She is a multi-tasker and a fighter; someone who puts her all into every endeavour. Her never-say-die attitude ensures that she comes out on top every time – even when the odds are against her. The most fascinating aspect is that through all her struggles, she retains her compassionate, generous, and protective spirit. This is what has inspired men and women, through the ages, to dedicate nine days and nights every year in honor of this Devi.
Yes, we’re talking about Goddess Durga, who assumes nine different forms of Devi. She energizes, revitalizes, conquers, inspires, and blesses her devotees abundantly and wholeheartedly.
The stories of this determined and invincible warrior Goddess have valuable lessons for entrepreneurs who have to fight it out on a daily basis on a different but equally tough battleground of their own. When you’re fighting for survival, to stay alive in a world of ruthless, cut-throat competition, it won’t hurt to pick up a few tips from the gods and goddesses!
Here are nine lessons to learn from Goddess Durga who appears in her nine forms as Devi during the auspicious period of Navaratri.
1. Change is the Only Constant
Durga Devi transformed herself into nine different avatars, as the situation demanded, to overcome various destructive demons who troubled the world.
As an entrepreneur, you will have to adapt and adjust yourself to different and changing environments to be able to overcome obstacles in your path. In a dynamic setting, the ability to don different hats to suit the situation is invaluable.
2. Multi-tasking Pays off
Goddess Durga had multiple hands that she used in her battles. In some, she wields various weapons to fight her foes; with others, she protects and blesses her devotees. She was able to use different methods and weapons to fight her battles.
Similarly, equipping and updating yourself with new skills, and regularly brainstorming for new ideas is the need of the hour for entrepreneurs.
3. Knowledge is Power
In her ninth avatar as Kaalaratri, Goddess Durga was the destroyer of ignorance and darkness. She knew how to get rid of the demon Raktabeej because she was aware of his boon – that if a drop of his blood touched the ground, more demons would spring up from it. With this knowledge, she came up with the idea of drinking his blood directly before it spilled onto the ground.
As entrepreneurs, it is important to keep abreast with the latest trends and technologies in the market to stay ahead of the competition. Many times, companies have outdone their competitors with superior knowledge of what customers want or will want in the future.
4. Be Fearless in the Face of Challenges
The whole aspect of Durga Devi is a formidable and awe-inspiring one – with her persona of a warrior, an assortment of weapons and powerful mount, the lion. She faces many frightening demons one after the other without batting an eyelid.
There will be no dearth of challenges when you enter a corporate battleground. It will be a severe test of survival of the fittest with the last man standing taking the cake. In such a scenario, your courage and willingness to take calculated risks will be your most prized weapons.
5. Discover your Inner Strength to Overcome Hurdles
Goddess Durga uses both her inner and outer strength to vanquish her foes. While she wields weapons in battle, her open third eye is a sign that she is ever aware and conscious of her inner strength as well. The combination of her internal and external force is an unbeatable union.
As entrepreneurs, facing stumbling blocks is a matter of routine; at such times, getting in touch with your consciousness and discovering your innate strength could help. It can give you added focus and conviction to overcome problems along the way.
6. Patience is the Key to Long Term Success
In her second form as Brahmacharini Devi, Mother Divine performed severe penance for thousands of years to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Even after undertaking severe austerities, like foregoing food and water, Lord Shiva tests her resolve and devotion. However, she passes all her tests and attains the Lord as her husband.
Most entrepreneurs hope to achieve immediate success. Naturally, this is not a realistic expectation and, generally, does not happen. Mother Divine’s example is a great lesson that can teach entrepreneurs to push through obstacles in the path to success with patience and steadfastness. When your sight is firmly on your goal, setbacks could become stepping stones.
7. Success is Gender Neutral
The demon Mahishasura obtained a boon that no man or animal would be able to kill him. He felt confident in his immortality, as he didn’t believe that any woman could cause him harm. That thinking was the beginning of his downfall as Mother Divine came in the form of Durga Devi to finish him off.
As an entrepreneur, the only focus should be on the quality of ideas put forth, strength of people’s convictions and proven abilities no matter whom they come from. In diversity of thinking lies innovation and discovery. So, it would be beneficial to keep an open mind about working with all sorts of people and judge a book based on its content rather than its cover.
8. Expand your field of learning
Goddess Durga was formed from the collective inner powers of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It was their combined union that created such a massive force and strength that annihilated evil forces on earth.
This teaches us that success comes from collective effort. If we don’t restrict ourselves to learning only from our peers or superiors but also from our subordinates or even unrelated specialists, an ocean of learning can be found within arm’s reach. There is no limit to where or how much we can learn from the environment around us.
9. Be the Light That Leads
In her fourth avatar as Kushmanda, Goddess Durga lit up the universe with her smile. She illuminated the entire cosmos, taking it from darkness to light.
A successful entrepreneur is one who is able to inspire and instill faith. If you can light up your surrounding with your reassuring smile, and command respect as well as inspire belief with your presence, there is nothing that can come between you and success.
This Navaratri, you can appreciate the nine forms of Devi with her celebrated attributes through Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s LIVE WEBCAST.
Written by: Anusha Chellappa
Reviewed by: Nakul Dhawan
