Last Updated on May 30, 2008 by
In the meditation, She is the supremely divided one, who is both male and female continuously without end. S(he) is Ardha-narishwara or Ardha-nari-iswari.
In verse 11, Self-deprecation strikes the Lion, Dharma on its head. This means, every time we say, “I can’t”, “I’m not good enough,” Dharma is injured.
Questions and Answers:
1. The mind is very quick. We get a thought and then we can only observe that we that have had a thought. How does sadhana help us be a witness to the thoughts?
Sadhana is to call Mother to take the thought away. Focus on Mother to take the thought away. We are the observer of the thought in relationship to the Mother. That’s the sadhana.
2. Before we are attacked by self-deprecation or during self-deprecation, is the only thing to do to call on Divine Mother?
Yes. Take away my inefficiency. We are saying the words, at least. Make us feel the words. Give us devotion that causes us to focus our attention on you. So that we can perform with optimum efficiency, without self-deprecation or self-conceit, paying attention to You.
Ask for Suddha Pavitra Chirastay Vyakulat Ananya Bhakti – pure, purer, infinite, sincere, infinite Bhakti.
3. Could you tell us the difference between modesty and self-deprecation?
Modesty means, “I don’t want to blow my trumpet. I will try to be humble.”
Self-deprecation is the thought, ‘I am not good enough, my behavior is inadequate, etc.”
4. What does confidence mean?
I know my devotion is sincere. I am going to serve you with greatest sincerity possible.
5. If we make a mistake, what should we do?
First you say, “I appreciate the correction.” Then ask, “How do I do it correctly?” Learn from your mistake. Don’t focus on self-deprecation. Pay attention, absorb like a sponge. If you can, write down the answer. Then read it. Then read it again, later. One day you might share this lesson with others.
6. Why do we battle the Lord of Confusion (verse 30) and yet worship Mother in the form of confusion in Chapter 5?
In Chapter 9, we say, “I don’t see You (Mother), and that’s why I am fighting the Lord of Confusion. Once self-conceit is defeated and we get out of confusion, I see that everything is You (Mother) in the form of confusion.
7. The asuric qualities described in the Chandi pertain to the conscious mind. How do we defeat the asuric qualities that are unmanifest in the unconscious mind?
We are still working with the conscious mind. Can I speak about the unconscious? No. I am not aware of them. We can only speak of what we are aware of.
There is samskara, an intrinsic nature which follows us from birth. We become aware of it over the course of our lives.
8. Self-deprecation’s shield is inlaid with eight moons. What is the significance of the moons?
Moon symbolizes devotion. We have a lot of devotion to self-deprecation. We become absorbed in self-deprecation even when people come to cheer us up.
9. How to become more aware?
Chant the mantra. Pray to Mother to give more sincerity, capacity, and devotion. How can I do your work in a way that pleases you?