For those who wish to commence on the journey of the spirit for purpose of evolution, the Ram-Ravan conquest is an eternal war, if you choose positivity, evolution, service and the righteous way of life, Dussehra is a day that marks your overcoming so many facets of evil, including maya or illusion, which dominate us. Dussehra is preceded by nine days of fasting, the navratras. Fasting does not mean abstinence from certain foods and then binging on the alternatives.

It simply means abstaining from indulging your senses for specific periods of time for a higher purpose. It includes observing austerities and strict discipline, those of satya-aparigraha-ahimsa-brahmacharya, on each of the days and beyond. The discipline of niyam is the kiln, the heat which turns a normal individual into a yogi. The question then arises, why these particular nine days? However, to reward sadhaks or adherent-seekers on certain days that are charged with abundant, vibrant powers brings accelerated results. The nine days of navratras are the days when the energies of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are most accessible to us. The cumulative effect of self-purification through fasting and accessing these energies through Sanatan Kriya under the guidance of an able guru is the free upward movement of prana or life enrgy in the sushumna nadi by overcoming basic sensual desires and pleasures.

Dussera (Dasha Hara) in Sanskrit means removal of Ten bad qualities : Kama vasana (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Moha (Attachment), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Pride), Matsara (Jealousy), Swartha (Selfishness), Anyaaya (Injustice), Amanavta (Cruelty), Ahankara (Ego). Dussera is also called Vijaydashmi – viz, Victory over these bad qualities. Once the seeker gains this victory then the Yog with Self is completed.