Ch 2: A Conversation With Maa Durga

A child named Kali was born in a small town in India, a place where the people had been under the control of a dark force known as Kalipurush. His arrival, however, marked the beginning of a transformation. His birth liberated many souls from Kalipurush's grasp, bringing them moksha (salvation). Even the five elements of nature were revitalized by Kali's presence—hope began to bloom again. The sea rose to the sky, the fire rekindled its light, Ganga Maa performed her sacred Aarti, the trees swayed their branches in joy, and the winds blew with such intensity that no human could fathom. The sky blessed the land with rain.

From the moment Kali was born, he displayed remarkable intelligence, astonishing his teachers with his rapid grasp of knowledge. But as the years passed, the dark forces began to notice him. When Kali turned six, Kalipurush learned of the child's potential and realized that he was the one who could defeat him. Kalipurush, in his fear, sent a man under his control to ensnare Kali.

This man approached Kali with sweet words, trying to lure him by speaking of worldly pleasures. But as the man tried to entice the innocent child, Kali felt a strange unease. Suddenly, a voice resonated in his mind. It was Maa Durga herself, guiding him.

Maa Durga (in his mind, with urgency):

"Kali, do you know whom you are speaking with? He is not a friend, but an agent of darkness. You must not listen to him. Turn away now!"

In an instant, Kali ran away from the man, sensing something was not right. From that day onward, Kali found himself constantly tested by the forces of Kalipurush, only to be saved by Maa Durga's guidance.

One evening, as Kali played with his friend, he lost track of time. The night had already fallen, and it was a cold, misty winter night. His friend's house was on the outskirts of the town, so he had to walk a long distance to get home. The path was enveloped in a thick fog, and the darkness seemed to swallow the world around him. Kali, who was just a child, felt a wave of fear wash over him.

Standing at the edge of the fog-covered path, Kali debated whether he should go home that night or stay. After much thought, he decided to brave the dark and set off on his journey. The road was eerily quiet, with only the sounds of his breath and footsteps echoing through the fog. The world seemed distant, and the mist was so dense he could barely see his hands in front of him.

As he walked, the fear of the dark began to overwhelm him. His heart raced, and he thought of the comforting voice that had guided him before. He began to call out to Maa Durga, hoping her wisdom would give him courage.

Kali (whispering to himself, nervously):

Maa Durga, will you speak to me again? I'm scared… Why does the dark seem so endless?

And then, as though her presence had always been near, Maa Durga's voice filled his mind, calm and soothing.

Maa Durga (with warmth and strength):

"Why do you fear the dark, Kali? Your name itself means 'darkness.' Darkness is not to be feared, for it is the source of all creation. It is the womb from which everything emerges. The dark is not the enemy, child. It is a force of transformation."

Kali paused, feeling her words stir something deep inside him. He continued walking, the sound of his steps almost muted by the thick mist.

Kali (hesitantly):

Maa, I understand, but why do I feel so weak? The darkness... it feels suffocating. I don't know how to face it. I don't know who I am in this world. My name carries such power, but sometimes I feel lost. I don't feel strong. Why does it feel like the world is against me?

Maa Durga (reassuringly):

"Ah, my dear Kali, the darkness you feel is not your weakness, but your strength in its rawest form. Darkness is not just the absence of light. It is the force that gives birth to light. Without darkness, there is no creation. You are more powerful than you know, my child. You are a part of the very universe, a reflection of its balance. Both destruction and creation flow through you. But fear clouds your vision, Kali. You must not be afraid of what you are."

Kali, as he walked, felt the weight of her words. He had never thought of darkness this way before. He could feel a sense of calm begin to settle over him.

Kali (thoughtfully):

But Maa, why do people fear me? I haven't done anything wrong. I try to be kind, yet they hate me. Why does it feel like I'm alone in this world?

Maa Durga (with compassion):

"Oh, my child, this is the burden of purity. The pure-hearted are often feared because they mirror the shadows within others. People are afraid of what they do not understand. They fear you because you challenge them to confront their own darkness. But know this, Kali—those who see with true eyes will not fear you. They will love you. You are a reflection of the divine, a force for balance and liberation. Do not let the hatred of others dictate who you are. You are meant for greatness."

Kali's heart swelled with a sense of purpose. He could feel the weight of the world's rejection begin to lessen. Yet, there was still a lingering question in his heart.

Kali (softly, with vulnerability):

Maa, I feel so alone sometimes. I know I have a purpose, but I don't understand why I have to carry this burden alone. Why does it feel like everyone else is against me?

Maa Durga (with patience and wisdom):

"Ah, Kali, loneliness is not a punishment. It is a calling. Great souls often walk alone. When you stand for truth, righteousness, and purity, many will misunderstand you. You will find that those around you may not understand your journey, for it is not one of conformity, but one of divine purpose. You are destined for a role that not everyone will understand, but that does not diminish your worth. Solitude is a sign of the strength of your path. You must trust in it, for you are a bridge between the divine and the mortal. The world may not see it now, but your purpose will be revealed in time."

Kali, though comforted, felt the burden of his journey. The fog seemed to close in, and the whispers that had begun to unsettle him earlier returned, now louder. He felt his pulse quicken, his breathing growing more shallow as the fear crept back into his mind.

Kali (frantic, calling out):

Maa, I hear whispers in the dark. They're getting louder! I don't understand. What are they? Who is there?

Maa Durga (calmly):

"Do not fear the whispers, Kali. They are the voices of illusion, sent to test you. The darkness, the fear—it is all a test. Your mind may try to deceive you, but know that I am always with you. Trust your inner light. Walk through the mist, for it is not as thick as it seems. The path is clear, child, if only you believe in yourself."

Kali stopped in his tracks, took a deep breath, and steadied himself. The whispers, though still present, no longer held power over him. With Maa Durga's words as his guide, he continued down the foggy path, feeling his strength grow with each step.

Kali (with newfound resolve):

I will not be afraid. I will walk the path, no matter how dark or lonely it may seem. I know you are with me, Maa. I trust in you.

The mist seemed to part just slightly, and a distant light began to glimmer. Kali walked toward it, his heart now full of courage, his mind at peace. The whispers faded away, and in their place, he could hear the comforting sound of his own breath—steady, calm, and strong. Maa Durga's voice echoed once more.

Maa Durga (with pride and love):

"Remember, Kali, darkness and light are but two sides of the same coin. You are both. Never fear what you are. You are a force of transformation, and you will rise above all challenges. I am always with you, in every shadow and in every light."

With that, Kali continued on his path, no longer afraid, no longer alone. His journey had just begun, but with Maa Durga by his side, he knew he was ready for whatever lay ahead...