If we want to establish a link with Divinity on our own, we have to make a great effort and this effort may not always succeed. However, if we follow the Devi Mahatmyam, Devi Adiparashakti Herself comes seeking us.
Our mind and intellect are in Her care. So, when we worship Devi, our Soul is energized and our mind and intellect are purified and sharpened. A pure mind and divine intellect bring lasting prosperity. As discussed earlier, our strong likes and dislikes make our relationships with people unpredictable. If God had such strong likes and dislikes, none of us could have entered places of worship.
Devi says - “In My sight all of you are equal. Why don’t you experience this equality in your own heart?”
Acceptance, peace, patience and tolerance are the four pillars which support unconditional love. When we have these qualities, our mind is as light, soft and fragrant as a flower. This fragrance spreads to all quarters.
When we chant a mantra constantly, the mind is transformed and begins to taste the nectar of bliss. That is why we do mantra japa. Devi not only cares for the flower garlands that we bring Her, She also accepts the garland of divine names woven with the thread of devotion by our own mind. These blossoms are very dear to Devi is resplendent as Maha Kali. In this aspect, She takes a new form as Durga, then as Aryamba and as Bhagavathi. She banishes the remnants of darkness in our lives by rejuvenating and reinforcing our Will Power. Our Will Power works at its full potential when the mind and intellect are free from all impurities. If we want to fuel our car, we look for a reliable petrol bunk. If the petrol we put into the car is impure, the car will not give us good mileage and will also pollute the atmosphere. If this is continued, the car engine will be damaged permanently.
Likewise, if we allow undesirable traits and tendencies to rule the mind, our Will Power is greatly hampered. We are imprisoned by our own inertia. Then we lose the courage and determination, which are so essential to overcome hurdles in life. When we feel depressed or disheartened it means that we lack Will Power. We tire easily and lose hope. Our confidence deserts us. We can’t sustain what we begin. We live in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Life becomes a big burden to us.
All of us know the saying - “Where there is a Will there is a Way”. When our Will Power is empowered by a pure mind and sharp intellect, it becomes a mighty river which plunges down the mountain, and leaps over rocks and boulders to reach the sea. That is why the Devi brings out our Will Power in all its effulgence. She comes as Bhagavathi to vanquish Bhandasura (the demon of obstinacy) who personifies the inertia in our own mind. To make ourselves completely receptive to Her Grace, we must chant Her Moola Mantra - “Om Namo Bhagavathiyei Namaha ” 108 times. So let us invite success to follow us wherever we go by engaging ourselves in this spiritual sadhana everyday.
Extract from The book of direct truths, subtle truths and the mystical truths of Devi Mahatmyam by Shri Shri Nimishananda