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Goddess Devi Worshipped As Energy In Hinduism

There are many concepts of Shakti worship in Hinduism and one of the foremost among it is the worship of Goddess Devi as energy.

In every visible matter, invisible power energy is embedded. The soul energy embedded within is delineated as Prana, Bhuti, Dhwani, Teja and Prabha in philosophical language. In some of the epics and books of tantrism, it is depicted as Radha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga and Savitri respectively.

The philosophical concept "Ya Devi Sa Devata" scientifically means "matter is force and conversely force is matter." Both are inseparable as Moon and the moon-light or fire and the heat. That is why in scriptures, we come across worship of Brahma and Brahmani, Shiva and Shivani and Vishnu and Vaishnavi. Even Shiva is declared dead without spirit or energy.

This mysterious inscrutable energy which governs the entire universe is the source of all knowledge and ignorance, truth and untruth and pleasure and displeasure. This enormous energy or Shakti nourishes Indra, Rudra, Mitra, Agni, Aswini Kumar and all others. Without Shakti the existence of this universe is impossible.

"Ya Shakti Paramatma Sau." The worship of Durga-Madhab, Shiva-Parvati, Radha-Krishna, Laxmi-Narayana and Brahma-Savitri implies non-separation of Brahma and Shakti or matter and energy. That is why from the time immemorial, the worship of Shakti is in plentitude, in all ages.

Source - Odisha Review Sept - Oct - 2020

Explanation: 

The concept of Shakti, as mentioned in your passage, is central to Hindu philosophy and cosmology. Shakti, the divine energy, is considered the fundamental force that drives all creation, sustains life, and is the source of both knowledge and ignorance, pleasure and displeasure, and truth and untruth. It is an essential aspect of Hinduism and can be expanded to explore its symbolism, significance, and modern-day relevance.

1. Symbolism of Shakti

  • Feminine Power: In Hinduism, Shakti represents the divine feminine power and energy. She is often personified as the Goddess—Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, among others. Shakti is seen as the consort of various gods, such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and complements their powers.
  • Creative Force: Shakti is understood as the primordial cosmic energy that flows through everything in existence. It’s the creative force responsible for the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe. Without Shakti, nothing could exist or function, as even gods like Indra, Rudra, Mitra, Agni, and the Ashwini Kumaras rely on her power.

2. Meaning and Importance of Shakti in Hinduism

  • Duality of Power: Shakti embodies the duality of existence—she is both the source of knowledge and ignorance, truth and untruth, pleasure and displeasure. This reflects the understanding that life is made up of opposites, and the energy that fuels the cosmos is present in both creation and destruction.
  • Union of Shiva and Shakti: In the Shaiva tradition, Shakti is often depicted as the consort of Shiva. Together, they symbolize the perfect union of energy and consciousness. Without Shakti (energy), Shiva is inert, and without Shiva (consciousness), Shakti is aimless. This dualism represents the balance necessary for life to thrive.
  • Role in Worship: Many Hindu practices and rituals focus on invoking Shakti to receive her blessings. Navaratri, for example, is a festival dedicated to worshiping the various forms of Shakti over nine days, each form symbolizing different aspects of life and the universe.

3. Modern-Day Relevance of Shakti

In today's context, Shakti’s concept can be understood in a broader way to inspire and empower individuals, especially women, as it symbolizes strength, creativity, and self-reliance.

  • Empowerment and Equality: Shakti's representation as a feminine power highlights the respect and reverence for the feminine in Hindu philosophy. It has become a symbol of women's empowerment and a call for gender equality in modern society.
  • Environmental Awareness: Shakti is the force that sustains nature, which can inspire a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Recognizing the power of nature as a manifestation of Shakti can foster a deeper respect for ecological balance.
  • Personal Growth: On a personal level, understanding Shakti as the driving force behind both positive and negative experiences can help individuals deal with life's challenges. It teaches that both joy and suffering are part of a larger cosmic play, encouraging resilience and acceptance.

4. Practicality in Today’s Life

  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Shakti’s energy is often tapped into through meditation and spiritual practices. In modern wellness and mental health practices, invoking the idea of Shakti can help people center themselves, access inner strength, and maintain balance in their lives.
  • Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies: The concept of Shakti can be applied in today's fast-paced world to promote balance between masculine (active, assertive) and feminine (nurturing, receptive) energies, helping individuals create a more harmonious way of living.
  • Workplace Dynamics: In corporate environments, the idea of Shakti can inspire inclusive leadership by valuing diverse perspectives, creativity, and emotional intelligence—qualities that are often associated with feminine energy but are essential for holistic leadership.

5. Similar Concepts in Other Cultures

  • Chinese Taoism (Yin and Yang): The concept of Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy parallels Shakti and Shiva in Hinduism. Yin, the feminine, is the passive, receptive force, while Yang, the masculine, is active and assertive. Both must be in balance for harmony to exist.
  • Greek Mythology: In Greek mythology, Gaia (Mother Earth) represents the primal energy that gives birth to all forms of life, much like Shakti in Hinduism. Gaia is the source of fertility and nurturing, akin to the life-giving aspects of Shakti.
  • Native American Beliefs: Many indigenous traditions view nature as imbued with a feminine life force. In some Native American cultures, the Earth is considered a mother figure, sustaining all life, which echoes the concept of Shakti as the sustainer of the universe.

6. Benefits of Understanding Shakti

  • Spiritual Empowerment: Recognizing the presence of Shakti in daily life can lead to a greater sense of empowerment and connection with the universe. It fosters spiritual growth and an understanding that challenges and obstacles are opportunities for transformation.
  • Balanced Living: The awareness of Shakti encourages balance in life—between action and reflection, power and compassion, creation and destruction. It reminds us that every phase of life, including hardship, has a purpose in the larger scheme of things.
  • Holistic Healing: Many modern-day wellness approaches, such as yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation, draw upon the concept of Shakti as a life-force energy that can help individuals heal and thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually.

7. Similar Thoughts in Hinduism

  • Prana: The concept of Prana, or life force, is closely related to Shakti. Prana is the vital energy that sustains all life and flows through every being, connecting them to the cosmos. Yoga practices aim to control and balance this Prana, much like the reverence of Shakti.
  • Maya: In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of Maya is linked to Shakti. Maya is the illusion that binds individuals to the material world. Shakti, as both the source of Maya and the power to transcend it, is a force to be respected and overcome through spiritual awakening.

Shakti is much more than just a metaphysical concept; it is a practical, spiritual, and empowering idea that can be applied to various facets of life. Whether through personal growth, environmental consciousness, or societal change, the understanding of Shakti provides a framework for leading a balanced, meaningful, and connected life. Her relevance extends beyond religious boundaries and speaks to the universal need for harmony between opposites, for recognizing the power within, and for nurturing the creative and destructive cycles that govern existence.