[326] धीरसमर्चिता Dhira-samarchitaa - Adored by the patience-Masters. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 917
This is the further requirement of the aspirant, in addition to the right understanding and ceaseless effort. Patience is the quality of remaining uninfluenced, and being able to maintain one's equilibrium, in spite of the most humiliating repeated failures, discomforts, happenings of disagreeable nature, miseries and pains etc.
Those that are true devotees, have a faith, which enables them to keep up their patience and cheerfulness, to the last. One of them has said ;-
"Raise me Mother to the ruler-ship of the whole universe; or throw me in the darkest hell; it is impossible for Thee, to make me severed from my ceaseless effort, to ever remain in the Refuge of Thy Lotus Feet."
[327] धीरा Dheeraa - Possessor of endurance and power in the battle-field. Dhi धी also means knowledge of non-duality and raa रा means giver. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 916
[328] धृतीः Dhritih - Fortitude. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 446
[329] ध्यानगम्या Dhyaan-gamyaa - Perceivable by meditation. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 641
Mother who is otherwise hidden is fully seen in Dhyaana or meditation.
By constant praises and thinking about Mother, there comes a stage when all other senses close their relations with other objects of their pleasures and emerge in this one object, viz., Mother. When all senses thus withdrawn from their respective other objects concentrate in Mother, it is meditation and in that condition She is most visibly seen.
As during my experiences of others about the visualisations of deities and about the imagined religiosity which is most exaggeratedly believed to have been attained on the only basis of such visibility , I have seen so many misunderstandings, I wish to deal with this subject at length here.
There is meeting of friends, every one of whom says he has an elephant. Every one is almost proud and satisfied that he is the possessor of an elephant, but they are benighted and there is no conveyance to return home. In the meanwhile one of them who was silent says," Oh, my elephant has come. Come on and I will give lift to you and leave you one by one at your homes." The fact was that everyone had an elephant. None was wrong, but one had a paper elephant, another had a cardboard one, still another had an ebonite one, and so on. Only one had a real living useful elephant.
There are many who having some visualisation of some sort get deluded that they have reached the proximity of salvation and that this is their last life. I have met so many.The most pitiable misunderstanding !!
One may have a wonderful visualization but Maai-ist must judge evolution by a reference to what he is. You see in your solitude a figure of any deities, but you are wrathful, greedy, anxious, full of desires, your faculties are not of the highest type, you are not attractive, you have so many enemies, your conclusions are not correct and your forecast of future do not turn out to be correct. You must in that case conclude that there is something wrong about your visions.
You cannot reach Mother or see Mother, unless you are one of the highest souls with no desires, all readiness to sacrifice , constant remembrance of Mother, high purity, high transparency and great wisdom as to the best way of dealing with and addressing others, etc.
Your having actually seen some deity figure is not denied, but how far that happening means that you are nearer to God or salvation must be judged, more by the permanent conditions of your acquisitions, attainments and developments and righteousness in your living the daily life , than by the mere experience of some vision.
Visualisation arises from several sources : (1) It is simply a thought of mind that creates an impression of your having seen, just as several arrangements of clouds in the sky some figure is sometimes imagined and seen at a certain moment. (2) By still greater intensity and continued thinking and the seeing of a certain conception for a long time a figure is sometimes seen, just as children see something in the dark without there being anything. Numbers 1 and 2 are only mind's makings. (3) Next, by powerful intensity of thoughts, certain elements in the ether are being drawn together and you have the sight. This is an ethereal vision.(4) There are some invisible mischievous spirits who assume the form of the deity and derive frolic by seeing how the deluded man begins to dance , thinking that he is one of the highest souls who have got Saakshaatkaar साक्षात्कार (direct vision) of God. (5) Next some really good and religious, invisible angelic helper, taking pity on the person pining away for proof of existence or Darshana दर्शन (sight), consoles him and encourages him in his devotion by appearing as a deity. (6) Then comes the deputation of some one by the deity to console and encourage and assist, who appears as the deity. (7) Then comes the one of the invisible disembodied principal devotees of the particular deity (8) Then comes one of the principal actual companions, and constant adherent of the deity and lastly (9) the deity Herself or Himself.
A vision is seen, but that is no proof of the proximity of salvation or deity's home. It may fall in any of the above nine varieties which I have enumerated.Which class the vision belongs to, should be judged, as stated above, by one's own personal self-analysis.
Number (4) is generally very common; sometimes such spirits who are opposed to general religiosity play the mischief and stop the further religious progress by creating the feeling of enoughness.
There are limitations and realities, Judge them by where and what you are. Do not get deluded away. Distinguish between mental, ethereal, spiritual and godly visions.
One way of judging what class the vision belongs to, in addition to the general self-analysis is to see after effects and after conditions. If you are over-powered with a feeling of ecstasy, the feeling of being perfected, being much better than what you were, feeling that you have nothing more to wish or love for, there is a reason to believe the vision to be of a superior class. You feel you should have vision again and again. The other clue is to see how much of whatever is said or spoken by the vision figure comes out to be true. Judge the plane of purity which such speech proceeds. Decide the strength of sublimity and sanctity of the speech and emotion and knowledge during the vision.
Have a very correct analysis of what you are, how you live and what you do. Your vision can not be above what your plane is . If you are a true disciplined disciple , Gurus appear. If you are a devotee, devotees appear.If you are a world-worm with a little hypo-critic appearance of religiosity and doing something here and there , ordinary spirits appear. If you are entirely uncared for and do not know your way out from a calamity, sometimes your dead relation and friend spirits appear.
The fact is that the way is Infinite. Best that has been said till now by way of instructions by the best people and best founders of all religions is but the first furlong formula. It is useful only for the first furlong of the long, long unknown infinite way. Let people be happy with their respective elephants according to their maximum conceptions. Do not discourage them or break their heavens. Let all be happy by Mother's Grace.
It is not that the Infinite way is made through by the struggling soul. He is himself unable to explain, record or even know how he reaches the goal. It is Mother and Mother's Grace that lifts him up and places him at or on the Goal.
All talk of wisdom of " Do this and do not do that " except Mother's Grace is mere prattling. It is good in it's own sphere, and many times much better than nothing or the reverse thing, but nothing beyond it.
A multi-millionaire thrusts himself suddenly into the house of his poorest friend and says," My Rolls Royce is waiting. I am going to Mahabaleshwar. Send one of your children with me." He is extremely quick. He turns his eyes and says," Yes come on,Bhaktiprasad." Catches Maai-sharan, drags Premsvarup, beckons Sevak and puts them all in the car. The car is off in a moment before other children think or even father replies.
Dear reader !! I am very free with thee and much out of the way. The above explains what the Mother's Grace is . It is not the children that go to Mahabaleshwar. What each child's part in the achievement is its purity, amiability and cheerfully self-surrendering mentality. A neatly dressed, happy looking, contended, lovely, serving, obedient, individuality-submerged child.
Be Mother's child. It is not possible for you to wade through the Infinite unknown way. Mother will take you. You only remain prepared with best though little you have.
Reduce your own individuality. Love, service, devote and surrender . The best musician that visits you will take in his lap the worthless hand harmonium in preference to the most costly one, if the latter though with supreme tunes has one tune of itself, which will go on sounding whether the player wants it or not.
Be prepared to be dealt with by Mother in any way She likes you; you will be the first to be in Her lap for being played with.
Resign yourself to Her. Try to the extent you can.
Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai !Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai ! Jay Maai !
[330] ध्यानध्यातृध्येयरूपा Dhyaana-dhyaatru-dhyeya-rupaa -She is the meditation, meditator and the object of meditation. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 254
न
[331] नखदीधितिसंछन्ननमज्जनतमोगुणा Nakhadidhiti sanchhannanamajjanatamogunaa
The bright rays from Her nails dispel the darkness of Her worshippers.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 44
As regards Mother's Lotus Feet and Lotus Hands, there have been most sublime thoughts and emotions.Her one hand is described by Her best devotees ( Naarada being one ), as "ever uplifted, raised hand."
Mother has always Her hand raised.Because, She is a great giver Herself, and Her Hand must therefore necessarily be above that of the one who receives. She is never the receiver,i.e., She will never be failing to be the highest donor in return of love and in fulfilment of the devotees desires.
Regarding Her Lotus Feet, the best devotees have in full devotional love and sportivity said," Mother's Lotus Feet err by their own shadow."
[332] नटेश्वरी Nateshvari - She that makes the whole universe dance. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 734
[333] नंदिनी Nandini - She that was born with Krishna at Nandaraajaji's house and was emblematic of the supreme power of Lord Shree Krishna. Nandini may be taken to mean the wonderful miraculous supreme power capable of doing, undoing and wonderfully doing or undoing. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 450
This name may be taken to convey the idea of the Power aspect of Mother.
[334] नन्दिविद्या Nandividyaa - The Service evolutionary path for attaining Mother.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 733
[335] नलिनी Nalini - Lotus-formed. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 460
[336] नवचम्पकपुष्पाभनासादण्डविराजिता Navachampaka pushpaabhanaasaadanda viraajitaa - Her nose is beautiful like the newly blown champaka flower. [ ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 19 ]
Champak is the most beautiful flower, with best shape,best colour, and best smell. It is however said that it does not attract bee ( who is not faithful to one flower ). So also those alone are attracted towards Mother who have a single pointed devotion " of one without second ". Mother devotees know no God except Mother, if they are true devotees.
[337] नवविद्रुमबिम्बश्रीन्यक्कारिरदनच्छदा Navaviduma bimbashri nyakkaari radanchchhadaa - Her lips put to shame the colour of fresh corals and Bimba fruit. [ ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र,नाम क्रमांक 24 ]
[338] नादरूपा Naadaroopaa - In the form of Sound (in the ether).ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 299
[339] नादरूपिणी Naada-rupini - In the form of sound. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 901
The pulse beats and the heart beats. Excepting these two functions every other moment is indiscernibly stopped. The heart is there simply most piteously repeating. " Maai Maai Maai ".It is this sound in the form of which, Mother is here described.
[340] नाभ्यालवालरोमालिलताफलकुचद्वयी Naabhyaa-la-vaala-romaali-lataa-phala-kucha-dvayi - Her two breasts are the fruits growing on the creeper-like hair which sprang from Her deep navel. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 34
[341] नामपारायणप्रीता Naama-paaraayana-preetaa - ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 732
She that is pleased by continued repetition of Her name, Hymn or Prayer.
Righteous living, goodness, happiness-conferring and fragrance-spreading have been spoken about. Righteousness and goodness are no doubt most admirable requirements for being happy but they are only the entrance gates of religiosity. Many more things are required to be happy and that is because every one does not act righteously. Just the reverse of it, the righteous man is generally most crushed because he offers least resistance and is of a harmless and forgiving nature . The world's way is to curse the good man for not being better and to thank the bad man for not being worse, as only that way one's self interest is best served. In this world there are many unknown and uncontrollable forces and happenings and therefore in addition to goodness and righteousness, one needs the Grace of Controller of the Universe.
"Being good", is conveyed in the first requirement of Mother's Ideals, viz., "Love All". It includes the requirement of a good and superior heart but goodness will remain barren unless it is translated into action. This is conveyed in the second requirement, viz., "Serve All." Love without service is unfruitful. It has not the material substance to keep the flame ablaze.Service without love does not bring bliss to the server or the served. Thus Love and Service should go together.Further even service with love or love with service is found to be not enough for being happy. We than acquaintance with higher happiness which laughs at all kinds of little happiness that this world can give . Hence "Devotion to Mother," is the third requirement which we are dealing with here. The third requirement means "Be the pet child of the Controller of the Universe."
Mother is pleased by frequent repetition of Her names which is the simplest method of securing Her Grace. This must be done without any idea of prohibitions of time, place, manner and even bodily condition.
Repetition must be practiced till your tongue becomes so accustomed that it will go on doing its work without physical exhaustion, exertion and even consciousness, just as some have the habit of unconscious leg-shaking. One devotee says ," Oh tongue, why I have flattered and flattened thee with most dainty dishes !! Why, if it is not with the hope that thou will not prove faithless, and will not fail to save me by repetition of Mother's sacred name !!
She is further pleased by stotras, which mean age-borne popular hymns and psalms.
She is further pleased by Stuti Mati स्तुतिमती , which means the mentality (Mati - मती) to feel grateful for whatever good is found and happens and to offer prayers of thanks-giving for the same.
[342] नामरूपविवर्जिता Naamarupavivarjitaa - Transcending name and form.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 300
There are five qualities of the universe, which appear inextricably intertwined in the knot of spirit and matter.These are analysed by great men, are known as 'existence, knowledge, bliss, name and form.'
Everything Asti (exists), Bhaati (shines, lives), Priya (creates and need joy), Naam (has a name) and Rupa (has a form).
[343] नारायणी Naaraayani - The first abode of humanity. She is not the finalmost Mother. ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 298
Naaraayana means Vishnu or Shiva; the wife of Shiva or sister of Vishnu is called Naaraayani. There is a saying, "Adoration to Shiva, the husband of Naaraayani." Mother's devotees should not get confused at the references made about relationships. Be it any relation, wife or sister or Mother, it should not be taken to mean anything except oneness. Literally Naaraayani means She whose first abode is water or She that is the first abode of man.
[344] निःसंशया Nis-samshayaa - Without doubt.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 172
The greatest doubts are regarding existence of Mother, the immortality of the soul, the Karmic Law and about the final success of goodness and truthfulness.
[345] निखीलेश्वरी Nikhileshvari - Ruler of all.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 569
[346] निजसंलापमाधुर्यविनिर्भर्त्सितकच्छपी Nijasallaapa maadhurya vinirbhartsita kachchhapi - The sweet melody of Her words brought the Kachchhapi to a stop. Kachchhapi is the Vinaa, i.e., the musical instrument of Saraswati or the Goddess Minerva of music. [ ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 27 ]
Sings one devotee :- When Saraswati with Her Vina was singing Thy various triumphs in charmful tunes " O , Thou of beautiful speech!She immediately closed the melody of of the string of her instrument with her fingertips, as soon as Thou started Thy vocal speech as it was sweeter than the sweetest music, ever sung or played."
[347] निजाज्ञारूपनिगमा Nijaajnaa-rupa-nigamaa - ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 287
Whose commands are explained in scriptures. Scriptures are collection of truths which gives insight into the finalmost object to be attained and the means and the practical directions for the attainment of the finalmost Beatitude and oneness with Mother.
[348] निजारूणप्रभापुरमज्जतब्रह्माण्डमण्डला Nijaaruna-prabhaapura-majjat-brahmaanda-mandalaa - Bathing the whole universe with Her own rosy effulgence.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 12
Rosy effulgence is indicative of being happy and cheerful in all respects. The order has been changed here to be in rhyme with the order of importance.
The idea conveyed by these eight names :
She is Mother(Shree Maataa). She helps Her devotees by fighting out the battle for Her devotees against six enemies and all other kinds of enemies (Shri Mahaa Raajni). She gives you all that you demand with the liberality of the highest supreme Queen ( Shrimat Sinhaasaneshvari). Although the supreme Queen, She loves Her devotees as Her children and is always at the beck and call when the heart burns with the desire of meeting Her and She bursts forth (Chidagni-Kunda-Sambhootaa). Her constant work and occupation is about battering and deifying Her devotees (Bhakta-Kaarya-Samuddyataa). She is as bright as millions of suns in matter of illuminating Her devotees. She has four hands( as explained in Preface) indicative of the very simple process of Her liberating the devotees. Finally She constantly keeps the whole universe and , much more Her devotees, bathed in happiness and cheerfulness. Wherever you find joy, happiness and cheerfulness, it is simply proof of a greater pervading of Mother's Grace.
[349] नित्यक्लिन्ना Nityaklinnaa - Ever compassionate.ललिता सहस्रनाम स्तोत्र, नाम क्रमांक 388
[350] नित्यतृप्ता Nitya-triptaa or Anitya-triptaa अनित्यतृप्ता - Ever contended or ever dis-contended.
Both these words as also "Mati" are so placed in the text, the one can as well read them with the prefix "A" silent as A-Varadaa, A-Nityatriptaa or A-Mati. Both interpretations are acceptable.
In one sense, She is both elevating and degenerating discriminative faculty and tendency. It is She that is eternal contentedness as also dis-contentedness. She is the merit-driving or sinfulness driving intelligence.
This contrast is well expressed in Sapta-Shati सप्तशती , in Adhyaya अध्याय 4, Shloka श्लोक 5 and Adhyaya अध्याय 11 Shloka श्लोक 5 She, that is peace and prosperity in the homes of sinless and She that is quarrelsomeness and poverty in the homes of the sinful. By Thee, is this universe under an infatuation and a delusion. When Thou art Pleased , Thou are the conferrer of immediate salvation.
Nityatriptaa नित्यतृप्ता may in the field of devotion also mean "ever contended with little the devotee does or offers." Or on the other hand Anityatriptaa अनित्यतृप्ता would mean always discontented in matters of Her most sublime love and love return and companionship with Her devotees.
