Navratri

Navratri means the nine nights and the new night.

Creation happens in the darkness. In the womb of the mother and underneath
the soil. Nine months in the womb are like nine long nights where the
spirit takes human form.

Night provides rest and rejuvenation. At night the entire creation goes to
sleep including the ashram night watchman. (Laughter) People working come
home at night and they really celebrate, rejoice and pray. Nine nights are
precious as they have subtle energy. The subtle is enriched.

There are 64 divine mother impulses which govern the subtle creation. These
are responsible for restoring all earthly and spiritual benefits. They are
simply part of one's awakened consciousness. These nine nights are
celebrated to rekindle those divine impulses and celebrate the innermost
depth of our lives.

Cleanse your body and cleanse your soul. Cleanse your body with water and
your soul with knowledge and your spirit with pranayam and kriya. There is
no penance higher than Pranayam. It is the greatest penance.