There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton
Happy Diwali and Bandhi Chorr Divas to all who celebrated this month. I reflected deeply on the significance of light driving out darkness. I was reminded of the powerful fable that Sikh Activist Jaswant Singh Kalra shared to challenge the darkness before his passing:
“There is a fable, that when the sun was setting for the first time, as it was completing its journey, the light was decreasing. The light was decreasing, and the signs of darkness were appearing. It is said, lamentation was rife amongst the people that the sun will set, and darkness will spread, no one will be able to see anything, and what will happen to us?
Everybody was worried, but the sun set. In order to show its strength, darkness set it’s foot on the earth.
But, far away, in some hut, one little lamp lifted its head. It proclaimed, “I challenge the darkness”. “If nothing else, then at least around myself, I will not let it settle. Around myself I will establish light.” Watching that one lamp, in other huts, other lights also arose. And the world was amazed that these lamps stopped darkness from expanding so that people could see.”
There are many ways to challenge the darkness and be the light not least during these turbulent times.
You can share hope, encouragement, kindness and faith to others. Where others are struggling you offer a way to help them to regain their inner spark and to shine, this may be to offer wisdom and guidance, or just to sit with someone, and be the presence they need. It may be offering strength to those that are in a moment’s weakness, or offering a smile and joy to someone.
We can all be the light or the mirror that reflects it.
When we act according to our moral courage that is also being the light, you are showing to others what is possible and the significance of being led by your ethics.
I leave you with these poetic words:
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” Roy T. Bennett
From my heart to yours,
Rupinder