Durga, the cosmic protectress

Durga is the Divine Mother par excellence in the traditions of yoga, however, her representation has little to do with the western cultural idea that we have about the divine feminine. Durga´s image is that of a female warrior riding on a lion (or tiger) and holding the most fearful weapons. She is amazon and mother at the same time, incarnating the power beyond radical awakening. Her presence is heroic and she is always ready to help us fight our everyday inner battles, on the condition that we surrender to her.

The legend tells that there were two terrible anti-gods who put together the most horrible army and cultivated unbeatable super powers in order to conquer the Universe. These twin demons were so clever that they could even fool Brahma (the creator). After doing years and years of spiritual practice they had asked him to grant them the boon of being invincible in battle. Brahma, seeing the fervor of their discipline, made their wish come true, but there was a crack in such wish and it is that they asked not to be defeated by any god or hero, without realizing that there was no mention made to goddesses or heroines.

The demons conquered the Earth, became lords of all abodes and during thousands of years lived among pleasures and luxuries. The gods, lead by Indra, were desperate since there was no way to overthrow the two brothers. Until one day an old sage visited Indra and showed him the failure in the granted wish. He recommended the gods to go visit Durga, the Mahadevi or Supreme Goddess, and to beg for her help. Several gods went along with Indra, the road to find her was not easy and during a long time they called upon her protection. They sung to her, recited old texts and prayers, and especially, they addressed her as “Mother”. Yogins, this is quite interesting: Durga is hidden from our view and in order to receive her blessings we must ask for her help. Finally the air rustled the trees and Durga revealed herself in her full splendor. Riding her lion, she shows herself as powerful and sweet at the same time, simultaneously soft and strong as a diamond, beautiful and luminous like no other.

She agreed to support the gods and went into the twin brothers´ palace. Because she was a woman, she became the subject of many jokes among the soldiers until they decided to fight against her. The battle was bloody, but you can´t forget that Durga´s power is boundless. From her own body arose rays of Light that turned into other warrior goddesses. It was amazing!! Finally, the anti-gods surrendered and died dissolving into the unknown, merging back into Durga´s own body. Peace and harmony were restored.

This week´s superhero practice is to feel that the Grace of an immense and auspicious power is always supporting and helping us, giving us physical, mental and emotional strength so we can take part in our lives with the highest awareness. We only need to look for it within the heart.

See you on the mat!
Om Shanti

Zaira

——
The Zunray Spark is a biweekly email with an inspirational message. It also serves as theme for the classes at Zunray&
——