While visible light helps us to see, detect and recognize different things, invisible spiritual light enables us to fully appreciate and understand our vision more clearly. For, it enlightens us to see that every physical perspective is nothing but the manifestation of the one – and only one – indivisible source. When this very source dwells in our heart, our mind attains a state of oneness in which love, compassion, bliss, and selflessness naturally well up.
- Source of Light
The crop may be anyone’s,
The sun, discriminates not
The moon spreads its light
On the lowly, the bigshots
– Avtar Bani 208
The Sun is the biggest light in our solar system, through whose radiance the Moon, Earth and other planets shine brightly. Ceaseless in its service, the Sun has been performing its role in sustaining life on our planet for countless millennia. Yet even the Sun is illumined by a higher power – the invisible light, the source of all existence. This source fills all suns, moons and stars with its indivisible and undiminishing energy. Just so, we too can take power from the source in order to shine and serve.
2. Universal Constant – E=MC2
Albert Einstein’s famous equation tells us that ‘C’ stands for the speed of light, a universal constant. The whole equation breaks down to this: Energy is equal to matter, multiplied by the speed of light squared. Whether science will change its view about the speed of light being universally constant or not, the divine source of all light is indeed enduring across time and space. We need to unite in this universal constant, which Baba Hardev Singhji alluded to as: know one, believe in one, and become one.
To be able to see the whole universe as the manifestation of this Supreme Energy, we need to realise and understand the Invisible Light. In so doing, we grasp the fact that we are all – each one of us – a spark of the same divine Entity.
Just as a camera’s flashlight reflects our true image, the revelation shared by a Spiritual Adept is like a lightening flash of awareness. Such a revelation enables us to see the true image of our ‘being’ in everyone. It is only then that we begin to serve everybody selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
3. Supreme Guide
Why go into – hermitages
Finding Allah, the merciful
In pleasing the Guru – you,
See all around the graceful
– Avtar Bani 269
In darkness, nothing is seen clearly. It is always the Satguru, the Spiritual Adept, who shines the light of wisdom, with which we can cross the ocean of materialism in oneness with the Universal Spirit. The light of Gyan allows us to see, bringing us into clear awareness of God. This is why Mata Savinder Hardevji reminds us to make Gyan our lifestyle. It must remain with us, wherever we go and whatever we do. Baba Hardev Singhji tells us, if you cannot be a candle, be the mirror that reflects its light. Both of these individuals who became manifest as Satguru in their time, are asking that we become one with the Gyan. It may be difficult to become the source, even though it is our essential nature and never apart from us. But we can at least reflect the source – like the light of a candle is reflected in a mirror.
4. The Only Support
In the Stormy night, O’ God, You are the only Light that I see.
I do not see any other shore; you are the only support I rely on.
We need to stay in the constant awareness of God, in the presence of enlightened saints, for their company not only enriches our mind, but also leads to a life filled with peace and happiness. The company of saints maximises our state of enlightenment. The more enlightened we are, the more joyful our life can be.
Just as heavy downfall obscures our vision even when driving on a sunny day, difficult circumstances raining down upon us can blur our path. Enlightened company is akin to wiper blades, providing clarity to find our way. Not only this, but drivers behind us can follow our tail-lights, so that they too may return home. We illumine the path, for each other.
5. Conclusion
Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.
After all, when truly blessed to see the invisible light shining through everything and everyone, we, as mere human beings, become divine. There remains no difference between the Lord and us.
You’re me; I am You; what difference can there be?
– Sree Raag, Ravidass
– Chandra Gottumukkala, Seattle, USA
