In the era before electronic navigational aids were developed, lighthouses illuminated waterways to help ships determine their position, steer clear of hazards, and safely navigate through coastal waters. They were particularly useful in adverse weather, communicating warnings to ships by light and sound.
Lighthouses are no longer as crucial to navigation as they used to be, but they still dot coastal areas around the world, standing as reminders of a bygone age of sailing, and beloved landmarks that have become tourist attractions.
There is another kind of lighthouses in the world – not the maritime kind, but among us, and they render invaluable service to society. These ‘lighthouses’ are people who shine the light of clarity, wisdom, peace, and love to those buffeted by the storms of life, or simply lost in a sea of doubt, worry, or fear.
Lighthouses are tall structures with a light at the top. Their height allows them to beam light to great distances, providing guidance or warning to ships well before they approach danger. The human lighthouses among us are also of high stature – by virtue of their qualities. Others look up to them for guidance and support. They are exalted not because of their wealth, qualifications, or position in an organization. It is their elevated thinking, benevolence, and purity of intention that sets them apart from others. They radiate peace and love unconditionally, offering hope to the distressed and the despondent. People are drawn to these souls, in whom they find someone who cares to listen to them, understand them, and not only offer a solution to their problems, but also show them a better way to live.
Because their minds are clean and free from selfish desires, these pure souls are able to discern what the other person needs and how best they can be helped. They can see the weaknesses that are the cause of the other person’s sorrow or agitation, but they do not criticize – they empathize. They understand that each individual is on a unique journey, during the course of which they have to resolve various issues. It is not for them to speculate why someone is the way they are, or to judge them. They do what they see as their sacred duty: to be generous, have good wishes, and to help heal wounded souls.
Because of their sterling qualities, these ‘lighthouses’ do not need to lecture or correct anyone – their way of thinking, behaviour, and their entire life are a source of inspiration that offers lessons on what to do and how to be.
All of us may know of such souls who bring the light of peace, joy, and wisdom into our life. We like to be with them, treasure memories of the time spent with them, and draw strength from recollecting those moments.
We can all be such a lighthouse that offers guidance and succour to others. For this, we only need to make the appropriate choices that are guided by the right principles. That will happen when we get our priorities right. Do I think only of myself – my needs, desires, opinion, and ambition? Or do I see the larger picture, of what is good for everyone, not just now, but in the long run? Can I honestly introspect, recognise my defects, and work on myself to remove them? The ability to do all this comes from having a clean heart and a robust intellect, which brings tolerance, determination, and perseverance. The soul can become clean and powerful and remain so only by regularly drawing power and virtues from the most abundant source – the Supreme Soul. Remembering that One, the ocean of love and peace, the Almighty, with the awareness that I am His child, I too am like Him, and all that is His belongs to me – facts that I had forgotten – gradually fills the soul with power and virtues, making it whole again. Thus fulfilled, the soul is no longer needy and weak. Abundant and radiant with all that it has received from the Father, it becomes a beacon of hope for others – a living lighthouse.
B.K. Asha is Director of the Brahma Kumaris Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, Haryana.