Navratri
, by Apoorve Gaur, 2 min reading time
Navratri: A Journey to the Source
Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the Divine Mother, is a time of profound spiritual significance. It is a period of fasting, feasting, and celebration, but at its heart, it is a journey inward, a journey to the very source of our being. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "The word 'Ratri' means deep rest or relief from three 'tapas', three types of fire or botherations- the physical, the subtle, and the conscious. A deep rest can relieve you from all these three botherations. It's a time of prayer and rejuvenation."
The Three Gunas and the Nine Nights
The nine nights of Navratri are divided into three sets of three, each dedicated to a different aspect of the Divine Mother and corresponding to one of the three gunas, or qualities, that govern our existence.
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The first three nights are dedicated to Goddess Durga, the fierce form of the Divine Mother who destroys negativity. This is a time to overcome tamas, the quality of inertia, lethargy, and negativity.
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The next three nights are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This is a time to cultivate rajas, the quality of activity, passion, and dynamism, but to do so with awareness and balance, so that it does not lead to restlessness and greed.
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The final three nights are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. This is a time to embrace sattva, the quality of purity, harmony, and light. It is a time for meditation, contemplation, and soaking in the knowledge of the self.
The Significance of Fasting, Chanting, and Meditation
Fasting during Navratri is not just about abstaining from food; it is about purifying the body and mind. It is a way of detaching from the senses and turning our attention inward. Chanting the sacred mantras and participating in satsangs (spiritual gatherings) helps to elevate our consciousness and create a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Meditation, the cornerstone of the Art of Living, is a powerful tool for experiencing the deep rest and rejuvenation that Navratri offers.
Homas and Yagyas: Connecting with the Subtle Energies
During Navratri, the Art of Living conducts special homas (fire ceremonies) and yagyas (sacrificial rituals) to honor the Divine Mother and connect with the subtle energies of creation. These ancient Vedic practices have a profound healing and purifying effect on the individual and the environment.