Durga is one of the most revered goddesses in Hindu mythology and embodies a powerful archetype that is significant not only in the Indian subcontinent but also among global enthusiasts of Hindu philosophy. She represents the archetype of a fierce warrior and protector, embodying strength, courage, and righteous wrath against evil.

Durga is often depicted as a radiant and fierce woman riding a lion or tiger, with multiple arms carrying weapons, and engaged in battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This imagery and the mythological narratives surrounding her serve as metaphors for the spiritual and moral battles that every human being faces.

The lion or tiger that Durga rides symbolizes strength and courage, showcasing the necessity of these attributes in confronting and overcoming obstacles in life. Her multiple arms carrying various weapons represent the diverse tools and resources one needs to combat different challenges. Each weapon has its own symbolism, representing different attributes needed to combat negativity and evil, such as wisdom, discernment, and strength.

Durga's battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura is symbolic of the fight between good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness, and knowledge and ignorance. Mahishasura, who could change forms, represents the deceptive and constantly shifting nature of negativity and challenges in life. By defeating Mahishasura, Durga signifies the triumph of good over evil and the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.

Durga is also associated with motherhood and nurturing, often referred to as the "Divine Mother." This archetype emphasizes the nurturing and protective qualities of a mother, highlighting the importance of caring for and safeguarding the well-being of others. In this aspect, Durga embodies the strength and love that come from a mother's protective instinct.

Additionally, Durga is considered a multifaceted goddess with various forms, including Parvati, Kali, and Ambika, representing different facets of her personality and aspects of her divine energy. These different forms signify her versatility and adaptability in responding to diverse challenges and situations. The numerous facets of Durga underscore the importance of embracing multiple roles and adapting to different circumstances in life.

In essence, the archetype that Durga signifies is that of a powerful protector and a fierce warrior against evil, embodying strength, courage, and righteousness. She symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the importance of standing up against injustice, and the nurturing and protective qualities of a mother.

Durga's multifaceted nature also emphasizes the value of versatility and adaptability in responding to life's challenges. Through her archetype, Durga inspires individuals to be strong, courageous, and righteous in their pursuit of justice, protection, and nurturing of others.

Saraswati, the ancient Vedic goddess, embodies an archetype that has been revered across centuries by millions of people in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. She is widely considered as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, learning, creativity, and the arts. To understand the significance of the archetype she represents, it is essential to delve into the symbology associated with her.

Symbolism of The Vedic Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati is often depicted as a graceful woman dressed in pure white attire, sitting on a white lotus, holding a veena (a stringed musical instrument), a book, and a rosary. Each of these symbols has a profound significance that aligns with the archetype she personifies.

The white lotus on which she sits symbolizes purity, representing the purity of knowledge, which is untainted by prejudice or false beliefs. The white color of her attire also represents purity and clarity, indicating that knowledge and wisdom are not burdened by impurities or ignorance.

The veena in her hand represents the arts, particularly music. The inclusion of this musical instrument underscores the importance of creativity in the human experience. Saraswati is not only the patron of academics and scholars but also of artists, musicians, and creative minds. Creativity is a form of expression that is often born from deep wisdom and understanding.

The book in her hand represents the Vedas, the ancient Indian scriptures, and symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge. The Vedas are considered the earliest literary records of the Indo-Aryan civilization and encompass a wide range of topics from philosophy to ritual practices. This also reinforces the importance of scriptures, reading, and continuous learning.

The rosary, or mala, in her hand represents the power of meditation and spirituality. It is a tool used for counting mantras during meditation. The inclusion of the rosary emphasizes the importance of a focused mind, concentration, and the spiritual aspect of acquiring knowledge.

In the Vedas, Saraswati is also described as the deity of a river, which is believed to represent the flow of knowledge, wisdom, and consciousness. This association with a river highlights the endless, ever-flowing nature of knowledge and the importance of sharing wisdom.

Saraswati's archetype represents a balance between the intellect and creativity, emphasizing that wisdom encompasses both rational thought and creative expression. She embodies the quest for knowledge, the love for learning, and the pursuit of wisdom and creative arts.

Saraswati is not just an ancient deity from the Vedic texts; she signifies an everlasting archetype that resonates with scholars, artists, musicians, and seekers of wisdom across generations.

In conclusion...
The archetype that Goddess Saraswati signifies is that of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and creativity. She embodies the pursuit of intellectual and creative endeavors, inspiring individuals to seek wisdom, cultivate their creative talents, and share their knowledge with others.

Saraswati, the ancient Vedic goddess, embodies an archetype that has been revered across centuries by millions of people in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. She is widely considered as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, learning, creativity, and the arts. To better understand the significance of the archetype she represents, it is essential to delve into the symbology associated with her.

Saraswati is often depicted as a graceful woman dressed in pure white attire, sitting on a white lotus, holding a veena (a stringed musical instrument), a book, and a rosary. Each of these symbols has a profound significance that aligns with the archetype she personifies.

The white lotus on which she sits symbolizes purity, representing the purity of knowledge, which is untainted by prejudice or false beliefs. The white color of her attire also represents purity and clarity, indicating that knowledge and wisdom are not burdened by impurities or ignorance.

The veena in her hand represents the arts, particularly music. The inclusion of this musical instrument indicates the importance of creativity in the human experience. Saraswati is not only the patron of academics and scholars but also of artists, musicians, and creative minds. Creativity is a form of expression that is often born from deep wisdom and understanding.

The book in her hand represents the Vedas, the ancient Indian scriptures, and symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge. The Vedas are considered the earliest literary records of the Indo-Aryan civilization and encompass a wide range of topics from philosophy to ritual practices. This also reinforces the importance of scriptures, reading, and continuous learning.

The rosary, or mala, in her hand represents the power of meditation and spirituality. It is a tool used for counting mantras during meditation. The inclusion of the rosary emphasizes the importance of a focused mind, concentration, and the spiritual aspect of acquiring knowledge.

In the Vedas, Saraswati is also described as the deity of a river, which is believed to represent the flow of knowledge, wisdom, and consciousness. This association with a river highlights the endless, ever-flowing nature of knowledge and the importance of sharing wisdom.

Goddess Saraswati's archetype represents a balance between the intellect and creativity, emphasizing that wisdom encompasses both rational thought and creative expression. She embodies the quest for knowledge, the love for learning, and the pursuit of wisdom and creative arts. Saraswati is not just an ancient deity from the Vedic texts; she signifies an everlasting archetype that resonates with scholars, artists, musicians, and seekers of wisdom across various cultures and many generations.

In conclusion, the archetype that Saraswati signifies is that of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and creativity. She embodies the pursuit of intellectual and creative endeavors, inspiring individuals to seek wisdom, cultivate their creative talents, and share their knowledge with others.

Lord Hanuman is the monkey-god who famously helped Lord Rama to win the Ramayan war. He is a key archetype of love and selfless devotion as he is most known for his unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama and perfect control of all his sense organs (perfect yoga).

He has mastery over all the nine planets and all the eight accomplishments (siddhi) that one can obtain from perfect yoga (union with the Divine).

We can receive these and many more blessings by praying to Lord Hanuman and obtain his grace and presence in our lives:

• Remove obstacles from one's life path.
• Attain physical strength and stamina (particularly in the face of challenging life situations).
• Ability to provide selfless service to others with love and with no expectation of reward.
• Bring movement to stuck conditions and situations.

How can you bring the wisdom and blessings of Lord Hanuman into your life? Can the wisdom and energy of Lord Hanuman help you to bring action and movement to stuck situations or repeating patterns in your life, which ultimately is stuck energy.  Have you been facing many obstacles? Then maybe you can utilize Lord Hanuman’s energy to remove those obstacles and challenges from your life-path.

Lord Narasimha who is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the archetype which indicates the base animal instinct still existing in each one of us. He also exhibits our ability to rise above our animalistic nature for truth that will benefit people and our society at large.
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• Protection from evil energies people.
• Courage and strength to defy typically accepted norms and uphold truthful goodness.
• Exhibit targeted anger only when it is righteously needed. Curb and subdue it at all other times.
• Ability to see the presence of divine in all beings.

How can you bring Lord Narsimha's wisdom and blessings into your life? Can the wisdom and energy of Lord Narasimha help you to address and solve a nagging chronic problem or something unexpected that crops up in your life?

Lord Narasimha can help you to muster courage to stand up to oppressive people and emerge a winner. he can also help you to win over our own base emotions like anger, jealousy, resentment etc.   Mull over Lord Narasimha’s qualities and blessings and see how you can bring his presence, grace and blessings into your life.

Are you facing a problem in your life, where you need to muster up more courage to face it? If you need courage and valor in your life, then seek help from the Vedic Divine Archetype of Skanda. Lord Skanda is known by many other names as well, such as Kumara, Murugan and Subrahmanya. He is typically addressed to as “The God of War”.​

Learn more about Lord Skanda and how his blessings can bring more vitality into your way of living…

Contemplate on   the Vedic Divine Archetype, to better 'tune into' their energetic presence and to get more in-sync (in resonance) with their energy- in turn will bring their goodness (their blessings) into your life.

​Lord Skanda can help you with addressing any challenging issues in your life. He can help you to better deal with inimical situations and people in your life. 

​Lord Skanda is the first son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is considered as the god of warfare, who leads the divine army against all opposition (usually from the demon asuras). He exhibits the quality of standing up for what is fair and just.

Guru- is the Vedic Divine Archetype of the Divine Teacher- giver of knowledge and wisdom. 

Even though we typically think of Gurus as our spiritual teachers and other ‘official’ teachers in our life- like from school and colleges; the truth is that Guru is anyone who ‘teaches’ us- allows the experience and the understanding of deeper insights!

When we consider the deeper meaning of this role- Guru, then we know that Guru can be any person, any situation that has allowed us to learn and grow in life. And ultimately it can be life itself!!

And ofcourse the ultimate Guru is the Divine presence itself!!

Ashadha full moon, i.e. the full moon- which happens in the lunar month of Ashadha (as per the Vedic Hindu calendar) is called as the Guru Purnima. This is the day to pay special reverence to our Guru. 

Remember: Guru is someone who guides us and gives us knowledge and information. But more importantly, he/she gives us the deeper wisdom and insights that help us to walk our life-path. They help and support us when we feel confused or weak on our spiritual path to ascension and higher energy states.

When we feel dejected or depressed, they help us to revive our enthusiasm so we can tackle our challenges and ultimately continue onward our journey!!

A Guru guides us, supports us, helps us, and ultimately nurtures us- at our deeper soul level, so we can fearlessly walk our spiritual path and reach higher dimensions.

This does not have to be the same person- as we progress on our journey, our Gurus can vary- but one thing is for sure that ultimately, it is the guru who shows us the path and provides us the confidence to walk it!!

And ofcourse there is the ultimate Guru of all- Lord Dakshinamurthy. 

On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, remember to revere, honor, and cherish not just all your teachers and gurus, but also your parents (your first Gurus), life and the Divine Guru.

This July 4-5, 2020 happens to be the day of Guru Purnima.

Happy Guru Purnima everyone and if you have not already checked out the special energy message for this Guru Purnima then be sure to check it out below…

​How can you bring the wisdom and blessings of the Mother Goddess Archetype- Ma Kali into your life? 

​Can the wisdom and energy of Ma Kali (mother Goddess of divine love, courage and protection) help you to address and solve a nagging chronic problem or something unexpected that crops up in your life?

​Mother Goddess- Ma Kali can help you to muster courage to do what is right in any situation. She can help you to conduct your prayers and sadhana with a renewed depth and intensity! 

​Goddess Kali is a primal divine feminine energy usually addressed as Ma Kali. She represents time as well as the electrical energy in nature. She governs our Prana, i.e. life-force and various subtle energy centers within our body. She specifically exhibits motherly love and protection, where she looks out for her children's well-being and protects them from problems even before they have a chance to manifest!

​Kali is the primordial energy of creation, the first feminine energy principle responsible for this entire manifested universe. That is why she is often addressed as Adi Shakti- the first energy principle.

For those who may not be familiar with the true Vedic philosophy and teachings, it is important to note that all Vedic and Hindu deities represent cosmic energies that are part of the Divine Universal Energy or the Supreme God-head.  

​Shiva represents the Male Cosmic energy principle of our form-created world and Parvati (who is another representation of Shakti), is the Female Cosmic energy principle.  

Both these primal Male and Female cosmic energy principles are responsible for creating this Universe. Thus Shiva and Shakti together create this form-world as we know.

Kali, who represents Time, is the first and foremost of all Shakti-s, i.e. energy forms. Since all of creation manifests and exits in and thru her, she is also a representation of space- where all things can come into being. 

In this way, Kali represents the Space-Time continuum which allows for this manifested material world to exist. 

The word Vishnu comes from the combination of two words- Vishwa (cosmos) and Anu (atom- the smallest representation of the whole). 

So, Vishnu is that energy which pervades everything in existence- the living and non-living! 

Nothing can be in existence without Vishnu. Neither the living nor the non-living can exist without Vishnu. It is the very divine essence within everything in existence, not just on earth, but in everything in this cosmos!  
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This cosmic essence, this divinity within everything in existence the “Vishnu” within each one of us, is the very life essence, the soul or atman. 

It is the microcosm Vishnu which is there within each one of us. This microcosmic Vishnu is a fraction of the macrocosmic Vishnu and yet it is a complete representation of the whole. The individual manifestation (an individual, a Jeev-atma) is the atomic version of the bigger manifestation (Param-atma). 

As Lord Vishnu is the very essence within everything, it is his presence that allows any-person or thing to stay in existence. 

Because of this, Lord Vishnu is considered as the one who sustains- manages and maintains this universe. 

And to manage, maintain and sustain, we need nourishment, wealth, affluence, and this is provided by his consort- Goddess Laxmi. Ma Laxmi governs all eight forms of wealth and abundance.

If you are not familiar with the Ashta Laxmi, then you may want to watch:   Goddess Lakshmi (giver of wealth and affluence)- Symbolism and Meaning of Ma Laxmi (Lakshmi) and Eight Forms of Goddess Lakshmi (giver of wealth and affluence)- Who is Lakshmi and her eight forms?

If we are to ever see an image-representation of Lord Vishnu, then many a times Goddess Laxmi is shown at the feet of the Lord Vishnu, in humility and servitude.
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This is because the energy of wealth and abundance, needs to be utilized for the wellbeing and sustenance of the cosmos and so the energy representation of Goddess Laxmi is shown to be in service to Lord Vishnu, who is the sustainer of this universe. 

Goddess Mata (mother) Sita can be considered as a Vedic Archetype of an ideal or perfect woman. If you are not familiar with the concept of Vedic Archetype, then check out this video.

Now, coming back to Goddess Mata Sita, if one is to observe and study her life, then it is strewn with many challenges, trials and tribulations. But she goes thru all that life brings her way, with complete grace and poise. 

She follows her dharma (intrinsic righteous path) fulfilling the many roles that exist for any woman, such as that of a daughter, wife and mother with complete perfection. 

She also fulfills other special roles that she had to undertake, being part of reigning monarchies, with correct decorum. In this regard, she conducted her role as a princess and a queen, with complete adherence to the rules, norms and expectations of those days. 
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It is because of her actions, where she follows all her duties and responsibilities with proper upholding of dharmic principles, that she can be considered as the Vedic Archetype of an ideal or perfect woman. 

​One other very important point! When we read Ramayana, which describes the life of Lord Shri Rama and Goddess Mata Sita, there are many aspects which may come across as unfair, discriminatory or even abusive to the modern reader. 

But we need to keep in mind that the societal norms for a common person and for someone who is in a position of leadership are very different. In addition, back in those days, what was considered right/wrong ‘or’ appropriate behaviors was very different. 

Also, like all Vedic legends, Ramayana is not just a historic story, but symbolizes deep truths about the very nature of existence. Ramayana provides many helpful tips and guidance on how each one of us can lead a life that is in sync with our own dharma. 

More on that some other time… for now, remember that these Vedic legends are very symbolic in their expression.

​So, what you read as a story, is bound to have many deeper connotations. 

​#dharma #Ramayana #MataSita #GoddessSita #PerfectWoman #VedicArchetype

Goddess Saraswati is the archetype of knowledge and wisdom. She also governs our speech and our vak-shakti i.e. our ability to speak. Goddess Saraswati (along with Lord Ganesha) is the presiding deity of all arts and sciences. She indicates the initiatory aspect of creation- she governs creation and creativity in all aspects and forms. She is the consort (wife) to the Divine Archetype Brahma- who is believed to be the creator of this cosmic existence and all our worlds!
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If we intend to excel in any of the arts, sciences or any creative-expression field such as vocals, dance, dramatics and so on, then we should definitely seek out Ma Saraswati’s blessings. In addition, she governs the knowledge and learning. So, students and educators should both seek her blessings and presence in their life. In India, it is very common to see a huge sculpture of Ma Saraswati at the very entrance of the educational institution.

The Bija mantra for Ma Saraswati is ‘Aim’ and her simple mantra is Om Aim Saraswateya Namah.

When one expresses devotion towards the archetype of Goddess Saraswati, then people receive various blessings- typically characterized by:

• Receiving wisdom and knowledge of various topics- these could be scientific, esoteric as well as spiritual topics and all secretive, hidden insights.
• Enhancing one’s creativity and ability to initiate new actions in life, again on a mundane as well as on a spiritual front.
• Dispelling of sorrows caused by dull intellect, unawareness and ignorance.

The best way to attune oneself to the archetype energy is to pray and meditate on their mantra or even simply on their name. The more one starts getting in tune with them, one will start seeing transformation within them around the areas indicated by the archetype. 
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Where Goddess Saraswati is concerned, once you attune to her beneficial presence and receive her blessings and attain siddhi (which is a kind of resonance with the divine energy) you will find your knowledge and creativity transformed beyond the ordinary. She governs initiation, so she will pave the way to not only your own transformation from the ordinary to the amazing, but also help pave the way for your ascension to enlightenment!

Can the wisdom and energy of Ma Saraswati (mother Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom and Creativity) help you to address and solve a nagging chronic problem or something unexpected that crops up this week?

She can help you to think wisely and   come up with creative   solutions- that will not   only   solve   the problem and help you, but also help with   resolve   the entire situation.  

​#ascension #enlightenment #divine #archetype #saraswati #shakti #goddess #hindu #creativity #brahma #brahman #consciousliving #maitreyiparadigm 

An archetype is typically defined as a statement, pattern of behavior, or prototype (model) which other statements, patterns of behavior, and objects copy or emulate. It can also be a platonic or philosophical idea referring to pure forms which embody the fundamental characteristics of a thing. In addition, an archetype can also be a collectively or inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image etc. which is believed to be universally present.

This concept of archetype was widely used by philosophers such as Plato and then made famous with extensive usage by psychiatrist- Carl Jung. One simple and yet clear definition for the word ‘archetype’ is that it is a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting or mythology.

The question that comes up is what does the concept of Vedic Divine Archetype really mean??

In the Vedic tradition, a being with higher energy and the best in their field of expertise is called a Deva. Deva is an archetype that typifies a particular quality (specific energy). When we pray to them, mull on their wisdom; we can slowly start to imbibe and assimilate their energy and their wisdom.  Slowly over time, this helps us to start resonating with the Deva and the wisdom and blessings they characterize- this resonance is what was called as Siddhi in the Vedic tradition.
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The many archetypes from the Vedic tradition were later called as “Gods” within Hinduism, as this religion started forming (much later in history and after several invasions by western forces). This creats massive confusion! Since there are many who feel that Hindus believe in many gods. NOT AT ALL…

There is the concept of Brahman or one supreme God-head. But when one reaches the very epitome of any quality of any state of existence or being-ness, then they become a deva, i.e. a ‘God- highest being’ in that space and for that thing!!
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So, we have an archetype or Deva for Intellect called Lord Ganesha or an archetype or Devi (female deva) for Creative Expression called Goddess Saraswati and so on…

​#archetype #divine #Hinduism #deva #Hindu #god #goddess #Vedic #MaitreyiParadigm