Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
From the Union of Purush with Prakriti this entire creation takes birth. As long as this manifested existence remains, so to the union between Purush and Prakriti will remain. Purush and Prakriti are infinite without end.
Prakriti is shakti, energy. Purush is the holder of Energy. From the influence of Purush, Prakriti gives birth to the various qualities found in creation. Without energy the holder of energy cannot do anything. Without the holder of energy, energy has no means of manifestation.
The relationship between energy and the holder of energy is eternal and infinite. In this way, the relationship between males and females is like the relationship of energy (Purush) with the holder of energy (Prakriti).
Males are equated with the holder of energy, while females are the manifestations of energy. Males and females, like Purush and Prakriti, are one and inseparable and cannot exist without the other. Though they have two bodies, they are actually one in essence.
Together, males and females are the cause of the circumstances, nourishment, evolution, and satisfaction of this existence. Without the other, without them both, no action can be completed in this existence. Both are equally important and perfect within his or her own sphere of action and interaction. The perfection of both is the supreme perfection.
This is why males and females, each performing in his or her own sphere of interaction, should fulfill their responsibilities to the ultimate perfection. This is called the Dharma (ideal of perfection) of men and women.
The foremost responsibility of both men and women is to respect God’s creation. By means of the union of males and females this universal creation takes birth.
Females are mother, and give birth to, and protect, Dharma. Because of the qualities of truth in females, males can maintain focus on the divine qualities present in the creation, and ultimately can attain freedom from all bonds. They achieve liberation in the residence of the Highest Dharma.
Males and females help each other toward perfection. They continually nourish one another until they attain satisfaction.
If both men and women will remain in satisfaction, then the entire creation will be endowed with complete acceptance in realizing beauty. Toward this end, here are the ornaments (divine qualities) that both males and females should demonstrate:
To demonstrate the perfect example of collaboration and integration toward Dharma, here is a story of an exceptional man and woman:
One sadhu was performing sadhana for many days, and in disguise came to the home of a householder in order to beg for some food. He came to one special house. “Mata, Biksham dehi,” he called, asking for alms.
Hearing the voice of the sadhu, the housewife came and began to wash his feet. She gave him an asana on which to sit.
The sadhu began to think: “How does this household wife know who I am, and how to do my seva? How can she recognize that I am a sadhu?”
Immediately, the housewife gave answer to the sadhu’s inner thoughts: “Babaji, you cannot hide from me. I know you have come in disguise to take alms, but I know who you really are.”
The sadhu was filled with consternation, and was curious to know about her knowledge. “Mata, how is it possible for you to know who I am? I was unable to understand who you are. What spiritual discipline do you perform in order to get such knowledge? Please tell me quickly.”
The housewife replied that he should eat his food first, and then I will tell you all about my spiritual practice.
With great anticipation, the sadhu ate the prasad very quickly, and then said: “Mata, you please tell me which form of divinity you worship in order to attain such knowledge? I have been doing so many years of practices, and yet I was unable to recognize you. Please explain in detail what kind of spiritual discipline you perform. My heart is impatient!”
Then the housewife took the sadhu inside her home, where he found no symbols of divinity, nor any icons or pictures of divinity at all.
Then the sadhu asked, “Oh Housewife, please tell me your secret. I saw no evidence of any symbols in your whole house. How is it possible, what did you do, in order to attain this divine knowledge?”
The housewife replied, “I serve my husband as I serve Lord Vishnu, and in this way I attained wisdom. Because of my pure inspiration, my husband has attained divinity! Because of my husband’s illumination of divine wisdom, I have attained to perfection.”
This is what was before the creation, and what will remain after the creation. Thus, therefore, we must maintain vigilance and consciousness at all times.
This human birth is the highest of all forms. Human beings are defined by the capacity to control the vacillations of the mind.
The Supreme Divinity is within our hearts. When we know this without any selfishness, then we can illuminate Divine Wisdom. We will think that I am God, and God is my own. Contemplating in this way is the highest spiritual discipline.
Aum – Peace
~Shree Sanatani Maa