The vision of Supreme Mother

Civilization is now in a state of transition. But the transition that we have to effect today for our survival is of course a moral and spiritual revolution which should embrace the whole of the world. For this we shall have to inculcate virtues within ourselves in whatever manner one believes. In this context, a penetrating thought and look into the totality of blessing of the supreme force that creates, annihilates and creates i.e. Mother Durga according to Hindu mythology and philosophy, is helpful.

The supreme power alone can save the cosmic existence and sanctify coming centuries. The Vedas, the ancient most Holy Scriptures uphold the eternal truth of eternal existence of the supreme power envisioned as Mother, without whom no creation is possible. The Hindu tradition, still followed by about 1000 million people today, is one of the oldest, richest, and most influential traditions on earth. Whatever sphere of the human mind one selects for study whether it be language, customs, art, ancient sciences, polity, literature, architecture, painting or music -- one may look into this heritage, because some of the most valuable and insightful materials in the history of humankind are encompassed within this tradition. For example, Ayurveda, Yoga, Dhyana, Astronomy, Astrology, vegetarian experiments and spiritual disciplines have all been of continuous interest and much sought after by people cutting across all national, religious and cultural barriers. Yet, despite their universal appeal, it is Hinduism that holds the key to understanding the full richness of these ancient traditions.

In recent years, there has also been a burgeoning interest in this ancient thought among philosophers theologians, psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists. More and more scientists are discovering the convergence of Hindu philosophy and modern scientific thinking. Unfortunately, this rich culture and civilization can provide no source of ready reference for students and teachers. Therefore, an authentic, objective insightful, scholarly, critical and contemporary presentation of Hindu thoughts is needed as a standard source of reference.

The Hindu tradition does not derive from any one prophet or founder. It has neither a uniform creed nor any organised church. Its history and prehistory are ageless. The Vedas, which are the scriptures of the Hindus, are unique in character. We find in the Vedas a great variety of subjects and a great flexibility of doctrines. For example, there are several interpretations of the Upanishads, Brahmasutras and the Bhagavadgita, and they are all considered authoritative. This is the result of freedom from dogma.

Of late man has created such an environment that it reacts unwholesomely upon him. Mankind is terribly heading as if towards a total annihilation by committing licentious suicide. Heart rending cry for peace is heard from all corners of this restless, bewildered world. The state of affairs resembles that of the Devas in the reign of Mahisasura. In the course of the eternal strife of the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), the former being defeated, the latter reigned supreme in the heaven inflicting extreme suffering to the Devas. The helpless devas came to Brahma, the creator of their distress by earlier blessing Mahisasura. However, he led the commission of the gods to Vishnu and Shiva for appraisal of the grave situation and redress.

The tales of intolerable atrocities of Mashisasura raged vehement anger in Vishnu and Shiva and in a feat of this their vital energies in the form of burning flashes came out from them. This created similar reaction among the Gods whose vital energies too came out in like manner. These energies took the form of an unmatchable, sublime and superb godess. She is Divine Durga. This all powerful Divine-embodiment had decoration of the numerous weapons offered by the gods. Thus descends the Divine mother, the Supreme godess. Energy incarnate who embodies in herself the multifarious modes of life. She happens to be too affectionate to Her children to become fierce to those who tend to harm them. On the other hand Durga is also seen as daughter in Bengali Hindu mundane tradition, who visits her mother's house for four days every year. So the parting (Visharjan) become so emotionally painful.

Durga is tranquil and turbulent, serene and fierce, Shoumya and Rudra at the same time. This is because Her all embracing motherliness makes Her intolerant of those that are inimically disposed to Her human and divine children. Mother Durga in a feat of destruction raised such a tumultuous uproar that the freighted Asuras came out in large numbers equipped with armours and weapons and the severe war that followed between Her and the innumerable Asuras brought the ruin of Mahisasura. The other Asuras met the same fate. The heaven was recovered and the Devas cheered the victory with an elegant hymn addressed to the Mother ... Jayang Dehi Disho Yahi.

Durga is the progenitor of the universal process in its entirety. She is the presiding principle of the cosmic manifestation and the source of ultimate goal of all perfection and attainment of all existence. She is essentially Unique and One. She is the fountain-head of the highest good both in spiritual attainment and material prosperity. The worship of Mother Durga would ensure our communion with the eternal power. We pray to the Divine Mother for succor and saving us in a confused world order.

Man is the maker of his destiny and he can exercise his free will, but at the same time he has taken upon himself the responsibility to ensure full participation in the entire cosmos and consequently communion between man and God, man and nature, man and other living beings and finally between man and man. And mother is always there caring for him since eternity. Great American Poet Walt Whitman said in praise of mother:
"Mother, always gliding near with soft feet,
Have now chanted for Thee a chant of fullest welcome?
Then I chant it for Thee, I glorify Thee above all,
I bring Thee a song that,
When thou must indeed come
Come unfalteringly!"

Prem Ranjan Dev is president, Bangladesh National Hindu Council.