Let It Shine

Diwali is upon us. India’s Festival of Lights and the traditional new year. There are a number of stories associated with this festival. Several weeks earlier, Hindus celebrated a holiday, from Ramayana, commemorating the slaying of the demon king Ravana, who resided in Lanka, along with the defeat of hoards of fierce warriors and Rakshasas who pledged their allegiance to him.


Then, several weeks later, Rama, Sita and Laksmana, and accompanied by the monkey prince Hanuman, finally returned to Ayodhya after their years-long exile. They made their journey in an air-ship adorned with flowers. The city of Ayodhya spread across the plains of northern India for almost a hundred miles. The citizens, in anticipation of Rama’s return, illuminated the city with lights everywhere. And in the early morning hours, as the ship approached, Rama and Sita marveled at the countless lights which blanketed the earth beneath them.


The lights, of course, are both external and internal. How do we want to use our light? Youth is usually a time to shine the light upon ourselves. In middle age we shine the light on our families and friends and community. And as we age, it is also our dharma to shine the light upon everyone we meet, that it may reflect the blessings of God and generate peace in this world. May our lights shine a little stronger this coming year.


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