There are two aspects of light – one is energy, and the other is aura. The first part gives heat, and the second part provides direction (guidance). In winter, the heat part of light offers warmth, while in darkness, the rays of light show the safe way. The light generated within the soul also works on similar lines. The only difference is that once the light of the soul is ignited, it never extinguishes.
Whether it is an earthen lamp or an electric bulb, the life of all physical light sources is limited. Even the beginning and end of planets and stars are certain. One day, our Sun will also stop emitting light, it will turn into a white dwarf in the language of science. In contrast, the light of the soul is continuous – once lighted, never extinguishes.
The source of inner light is shraddha (faith, devotion). Once it is awakened, the pursuit of life becomes other-centered, the personality gets dedicated to excellence, and idealism becomes a part of natural behavior. Like an external source of light, shraddha is also a source of warmth and hope. Shraddha, in its ultimate state, ignites the light of the soul through which it is possible to see everything – visible or invisible.
– Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
“Just as a painter needs light in order to put the finishing touches to his picture, so I need an inner light. – Leo Tolstoy”
Source: Akhand Jyoti Magazine Jan-Feb 2021