In reading and contemplating the Hindu scriptures as presented by Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir in Northern California, it dawned on me that the very last mantra that we recite after every puja, homa, or Path, is a special gem that reveals the pinnacle of Truth.
This one mantra alone, if deeply contemplated, is enough to take a devotee back to their true nature:
Is it an accident that it is recited last? I think not. The ancient Rishis who wrote these scriptures must have always had their eye on the “end game,” which was to help humanity wake-up from the dream of ego-consciousness.
Ego-consciousness is driven by our self-identity. It judges, evaluates, desires, and gets emotional when its desires are unfulfilled. Ego-consciousness never views things as whole and perfect, for if it did, it would be out of business!
The beauty of this mantra is that it reveals how God sees the world – whole and perfect.
Not only is the Source of all creation whole and perfect, but so too are all of its manifestations, right down to the tiniest particle and every situation and experience.
Whole and perfect means that it cannot be improved upon.
Whole and perfect means that it is harmonious already.
Whole and perfect means that things are the way they are simply because that is how they are supposed to be.
Let’s contemplate together….
Since everything is whole and perfect already, there is no need for ego-consciousness to ponder, calculate, or plan on how to add-to or subtract-from any situation, rather, let’s move from the space of spontaneity.
Since everything is whole and perfect already, let’s pray to let go of controlling outcomes and for the realization that we can never know better than God.
Since everything is whole and perfect already, there is nothing lacking. So perpetuating an idea or judgment that we have about a life circumstance will only cause more pain and frustration.
Since everything is whole and perfect already, let’s take the opportunity to see the world this way, through Divine eyes.
Wisdom ushers in to the One who has stopped interfering with life. Let’s pause the thinking process, even if just for a second, and look with an open heart to the beauty of what is here in front of us right now.
Swamiji’s story about the King that cut his finger is a good reminder of the divine attitude that God does everything for the best (whole and perfect), and that everything is God’s will:
And so, it is in difficult times that this mantra can be so helpful. It reveals a perspective and space for inspiration and opportunity. In that space, we can let go and be assured that God has everything under control — it really is whole and perfect. Surrender to God’s will!
Jai Maa!