Overcoming Fear and Forgetfulness: Insights from Chaitra Navraatri
Pradeep Unnikrishnan
London (U.K)
Hari Aum!
Humble prostrations at the Holy Feet of Maa ji!
Chaitra Navraatri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga ji, Goddess Mahalakshmi ji, Goddess Saraswati ji. On this auspicious occasion, our revered Guru Maa blessed us with an online Call Talk to reflect on profound themes such as ‘fear’ and ‘forgetfulness.’ In the journey of life, individuals grapple with various forms of fear, both worldly and spiritual, while also struggling with forgetfulness, particularly when it comes to imbibing teachings from Scriptures.
Fear is a universal human experience, stemming from a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty about the future. From childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood, individuals encounter different manifestations of fear, ranging from fear of physical harm to existential anxieties. Likewise, forgetfulness plagues the human mind, leading to lapses in memory and the inability to retain essential knowledge.
Children, unburdened by the weight of worldly concerns, often display remarkable fearlessness and an impressive capacity to retain information. However, with passage of time, the innocence of youth gradually fades, giving way to a heightened awareness of life's complexities and uncertainties. With this transition comes an inevitable increase in fear and forgetfulness, as individuals grapple with the demands of maturity and responsibility.
In moments of fear and forgetfulness, holy Scriptures and divine verses emerge as beacons of light, guiding seekers through the darkness of doubt and confusion. These verses, when recited with reverence and devotion, possess the power to dispel fear, awaken memory, and ignite the flame of spiritual awakening within the hearts of seekers. Spiritual practices such as prayer & meditation must complement Scriptural study.
Maa ji mentioned that the Call Talk on ‘Dealing with Fear & Forgetfulness’ is of extreme importance today as in the heart of Navraatri lies the worship of three forms of Goddesses. Devi Durga, the Embodiment of fearlessness, Mata Saraswati, the Bestower of intellectual prowess and Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and virtue. Only with Their blessings, seekers can unlock the full potential of fearlessness and memory. Guru Maa emphasized that all disciples and seekers must invoke the three Goddesses’ grace during Navraatri, seeking to imbibe these divine qualities into their lives and transcend the shackles of fear and forgetfulness.
Change is inevitable. Consider a world where nothing alters. In such a static realm, fear finds no foothold, for there is nothing to fear when everything remains unchanged. And in this unchanging landscape, forgetting becomes an alien concept, for why would one forget when there is nothing new to remember?
Change is the heartbeat of existence, and each moment propels us to the zone of unknown. With each shift in circumstance, fear creeps in stealing our peace of mind and clouding our judgment. With constant changes, forgetfulness follows. We are also unaware of what to remember and what to forget.
Discrimination between what to remember and what to forget plays a crucial role in shaping our memory and fearlessness. This is the primary reason why we pray to Lord Shiv during Navraatri. Lord Shiv ji's blessings enable us to let go of unnecessary memories, making room for what truly matters, thereby enhancing our ability to remember what is essential.
To explain the wide array of fear each individual faces, Maa ji quoted the below verse and gave deep insight into the verse.
Bhoge roga-bhayaṃ, Kule chyuti-bhayaṃ, Vitte nṛpālād-bhayaṃ
Māne dainya-bhayaṃ, Bale ripu-bhayaṃ, Rūpe jarāyā bhayam ।
Shāstre vādi-bhayaṃ, Guṇe khala-bhayaṃ, Kāye kṛtāntād-bhayaṃ
Sarvaṃ vastu bhayānvitaṃ, bhuvi nṛṇāṃ vairāgyam-evābhayam ॥
– Vairāgyaśhatakam 31
Vairagya, or detachment, is the ultimate remedy for fear. Attachment to the world inevitably breeds fear. Guru Maa explained that the fears emerge from our actions and thoughts. When we indulge excessively in sensory pleasures—be it food, art, or other worldly delights—there's a lurking fear of falling prey to illness or suffering. Similarly, societal expectations, whether in terms of career success, familial reputation, or personal achievement, breed a pervasive fear of inadequacy or failure.
The fear of losing one's status or financial security looms large, driving many to incessant striving and anxiety. Even virtues, such as honesty & integrity, carry their own set of anxieties. A virtuous person may fear being taken advantage of or being let down by others, betraying the very principles they hold dear.
Proficiency or expertise in certain domains also invites its share of fears. Similarly, those in positions of authority or leadership may fear making mistakes or being unable to meet the expectations placed upon them.
Yet, perhaps the most profound fear—one that haunts every human being—is the fear of death. Death, the great equalizer, reminds us of our mortality and forces us to confront the impermanence of our existence. This fear of the unknown, of ceasing to exist, lurks in our minds, shaping our actions and beliefs. To transcend these fears, one must cultivate dispassion—an attitude of detachment.
Scriptures and spiritual teachings offer invaluable guidance on this journey towards dispassion. They remind us of the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits. Yet, despite the wisdom contained within these sacred texts, many find themselves thwarted by a formidable adversary: ‘Forgetfulness.’
Forgetfulness undermines our attempts at spiritual practice, sabotaging our efforts to cultivate detachment. The more we forget the teachings of the Scriptures, the more we succumb to fear, and the more we fear, the more we forget—creating a vicious cycle that traps us in a state of perpetual anxiety.
Breaking free from this cycle requires us to sharpen our memory and to remember, with unwavering clarity, the timeless truths imparted by our Gurus and Scriptures. By anchoring ourselves in these divine teachings, we can navigate life's challenges with courage and wisdom.
In Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, Lord Vishnu imparts the Maha Mantra to Sree Narada Muni ji as a potent remedy for the challenges of Kali Yuga. This powerful Mantra—Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare—serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding us towards liberation from fear and attachment. The Maha Mantra can be chanted 24 hours without any conditions.
To overcome fear and forgetfulness, Guru Maa Ji blessed with steps and strategies to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
1.Develop Confidence: Cultivate a sense of confidence in our spiritual journey. Trust that our sincere efforts, guided by the wisdom of Scriptures and the blessings of the Guru Parampara, will lead us to success. Build this confidence daily through affirmations and positive reinforcement.
2.Build Inner Strength: Act in alignment with Scriptural teachings to strengthen our inner resolve. By embodying spiritual principles in our thoughts, words, and actions, we evolve with clarity.
3.Learn About Reality: Deepen our understanding of Reality by delving into spiritual truths. Recognize the impermanence and illusion of worldly pursuits, thereby diminishing the power of fear rooted in attachment.
4.Cultivate Scriptural Wisdom: Embrace the profound wisdom contained in Scriptures. Challenge any scepticism or doubt by actively engaging with Scriptural texts.
5.Enhance Faith: Nurture unwavering faith in the Supreme. Lack of faith breeds fear, while deepening our trust gives us fearlessness and inner peace.
To address forgetfulness, Maa ji gave us the following strategies:
1.Remember Scriptural Teachings: Prioritize the remembrance of Scriptural teachings over worldly knowledge.
2.Chant Sanskrit Stotra: Engage in the chanting of Sanskrit Stotra. Through consistent practice, we can enlighten our Consciousness, sharpening our memory faculties.
3.Practise Japa: Commit to the practice of Japa, the repetition of sacred Mantras. By integrating our mind and focusing our awareness through Japa, we can counteract forgetfulness and cultivate mental clarity.
4.Repetition of Scriptural Texts: Continuously revisit and study Scriptural texts, avoiding the temptation to hastily move on to new material. Repetition allows for deeper absorption and integration of spiritual insights into our Consciousness.
5.Engage in Shravanam, Kirtanam, and Smaranam: Immerse yourself in the auditory and contemplative practices of listening, singing, and remembering divine teachings. Through these practices, known as Shravanam, Kirtanam, and Smaranam, we strengthen our memory faculties and deepen our connection with the Divine.
This Chaitra Navraatri, Maa ji emphasised us to embrace the blessings of the Mother Goddesses and embark on a spiritual journey towards fearlessness and inner peace. With our revered Guru’s divine guidance, may we transcend the illusions of the world and find refuge in the eternal Truth symbolized by Sree Ram. In His shelter, we discover the unwavering courage and clarity of mind needed to navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom.
Surrendering at Your Holy Feet Maa ji,
Seeking forgiveness and Your blessings,
Hari Aum!