Hatha

After weeks of searching/waiting, I finally found my brass Durga yesterday as I was wandering around the neighbourhood after a sushi lunch. She’s now joined my Spiritual Posse on the altar, with Shiva, Hanuman and Ganesha. I think this may be a complete complement. More than four may be a ‘crowd’, though it might be nice to eventually add Saraswati to the mix.

From Wikipedia:

In Hinduism, Durga ("the inaccessible" or "the invincible") or Maa Durga (Mother Durga) "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress". Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having ten arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons and a lotus flower, maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.

An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else, i.e., self-sufficiency) and fierce compassion.

Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humour, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.

Wow. Fearlessness and patience? Self-sufficiency? Fierce compassion? These are all qualities I’m trying to cultivate right now, along with a sense of humour (and being invincible wouldn’t hurt either!). Durga is kick-ass and I totally need her on my side!

After a comfortable haggle with the owner of the India shop (I’m very much a ‘regular’ there), she gently wrapped Durga up in a paper towel, securing her with an elastic, but carefully leaving her head exposed “so she could breath.”

I just love the fact that she was concerned my Durga might suffocate in the paper towel. :-)

Today is my official ‘day off’ from Astanga practice and I honoured it with lazy enthusiasm! When I woke this morning, I put water on for tea and went back to bed with a good book! I read for hours! Later in the morning, I did a very gentle Hatha practice just to keep the prana on the move.

In the afternoon, I did a little bit of work on my secret project. This is going quite well! I feel like I’m making solid progress and last week’s soreness has already faded.