Navaratri

Dates:
Sunday 3 - Tuesday 12 April 2011
Wednesday 28 - Thursday 6 October 2011

Navaratri is an ancient yogic festival meaning the nine nights. It occurs twice a year during the time of the equinoxes in spring (Chaitra Navaratri) and autumn (Ashwin Navaratri). Navaratri marks a change in the planetary constellations and the energy of the cosmos is in particular balance during this time of transition. This makes any effort in spiritual practice, like yoga sadhana or meditation, especially effective. The atmosphere is charged with a special kind of energy. It is said that one hour of sadhana during this period is equivalent to one hundred hours at normal times. It is also a favorable time for fasting or other cleansing practices.
Τhe energy of the mother - the feminine, live-giving energy, also called Shakti - is particularly strong and supportive during this time. It is this energy - in the cosmos as well as our body/mind system - that gives us strength, creativity, beauty and positivity. It is this power, also called kundalini shakti, which we need to awaken in us to progressively experience the different levels of self-realization or like the ancient Greeks said – Gnothis eafton.

Navaratri is divided into three parts, each lasting three days. Each section of the three days is presided over by another kind of natural force of nature, otherwise known as the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Durga helps us to come face to face with our negative states or limitations and to accept them. For these days, we choose one or two of them, become aware of them, in order to gain some understanding and clarity.
During the Lakshmi period we choose a virtue that will supplant the limitation/negative trait that we explored during the Durga days. In this way, we plant a new positive seed in the mind. Various yogic techniques are available for this process.
During the last three Saraswati days we harvest the fruits of our effort, living the new virtue that has now become part of our nature.

In actual fact, the Navaratri process provides us with a sadhana for life. We learn techniques for removing our limitations and negativity and in so doing, become more creative, optimistic, positive and spiritual individuals. These nine nights symbolize our journey through life. The technique of accepting our limitations and negativity, then consciously planting and cultivating virtues and strengths until they come to fruition is a lifelong process. All along we are paving the way for ever greater ability to face life’s ups and downs with more balance and harmony.

Benefits of following the Navaratri program:
• Time to work on our limitations and transform them into strengths
• Introspection and tuning into the abundant vibrations of the goddess/mother/nature/creation which are particularly strong at this time
• Deepening of our experience of sadhana
• Stabilisation of the digestive system
• Renewal of all the system of the body, greater vitality and harmony

Navaratri is an ideal time to establish a new habit or make that change in life we have been thinking of for so long. All the forces of the universe will support our endeavor.

The program includes personal sadhana, with an emphasis on light diet, mantra chanting, pooja and havan. It is considered an auspicious time to renew one’s sadhana practice or receive a sadhana for the first time. Aspirants are encouraged to attend all 10 days, even though a day or two in the presence of this powerful sadhana helps one to re-consolidate their practice and strengthen one's inspiration.

There is a contribution for this program.






Satyanandashram is a non-profit organization and receives no government funding. Programs and activities are open to members. Contributions and donations cover the running costs and go towards the philanthropic work of Satyananda Math to assist those in need. Contributions are non-refundable and non-transferable. Booking is essential to secure your place.
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