The Devi in My Heart: The Unspoken Sovereign

Delving into the profound essence of devotion and the heart's deepest recesses, this essay explores the indomitable presence of the Divine in the human heart. From sacred texts to personal experiences, we unravel the significance of a heart that is not merely personal but exists solely for the worship and service of the divine.

Heart's Owner: The Devi Bewithed

The heart, often regarded as the seat of emotion and affection, finds itself divided in purpose and allegiance. According to a stirring excerpt from The Devi Bhagavata, one's heart is not one's own but is stolen by a higher, more transcendent power. In the profound words of a devotee, 'My heart is not mine at all because it has been stolen by ādiparāaktī Jagadabikā DurgāMahādēvī. My heart is for her only.'

This sentiment delves into the deep spiritual bond one can form with the Divine, particularly with Durgā. She is the heart's true owner, regulating the hearts of all beings and being the causal source of all existence. Her form is the ultimate refuge for her devotees, as indicated in the verse from the Devi Bhagavata: 'She regulates the hearts of all and is the Cause of all causes.'

Pillars of the Heart: Shri Narayana and Shri Krishna

The heart's sovereignty extends beyond just one divine presence. It is protected and guided by numerous forms of the divine. In the Bhagavad Gita, a profound recognition of the divine presence in one's life is articulated: 'I am the beginning, middle and end of all beings. I am seated in the heart of all living entities.'

One such form, Shri Narayana, is the heart's eternal master and lord. This form of Vishnu, along with the avatars Ramā and Krishna, provides guidance, solace, and a sense of refuge. The form of Shri Vishnu-Nārāyana is seen as the ultimate guiding light, as expressed in the Devi Bhagavata verse: 'In his form of Shri Vishnu, he is my lord and my master who controls me and every action of mine. In the form of Shri Rama, he is my father who guides me on the right path. In the form of Shri Krishna, he is my eternal Sakha who I can pour my heart out to. In the form of Shri Narasimha, he protects me from all evil energies.'

The Heart's Embrace: A Personal Declaration

This deep-seated devotion finds a more relatable and universal expression in the way we treat the people in our lives. Whether it's a spouse, a friend, or a loved one, the heart's presence is most evident in the bonds we form. 'The first one you think of when you wake up in the morning and the last one you think of at the end of the day. The one you just can't resist texting to let them know how your day went. The one you just can't wait to see how their day went. The one you can't go a single day without talking to. The person you wait to talk to when you have a problem and need help with. The one you just feel like you just can't live without. More than likely, the one sitting next to you right now.'

Naming a loved one as the heart's true owner, it becomes imperative to express the deep feelings and affections that sustain us. 'Let them know how much they mean to you before it's too late.'

In conclusion, the heart's true ownership lies not only in the higher divine realms but in the personal realms of devotion and care. It is a reminder to nurture our own hearts and the hearts of the ones we love, to ensure that the blessings of our lives are shared and appreciated.