DAY SIX - MON 27 MARCH

THE FOUR GREAT DHARMAS & Goddess Kātyāyanī

There are four aspects of Dharma as mentioned in Vedic texts. The four Dharmas or ways of life are also referred to as the four Purusharthas or goals of human life. While commonly known, they are seldom deeply understood.

Dharma - Living according to our inner purpose and highest human potential

Artha Dharma - Establishing goals and values that promote and provide for our inner purpose

Kama Dharma - Finding happiness in what we do based upon our Dharma

Moksha Dharma - Gaining the freedom of consciousness from letting go of the ego and our attachment to the outer world

Our primary dharma as an individual human being should rest upon and be part of the universal dharma, of which our soul is but one manifestation. Dharma in this deeper sense should be the foundation of our goals, enjoyment and seeking of freedom (Artha, Kama and Moksha) For a dharmic life, one must first ascertain ones primary dharma as an individual soul, our own or svadharma. This consists of ones personal dharma, one’s social dharma and one’s duty to the universe as a whole. Dharma is the purpose that we have come into this life in order to fulfill and reflects our karmas from previous lives. It is both our nature and our duty as a Divine soul.

Such Dharma naturally differs according to individual. Our individual dharma or svadharma is reflected in our doshas (biological humors), gunas (psychological values) and karmas, as well as our unique capacities in life. A Vedic Counsellor can usually help ascertain what this is.

An important part of knowing who we are requires understanding our dharma and discovering our highest purpose in life.  Our life has a kind of mission that we must first fulfill. We need to know what this is in order to act in the most responsible and efficacious manner. Note a few key dharmic questions below.

• What is your real purpose in life? – not just short term goals or desires, but what you wish to achieve in your life as a whole and leave as your legacy.

• What is your real purpose in this particular life and incarnation? – What is your background as a soul with many births?

• What is your proper role in society? – How can you help others and help uplift humanity, without compromising your own inner purpose?

• What constitutes your true individuality? – Not merely what is unusual or special about you, but what is your unique essence that does not change throughout your life?

• Where does your true happiness and lasting dwell? – as apart from where we may derive the most pleasure or feel the most comfortable.

These of course, are big questions. And perhaps ones that you answer at a later time and adjust over your life. Dharma is fluid and subtle.
More than half way through now. Don’t miss a moment.

Love,
Kris x

NINE DAYS, NINE AVATARS

6. Kātyāyanī

Kātyāyanī is the 6th form of Goddess Durga, the fiercest form of the Devi, and she is worshipped on the 6th day of Navarātri.

When we meditate on Goddess Kātyāyanī by keeping our attention on the Ajna Chakra, she blesses us with profound wisdom, happiness and prosperity. All the 4 goals of life such as Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are easily attained with the grace of Goddess Kātyāyanī when you surrender with complete faith. Moreover, Vedic tradition says that Goddess Kātyāyanī has the power to free us from the karma accumulated from all our past lives when we worship her with devotion.

Everything that happens and unfolds before us, which is called Prapancha is not limited only to what is visible. That which is invisible and cannot be perceived by the senses is far greater than we can even imagine and comprehend.

The subtle world which is invisible and unmanifest is ruled by this form of the Mother Divine – Kātyāyanī In this form, she represents everything that cannot be seen or understood. Katyayani represents the deep and most intricate secrets of Divinity.

Maa Kātyāyanī is regarded as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Durga. The Goddess killed the demon king Mahishasura, which is why she is known as Mahishasurmardini. She rides a lion and is depicted with four hands that carry a lotus flower and sword on the left side and Abhaya and Varada Mudras on the right. Kātyāyanī is considered the destroyer of evil.

Kātyāyanī is the divine force or principle of the unmanifest Divinity that arises in the subtle layers of creation against negativity and for the purpose of restoring Dharma.

Ritual

Ritual is a way for us to be in relationship with the Divine and a way for us clear our karmic debt simply just by being alive. Being in this body is a divine blessing from the Divine Mother and a great responsibility. Ritual is considered Yajna; offering, worship, sacrifice and opens a doorway for the cosmic energies of the Devi to enter our world.

With all puja, there are 5 elements:

1. Preparation - light your ghee lamp or candle, take your seat. Light the incense. Prep and clear the space. 

2. Purification - purify Durga with water, the altar and then yourself (dip your fingers in the bowl and flick it)

3. Invitation - open with the Ganesh mantra Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha once. Ganesh is envoked whenever we sit puja, to remove any obstacles that could obstruct our prayer or evolution.

4. Union - Katyayani mantra (see below) any amount of times (can be chanted 108 times with mala for a longer ceremony). Keep your awareness on the Ajna Chakra during recitation, as if the mantra was unfolding from a subtle pranic field.

5. Offering - offer her a leaf, flower. water or fruit, or all 4. 

The main ingredient is devotion. Don’t worry about ‘getting it right’. This is a goal oriented tradition, not a ‘way’ oriented tradition

katyayani Mantra

ॐ ह्रीम श्री कात्यायनी दुर्गायै नमः |

Aum Hreem Katyayani Durgaye Namaha