Ancient Gods and Goddesses: Durga: Goddess Dharma Warrior or Delusion?
Continuing our theme; this month we will explore a Goddess of a slightly different nature, complexity and evident contradiction.
Durga has much to teach us; in her serene form she is named Parvati - the feminine expression of Shiva. In her more warrior form she is known as Durga, yet I propose her mission, in either manifestation, is always being the same; to maintain, create, pervade or restore stability to the cosmos for the purpose of perpetuating an arena where truth (Dharma) can be realized. In this she appears to be the feminine aspect of Vishnu and indeed manifests on Earth, from time to time, to correct errors that threaten spiritual growth (as Vishnu does). Yet her methods are very different and at first glance possibly confusing. Many of her exploits portrays her as apparently playing the role of hindrance to truth. In one story she is depicted as the sleep that keeps Vishnu, or all of us, from awakening to full consciousness; numbing and deluding. Her creation story weaves a picture of ‘other-ness’; independent from the world of masculine gods, she stands alone as the only expression of feminine divinity. To underscore this separation she imposes the condition that her consort must first defeat her in battle before acceptance. This condition can not be achieved on the battlefield for she is the all powerful warrior. Yet, it is made clear within other stories, that when the sleeper appeals she, as sleep, will remove herself and even assist in the awakening.
Durga is a powerful transcendent force whose sole concern to to maintain universal rhythms and be attentive to the needs of the individual. Her presence pervades the phenomenal world, imbuing all creation with a promise: ‘When the sleeper is ready, the veils of delusion will be lifted’. But, while dualism exists, while inequality between the sexes continues, while discrimination and ignorance prevails - she will use her beauty and seductive appearance to entice hindrances into battle and defeat them.
Reviewing the world situation at large, maybe it is time to find the Durga energy within each of us and enter the world, at whatever level individually possible, to intervene and restore stability that benefits all beings on this planet.
- Richard Rudis
