Meaning:
The quote provided is from Bede Griffiths, a British-born Benedictine monk and priest who spent much of his life in India, where he became deeply influenced by Hinduism and the teachings of the Indian mystic and philosopher Sri Aurobindo. The quote reflects Griffiths' experience of a sudden and unexpected surrender to the divine feminine aspect, often referred to as the "Mother" in Hindu and some Christian traditions.
In this quote, Griffiths describes how the inspiration to surrender to the Mother came suddenly and unexpectedly to him. The concept of surrender is a fundamental aspect of many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Christianity. It involves letting go of the ego and the illusion of control, and opening oneself to the divine will or higher power. Griffiths' experience of surrendering to the Mother suggests a profound spiritual awakening or shift in consciousness.
The mention of "overwhelming love" and "waves of love" flowing into Griffiths after his surrender to the Mother indicates a powerful experience of divine love and grace. In many spiritual traditions, the divine feminine is associated with qualities such as nurturing, compassion, and unconditional love. Griffiths' experience may be seen as a profound encounter with these qualities of the divine feminine, which he perceived as a transformative and deeply moving experience.
Bede Griffiths' spiritual journey was deeply influenced by his encounters with Hinduism and the wisdom of Eastern traditions, and his writings often reflect a synthesis of Christian and Hindu spirituality. The concept of surrender to the divine, as expressed in the quote, is a theme that resonates with both Christian and Hindu mystical traditions. In the Hindu tradition, surrender (prapatti) is considered a path to liberation, and the divine feminine, in the form of goddesses such as Durga, Kali, or Lakshmi, is revered as the embodiment of divine power and grace.
Griffiths' experience of surrender to the Mother and the subsequent experience of overwhelming love can be interpreted as a universal spiritual experience that transcends specific religious boundaries. It speaks to the human longing for a deeper connection with the divine, a longing that is often articulated in diverse cultural and religious contexts.
Overall, Bede Griffiths' quote encapsulates a moment of profound spiritual awakening, marked by an unexpected surrender to the divine feminine and an experience of overwhelming love. It reflects the universal human quest for transcendence, love, and divine grace, and the capacity of such experiences to transcend religious and cultural boundaries. Griffiths' unique perspective, shaped by his encounters with both Eastern and Western spirituality, offers a rich and multifaceted understanding of the transformative power of surrender and divine love.