The name Chandi comes from the word "chand" which in Sanskrit means to tear apart. The spiritual meaning of Chandi is "She Who Tears Apart Thought." The recitation of the Chandi Path is designed to guide the reader's awareness into the presence of Chandi - the Divine Mother Herself - so that all conflict of mind may return to Peace.

The entire Chaṇḍī Pāṭhaḥ purports to be a bridge or commentary on the two Rig Vedic hymns included at its beginning and end: the Rātri Sūktam, Praise to the Night of Duality, and the Devi Sūktam, Praise to the Goddess who is Unity. The 700 verses of DurgāSaptaśatī, or Chaṇḍī Pāṭhaḥ, tell us how to make the journey from duality to unity, by calling upon the Divine Mother to withdraw Her energy from negativity and give it unequivocally to positivity. Contained within are the Bija mantras which represent the 700 verses. The text is presented in Devanagari, Roman transliteration, and English translation

"Amazzone's voice is strong and clear. Goddess Durga promises the transformation, empowerment, and dignity that is our birthright."--Marisa Tomei, Academy Award-winning actor.

This is a scriptural commentary of Lahiri Mahasaya on Sri Sri Chandi, also known as Sri Durgasaptasati. In the dialogue, there is a point to answer. Where there are no words, there is no need to talk. The Lord who stays within the heart causes a person to express the Message which reveals accordingly. There are many words of wisdom in this Scripture, but they have been condensed here to help the Kriyanwits increase their sincerity and devotion. The Rig Veda states: Whatever blissful feelings are generated by discussing and practicing Kriya are called Prema : Divine Love and Bhakti : Utmost sincerity and Devotion. The spontaneous Revelation of the glories of the Goddess Durga is reflected in Her image, and the Yogis who witness this between the eyebrows transcend dualism (Dwaita) and monism (Adwaita) to establish themselves in Oneness with the ultimate Self. When the Yogi holds onto the state of the After-effect-poise of Kriya, then there is nothing to say. Whatever is expressed in Speech which comes out from the Tranquil Breath is the form and energy of Durga Gayatri. Everything is present in Her. Nama : Name and Rupa : Form are the same, for everything is Her name and Her form. The cause of Liberation (Mukti) and cause of man is Divine Mother. In the Rig Veda, She is referred to in many ways such as Bhadrang, Bhagavating, Krisnang, Graha Nakshatra Malini, Sivang. Durgang, Twang, Samutpannang, Agnivarnang, Sutang, Soumyang, Idang, Sresthang and Jyotisang Jyotiruttamang. Such is the form of the Goddess Durga, and it is everybody's duty to worship Her, that is, to practice Kriya sincerely.

The Study of Chapter One is the most in depth analysis of the Chandi Path available. It breaks down each word of Chapter One and includes an elaborately detailed account of the segments of time enumerated from a fraction of a second, to the length of one exhalation of God. It also includes other additional background information that a chanter of the Chandi will enjoy and benefit from immensely.

About 16 centuries ago, an unknown Indian author or authors gathered together the diverse threads of already ancient traditions and wove them into a verbal tapestry that today is still the central text for worshippers of the Hindu Devi, the Divine Mother. This spiritual classic, the Devimahatmya, addresses the perennial questions of the nature of the universe, humankind, and divinity. How are they related, how do we live in a world torn between good and evil, and how do we find lasting satisfaction and inner peace? These questions and their answers form the substance of the Devimahatmya. Its narrative of a dispossessed king, a merchant betrayed by the family he loves, and a seer whose teaching leads beyond existential suffering sets the stage for a trilogy of myths concerning the all-powerful Divine Mother, Durga, and the fierce battles she wages against throngs of demonic foes. In these allegories, her adversaries represent our all-too-human impulses toward power, possessions, and pleasure. The battlefields symbolize the field of human consciousness on which our lives' dramas play out in joy and sorrow, in wisdom and folly. The Devimahatmya speaks to us across the ages of the experiences and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. We sense their enchantment at nature's bounty and their terror before its destructive fury, their recognition of the good and evil in the human heart, and their understanding that everything in our experience is the expression of a greater reality, personified as the Divine Mother.

It was indeed a turning point in my life when in the year 1944 at the age of nine, I had the good fortune to meet Ma Anandamayee, the Divine Mother in Human guise. My family members of course had the privilege of meeting Mother much ahead of me. Who knew then that this event would go a long way in shaping and reshaping my future life, providing me such a close proximity to Her! So colourful and splendid are those memories which beggar description. Our Mother left Her mortal frame long ago but Her grace is boundless. She would never forsake those who unconditionally surrender themselves at Her feet. Reaching at ‘life’s end’, when I recall those glorious moments I spent with Mother, tears obscure my eyes and I find bliss and solace in the hours of weariness, both mental and physical. In this book, I have made a vain effort to highlight my days with the Mother. They might illuminate the readers mind with ineffable joy and guide the ‘bhakta’ to the Divine path amidst ‘encircling gloom’.