Song of the Goddess, The
The Devi Gita: Spiritual Counsel of the Great Goddess
Publication Year: 2002
Published by: State University of New York Press
The Song of the Goddess: The Devi Gita: Spiritual Counsel of the Great Goddess
Contents
A Note on the Text
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pp. 10-11
Introduction
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pp. 1-34
The Devi Gita, or Song of the Goddess, presents a grand vision of the universe created, pervaded, and protected by a supremely powerful, all-knowing, and wholly compassionate divine female. She is Maha- Devi, the Great Goddess, wielding all power (Shakti) in the universe...
Translator’s Note
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pp. 35-40
In preparing this translation, I have consulted a number of editions of the Devi Gita, some published as parts of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and others printed as separate and independent texts. I finally chose the Venkatesvara edition (Bombay, n.d.) of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana, the current vulgate, for my base text...
1. The Appearance of the Great Goddess before the Mountain King Himalaya and the Gods
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pp. 41-52
Janamejaya spoke: 1.1. You said earlier that the supreme lustrous power manifested itself on the crest of Himalaya, the Mountain Lord. This you mentioned only in passing. Now explain it to me in full detail...
2. The Goddess as the Supreme Cause of Creation
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pp. 53-60
The Goddess spoke: 2.1. May all the gods attend to what I have to say. By merely hearing these words of mine, one attains my essential nature. 2.2. I alone existed in the beginning; there was nothing else at all, O Mountain King...
3. The Goddess Reveals Her Cosmic Body (The Viraj)
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pp. 61-70
The Goddess spoke: 3.1. I imagine into being the whole world, moving and unmoving, through the power of my Maya, Yet that same Maya is not separate from me; this is the highest truth. 3.2. From the practical point of view, Maya is regarded as self-evident...
4. Instruction in the Yoga of Knowledge
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pp. 71-78
The Goddess spoke: 4.1. How distant you are, so humble, from this form of mine, so magnificent! Yet out of affection for my devotees, I have displayed such a form. 4.2. Not by study of the Vedas, nor by yoga, charity, austerity, or sacrifice...
5. Instruction in the Eight-Limbed/ Serpentine Yoga
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pp. 79-88
Himalaya spoke: 5.1. O Great Queen, describe that yoga with all its limbs which bestows supreme understanding, So that by practicing it, I may become fit to see the truth. The Goddess spoke: 5.2. The goal of yoga is not found in the heavens, nor on earth, nor in the underworld, But in the union of the individual soul and the supreme Self; thus do skilled adepts define yoga...
6. The Goal of the Yogas: Knowledge of Brahman
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pp. 89-94
The Goddess spoke: 6.1. Cultivating the yogas just described, one should meditate on me as the true form of Brahman With sincere devotion, assuming the proper posture, O King. 6.2. It is manifest, well-fixed, pervading the hearts of beings, indeed; it is the great foundation. Thereupon all that moves, breathes, and blinks is established...
7. Instruction in the Yoga of Devotion
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pp. 95-102
Himalaya spoke: 7.1. Describe the path of devotion that focuses on you, O Mother. By such devotion, supreme knowledge easily Develops in the ordinary person filled with passions...
8. Further Instruction in the Yoga of Devotion: The Sacred Sites, Rites, and Festivals of the Goddess
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pp. 103-110
Himalaya spoke: 8.1. O Ruler of the Gods, what sacred dwelling places here on earth should one see? Which ones are preeminent, purifying, and most pleasing to the Goddess? 8.2. What rites provide satisfaction, and also what festivals?...
9. Vedic and Internal Forms of Goddess Worship
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pp. 111-118
Himalaya spoke: 9.1. O Goddess of the Gods, Great Ruler, Ocean of Compassion, Mother, Proclaim now in detail the proper manner of your worship. The Goddess spoke: 9.2. I shall explain the manner of worship, O King, that pleases the Mother...
10. The Tantric Form of Goddess Worship and the Disappearance of the Great Goddess
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pp. 119-126
The Goddess spoke: 10.1. Rising at dawn, one should call to mind the radiant lotus on the top of the head, Shining like camphor. On that lotus one should recollect the form of one’s own blessed guru, 10.2. Kindly disposed, adorned with shining ornaments, conjoined with his consort...
Glossary
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pp. 127-146
Selected Bibliography
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pp. 147-148
E-ISBN-13: 9780791488515
Print-ISBN-13: 9780791453933
Print-ISBN-10: 0791453936
Page Count: 148
Publication Year: 2002
