Paper Book Chandi Path, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Price=$12.99
Namaste! What a trip this Chandi sadhana has been! It is currently the year 2024, and once again, we got a team together to help update and upgrade our literary offerings, especially our new materials, insights, and studies of the Chandi Path, our apps, and our website!
It has been 50 years since our first officially registered edition of the Chandi was published in 1974. I had been chanting, studying, and translating the Chandi since the late 1960s, and even published a few local iterations in India before we got personal computers in the 1980s. One edition was published in Birbhum, West Bengal, and the other in Rishikesh, in Northern India. I had performed Sahasra Chandi Yajnas in both locations while I was translating, six years of chanting the Chandi every day, three years in each location. In total, I have done it seven times or 21 years of chanting and studying Chandi in various ways through many resources.
I made some additions and corrections to these publications in 1981. I added some more new material in 2001, when we first began digital publications, and again in 2019, when we submitted our books for print-on-demand.
Then we started working on the Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka and the Tantra Durga Saptashati Guhyabijavali, and spent the next few years sitting for 16 to 18 hours a day, chanting the entire book in one asana, sometimes backward and forwards (Siddha-Ulta path). Many of you can attest to the glorious feeling that comes from what is called “Long Asana Sadhana,” where we sit in one asana and continue chanting with pranayama throughout the day and as much as we can in the night. We posted articles, videos, and interviews about several of those experiences on our website at https://shreemaa.org/long-asana-sadhana.
As a result of this focus of my attention, our website and many of our apps failed to keep up with system upgrades and current standards. The apps didn’t work properly with newer tablets, and we could not post properly on the website.
A few months ago, Nanda and Pallavi reconstituted a new team. While Abhyuday worked on the apps, Siddhartha and Munmun headed up the web development, and Kumari and Paramananda worked on the server issues. Rudra helped type and translate the Sanskrit, and our first new publication is this 1384-page collection of so many things related to Chandi in Devanagari, Roman, with an English translation.
What’s new in this particular book contains:
- Chandi Path in Sanskrit Roman English
- Sanskrit Only Chandi Path
- Chandi Yajna Paddhoti in Sanskrit Roman English –
- How to Perform the Sacred Fire Ceremony
- Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka
- Sanskrit Tantra Durgā Saptashati
- Tantra Bijamantratmaka
- Tantra Durgā Roman Transliteration
- Tantra Durgā English Translation
- Bīja Mantras – by Chapter
- Bīja Mantras – Alphabetical Order
- śrīcaṇḍikā Navākṣarī Triśatī Stotram and Namavali Sanskrit Roman English
śrīcaṇḍikā Navākṣarī Triśatī Stotram and Namavali Sanskrit Only
The book highlights several different ways we can chant the Chandi Path along with their translations in English, and I am sure that in the future, devotees will come along to help us put these into other languages as well. Our website already has Bengali, Devanagari, Dutch, Hindi, Portuguese, Roman, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu, available for free download at: https://www.shreemaa.org/books-in-other-languages-draffft/.
Those are the administrative issues I wanted to cover, along with a short history of the evolution of our Chandi studies, how we moved from sitting in worship for fifteen minutes a day to rising up to 16–18 hours a day as our sadhana grew.
Now, I wish to describe what these works do, how they work, and, most importantly, how we feel after making this the core teaching of our lifestyle.
Many of you already know the story of the Chandi. We call her “She Who Tears Apart Thoughts.” In brief, I will share Her story again.
Chandi Path
The Great Ego performed a tremendous tapasya, a strong spiritual discipline, and when Brahma came and asked what he wanted, he replied, “I want to be immortal.”
Brahma said, “That’s impossible! By nature, whatever comes into manifestation will go out from manifestation; it will become unmanifest. Choose another boon.”
The Great Ego replied, “If I must die, then let my death come at the hands of a woman.”
Brahma looked at him quizzically and asked, “Why would you want a boon such as that?”
And the Great Ego replied, “I am so strong and such a valiant warrior; if I don’t have to worry about any man defeating me, then what woman could cause my demise?”
Brahma immediately said, “Tatha’stu! I give you that boon.”
Then, the Great Ego conquered the earth and made everyone on earth a servant of the Great Ego. In fact, there was no one who did anything without saying, “I did that!”
After conquering the earth, he marched right up to heaven and disrespectfully threw all the Gods and Goddesses out from heaven. Then he sat down on the throne of Indra, the King of the Gods. Since the Gods and Goddesses had no place to stay, they moved into the bodies of men and women. As all men and women were servants of the Great Ego, the Gods also forgot their divinity and became oppressed by a life of fulfilling responsibilities rather than enjoying privileges.
Some of the Gods and Goddesses got together and said, “This is a drag! Instead of enjoying life, we are tolerating life! Let us put down our burdens, pick up our opportunities, and figure out how to cause the demise or at least the surrender of the Great Ego.
We sat down to meditate, to be still, quiet, and free our minds from the constant chatter, and when we began to recite our mantras and perform our disciplines, a demon named Too Little attacked and said, “You can’t sit still! You don’t have enough! Get up and get some more!” Dutifully we went back to work, and tried to sit quietly again, and his brother, Too Much, came and said, “You can’t sit still! You have too much! Get up and get rid of the excess!”
When we finally got the right amount so that we could sit, we closed our eyes and we went to the movies! Some of us called it “meditation.” We watched all the events of our lives, both positive and negative, and the Asuras attacked again and said, “That was a good movie! Didn’t you do that well! And that one was a bad movie! Boy, did you mess up on that one!” Self-conceit and Self-deprecation took over our minds as the judges of all the experiences of our lives, and we were powerless to stay with the mantra or enjoy communion with God.
Then they brought their friends, so many other Asuras, who had names like Devoid of Clear Understanding, Want of Resolution, Wandering to Fro, Foul Mouth, Irresistible Temptation, and the Seed of Desire. We tried everything we could to free ourselves from the dominion of the Great Ego and his hordes, but it was to no avail.
Then we remembered the boon that the Divine Mother gave to all of creation: “Any time you remember Me as the Energy within all, anytime you pray to Me or sing to Me with one-pointed devotion, with so much devotion that you can’t pay attention to anything else, then and there I will withdraw all of my Energy from duality, and allow you to focus on divinity.”
We cultivate an ultimate love affair with the Goddess of the Universe by chanting Her mantras and singing Her songs. We love Her so much that we can’t think of anything else; we love Her to the exclusion of delusion.
After the seven hundred verses, She asked the King, whose name was Good Thoughts, and who was listening to the story, “What do you want?”
The King replied, “I want an eternal kingdom of Good Thoughts, and I don’t want any bad thought to ever enter into my kingdom.”
And the Goddess replied, “Tatha’stu! I give you that boon! Just think of Me with everything you do!”
Then She asked the Businessman, whose name was Pure Intuitive Perception, and who also heard the story, “What do you want?”
And the Businessman replied, “I have You! What else could I want?”
So the Goddess said, “Stay with Me always. Wherever you go, you will chant the Chandi Path, establish temples for the Goddess Chandi, and share the teachings of the Chandi.”
In brief, this is the story of the Chandi. We have forgotten our divinity, and to remember, we must put down our burdens and obligations, pick up our privileges and opportunities, and perform every action in life as a service to Her because it is a privilege to demonstrate the sincerity of our love! We must remember Her mantras and SING the name of God!
Chandi Yajna Paddhoti in Sanskrit Roman English –
How to Perform the Sacred Fire Ceremony
Yajna comes from the Sanskrit root yuj – to unite. Inside the Ajnya Chakra in the third eye, is a light. We enkindle that light outside in the howan kunda, and the union between the two lights is the yajna. Outside in the physical fire, we can see how brightly our inner light is glowing. This is the yajna.
We draw the yantra of Chandi in the Howan Kunda, and then invite all the Gods and Goddesses, the Rishis and Munis, the entourage of the Divine Mother, to witness the offering of our loving devotion. Lastly, we invite the Divine Mother Chandi to join in the center of our worship, and we offer to Her oblations for every mantra we sing from the Chandi Path.
We recite the entire Chandi Path, and for every verse, we make an oblation to the fire. This enhances the energy for the mantra, the fire, and the divine light of meditation in the Ajnya Chakra are all One. The Bhavana continues to grow.
Tantra Durga Bijamantratmaka
Every verse of the Chandi conveys a specific energy, and all energy creates vibrations, and every vibration is expressible by a Bija Mantra. These Bija Mantras of the verses of the Chandi are the natural names of the vibrations we wish to feel as we recite the story of the text.
The Tantra Bijamantratmaka is a list of these vibrations in the order of the text, an esoteric expression of the vibrations of the Chandi verse by verse, both in the order as they appear in the text and in alphabetical order if you wish to look up any bija for the purposes of study and gaining control over your own inner processes.
By reciting the Bijamantratmaka, we become conductors of the vibrations of divinity. By filling our being with that positive energy, we reduce the space allocated for negativity. We assume the character of the vibrations we radiate, and we become members of the entourage of divinity. Our thoughts, words, and actions join in the eternal celebration of Divinity as She takes over more and more of our lives.
Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka is the placement of these bijas throughout the text of the Chandi, where we recite the full mantras of the story interspersed with the vibrations they are evoking. Weaving a tapestry of mantras, the bijas empower the mantras to enliven the story until the Goddess becomes our living reality.
Combining the Chandi Path with the bijas raises the level of our sadhana in time, character, and intensity. The vibrations take over our being, and the text concludes with a number of Stotrams, songs explaining and expressing the divine love affair.
There are three ways to recite the bijas: one, as a list of vibrations that we will encounter as we enhance our relationship with the Divine Mother; secondly, interspersed within the text of Chandi; and third, as a glossary of vibrations expressed by bijas, which illuminate the path of surrender. Therefore, Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka, Sanskrit Tantra Durgā Saptashati, and Tantra Bijamantratmaka are presented as separate books, so we can read them through in their entirety without requiring to skip around in the book.
In the individual introductions, I have discussed some of the history and various names by which these texts are known: Saptaśatya Guhyabījanāmāvali, Tantra Durgā Saptashati, and Samasti Chandi Bijamantratmaka all refer to these texts which include the bija Mantras from the Chandi Path.
Srīcaṇḍikā Navākṣarī Triśatī Stotram and Namavali
The Navarna Mantra or navākṣarī, nine lettered mantra, is the mula mantra, the root of the Chandi Path. The Siddha Kunjika Stotram of the Chandi is a chapter dedicated to the exposition of the inner meanings of this mantra.
These three hundred names are very much like the Lalita Trishati, the Three Hundred Names of the Goddess Lalita, and use each letter of the mantra as the starting letter of each name, and together spell out the esoteric meaning, applications, and examples of the nine letters in the order of their appearance in the text. There are 33 names that begin with each of the nine letters, which equals 297 names, plus aim hrim klim chamundayai vicche, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and śrīdurgāparameśvari, equaling 300 names defining the nine letters in a perfect mathematical symmetry.
These nine letters stand for the nine forms of Durga, and then all the nines: the nine strings of the sacred thread, the nine planets, the nine angles within the circle of creation in the Chandi Yantra…
Each of these works is a book in itself. But also, these are limbs of the Chandi Path and much of its esoteric knowledge, which is why I wanted to combine them all into one book about Chandi and Her sadhana. Now, we want to describe how it feels to do this sadhana, and what it feels like after doing it.
The ancient Rishis were called “Kavis,” meaning poets, because they used poetry to express the intensity of their love affairs with God. I am reminded of Socrates in the Symposium, where he conducted an effort by the greatest Greek poets to praise Love. Everyone concluded that we can’t praise Her until we define Her. Ultimately, they understood that Love is the undefinable Energy that causes all beings to seek greater perfection.
Here again, we are speaking about an undefinable energy, which the Rishis described as “Neti Neti, not this and not that.” By the very nature of the infinite, as soon as we try to define it, it becomes limited, and therefore, it becomes something different from that intuitive experience that is beyond the mind.
To say it is “good” is to minimize or trivialize the experience. But it is “Good” and even better! It is so “Good” that we all seek to find Love in so many ways. Unfortunately, most of those experiences are transient. But can you imagine a Love affair that starts every day in the same intensity as we ended the previous day and keeps growing until we lose all capacity to communicate? It is unspeakable! Undefinable!
How I remember that time reciting the verses of the Chandi, when I went so deeply into the feeling that my body became too small to contain me. I rose up above and looked down at that meditating sadhu below, and thought, “That is only one form of me.” In fact, I looked over at other forms and thought, “Those are all forms of Me! Every form in existence is a form of Me! I am reciting these mantras and it is Me praising ME! I am the only One here in this existence! Every vibration, even sound, is Me praising Me, because I am in Love! I am Love!”
As I remember today, that feeling lasted for some months. In fact, I wanted it to last my entire lifetime, but alas, I was destined to return to duality. Then I heard a voice within me, saying, “No one stays on the top of the mountain. Either they don’t find what they are looking for and get hungry and tired, and by necessity come down to sustain their bodies, or they do find what they are looking for and come down because of the need to share it!”
I had to share it! It was just too good to keep only for myself! So, not only did I translate for myself so that I could understand, but I also took that extra step to find people to help me preserve, share, and distribute this understanding. I wrote it down to put in books, then I made classes of the books, posted them on our website, made apps, and then began touring to share with devotees worldwide.
Everywhere we went, we made a temple of the Divine Mother, and taught people the meaning and method of worship, and sang the Chandi Path, just like the King and the Businessman, the characters in the book. My sadhana breathed, and sometimes I would chant in one place for hours and years together; sometimes, I would chant for an hour or two and then type and translate the mantras of these ancient texts.
Now, we have friends all around the world enjoying the worship of the Divine Mother in their lives, and I feel like I can stay in Love forever!
Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Uvita, Costa Rica, 2024
Product Details
- iPad App: 1384 pages
- App Version: 4.7 for IOS
- Publisher: Devi Mandir ( August 2024)
- ISBN-10: 1877795526
- ISBN-13: 978-1877795527
- Paperback: 392 pages
- Publisher: Devi Mandir (January 10, 2002)
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Reviews of Chandi Path iPad App
“Thank you so much for the Chandi Path and it’s beautiful translation. There are no words with which I can express my gratitude.
Chanting the Chandi Path has taken me straight to Devi’s feet where she constantly showers motherly love and grace. I have never felt more looked after and loved. Chandi has given me immense devotion, true freedom, and absolute trust that has enhanced the quality of my life and my relationships.
You have changed my life and I will be ever grateful to you for taking me to Chandi.Thank you so much for the Chandi Path and it’s beautiful translation. There are no words with which I can express my gratitude.”
~Ankita
“Thank you, Swamiji for your wonderful translation of the Chandi Path and for the online video class that teaches the deepest meanings and purpose of this sacred scripture.
Reciting this blessed scripture is teaching me to surrender all things to the Goddess. I know by your Grace that I am well guided and have the best of tools in my hand to walk the path.”
~ Chiasson
“Thank you so much for your books. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced anything as vividly rewarding in my life as trying to recite the Chandi book. Life is increasingly Profound!
Thank you.
~Justin
Paper Book Reviews of Chandi Path
By Srilakshmi
What a pleasure to read your Chandi Path book! I am amazed. I have never been a Shakthi worshipper, but by some circumstances, I read your book. I am just so inspired after reading your soulful translations praising the Divine Mother. I also watch the Devi Mandir webcams and some of your videos. You chant with so much enthusiasm and energy… You are such an inspiration.Many many thanks… I will meet you (by the grace of God) soon!
Thanks again,
Srilakshmi
By Joseph McKee, SeattleI strongly recommend Chandi Path by Swami Satyananda. The transliteration makes it easy to chant and the translation is crisp, clear and inspiring.
By Phil Stern, Fort CollinsI have been reading the Chandi Path for the past two years and I wanted to share my feelings about the changes it has brought about in my life. The beautiful Sanskrit poetry makes me want to sing to Goddess! The translation helps me go deeper and understand the games my mind is playing and helps to me to be in the present moment! The philosophy and explanation have helped me organize my life for the better. This particular book has CHANGED MY LIFE!!!! I want to thank all those who helped to make this book – especially the author Swami Satyananda for bringing this ancient text to the western world.
By J. Teece, Ph.D. (California, USA)
This thoughtful and profound rendering of a foremost ancient classic of Divine Mother must be approached with reverence, and indeed, love. Swami Satyananda gives any person with sincere love of God and devotion to spiritual practice a true gift–a way to the heart of God, and therefore to the heart of our true selves.
First of all, Swami Satyandanda’s deep grasp of Sanskrit, and his wonderful translations, (with clear and useful transliterations in the roman script), gives us in the West a greater clarity of the path of the Divine Mother than perhaps we have ever had. Our task, then, with our teachers, is pure devotion to the deeper meaning of the text of Chandi Path: discovered through reading of the text, through chanting the transliteration (and one day, perhaps, the actual Sanskrit), and through study and meditation upon text and meaning.The grace comes through these actions of pure devotion to this practice: an awakening and surrender to the Divine and to balance in our lives, destruction of the illusions of ego and attachments in this world, uncovering of Truth or True Knowledge, stillness beyond thought, and union with the Divine. She becomes our very own. This is the path of Divine Mother, ancient and eternal. The Chandi Path is the story of Divine Mother, and that then becomes our own story. Deep thanks to Swami Satyananda for this knowledgeable and loving gift, definitely of work of pure devotion in itself.
By Darshan Baba “AUM”
Swamiji’s books are a priceless resource for true sadhaks on the path of Self-Realization. The level of knowledge included in the way that these books of Swami Satyananda Saraswati’s have been translated is only made possible through his incredible amount of Tapasya. We can all share in the benefits of the Direct Knowledge that has been activated in Swamji through the presence of Shakti with these books.
They also offer impeccable transliteration of the Sanskrit, as well as instructions in the Tantra or Methods, and even including Secret Mantra decoded from the scripture passed by an initiates Knowledge. The ancient Scriptures themselves such as the Chandi Path are wish-fulfilling gems which offer the Highest Knowledge to the seeker. Beings have indeed attained to Perfection chanting these ancient scriptures, and scientists are continuing to validate the ancient texts of the Vedas with there “new discoveries”
All in all there is very little in the world that you can get as a material Item which is more priceless than this book and others of Swamiji’s. Even just having one, in a place where these Powerful Mantras reside the Energy Field is certainly effected, and all sorts of misfortune can be avoided, as well as the appearance of spontaneous good fortune. The benefits of applying and practicing with these texts, goes beyond mention…
From the author of: Yoga Sadhana of the Mother of the Universe: -a Guide to Wholeness Through the Divine Feminine
By hikuri (Paris, France)
Those scriptures are very deep, very profund. They aims as acheiving the highest ideal of connecting to the divine and letting Light and Grace flow in our life. This swami is really spiritual, and i can feel he really knows what he’s talking about. Highly recommended. Don’t hesitate to look at the author’s commentary on this work. It really helps to better understand and practice the chandi path. He has a very good website, with lots of q&a and commentary.
By William H. Howell (southern Colorado)
Thanks to a truly devoted effort and involvement by the author,
the potent Chandi Path is available to Westerners.
By D. BHATT “Deeps” (Africa!)
This book is EXACTLY what I have been looking for a long time now. The verses have been translated brilliantly to the “T”, by Swamiji. The synopsis & explanation of the verses could have been a bit more comprehensive,though (But then the book would have probably weighed a ton!. I also bought a Chandi Path CD in Orginal sanskrit rendering from somewhere else, and it now complements the Book very well. The Chandi Path By Swamiji is definitely worth it for those with a keen ineterest in our vedic Literature.
By Muktimaa
One of my very favorite scriptures is The Chandi Path! In Bengal [and many other places, as well,] the Chandi Path [also known as “Devi Mahatmyam”, And “Durga Saptasati”], is considered the “Bible” of many Mother Worshipers. My very favorite translation of it is by Swamiji Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir. He describes all the “Armies of the Great Ego” and names them, since knowing who our “enemies” are is half the battle. Some of them have names like, “Too Much” and “Too Little”; “Self-Conceit” and “Self-Deprecation”; “MEMORIES”! Do these asuras sound familiar” They should… As Swamiji Satyananda says in his introduction, “Every character mentioned in the Chandi is within us: the forces which impel us to realize our own divinity, filling our lives with Love and Joy, and a sense of meaningful purpose; as well as the forces which incline to diminish that perception.” Describing the Goddess, the Mother of the Universe, He says: “In one sense She resides in the image, the photo or idol of worship. In another application, She manifested in the body of the Worshiper. And again, ‘Her feet cover the earth, and Her crown extends to the farthest reaches of the atmosphere.’ On every level the scripture is a commentary on the evolution of consciousness.” Towards the end of his wonderful intro to the Chandi Path, Swamiji Satyananda says:
“Saptasati is a Way. Daily reciting the verses, we offer to Mother all our troubles, afflictions, and all manner of thoughts and perturbations — even the very Ego itself; and one by one She cuts them down, purifies them with the vibrations of Her mantras, until we, too, become the ‘One of Intuitive Vision [Known in the Chandi as Samadhi]’ who only desires the Highest Wisdom which removes the attachments of the Ego.”
I consider the Chandi Path, translated by Swamiji Satyananda Saraswati, one of the greatest spritual tools that any devotee of the Goddess could possibly have. i cannot praise this wonderful scripture, enough; and especially this particular translation. i had read other translations, but it wasn’t until reading this particular translation, that i really FELT it…deeply and profoundly, and absolutely knew i had a spiritual tool that i would carry with me and practice throughout my life! Jai Maa! Blessings to all who read this!
By Dharmananda (Northern California)
Though I am posting this review under the title “Chandi Path,” it really applies to all of the wonderful books of Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Napa, California (as distinguished from the identically named Swami who wrote many books on yoga — which are also great books, by the way). These books will probably appeal most to those who perform traditional Hindu ceremonial worship, called puja. However, this review is to call attention to another aspect of these books which is worth noting, and is indeed highly praiseworthy. Personally, I do not perform formal pujas, but I love Sanskrit and all the wonderful traditional mantras and hymns of that sacred language. I repeat mantras and recite hymns in my own informal way. As a source for Sanskrit mantras and hymns, there is nothing better than the books of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. I have taught myself to read Devanagari script, so I greatly appreciate its inclusion in these books. Above all, the script is large, clear, and easy to read. These books are typeset to allow easy reading of either the Devanagari script, or the transliterated text, while performing puja. A great deal of attention has obviously been paid to making the script easily readable, even while holding the book at arm’s length. This is a huge advantage. I’m not so great at reading Devanagari that I enjoy working my way through the tiny, blurred script found in so many other books, especially Indian publications. These books, by contrast, are a pleasure to read.
The transliterations of the Sanskrit mantras and hymns follow the precision international system which uses diacritical marks. This system, originally developed by European scholars in the nineteenth century, has long been the “gold standard” for transliteration of Sanskrit texts due to the direct one-to-one correspondence with the Sanskrit alphabet. (I have been glad to see that this system has become more and more universally used for transliteration of Sanskrit.) It is here employed with great accuracy, and in a typeface of unsurpassed readability. I have many versions of some of the Sanskrit hymns and mantras in this book, and in the many other books of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, but I always choose to read the versions in Swami Satyananda Saraswati’s books because I can always count on them to be the most accurate and readable versions available.
Besides the Sanskrit texts in both Devanagari script and in Romanized transliteration using the international system, one is also treated to Swami Satyananda Saraswati’s highly accurate, but also energetic and enthusiastic English translations. Without deviating from the precise meanings of the texts, the Swami manages to include and convey his own love and enthusiasm for this ancient and sacred literature. I rarely look elsewhere for definitive translations.
Also, when perusing the catalog of Swami Satyananda Saraswati’s books, don’t be misled by the titles into thinking that they convey the full range of the contents. The books are always crammed with “extras,” often mantras only peripherally related to the main topic, but in this way one gets a spectacular collection of the greatest Sanskrit mantras in existence.
For those dedicated to the performance of puja, these books are indispensible. For those who just love Sanskrit and all the wonderful hymns and mantras, these books are a treasure trove. I don’t recite every mantra in ever book — not by any means — but there are some in every book that I love to sing and recite. And I buy all the books also just as a way of saying “thank you” to Swami Satyananda Saraswati for rendering this wonderful service to all Sanskrit lovers, and doing so in such a conscious and conscientious way. Thank you, Swamiji! We’ve never met, but I’m one of your silent (until now!) fans and admirers.
By M. Parekh “maa sevak”
godsend -even better if you can find a cd with original chanting and follow both together as even if you do not know the meaning the energy creates a truly a remarkable unique experience!
By Linda R. Talbott “She Who Flies” (Silver City, NM)
The Chandi path, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir Ashram in Napa Valley, is both an incredible story and a path of discovery of and worhship to the Divine Mother. The story is an incredible epic of how the Goddess in numerous forms battles the “Great Ego” and his forces of negative thoughts, such as “Too Much” and “Too Little,” “Self Conceit” and “Self Deprecation,” Pride, Confusion, etc. ~ all negative thoughts.
It is a fearsome battle that takes place over many chapters, but eventually, the Goddess wins and a great celebration ensues. But the Chandi Path is more than an epic story; it is also a path of worship and discovery. I found much to identify with in the negative thoughts and much to be greatful for because, though they were defeated, they were ultimately accepted by the Goddess and taken up to the heavenly realms.
One chapter in particular, Chapter 11, identifies many of the qualities of the Goddess such as “the instrinsic nature of earth,” “the Energy of Consciousness Which Pervades All,” the “Source of Refuge,” “the Eternal Energy of Creation,” “Faith,” “Self-sustenance,” “Constancy,” “She Who is Beyond all Time,” and others. What is given through this ancient sacred text is a method of achieving clarity through the removal of negative thoughts and replacing them, as we identify with the Goddess in all Her forms, with positive qualities most of us would seek to achieve.
Each time I chant the Chandi Path, my experience of it becomes deeper and richer; I discover more meaning ~ nuances that become clearer with each chanting; and my love for the Goddess, in all Her forms, becomes greater. What Swami Satyananda Saraswati has done in his translation of this and other ancient texts is made them fresh and new for the present. This is tremendous gift, that the Chandi Path is made accessible to all, including westerners, in the present time.
By Chris Kirner (Pacific Northwest)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Napa Valley, CA is both a scholar and a true son of his beloved Divine Mother. He and Shree Maa have brought the traditions of puja (ceremonial worship) and path (recitation of Sanskrit scriptures) to the West in a big way.
The Chandi Path, also called the Durga Saptashati, part of the Markendaya Purana, holds a central position in the Shakta tradition, though it is relatively unknown to Western yoga practitioners and those interested in Hindu practices.
In this Story, Divine Mother manifests in various forms to do battle with ashuras (demons) like lust, anger, passion, too much, and too little. Of course, she wins in the end and there is great celebration.
The magic of chandi recitation (at the very least), is that as one chants the mantras of the text the activity of the mantra shakti corresponds to what occurs in the story — so the story of the Chandi is really the story of you (and me).
This book contains the original sanskrit in devanagiri, an English transliteration (Sanskrit in English alphabet), and an English translation.
Though the sheer size of the text is daunting at first, if one is serious about experiencing its profound nature, one may begin small and work up to the full text. It does get easier over time.
By Tapasi (Heaven)
The Chandi Path shows us how to be close to God by cultivating a relationship with the Divine Mother Chandi and purifying ourselves to be able to see and accept Her infinite blessings. Ancient Rishis chanted the mantras of the Chandi and gained self realization, and it will work for us as well if we are sincere in our desire to know and love the Goddess. Swami Satyananda says the one who understands it completely is Lord Shiva. When we regularly recite the mantras with devotion we become Shiva–“the consciousness of infinte goodness”. It is truly a divine gift to have a translation of this timeless scripture. The more you study the English and practice the Sanskrit mantras the more you become absorbed in the bliss of Divine Union. You begin to fall in love with that which has the capacity to offer unconditional love in return. In this world of chaos and darkness we can call on our Mother and she will come and carry us towards the light. The Chandi Path is like the arms of Divine Mother. I am sincere in my desire to know and love God and from my own experience I would be lost without the Chandi Path. Swamiji has also translated many other books and Pujas to help us along our path. Find what touches your heart and go all out for God. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
Chandi is the Goddess who tears apart thought. When the thoughts are gone, the mind is still and in that we experience our true state of being as perfect bliss. The Chandi Path (also called the Durga Saptashati and the Devi Mahatmyam) is more than a translation of an ancient Hindu text, it is the story of our lives. From an intellectual standpoint, it is a practicle guide to spritual transformation as we can offer all our diffuculties to her and one by one, she will take care of them all. She brings Too Much and Too Little into balance, cuts down the generals in the great army of the Ego, destroys Self-Conceit and Self-Deprication, makes us free from desire and offers endless blessings of pure love. She is Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi and all the Goddesses waging a battle against the forces of duality to bring us into union with the divine. Along with the Sanskrit mantras, Swami Satyananda offeres a beautiful English translation of this magical scripture. To even be inspired to study the Chandi Path is the blessing of the Goddess.
By Jumpha
Chandi is the Goddess who tears apart our inner demons (asuras). The most formidable of these is the Great Ego who attempts, at every turn, to enslave the potential divinity within us all. The Great Ego has an entire retinue of followers including Self Conceit, Self Deprecation, Hypocrisy, Too Much, Too Little, and Want of Resolution, who aid him in stymieing our spiritual aspirations. The Chandi Path is literally the Path to recognizing our own spark of divinity. It is the story of how the great Goddess manifests in the lives of Her devotees to teach them to live life with devotion, love, respect and meaning. Swamiji’s meticulous and lucid translation brings the very essence of the Goddess to life.
By A Customer
The Chandi Path is not a book to be picked up casually. It is a roadmap to the Divine, within and without. It should be approached as one would approach the Goddess Herself, with a sacred attitude and a deeply sincere effort. This work comes down to us from milleniums past through the dedication of Markandeya and the spiritual teachers who followed him, originally passed down through the oral tradition, then through written versions in Sanskrit and now in this English translation by an American Hindu who is both a scholar and a devout sadhu. Swami Satyananda Saraswati has worshipped the Goddess most of his life. He describes the Chandi Path as a training manual. I see it more as a roadmap to the Divine. It helps us to discover Divine Reality in the form of the Goddess who is Herself created from the combined light of all the gods and goddesses. It helps us to examine our own thoughts and motivations and to see how they prevent us from seeing the divine in ourselves and others. To perform the Chandi according to the ancient tradition takes great self discipline. It is in itself a purifying austerity, a deep sadhana. But the Goddess wants us to start where we are, not to judge ourselves. Learn to sit correctly and comfortably, to pay attention to the text and start the grand adventure of going step by step towards union with Her.
By A Customer
The Chandi is a beloved scripture which has been recited daily throughout India for many centuries. Also known as the Sri Durga Saptasati or the Devi Mahatmyam, it is taken from the Markandeya Purana and considered to be a commentary on Vedic hymns to the Goddess. This archetypal story of Goddess Durga slaying the demons represents the lower aspects of our nature that need to be purified and transformed spiritually, which only God’s grace can accomplish.Told in puranic form, the actual purpose of the Chandi is relinquishment of thought leading to surrender of ego and ultimately, realization. From the translator: “Daily reciting the verses, we offer to Mother all our troubles, afflictions, all manner of thoughts and perturbations-even the very ego itself; and one by one She cuts them down, purifies them with the vibrations of Her mantras, until we, too, become the One of Intuitive vision who only desires the Highest Wisdom which removes the attachments of ego.”
“This translation breathes new life into this sacred scripture which for many Hindus is itself a sadhana (spiritual practice). Translations throughout the text of the various aspects/forms of the Gods as well as demons gives Western devotees a deeper understanding of this supremely inspiring classic. We read this new Chandi during our yearly Navaratri celebration and everyone was appreciative of its lucidity. An exquisite image of Mother Durga from Bengal graces the cover.”
By A Customer
Dear Sirs, Can you help me to find electronic library where I can get free access to Swami Satyananda’s books. Due to crisis in Russia my fee is too small to make the order. My only link with Spirituality and Yoga is Internet. Thank you, Alexander Ochapovsky, Ufa-city, Russia
By Joan Allenby, Wisconsin
The Chandi Path book with English transliteration and translation by Swami Satyananda Saraswati is excellent!!!! The Devi Mahatmayam is a must-have for any devotee of Divine Mother yet, there are very few translations of this sacred text and even fewer which have both a translation as well as English transliteration. Both of these make this book accessible to people who cannot read Sanskrit. Also, I just love the big font it makes it a joy to chant! After searching for many alternative texts, I recommend with absolutely no hesitation Chandi Path by Swami Satyananda.
By Anand, Waukeegan
The Chandi Path by Swami Satyananda Saraswati is a torch light on the path to God. I highly recommend it for all seekers of God. Jai Maa!
By Arundhati Dasgupta, San Diego
Swami Satyananda’s Chandi Path is a beautiful gift from Divine Mother Herself to all Her devotees. As a child, I heard verses from this beautiful scripture being chanted in temples and was told that it is a story of how Divine Mother destroys asuras (demons). It seemed like a beautiful story from ancient times.
Reading this Chandi Path is translation made me realize that this not a story of some distant past it is happening here and now Inside of me. It is the story of Divine Mother destroying all the negativities in my very being, each time I chant the Chandi.
If you want to become pure, destroy all negative tendencies within you, please Divine Mother, make your life Divine. Please get a copy of the Chandi Path and start chanting right away!!!!
You will see the beautiful change in your life immediately! Jai Chandi Maa!
By Srilakshmi
What a pleasure to read your Chandi Path book! I am amazed. I have never been a Shakthi worshipper, but by some circumstances, I read your book. I am just so inspired after reading your soulful translations praising the Divine Mother. I also watch the Devi Mandir webcams and some of your videos. You chant with so much enthusiasm and energy… You are such an inspiration.Many many thanks… I will meet you (by the grace of God) soon!