is possibility and the
Egg is the actuality. The Womb is beyond all form, and the Egg is the first
or foremost form. Yes, we pass through the womb when we move beyond
all form.
86. Verse 5 of the Pradhanikam Rahasyam of the Chandi describes the form
She takes. On her head She bears a snake coiled around a lingam. Is the
significance of snake in all Deities the union of the male principle with the
female principle?
Yes. The snake stands for Kundalini Shakti.
Durga Dvatrimsannama Mala
87. Could you please let us know the significance of the Durga
Dvatrimshannama mala?
The 32 names of Durga really have more significance to me because of
their poetry, their tones, their complete adherence to the principles of
anushtup chanda, how each name is perfectly aligned with the meter,
then because of specific meanings.
Siddha Kunjika Stotram
88. Could you please let us know the significance of the Siddha Kunjika
Stotram?
This is the essence of the Chandi, the Navarna Mantra, the constant
reminder that change She will, change She must, because change is Her
intrinsic Nature.
89. What is the meaning of 'Kunjika' in the Siddha Kunjika Stotram?
Kunjika literally means "something overgrown or hidden by growth or
growing things." Siddha means perfection. Stotram is the song. The Song
of Perfection which is no longer hidden because of growth. That is, our
spiritual growth and understanding of the Chandi exposes the hidden
meanings of the bija mantras in the Song.
90. In reference to the Siddha Kunjika Stotram ...
What is the junction of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat?
Draw a line through the Sahasrara. At the junction where the eyes, ears,
nose and mouth unite on that axis, that is the location of intensity in this
meditation.
91. Would Stambhana (the siddhi in Siddha Kunjika Stotram) be the same as
pratyahara?
No. Pratyahara means to bring the senses inside. That is, closing off
external perception. Stambhana fixes the perception inside by holding
the thought still as well as the sense.
92. When doing slow japa with breathing from the siddha kunjika stotram for
the long version from verse 4 what are the best mudras to use? What is
the proper name to honor the mantra of this stotram? What is the best
visualization or form of the goddess to accompany this mantra?
For mudra, either folded hands, or jnan mudra. The mantra is referred to
as the Navarna Mantra. For visualization, the entire Cosmic Altar.
Bhagavati Stutih
93. In the Bhagavatistutih of the Chandi ,why is the Divine Mother compared
to the autumm moon?
The autumn moon is low on the horizon - so close we can touch it. It is
often of reddish hue, so beautiful, full of love.
Pranamah
94. In the Chandi, why is pranamah (bowing down with devotion) the last
chapter and not the Kshama prarthana (prayer for forgiveness)?
The last thing we want to say is Pranam - I bow to you.
Indradi Stotram
95. Could you please let us know the significance of the Indradi Stotram?
I assume this is Chapter Four of Chandi. We call it Indradi Stotram, the
Song of Praise by Indra and Others. There is so much that is significant in
each of these, that the question is unfair. But if I were to choose one
particular item of relevance, I would suggest Verse 9, where the Gods
say: Inconceivable are the great austerities to be performed in order to
become pure. Also I love verse 36 where the Gods say: Whenever we
remember You, then and there You will give us intuitive vision.
Devi Mahatmya Stotra Ashtakam
96. Could you please let us know the significance of the Devi Mahatmya
Stotra Ashtakam?
As with every Ashtakam, the Greatness of the Chandi is extolled in eight
verses.
Chanting Questions
97. Do we need recite to always recite the kavaca, argala, kilakam and
siddha kunjika stotram together, or can the be chanted separately?
They can be chanted separately. But a complete path with all the limbs
contains them all. A Siddha path does not.
98. I have been using a tambura to help me with the beat while chanting
Sharanagata Deenaarta and a few others (Ya Devi etc). Is this okay? or
should I just use the breath. I have started on the Chandi now and am
loving it.
Jai Maa! Use the tambura. When you feel like chanting, that will be fine.
Jai Chandi Maa!
99. It is said that all 700 verses are mantras. Usually we know mantra as
commencing with "Aum" then ending "namah" as it is the case in Sri
Lalita Sahasranama. However, in Devi Mahatmyam, each verse is stotram
style, and this raises a question. If we want a specific result, we choose
specific stanza such as " Sarvamangla mangalye...." in 11th chapter.
What is the correct way of reciting this? Should we add AUM and NAMAHA
in the stanza, so that it reads as
"Aum sarvamamgala mangalye sive sarvartha sadike
sharanye tryambake gauri narayani namostute namaha"
Or does simply repeating the selected verse produce the desired result?
Each mantra is written in a specific chandha or rhythm. It contains a
specific number of syllables for a reason. Recite the mantras as they are
written and you will get the intended result. It is customary at the fire to
add Swaha with the offering, but every mantra has Om included already,
and Namah requires a change in grammar. So read it the way it is
written.
Chandi Homa
100. Does one need to add additional mantras in order to do homa
when reciting the Chandi Path such as the Agni and Purnahuti mantras or
are the mantras of the Chandi Path sufficient to carry out a homa from
instructions given within the text?
The complete Chandi Homa viddhi contains more mantras then are
included in the Chandi Path book. For examples the Agni ahavan,
visarjana, and purnahuti mantras are not included in the Path.
101. How do I change Advanced Shiva Puja Yajna mantra's to do
Chandi Yajna?
Convert the masculine gender to feminine, and substitute Chandi for
Shiva.
Chandi Yantra
102. Can one use the Chandi Yantra to do smaller sadhanas of Maha
Kali? Can any Devi be worshiped on the Chandi yantra?
Every sampraday and every guru kul will have their own definitions as to
how to worship with a yantra. In our guru kul we can worship any Devi on
the Chandi yantra.
Experience after chanting Chandi Path
103. I recited the Chandi Path for the entire length. When I finished and
put the book down, a golden red circle with a slash appeared on the book
and when I looked at the books for the Beginner's Puja of Durga and
Shiva I saw a golden red circle without the slash. Is it the appropriate
time to chant the Chandi? Should I just go back to the Beginners Pujas
and perform that?
Try it a few times more, and see how the experience evolves.
Which verses to chant
104. I am chanting only the Kavacha before the daily quota of chapters.
Is that sufficient? Or should the Kavacha and Kilakam be the minimal
daily set. Kindly let me know the minimal daily set which has to be
chanted before and after the thirteen chapters.
Have you read our book on Pronunciation and the Samputs? There are
many ways to recite. The minimum is the Vedic Ratri Shuktam, Navarna
Viddhi, 700 verses, Navarna Viddhi, Vedic Devi Shuktam, Siddha Kunjika
Stotram. You can expand from there.
105. If we have to make a certain section (or sections) of the Chandi as
part of our daily sadhana, then is it still always required to do the
Kushandika and Shanti Path (with the sankalpa) before beginning the
section(s)?
That will be most appropriate. You can make a general rule that every
time you sit down, that is where you start.
Tying the thread
106. Why do we tie the string around our wrist in the opening mantras
of the Chandi? Why and for how long do we keep the string on and what
is its significance?
The string means that our hand is bound by dharma. Every action that
hand performs is consecrated to the Goddess. We wear it until it falls off
of its own accord.
Footnote: The string is tied on the left hand if the wearer is female, the
right hand if the wearer is male.
Stuti during Chandi Maha Abishekam
107. What stotra/stuti in particular do we recite/sing during Maha
Abhishek of Goddess Chandi? I normally do Chapter 4 of Chandi Path as I
find it so enjoyable and feel like dancing during the recitation! Are there
any other stotras/stutis that Shree Maa or Swamiji suggest?
That is just fine. You can also use the stotrams from Chapters 1, 5, and
11.
Desires
108. Yesterday I had this thought as I was preparing to study the
Chandi, "I wish I could see better" as I was having some trouble with my
eyes. Immediately a voice said "Why do you have so many desires?" This
voice was non-judgmental and felt separate from the source of my typical
internal voice. Is there any particular understanding of this kind of thing
in the Chandi Path?
First, in Chapter One the Rishi says, "Objects of the senses are perceived
differently by all beings." Then it becomes less relevant to see outside, as
to hear Her inside.
Also check out 4-16: By your grace, Oh Goddess, the meritorious souls
perform the acts of spiritual discipline with faith and thereby attain to
heavenly perception.
Chanting with Samput
109. Why do we chant with samput? Is the purpose to keep the mind
totally absorbed? Is it appropriate to use samput with all scriptures or just
the Chandi?
There are different samput viddhis to be used with all scriptures. But
every scripture has the potential to be used with a samput mantra. The
samput intensifies the mantras, lengthens the absorption, and adds to a
deeper experience.
Listening to Chandi
110. If I just leave a cassette of the Chandi playing in a room, does its
vibrations purify the room?
Extremely beneficial.
111. I am unable to chant the Chandi Path but I listen to it on CDs, is
this ok?
Great. It will lead to your ability to chant it yourself.
112. Having come to this knowledge rather late in the game of life,
chanting the Chandi is beyond my reach right now and may not be
something that I can ever really do given time factors. I wonder if a
practice can be built around listening to the Chandi.
Absolutely! If you can meditate on the hearing of the Chandi, it will have
great benefits.
Puja before Chandi Path
113. Is there any particular puja that you specifically recommend
before we start our Chandi Path?
It depends on your sankalpa. For me, most often, it is the Cosmic Puja. If
you want, it could be as basic as the offering of lights and incense before
the sankalpa.
Diet during Chandi Sadhana
114. Do you suggest any diet restrictions such as abstaining from meat
and alcohol on days the students learn their recitation or on days they do
their Chandi Path?
It is not so important what we put into our bodies, as it is what we put
into our minds. It is not so important what we put into our mouths, but
what comes out. Sing Her name with full faith. She will let you know what
to eat.
Pranayam
115. You have suggested that the Guru mantra be used during parayan
of any scripture. My Guru mantra is a Ganesh mantra - can I use this for
my Chandi chanting.
Yes, you can. You can also use any other mantra from the Chandi.
Benefits of Chanting Chandi
116. What makes chanting the Chandi a more powerful practice than
say for example chanting the Bhagavad Gita?
All the scriptures are powerful. But there are special qualities in the
Chandi. The meaning, watching all of our negativities being destroyed;
watching Her come to life in Chapter Two; the rishis experiencing
extreme joy; in Chapter Four She asks for what we are praying; again in
Chapters Eleven and Chapter Thirteen She grants boons; in Chapter Five
we say that we are doing the same sadhana as the Gods performed and
You made them divine, why will You not do the same for us?
There are too many reasons to write in an email.
Anger and Passion
117. Since Kali, also known as Chamunda, destroys anger and passion,
is the worship of Kali designed for those that have a problem with anger
and passion?
First, everyone has darkness of some kind. Kali takes away the Darkness.
Therefore, it is appropriate for everyone to worship her. Second, Her bija
mantra and her entire worship as well as the entire Chandi is effective in
combatting anger and passion.
Anger of the Goddess
118. In Chapter 3 of the Chandi in some verses, the Goddess is
visualized as calm, aloof, and wielding her many weapons with ease. In
other verses, she is described as so angry, furious, she is even stuttering.
Swamiji, what is the meaning of this anger? Is the Goddess beyond anger,
or is that phrase "beyond anger" not useful, or misunderstood? Is there
righteous anger? Or does this mean, we can galvanize our own purpose
by summoning a force that is akin to anger but without the negative
subjectivity and karmic results usually associated with anger? Thank you,
for helping me to understand the intent here.
When we reach to Her status then we will understand what is Her anger. I
believe it is more akin to forceful, determined, undeterred, not willing to
compromise with negativity.
Kali in Chandi Path
119. Is Kali's primary role in the Chandi that of supporting Durga as the
other Goddesses do or does She have any additional role. Does Kali have
any direct relationship to Durga? I had previously thought of them as two
sides of the same coin, so to speak, and I am thinking now that this was
erroneous. Thank you for your willingness to help us understand better.
I like the two sides of the same coin analogy; Kali is the dark side, while
Durga is the bright side.
120. Can you refer me to any specific part of the Chandi where Kali is
mentioned or even, from your own storehouse, say a word or two about
Kali's role in the Chandi and her relationship to Durga?
Kali is specifically the deity of Chapter One. She appears in chapter 5, 6,
7, and prominently in 8.
Bija Mantras for each Episode
121. Why is the bija for Episode 1 which is devoted to Maha Kali "aim"
which is the bija of Saraswati? Similarly, why is the bija for Episode 3
which is devoted to Maha Saraswati "klim" which is bija of Kali?
Aim is the bija of creation, new beginnings, just as Klim is the bija of
transformation, culmination. Our spiritual growth begins with the balance
of Too Much and Too Little and culminates with the demise of Self-
Conceit and Self-Deprecation.
Symbolic meaning of Grabbing Her by the hair
122. When Self-conceit gives orders to His generals to bring Divine
Mother he asks them to grab Her by the hair (e.g. Verse 23, chapter 6). I
heard that Shree Maa has said that grabbing Her by the hair means that
we drag Mother into the world. I was not sure what exactly this means.
Please can you help me understand?
Every time we submerge consciousness in worldliness, we are grabbing
Her by the hair and forcing Her to witness actions performed with
attachment. It is only when we act without selfishness, that we allow Her
to be true to Her own Nature.
What does it mean to defeat Her in battle
123. In chapter 5, verse 120, Divine Mother says, "Whoever will defeat
me in the battle, whoever will lose his self-conceit in me, whoever will see
all the force in the universe in me, he will be my husband." My
understanding of the second and third clauses are that we lose our ego,
our identity in Mother and we see God in all beings. What does it mean to
defeat Her in battle?
To make Her stop dancing and sit still. She dances according to Her
Nature. If through the force of our sankalpa, we can make Her stop
dancing, then we emerge victorious in the battle.
Feelings about Violent Battle Scenes
124. I am committed to living a life of non-violence. While I love
reading the Chandi, I struggle with the battle scenes. I understand that
She must fight to defeat all those terrible thoughts, and I'm very grateful
that She does, but I find it difficult to read these parts of the Chandi.
Swamiji, do you have any suggestions regarding how I can better
reconcile this challenge?
When the body is infected with disease, don't we attack the germs with
antibiotics? That does not make us violent individuals. When our minds
are infected with spiritual obstacles, we must use whatever means to
become free, even if it means destroying the obstructions. That in no way
defines us as violent individuals. In fact, it is quite the opposite: because
we are fighting the battle within ourselves, we are peaceful with regard
to the rest of creation.
Weapons of the Goddess
125. Is there any link between the Asura and the weapon that is used
to slay the Asura.? For example, Devoid of Clear Understanding is killed
by the Pike of the Goddess, and you have translated the Pike as the pike
of attention or concentration (in Chapter 1).
I have never explored from that point of view. It is certainly possible to
find correlation, but is it not more of an intellectual exercise? I think it is
sufficient to know that all of the divine weapons are used to combat all
the negative qualities, and pay attention to watching their destruction,
rather than analyzing the method.
Ego
126. Why is the ego often represented as a buffalo, and why is the
Goddess shown traveling on a lion?
The buffalo is the most stubborn animal. He will only go his own way. So
the Ego rides on stubbornness. The lion is the king of animals, and
represents Dharma, which is the conveyance of Divinity.
Matrikas
127. Who are the Matrikas?
o Brahmani: Creative Energy
o Narayani: Exposer of Consciousness
o Maheshvari: Energy of the Seer of All
o Chamunda: Slayer of Passion and Meanness
o Kaumari: The Ever Pure One
o Aparajita: The Unconquerable
o Vaarahi: The Boar of Sacrifice
o Narasimhi: The Man-Lion of Courage
Bija, Shakti, Kilakam
128. Could you explain more about the inter-relationship between the
seed, shakti, and pin?
Consciousness is in the seed, Nature is the energy, and the Cause of the
subtle body (the mind) moving into perfect union in that idea is the pin.
Scriptural Sources for Swamiji's Translation
129. I have an edition of the Devi Mahatmyam, edited by Sri
Ramakrishna Math, Madras. I compared their translation of certain verses
with Swamiji's translation and I discovered an astonishing phenomenon.
Where the Math's edition puts only the names of gods and their
attributes, Swamiji's translates the god's and their attribute's names,
gives them meaning for a western audience.
While I can appreciate what Swamiji is doing here, I do wonder on what
authority, on what scriptural sources he is doing this. On what grounds
can he translate Surya into "authority of the Light of Wisdom", Indra as
""the rule of the pure" and so on? Is this his own interpretation? And from
what sources does the explanation of the diverse attributes of the
Goddess derive?
Thank you for the wonderful discussion. Not only are the meanings of the
names and attributes illuminated by many years of sadhana, but they
have been translated from the tradition of the succession of disciples
from our lineage of the Saraswati Sampradaya. In addition, there are
Sanskrit scriptural references for each interpretation, as close as I could
come in English.
I certainly respect Swami Jagishwarananda's work. My good friend, Swami
Birananda, was a direct disciple of Jagishwarananda, and we often
performed Navaratri together on the bank of the Bakreswar River in the
village of Tattipara. We performed the puja, homa and Chandi Path
regularly, and talked about how to explain it into English.
Chandi Path and Markandeya Purana
130. The Chandi Path is a section of a larger body of work called the
Markendeya Purana containing 18,000 verses. Are there other parts of
the this Purana that are used for sadhana and are their themes and styles
and content similar to the 700 verses of the Chandi Path?
Rarely are the other parts of Markendeya Purana used for sadhana. They
are used for background information, understanding the context, the
players, and adding color to the main message: LOVE DIVINE MOTHER!
Title of Chandi Path
131. On the title page of Chandi Path, it says that it is also known as
The Devi Mahatmyam and The Durga Saptasati. Is there a reason why
there are 3 names for the same scripture? Would there be any difference
in the contents in a book with one of the other names?
The scripture became known by different names in different regions. It is
the same scripture. The versions differ, and I am just sending a book to
print about the reason for the different versions.
Students of Chandi Path
132. Are the devotees that study/chant the Chandi known as Srividya
Upasakas?
Maybe yes maybe no. Certainly if they want that title, they are entitled to
use it, because they are performing their disciplines using the knowledge
of the highest respect. But Srividya generally applies to a specific branch
of knowledge which includes worship with the 15 or 16 syllable mantras.
Therefore, it is a very subjective issue. webdev's blog
Submitted by webdev on Thu, 2007-09-27 15:52. Chandi Path
Daily Reflection
"Praise to the Lord who is kind and compassionate to the poor, who always protects
his children."
— Siva Puja & Advanced Yajna