C hallenges are a part of life. Sometimes we let them get the better of us, and find ourselves succumbing to them. However, there is always hope to bring light into the dark spells that come our way. We just have to know where to look for it.
In life, we are faced with numerous challenges. We may have illnesses, financial or relationship problems or loss of our reputation. We may experience some dark patches. But we do not have to be blinded by the darkness. The following anecdote has an instructive message to help us through the dark spells.
There was once a cave that lived underground, as most caves do. Since it spent its entire life in darkness, it had never seen any light. One day, a voice talked to the cave, and said, “Come up i nt o t h e l i ght . C o m e and enjoy the sunlight.” The cave replied, “I do not know what you mean by light. All I have ever known is darkness.” “Come and see for yourself,” said the voice.
The cave mustered up enough courage and climbed slowly up from the depths of the earth. Suddenly, it reached the top of the earth and was surrounded by magnificent light, the likes of which the cave had never seen in its life.
“This is beautiful,” said the cave.
After enjoying the light for a while, the cave said to the sunlight, “Now it is your turn to come with me and see the darkness.”
“What is darkness?” asked the sunlight.
The cave answered, “Come and see for yourself.”
The sunlight decided to visit the cave’s home. As the sunlight entered the cave, it said, “Now show me your darkness.” But with the sunlight there, there was no darkness to be found.
What this anecdote illustrates is the power of light. Wherever there is light, there can be no darkness. Whenever we feel we are in a dark spell of our life, we need to only tap into the light of our soul. We are light. Our soul is light. Our true nature is light. If we would only identify with our true nature, we would find there is no darkness. If we would also bring our own innate goodness and light into our daily life, we would never be overcome by the darkness of life again.
Each one of us has the light of the soul within us. But we are not aware of it because we identify ourselves with the outer world of darkness and illusion. If we would invert our attention within through meditation, we would discover this illuminating light. Whenever the dark spells of life threaten to bring us down, we could invert, find the light within, and bring it forth into the darkness to dispel it.
Whenever we find we are faced with sickness, financial problems, ignominy, or loss, we can remember that these are but passing clouds in the brilliant sunlit sky. Our true reality is light and love. When we associate with the temporary illusions of this world, we feel pain. But when we realise that the outer events are but a dream existence, a passing show that is but temporary, we can rise above the pain and disappointment. When we find sadness in life, let us maintain our inner harmony. When we find misfortune, let us count the numerous times we have experienced good fortune. When we fail, take that as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and try again. When we find ourselves in darkness, let us close our eyes and focus within until we see the light. That light will bring with it peace, joy, and love. It will comfort us and give us the strength to carry on. If we bring that light into our life, then we too, like the cave, will find that there is no more darkness. If we sit in meditation, we can experience the light waiting for us within. Let us not be distracted by the darkness of thought, but instead, sit in stillness and wait lovingly for the light within to shine upon us.
The author is the head of the Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission.
