On the Auspicious Festival of Chaitra Navrātri: Upāsanā (Worship) — The Correct Approach
[Traditionally, the first nine days of new Saṁvatsar are observed as Chaitra Navrātri. This year, this festival will be observed from 11th to 19th April, 2013. Unique divine currents flowing during the transition period of Navratri can be attracted by the sādhak through specific austerities, mantras and methods. When this power enters the sādhak, it refines his personality accordingly. The energy thus earned can be retained by self-control and utilized in the desired direction. Enormous modes and methods of Upāsanā (worship) are prevalent in various parts of India. Over the time, many rituals and superstitions have also crept into this sacred festival. Param Poojya Gurudev has suggested a tried and tested approach to Upāsanā. Anyone, irrespective of caste, colour and gender can do it. Let us try it this Navrātri and harvest the benefits. — Editor]
There is only one purpose of upāsanā and that is cleansing of the inner self and removal of the vices, untoward tendencies and negative impressions assimilated in the mental domain, in the convictions and desires. It is not easy. But there could be no spiritual progress without it. You cannot augment your worthiness without sincere endeavours of upāsanā. If you could follow it, you will not have to worry about blessings. Divine tendencies would naturally enter and assimilate in your mind, your inner self, as you progress in this endeavour.
The first thing you need to do to induce 'life' in your upāsanā is thorough introspection and sincere attempt to uproot the blemishes. Try to improve and inspire your mind that this will lead to immense joy in upāsanā. Once you determine and firmly endeavour to cleanse your inner self and chisel your personality, things won't be so hard. As the self-purification progresses, the virtuous tendencies, divine inspirations begin to surface. You may think these are blessings from above by the grace of Almighty. The grace of Almighty is always there; you miss it, as you are not well prepared. There is nothing exceptional in the elevation, enlightenment and empowerment experienced with adept endeavours of upāsanā. Nothing is bestowed from above; it is awakened from within. Recall the example of rainfall! The clouds don't come from the higher planes to shower the rains. They are the result of evaporation of the sea-water — the fruits of the tapa (penance) and generosity of the sea!
Experience of divine grace, inculcation of virtuous qualities by invocation of divinity (through devout upāsanā after self-purification) is a natural process. If you take a deep breath, your lungs will be filled by air to their full capacity. Air is pervaded all around in earth's atmosphere; it is its nature to fill the empty space. Similarly, it is the nature of divine powers to grace us as per our capacity. Their nature is to give. We should have the empty space (worthiness) to retain their generous bequests. The divine forces as well as devil forces are active in Nature. They are attracted in their own ways towards compatible antennae at the receiving end. We have to check what kind of receiving sensors we have.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." — Confucius