The Power We Were Taught to Downplay
Table Of Content
For centuries, women have been celebrated for their beauty, their compassion, their nurturing spirit. These are beautiful, essential qualities. But there is another, more formidable power that women possess, one that has often been downplayed, discouraged, or even feared by patriarchal systems: the power of a sharp, discerning, and creative intellect.
We are taught to be agreeable, not argumentative; intuitive, not intellectual; accommodating, not authoritative. We are handed a script that often casts our knowledge as secondary to our other virtues.
But what if this script is wrong? What if the most potent, world-changing force a woman can wield is not her charm or her kindness, but her wisdom? What if the ultimate weapon for dismantling oppression, creating success, and achieving inner freedom is a well-honed mind? The Hindu pantheon has an icon for this very power. She is the serene, brilliant, and formidable Goddess Saraswati.
Saraswati: The Goddess Who Is Not a Consort
In the divine trinity of goddesses, Lakshmi represents wealth and Parvati (or Durga) represents strength. But Saraswati represents something more fundamental: knowledge (Jnana), creativity, and the power of speech (Vak).
She is almost always depicted alone, serene and self-sufficient, seated on a white lotus, holding a veena (a musical instrument), a book, and a string of prayer beads. She is not defined by her relationship to a male god; she is the embodiment of pure, independent wisdom. Her white sari symbolizes her absolute purity and her rejection of all that is materialistic or distracting.
Saraswati is not just the patron of arts and learning; she is the very energy of consciousness that allows for insight, inspiration, and intelligent expression. She is the secret weapon of the soul.
Wisdom in Verse: The Prayer for a Brilliant Mind
One of the most famous mantras in all of Hinduism, the Gayatri Mantra from the Rigveda, is a direct invocation of the divine light of consciousness that Saraswati represents. It is not a prayer for wealth or power, but for the highest gift of all: an illuminated intellect.
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ Tat savitur vareṇyaṃ Bhargo devasya dhīmahi Dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
(Rigveda, 3.62.10)
Translation: “Om, on the Earth, in the Heavens, and in the Celestial Worlds. We meditate on the most adorable, divine effulgence of the radiant sun (of consciousness). May he stimulate our intelligence.”
This is a prayer to Saraswati’s essence. It is a plea for dhiyo, a brilliant, discerning, and enlightened intellect. The ancient sages knew that a clear and powerful mind was the ultimate tool for navigating the world and achieving liberation.
How Saraswati’s Power Is Relevant to Your Life, Success, and Wellness
Embodying the energy of Saraswati is about recognizing that your mind is your greatest asset and consciously cultivating it as your most powerful weapon.
- In Daily Life: The Weapon of Discernment. The modern world bombards us with information, opinions, and distractions. Saraswati’s power is the sharp intellect that allows you to discern truth from falsehood, signal from noise. It is the clarity to see through the illusions of Maya and make choices based on wisdom, not impulse. An educated, informed mind is the ultimate defense against manipulation and deceit.
- For Your Success: Knowledge as Your Capital. In the knowledge economy, what you know is your most valuable asset. Saraswati is the goddess of upskilling, of continuous learning, of mastering your craft. While Lakshmi provides the resources, as we explored in (http://ansinspiredsoul.com/lakshmi-economic-independence), it is Saraswati who provides the knowledge to create and manage those resources effectively. Your expertise, your creativity, and your ability to communicate your ideas clearly are the true engines of sustainable success.
- For Your Overall Wellness: A Mind That Heals Itself. Much of our anxiety and suffering comes from an undisciplined, chaotic mind. Saraswati represents the power of Jnana Yoga—the path of wisdom. By studying, reflecting, and turning your intellect inward, you can understand the patterns of your own mind and free yourself from limiting beliefs and negative thought loops. A mind that understands itself is a mind that can heal itself, leading to profound mental and emotional well-being.
Your Mind Is Your Throne
For too long, women have been encouraged to abdicate the throne of their own intellect. Saraswati reminds us that this throne is our birthright.
Your knowledge is not a threat; it is a gift. Your clarity is not intimidating; it is inspiring. Your voice is not a nuisance; it is the sound of creation.
Stop downplaying your intelligence. Own it. Cultivate it. Wield it. It is the most powerful, sacred, and world-changing weapon you will ever possess.
What is one subject you feel a deep calling to learn more about?
How can you honor your inner Saraswati by dedicating time to that learning this week? Share your commitment in the comments below!
If this article inspired you to embrace your brilliance, share it with an intelligent, creative woman you admire. And don’t forget to subscribe for more wisdom.