THE LIGHT WE SEEK OUTSIDE IS ALREADY WITHIN US

Illuminated homes and workplaces in Hindu Kartik month or on Guru Parv a few days later bespeak of the human urge to dispel ignorance and darkness. No ceremonial function of any faith including birth or anniversary celebrations; inauguration of conferences and meets of all descriptions; foundation-laying of residential, official or commercial premises, is accomplished without lighting the holy lamp.

Sacred biblical texts are read out in the candle-light. Believing light to be a divine presence, Christians ignite newly constructed churches with flambeau followed by lighting prayer halls. At a funeral, each visitor extinguishes their candle implying that one day each of us has to surrender to God. Lighting and propitiating the fire God are also supposed to ward off supernatural obstacles, and usher in positive vibes. To Parsis, fire symbolises propriety, to Jews constellations of light mean unswerving faith. Muslims hold that the light present on the earth and in jannat is a manifestation of the omniscient Allah Himself.

For worldly activities to go on, one has to consciously stay spirited and proceed towards the light. ‘Tamso ma jyotirgamay’ (Lead me from darkness to enlightenment), prescribe the Hindu scriptures. The light we seek outside is already within us. That has to be kept aflame.

Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal Innervoice@hindustantimes.com n