Today marks Diwali, a celebration that springs from the Hindu tradition symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a celebration of the inner light existing within each and everyone of us offering protection from the spiritual darkness that surrounds us. Swami Kriyananda says in his book The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, that “evil” is simply that which obscures the Truth of our oneness and unity with all that is. The practice of yoga is that process which offers tools to dissolve the sheaths of darkness that bind us to our ignorance. It offers a roadmap which allows the spark of divinity to grow ever brighter and eventually merge into the Infinite Light of Wisdom, Love and Joy. And it lights the pathway for right action in this world. It’s not a straight path because we are obstinate in our ignorance, binding habits and lifetimes of missteps, but as we anchor ourselves each day to the inner light through our meditation practices, that light grows ever stronger. The dawn of our own dissolving ignorance eventually gives way to a unitive understanding of our world rather than one of separation. It begins with each and everyone one of us. So let your light shine, celebrate each day with renewed efforts to go within and nurture your own transformation for a better world.

Together in the Light,

Ananda in Texas