Nurturing Wisdom: A Journey with Saraswati through Yoga, Tantra, and Motherhood - with Tova Olsson

Tova Olsson of Saraswati Studies

Tova Olsson is a dedicated PhD Scholar who has immersed herself in the profound exploration of Goddess Saraswati's wisdom. In her current online course, she delves into the History, Philosophy and Mythology of Yoga and Tantra, imparting sacred insights to spiritual teachers and enthusiasts eager to delve into the sacred arts of Jñāna (Wisdom) Yoga. In our interview, Tova graciously shared the transformative journey of how she encountered the divine presence of the Goddess Saraswati, offering a glimpse into the profound impact it has had on her life and spiritual understanding. 

Tova, could you share with our readers how you first encountered Saraswati and what drew you to her wisdom?

As a child, my love for reading, writing and asking questions about the nature of reality fueled my fascination with knowledge. This curiosity led me to explore libraries and bookstores (both considered abodes of Saraswati), diving into topics such as philosophy and religion. As a teenager, my restlessness and curiosity caused me to drop out of school and move to Paris, where my love for dance, music and languages evolved. When I moved back to Sweden, I worked as an English and French teacher and later on, started teaching dance. When I eventually entered the university, it was to study religion and literature, both of which are still my passions. 

I started teaching yoga in my early twenties, after having practiced asana and meditation for a few years. From what I remember, Yogic Philosophy and storytelling was always an integral part of my teachings. Looking back at the unfoldment of my life, one could say that Saraswati was always my ishta devata (my chosen and cherished deity), though I did not know her by that name. I became consciously aware of her through my studies of devotional tantra and meditation, and she has guided my path as a teacher, scholar and writer ever since. 

What can you tell us about Saraswati?

SARASWATI is the embodiment of intelligence, intuition and inspiration. Having always had a deep affinity for books, writing, music, dance, and art, it seems like my journey was naturally aligned with a life dedicated to knowledge and creativity. There's a saying that it's not you who chooses the Deity, but the Deity who chooses you. As I began to follow the path aligned with my intuition, Saraswati revealed herself to me more and more.

Tova with Goddess Saraswati

Around the same time, I entered into a studentship with my teacher Sally Kempton, who was a true missionary of the Goddess. This connection deepened my interest and understanding of Saraswati, creating a profound spiritual synergy.

In the Vedas and other sacred texts, Saraswati is hailed as the divine muse, embodying the essence of knowledge, eloquence, and artistic expression. Described in Rigveda as a river and later personified as a goddess, Saraswati's presence is invoked for inspiration and guidance in the pursuit of wisdom. The symbolism of her pure, flowing waters reflects the ceaseless current of creativity and intellect. Her association with learning and the arts underscores her role as a patroness of education and creativity in the Yogic pantheon.

Tracing back the origin of Saraswati in the Vedic Scriptures, one encounters Vāc, the primal sound of the Goddess. Vac, the goddess of speech, serves as a precursor to Saraswati, representing the transformative power of language from the spoken to the written word. Saraswati, in turn, embodies the refined and perfected expression of this divine communication, symbolizing wisdom and artistic eloquence.  

Additionally, Saraswati is intimately linked with the Tantric Goddess Matangi, who is one of the Dasa Mahavidyas. She brings a distinct dimension to the spiritual landscape. Known for her unconventional nature, Matangi guides seekers on a path of inner transformation, transcending societal norms. If Saraswati is more associated with the refinement of the classical arts and the discernment of academic writing, Matangi is the wild wisdom, expressed in the untamed creativity of nature and channeled mystical knowledge.   

When I followed my inner guidance to write a book, Saraswati became my guiding force, pushing me to refine each sentence until it achieved a level of perfection that resonated with her divine essence. 

Tova as a published Author and her book Yoga & Tantra

What other areas of your life would you say the Goddess has been a guiding light for you?

The Goddess is always with me. I had my first child at 27 and my second at 30. Following the breakdown of my relationship (a very Kaliesque experience), I embraced single motherhood, drawing fierce guidance from Saraswati, who, like me, stands fully unto herself. Raising my children reshaped my spiritual practice; the hours once devoted to my personal journey became centered around my kids. Motherhood, a test of my Yoga, highlighted the importance of integrity and integration. My children mirror truths, fostering deep self-reflection and reinforcing the divine lessons Saraswati imparts through every life challenge.

Embodying karma yoga, the duty of caring for my children remained paramount, irrespective of external recognition. Saraswati's lessons reminded me that, like the sacred practice, parenting involves pouring love and energy without attachment to outcomes. It's a powerful journey of allowing my children to be distinct individuals, fostering growth, and mirroring the essence of non-attachment. 

How do you honor Saraswati in your life now, and do you have a special practice? What about your children – how do you feel your spirituality and devotion to Saraswati has impacted them?

With a strong will bestowed by the Goddess, I avoid wasting time and steer clear of tamasic tendencies. Daily meditation, a priority morning and evening, keeps me aligned with Saraswati's wisdom, helping me maintain focus in my work.

My children were immersed in my spiritual practices from a young age. They would often participate in my daily asana practice and I would chant mantras to them in the evenings. They also grew up vegetarian, though they have made different choices as they grew older. Our home is adorned with Murtis and sacred art. My son has always had a special relationship with the deity Hanuman while my daughter has preferred the goddess Durga.   

Tell us about Saraswati Studies and your upcoming courses.

Saraswati Studies is an online sanctuary, a divine space inspired by Saraswati herself. Fueled by her guidance, I delve into teaching the profound Philosophy of Yoga and Tantra, a journey that not only supports my children and my PhD research, but also nurtures the spiritual community.

My course design is a sacred collaboration with the Goddess. Every morning, I invoke Saraswati's presence and ask that she bless me with eloquence and discernment. After my asana practice I humbly bow to Shiva (the Lord of Yoga and the principle of consciousness) and Lakshmi (the Goddess of prosperity and right relationship) in gratitude for their support in walking my path and fulfilling my Dharma.

Tova Olsson of Saraswati Studies

As Tova gracefully shares her spiritual odyssey, it becomes evident that Saraswati's influence extends beyond philosophy into every facet of her life. From unconventional wisdom to the sacred art of motherhood, Tova embodies the essence of Saraswati's teachings. Saraswati Studies emerges as a divine sanctuary, offering seekers a unique opportunity to explore the interconnected realms of academic knowledge, spirituality and every-day embodied experience.  With every meditation, mantra, and course, Tova continues to honor Saraswati, fostering a space where wisdom and devotion become an everyday reality. 

Explore Tova’s beautiful courses full of Saraswati Wisdom - for the true seeker of Tantra Yoga https://saraswati-studies.teachable.com/

Author: Luchele Brook