Harnessing Shakti: The Transformative Power of Ichchha, Gnyan, and Kriya Shakti
Pradeep Unnikrishnan
London (U.K)
Hari Aum!
Humble prostrations at the Holy Feet of Maaji!
Our revered Guru Maa ji’s Online Call Talk today began with a powerful introduction to Sree Lalita Pancharatnam, a profound composition by Sree Adi Shankaracharya, offering divine blessings through the invocation of Maha Shakti. Though it consists of only five verses, this Scripture encapsulates the core aspects of divine energy—Ichchha Shakti (the willpower), Gnyan Shakti (the power of knowledge), and Kriya Shakti (the power of action). These three forms of Shakti are integral to the functioning of the Universe and play a significant role in the spiritual lives of individuals. Their proper invocation ensures the reception of divine blessings, as reflected in the concept of phalashruti—the fruit or benefit of reciting these verses.
Shakti, in its simplest form, can be understood as strength or power. This energy is essential for all forms of activity, whether worldly or spiritual. It is a dynamic force that can lead to divine progress when used properly or to degradation if misused. The three primary forms of Shakti—Ichchha (will), Gnyan (knowledge), and Kriya (action)—form the foundation of creation and are available to all beings. Beyond these three, two higher forms of Shakti come into play at advanced stages of spiritual practice (Sadhana).
The Sanskrit terms Ichchha, Gnyan and Kriya may seem straightforward when translated into desire, knowledge, and action. However, these terms carry much deeper meanings, especially when understood through the lens of Sanskrit and the Scriptural context. Ichchha is not merely the desire to do something; it represents the fundamental Will that drives the Universe. Gnyan is not just knowledge, but is the wisdom that allows the right understanding of Reality. Kriya is not just action, but the Divine energy that enables the fulfillment of desires and knowledge in a manner aligned with the cosmic order.
The Three Shaktis
The Shakti we experience as human beings is often understood in its most basic or gross form. For example, when we are healthy, we feel energetic and capable of undertaking any task. Similarly, mental energy fluctuates with our emotions. This gross understanding of Shakti is limited to the physical and mental levels, but it is vital to recognize that true Shakti operates on a much subtler and profound level.
As ordinary beings, we often remain ignorant of the full power of Shakti because our understanding is rooted in material existence. We experience the desire (Ichchha) to achieve something, followed by the knowledge (Gnyan) of how to accomplish it, and finally, we perform actions (Kriya) to fulfill that desire. This cycle repeats endlessly, often without conscious awareness. For many, this remains at the gross level, without progressing to a deeper understanding of Shakti as given in the Scriptures.
However, Shakti is much more than the simple cycle of desire, knowledge, and action. At a higher level, these three forms of Shakti are Divine energies embodied by the Goddesses Maha Saraswati (Goddess of wisdom), Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of knowledge and wealth), and Maha Durga (Goddess of strength and protection). These divine forms of Shakti guide the Universe and can be invoked by individuals for spiritual transformation.
Ichchha Shakti: The Divine Will
This is the force of will or desire, but not in the ordinary sense of human wants and needs. In its highest form, Ichchha Shakti represents the Divine Will of the Goddess, which is motivated by Vivek (discrimination). In the Scriptures, Ichchha Shakti is symbolized by Maha Saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom. When invoked, this Divine Will leads to pure, righteous desires that align with the cosmic order.
In Sree Durga Saptashati, a powerful chant invokes the Goddess in Her role as the embodiment of Ichchha Shakti:
"या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विद्या रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ||"
"Ya Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu, Vidya Roopena Sansthitaa,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
This verse is a humble offering of salutations to the Goddess, Who resides in all beings as the force of wisdom and willpower. Through this invocation, we seek the blessings of the Goddess to purify our desires and align them with the Divine Will. The Goddess, established as Buddhi Roopena Sansthita (embodiment of wisdom), plants the seed of desire within us. But for desire to be meaningful, it must be guided by wisdom and discrimination.
As human beings, we are gifted with the power of Buddhi (intellect), which allows us to distinguish between righteous and unrighteous. Animals act based on instinct, but humans can act based on Ichchha guided by wisdom. However, without invoking the Divine Will, our desires can lead us toward materialism, violence, and ignorance. By invoking the Goddess, we ensure that our desires are pure, guided by the Vivek of Divine Will.
Gnyan Shakti: The Divine Knowledge
Gnyan Shakti, is the power of knowledge. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but Divine Consciousness. The Gnyan Shakti of the Goddess is symbolized by Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of knowledge, wealth, and prosperity. This knowledge allows us to understand Reality beyond the material plane and aligns us with the Divine Consciousness.
In Sree Durga Saptashati, Gnyan Shakti is invoked as follows:
"या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ||"
"Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Buddhi-Roopena Sansthitaa
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."
This invocation reminds us that the Goddess resides in all beings as the embodiment of wisdom (Buddhi). Without Gnyan Shakti, Ichchha remains incomplete. For any desire to be fulfilled, knowledge of how to fulfill it is essential. But this knowledge must be pure and divine, not driven by ego or material desires. When knowledge is guided by the Divine, it leads to the realization of the higher truths of life and moves us toward liberation.
Gnyan Shakti is symbolized by the eight forms of Maha Lakshmi, each representing a different type of wealth, including the wealth of knowledge. This divine knowledge is what propels us to act in accordance with righteousness and the cosmic order. When knowledge is contaminated by ego, it becomes detrimental to both the individual and the world. Only by invoking the Gnyan Shakti of the Goddess, can we ensure that our knowledge is pure and aligned with the divine purpose.
Kriya Shakti: The Divine Action
Kriya Shakti, is the power of action. This is the energy that propels all movement in the Universe. When Ichchha and Gnyan are aligned with the Divine, Kriya Shakti manifests as righteous action. The Goddess Maha Durga embodies this divine force of action, ensuring that our actions are guided by the well-being of the universe.
In Sree Durga Saptashati, Kriya Shakti is invoked as:
"या देवी सर्वभूतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ||"
"Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Vritti-Roopena Sansthitaa
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.”
This verse recognizes the Goddess as the force of all activity and motion in the Universe. The term Vritti signifies the thought or intention behind an action. In Vedaant, it is understood that the moment a thought arises, action begins. This activity is not limited to physical movement but includes mental and spiritual processes. Kriya Shakti, when motivated by the Divine, leads to positive outcomes and Spiritual progress. But when it is driven by ego, it can lead to bondage and suffering.
A vivid example of the difference between ego-driven and divine-driven can be found in the great Epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. In Ramayan, Ravan’s chariot is driven by donkeys, representing his five senses under the control of his ego. This symbolizes how ego-driven action leads to destruction. In contrast, in the Mahabharat, Arjun’s chariot is driven by Sree Krishna, symbolizing divine guidance. Here, the five senses are represented by white horses, controlled by the Divine Will of Sree Krishna, leading to Karm Yog — selfless action without attachment to the ego.
The culmination of these energies—Ichchha Shakti, Gnyan Shakti, and Kriya Shakti—is celebrated during Dusshehra, which marks the victory of good over evil.
Shaardeeya Navratri, celebrated in autumn, concludes with the festival of Dusshehra, commemorating Lord Sree Ram's victory over Ravan. This victory is not just a historical event but a Spiritual allegory. Ravan, driven by ego, misused his Shakti and was ultimately defeated by Lord Sree Ram, Who represents the Divine Will. Similarly, during Chaitra Navratri in spring, we celebrate the renewal of life and the victory of Divine forces as we invoke the Goddess to guide us on the path of righteousness.
Sublimating Ego through Divine Worship
As we approach this Navratri and Dusshehra, it is crucial to reflect on how we can sublimate our egocentric desires, knowledge, and actions by invoking the three Goddesses—Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Durga. By aligning our Ichchha, Gnyan, and Kriya with the Divine, we can transcend the limitations of ego and experience true liberation.
Through devotion, meditation, and selfless action, we receive the blessings of the Goddess and transform our lives. As Bhagwaan says, "Mama Maya Duratyaya", meaning, “My Maya is difficult to overcome.” However, through sincere worship of the Goddess, we can cross the ocean of Maya and realize our true, divine nature.
Ichchha Shakti, Gnyan Shakti, and Kriya Shakti are not just concepts but the very energies that drive the Universe. By invoking these divine energies during auspicious times like Navratri and Dusshehra, we align ourselves with the cosmic order and receive the blessings of the Goddess for spiritual progress and liberation.
Surrendering at The Holy Feet of Maa ji,
Seeking forgiveness and Your blessings,
Hari Aum!