Vijayadashami (Dusshera) is a day of great significance. There are several incidents narrated in Puranas which explain about the importance of this day.

In Treta-yuga (the second eon), Lord Hanuman, who went in search of Mother Sita, was blessed by her darshan (vision) on Vijayadashami. The sacred anecdote is narrated in “Sundara Kanda” in Ramayana.

Secondly, in the third eon, Dwapara-yuga, on this day, Arjuna had the vision of the Divine Mother, for whose grace he prayed. With Her blessings, he took his bow Gandiva’ and won the battle against Kauravas. He also saved the cattle wealth of King Virata which were about to be stolen by the Kaurava enemy. Vijaya is one of the ten names of Arjuna. The day on which Vijaya had the darshan of the Mother became popularly known as Vijayadashami.

It is a practice to begin auspicious projects on Vijayadashami. The Shami tree is to be worshipped on this day. Those who do japa of the Guru mantra will be specially blessed by God on this day. The Divine Mother’s grace showers on such devotees.

Lalita Sahasranama and Lalita Trishati are two sacred hymns which Lord Hayagriva gave as initiation to the sage Agastya. In ’Trishati’, there are twenty names for each of the fifteen beejāksharas (seed-letters) of the Divine Mother. These (15*20) three hundred names reveal the philosophical significance of the Divine Mother.

Although the Sun does not move nor does anything, everything is visible only because of his illumination. Looking at the Moon, we enjoy saying “Oh! How brilliant are the rays! How pleasant and cool they are!’- when in reality the moon shines only due to the Sun’s grace. Similarly, divine illumination alone is responsible for our entire light and knowledge!

We say “the illumination caused the darkness to vanish”. However, the truth is that the illumination is ever-present. It is illusory for us to say that there is brilliance only when we see it. Likewise, Sadguru’s grace and effulgence are always existent. It is for you to attain the eligibility to receive it.

There are people who love to share their sorrows and their sad story with everyone they come across, although no one is really interested in it. Their intention is to get a little solace. Sadly, the actual result turns reverse. The listener’s mood also will be spoiled.

· Hence it is wise not to spoil other’s happiness, but to bear one’s sorrow and to get rid of it by consoling oneself and take timely action for remedy.

Suppose one says “I am happy”, generally the response of the other won’t match his happiness. It is easier to spread sorrow than happiness among others. Hence always try to increase happiness around.

· Sadguru (a Self-realized Spiritual Master) is an able preacher. Try to obtain enlightenment directly from Him in the realm of Spiritual Knowledge (jnana).

Be pleasant, calm, happy and friendly when in Sadguru’s presence. Have a heart that is filled with pure love towards Him. Listen His precepts attentively for a few minutes. With this, your spiritual energy improves. You will be filled with positive energy which you can carry back home.

Learning from Sadguru is not a business dealing. Your heart is like a radio or television. Unless properly tuned, it fails to receive the signals. Hence, it is your responsibility to keep it in a good (mental) condition to be able to absorb Sadguru’s preachings. Be a deserving disciple to the worthy Sadguru. Then you will be blessed by his grace.

· It is easy to become confused and unsteady. Don’t hate the confusion and fickleness of your mind. Pay loving attention to these defects. Make a thorough study of the causes therefor. By timely and proper action, confusion and unsteadiness vanish. It is not enough to treat the patient for the outward symptoms. It is essential to find out the real cause of the disease and to remove it.

Yoga is not some effort to merely to get a degree or diploma. It is to be remembered always that the practices of Yoga must continue until the last breath.

· Faith is the basis of human life. Faith in God and Sadguru uplifts the devotee. Wife and husband; master and servant, a person and his neighbour; dealer and customer –all these relations are based on faith. This relationship too is based totally on faith.

Some of you may have a doubt- Why is it that a few people are very close to Swamiji? Why they could be so much attached to Swamiji’s mission? How they could dedicate their lives in His service?’ On the other hand, some people visit Swamiji as mere casual visitors. The devotion of some of them is unsteady. Why it happens so?

The reason is that the Guru-Sishya (disciple) relation continues from birth to birth. Hence do not entertain silly doubts. One may get a little confused during His initial visits to Swamiji. The doubts get cleared in due course. But if you worry too much to clear them, they may actually increase. Therefore, continue to do your good work silently and peacefully.

Whatever you do whether it be puja, yoga or yaga, charitable donation or meditation, or any other work, do not do it with a mere physical attitude. Engage your mind in that activity. Transcend the sense perceptions. Broaden your vision. Elevate your attitude. Then you will spiritually elevate. You have watched nice Pujas for the past ten days. This is a noble ritual meant for your spiritual enlightenment. May the Divine Mother bless you all!

After you return to your homes, try to participate in the activities of Datta Ashramas close to your place. By doing so, you will obtain God’s grace.

– 1998 Navaratri