The Symbolism of Light in Hinduism
In Hinduism, light is not merely a physical phenomenon; it is a symbol of the divine, purity, and truth. The Rigveda (10.85.44) speaks of the Sun as the ultimate source of light, not just in the external sense but as the harbinger of life and consciousness:
"Asato mā sad gamaya, tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, mṛtyor mā amṛtaṁ gamaya"
This mantra, from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28), translates to:
"Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality."
Here, darkness represents ignorance, and light symbolizes wisdom. It is through seeking light—truth and divine knowledge—that beings can transcend their mortal and limited existence.
Beings of Light: The Divine and the Enlightened
In Hindu philosophy, beings of light include divine entities like the devas (celestial beings) and enlightened souls who have realized the ultimate truth, Brahman. Devas, often associated with specific aspects of the universe (like Indra for rain or Agni for fire), are described in scriptures as radiant beings, literally embodiments of light. They guide and protect humanity, standing as metaphors for higher virtues and consciousness.
Similarly, saints and sages who have attained moksha (liberation) are also beings of light. Sri Ramana Maharshi, a modern Hindu sage, once said,
"The realization of the Self is the greatest light, for it transcends all other lights."
Such enlightened individuals live in the light of Brahman, the universal consciousness, and act as guiding lights for others on the path of spiritual growth.
The Story of Nachiketa and the Light of Wisdom
A poignant story from the Katha Upanishad illustrates the journey of a seeker toward light. Nachiketa, a young boy, questions Yama, the Lord of Death, about the nature of life and death. Nachiketa's unwavering desire for truth leads Yama to teach him about the Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal consciousness). Yama explains,
"The Self cannot be reached by the weak, nor by the careless, nor by those who lack earnestness, but by those who seek it with full devotion and strength."
Here, Nachiketa represents the quintessential seeker of light, undeterred by the distractions of the material world. His story underscores the idea that living in light requires not only seeking truth but also embodying virtues like courage, discipline, and detachment.
Living in Light: The Path of Dharma
Living in light, according to Hinduism, entails following one's dharma (righteous duty) and pursuing the four purusharthas: dharma (righteousness), artha (material prosperity), kama (desires), and moksha (liberation). Each of these is a step toward spiritual illumination when pursued ethically and mindfully.
The Bhagavad Gita provides practical guidance for this journey. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna:
"Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata, abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham" (Bhagavad Gita 4.7)
"Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, I manifest Myself."
Krishna, as the embodiment of light, represents divine intervention to restore balance. His teachings in the Gita encourage all beings to act selflessly and with devotion, qualities that lead them to a life illuminated by wisdom and divine grace.
Light and Meditation: The Inner Journey
Meditation, a central practice in Hinduism, is a means of connecting with the inner light. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe meditation as a way to calm the fluctuations of the mind and experience the ultimate truth. Sage Patanjali states:
"Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah"
(Meditation is the cessation of the mind's fluctuations.)
In the stillness of meditation, practitioners often visualize light—whether it is a flame, a glowing sun, or an abstract radiance. This light represents the Atman, the true self that is eternal and divine. The Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) describes the Atman as:
"Satyam jnanam anantam Brahma"
(The Self is truth, knowledge, and infinite light.)
The Divine Light of Bhakti: Stories of Devotion
Bhakti yoga, or the path of devotion, is another way to live in light. The story of Meera Bai, a 16th-century saint and devotee of Lord Krishna, epitomizes this. Meera’s life was a testament to unwavering faith and devotion. Despite facing societal opposition and personal hardship, she sang,
"Mere to Giridhar Gopal, dusaro na koi"
(My Lord is Giridhar Gopal [Krishna], and I need no one else.)
Her bhajans (devotional songs) describe Krishna as a luminous being who fills her heart with divine love. For Meera, living in light meant surrendering her ego and becoming one with her beloved Krishna.
Hindu Cosmology: The Eternal Light
Hindu cosmology envisions the universe as a play of light and darkness. The Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda describes creation as emerging from the cosmic being, Purusha, who is luminous. Similarly, the Bhagavata Purana describes Lord Vishnu as lying in the cosmic ocean, from whose navel springs a lotus (symbol of enlightenment) bearing Lord Brahma, the creator. This imagery of light represents the divine source of all existence.
The Chandogya Upanishad (8.3.4) articulates:
"There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the light that shines in your heart."
This teaching emphasizes that light is not external but an intrinsic part of every being. Realizing this inner light is the ultimate goal of human life.
Modern Interpretations: The Timeless Relevance of Light
In the modern world, Hindu teachings about light remain profoundly relevant. Swami Vivekananda, one of Hinduism's most influential modern thinkers, emphasized the universality of light:
"Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached."
His call to action reminds humanity to strive for self-improvement and spiritual progress, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and prejudice.
Sri Aurobindo, another modern sage, spoke of the "supramental light," a higher consciousness that can transform human existence. According to him, living in light is not just an individual journey but a collective evolution toward a divine society.
A Life Lived in Light
To live in light and look toward it, as described in Hindu teachings, is to embrace truth, wisdom, and divinity in every aspect of life. Whether through meditation, devotion, or righteous action, Hinduism offers countless pathways to the light. The beings who live in light—whether divine, enlightened, or striving seekers—serve as reminders of humanity's potential to transcend ignorance and achieve spiritual illumination. Their stories, teachings, and examples inspire us to move toward a life that radiates with love, knowledge, and eternal peace.
In the end, light is not just a metaphor but the essence of existence. As the Rigveda (1.113.1) declares,
"Surya atma jagatastasthuṣaśca"
(The Sun is the soul of all that moves and does not move.)
By recognizing the light within and around us, we align ourselves with the universal truth and fulfill the timeless wisdom of Hinduism.