SHAKTI
An ode to Divine Power
Power
The dictionary defines it as the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way OR the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.
For me, the meaning of power varies from people to situations to time or opportunities.
Couldn’t seem to find a more fitting time to write this — It’s Navratri or the Sharodotsav (in Bengali), a festival that celebrates power in so many ways! Celebrating the advent of Maa Durga who in many avatars has known to symbolise power in different ways. She symbolises the power of relationships, the endowment of peace and prosperity through some avatars, and the embodiment of beauty & a symbol of bravery, association of abundance and greenery through others. She is nurturing and protective of her children on one hand and a fierce warrior slaying the evil & restoring peace & harmony on the other.
Celebrating her is celebrating power in its true divinity. Try decoding her appearance and you will be amazed at the symbols that it exudes.
Her face, a mystic combination of rage & compassion. Her 10 hands a symbol of energies working in unison, her weapons are the vedas performed to suppress evil. She rides a lion, representing her heroic prowess. She blesses with one hand and slays the evil with other. She stands tall killing the demon — the mis-user of power.
So here’s what I’m saying. Power is not just the ability to be heroic or big! Power is all about how put it to use. We’ve known people in power who have destroyed families, legacies, cultures, nations, raged unnecessary wars — simply to satisfy their ego, or shall I say, hide their insecurities. They have bullied people, created differences, controversies, pulled people down, spread hatred and a sense of false power. On the other hand there have been people in power who have made a difference, broken boundaries — ones who have symbolised love, compassion, wisdom and strength in unity and combined positive energies to make magic! And the complete opposite of the other.
One may argue that the former have always succeeded, but dig in deep … have they really? It may have taken time.. but eventually?
Thus, ‘True power’ does not need to be exerted. It exudes like magic. It brings the right people together — spreads positivity. Has empathy and compassion, leads us in the right direction — like a friend, guide and a mentor. Pretty much why we look up to the divine energy for the guiding light, right?
I look up to this ‘True Power’, It surely lures me in. But I believe in its strength and ability to transform things for the greater good. I believe that good & evil co-exist and that this power — this divine energy eventually leads to a wonderful magical world — devoid of all the negativity and evil. In the world, in our lives and in our hearts!
Happy reading. Have a happy and safe Navratri. Sharodiya Shubheccha!
Best,
Sid
