What Does Kālī Really Want?

Time to ask a very important question: what does Mā really want? Last week, we started discussing themes of sensuality and desire in Ma Kali’s iconography alongside the equally controversial motifs of intoxication and madness. We introduced the concept of “yamala”, the sexual union of Shiva and Shakti! You can watch that lecture here: 

But besides sketching out a few practices from the Vijñāna-Bhairava and reading a few sections from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna that address sexuality and spirituality, we didn’t really a get a chance to do a theological and philosophical treatment of the concept, especially with regards to a serious question: if God has desires, can She still be God? After all, isn't God whole and complete and perfect and doesn't desire imply some kind of lack or incompleteness or imperfection? Is there a different between "desiring FROM fullness" as opposed "desiring TO fullness?" 
And if she does have desires, what are they? And why are they often described in erotic terms? 

Ah, so much to explore! May all this be an offering. 

PS:
This is the fourth lecture in the series on Mā’s bhāva following the “Why is Kali drunk?” https://youtu.be/OAOxpwtjmtA?si=CzXDMdBfpY96_kHo and “Why is Kali Crazy”https://youtu.be/zXvggDB4fLQ?si=ZDjvOu2z1oAmcEVD  lectures! 

For more detailed instructions for how to perform Kālī pūjā, watch this playlist: https://www.patreon.com/collection/233799

Lectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and again Friday at 6pm PST.
Use this link and I will see you there:
https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815

For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:
https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnish

To get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM

Support the show

Lectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and again at Friday 11am PST
Use this link and I will see you there:
https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815

For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:
https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnish

To get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM