Author: Acharya Shunya

Acharya Shunaya, the author of Roar Like A Goddess, is President of The Awakened Self Foundation in California. (2022, back cover) She has penned one previous book titled Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom and Sovereign Self. Shunaya is masterful in taking ancient teachings and tempering them for today’s world.

Shunaya says that as a child, she suffered bullying from an older child. She made a secret pact to stop that in her future. To be courageous and fearless as the goddess Durga. Shunaya said that “Durga’s message is to be who you are deep inside you – a goddess: Be bold. Be fearless. Be shameless. Be the heroine of your life.” (2022, p.19) 

“All humans do not view anger with the same lens. Society does not allow for everyone to embody anger equally, even when the reason is the same. “ (2022, p.29) To which she adds that the expression of some sectors of people regarding anger can be conceptualized as heroic while another sector may be painted as dangerous. “And fury is exactly what the world needs sometimes to correct its course.” (p.49) 

Acharya says that we all need personal boundaries. “I define boundaries as a protective shield based on your beliefs and values. Boundaries protect people from people – physically, sexually, socially, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually – until you deem they are safe and respectful of who you are and respectful of your nos and yeses.” (2022, p.69) 

“Once you connect with your own inner woman and become at ease with who she is, as she is – how she looks, talks, and acts – you automatically will connect with something profoundly wonderful, your own self-approval and inner permission to reclaim your inner Durga!” (2022. P.89) 

“Sometimes the goddess roars for sheer pleasure. This is not a roar to announce war on asuras or punish boundary violatiors; this is a roar of happiness that emerges from living the life of a goddess, embodying the divine light of dharma, and ultimately, enjoying what beauty and comforts life has to offer the one who knows she is a royal, queenly goddess!” (2022, p.93) 

“Cultivating a balance between stability-imparting activities, like a job and family (artha), pleasure-seeking ones (kama), value-expressing ones (dharma), and spiritual seeking (moksha) will ensure greater luck in everything you do.” (2022, p.125) 

“When you, too, adopt and cultivate a generous temperament by becoming a relaxed and joyful giver, sharer, and helper, you are in sync with Lakshmi energy.” (2022, p.157). “While Durga represents the raw power of Self and Lakshmi represents the fullness of Self, the Sarawati archetype represents sacred wisdom – the knowledge and the realization of the goddess-like Self within.” (p.175) 

This book made me feel peaceful while reading it. The relaxation it imparts can help all women become more robust, more at peace, and more empowered. So read it, enjoy it, and live it.