Divine Mother Durga — Swami Bhaskarananda

Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on October 2, 2016.

In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda explores the significance of Divine Mother Durga within the broader understanding of Vedanta and Hindu spiritual tradition. He begins by explaining the evolution of religious thought, from early human ideas about nature and divine powers to the Vedantic recognition of one ultimate reality expressed through many names and forms. He describes how the same Divine may be approached as Father, Mother, friend, or through other relationships according to the temperament of the devotee, emphasizing that these forms are different expressions of the same infinite reality. The lecture traces the ancient roots of the worship of the Divine Mother, including references from the Vedas, Upanishads, and later Hindu scriptures.

Swami Bhaskarananda then examines traditional stories associated with Durga, including her victories over powerful beings such as Durgama and Mahishasura, explaining their symbolic meaning within spiritual life. Rather than viewing these narratives only as historical events, he presents them as teachings that point toward the overcoming of ignorance and the manifestation of divine qualities. Through scriptural examples and philosophical reflection, he shows how the worship of Divine Mother Durga represents the recognition of divine power, compassion, and wisdom present throughout existence. The talk concludes by returning to the central Vedantic teaching that the true nature of every being is divine and that spiritual practice leads toward awareness of this inherent divinity.