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We continued our discussion of the Chandi Path with the Rgvedoktam Ratri Suktam (The Praise of the Night of Duality) and the Rgvedoktam Devi Suktam (Vedic Praise of the Goddess). Both Suktams are from the Rg Veda.
Swamiji says that the Chandi begins with the Praise of the Night of the Duality and ends with praise of the Goddess of Unity. In between are the 13 chapters which tell us how we make the journey from the darkness of duality to the light of unity.
“In the Ratri Suktam,” Swamiji says, “we thank Goddess for exposing the light and allowing the dawn to shine. We give up our selfishness and regain our divine perception, free from duality, darkness of ignorance. Our words of praise flow just like milk flows from a cow, pure nourishment.” How wonderful!
In the Devi Suktam, the Goddess declares, “Whosoever She loves she gives strength and makes a seer with loving intellect.” Swamiji adds, “Of Her own volition, She inspires us to do sadhana and remember Her. So we search for love and harmony in every relationship.
Some devotees shared their beautiful love for these two Praises. Kalachandra says, “I love Vedoktam Ratri Suktam because we can see that the Mother is in all life.” Henny says, For me, as I sing the mantras (and, having heard Shree Maa sing this text, I love the melody), it is easy to go deeper within because the song seems to come from there, and even when I have had difficulties with a wandering mind while reciting the other texts, this one (Vedoktam Devi Suktam) never fails to capture my attention and drawing me in.
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Follow these links to useful resources on the two Suktams:
- Listen to Swamiji chanting the Vedoktam Ratri Suktam
- Listen to Swamiji’s Class on the Vedoktam Ratri Suktam
- Listen to Shree Maa chanting the Vedoktam Devi Suktam
- Listen to Swamiji’s Class on the Vedoktam Devi Suktam
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