Japan Earthquake - Kali the Goddess of Yogic Transformation
/
The death and destruction in Japan is incomprehensible and our hearts go out to all those whose lives, hopes, dreams have been crushed by the powerful earthquake. I have received many queries asking what the future holds. Personally, I do not predict world events, I think that it is challenging enough to try and get a glimpse into the future of one human being – the destiny of the earth is much bigger than all of us and much bigger than the predictions of a mere mortal astrologer.
This morning as I sat for meditation, behind my closed eyes, I saw the giant 30 foot waves, trembling buildings and exploding nuclear power plants. I knew that I was receiving the Darshan (vision) of the divine Mother Kali, the goddess of yogic transformation.
The thousands of Gods and Goddesses in Hindu tradition represent the different attributes and aspects of the One Absolute Reality. The aspect of the supreme that is Mother Kali, is the antithesis of our image of the divine mother, as the gentle, enticing, compassionate and beautiful Madonna. Kali has a fierce but smiling face, untamed hair hinting at potential chaos and boundless freedom. She holds a severed head in her hand, symbolizing the slaying of human ego and attachments. Her breasts are full and nurturing and her nakedness offers freedom from the veils of illusion. Her greatest boon is fearlessness and as such her protection is sought in times of great calamity.
In Sanskrit Kali means “Time”, or the Supreme Reality, as Time is the divine breath that creates, sustains, and destroys cosmic life. Kali also means measured, rhythmic or cosmic dance and “beautiful one”, as these are all measurements of beauty. In this fierce and terrifying aspect of the divine mother we are learning to see that beauty is not always that which pleases our senses, or makes us feel good. That is usually the beauty of form and objects, for yogis and spiritual seekers beauty is also seen in the formless, which crosses over to include the terrible.
Kali, is called the goddess of yogic transformation because all of us are transformed, at least momentarily, in her presence. Our personal identity, pride, needs and desires are all halted, and our compassion awakened, when we are faced with the tragedy of the events in Japan.
Kali’s is the aspect of nature, where the divine mother unleashes her fury and sacrifices her own children, so that they may become whole and transformed.
The full extent of the disaster in Japan remains unknown, with threatening news of nuclear meltdowns and more earthquakes that some seismologists are predicting. Let us pray for the people of Japan and do whatever is in our power to help alleviate their suffering.
In our meditation let us also take a moment to meditate on death and the impermanence of things.