Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Daily we pray: Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya, which means “Lead us from darkness to light.” In a way, it is the darkness that makes us look for light. If the light is always there, we won’t be worried about it. So, it is the darkness that makes us cry for light. Every faith worships the light of divine wisdom. Everyone wants to become light physically and mentally. To become light physically, what would you do? You fast. In the same way, if you want light in the mental field, the mind should learn to fast—to reduce its thoughts so it’s not so crowded. Thiruvalluvar, in his Tirukkural, says, “People do not even know how to live a single minute well, but their thoughts are millions and millions and millions.” So, we have to reduce our many thoughts. When you think anything, think only that, and that will bring good results. One thing at a time, and that done well, will bring good results. Let us learn to think well, one thought at a time, and make the mind stronger. That will bring light to the mind. When your body and mind become light, you are enlightened. Enlightenment is nothing but making yourself light. I think that is the message for Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Let us get de-lighted in light!

By Swami Satchidananda