Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Jyoti: Light, Spiritual Force



Jyoti means light. We see it used in mantras as far back as the times of the Upanisads. 

Upanisad Verse: 

Asato Ma Sad Gamaya 
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya 
Mrtyor Ma Amrtam Gamaya 

Lead us from untruth to truth. 
Lead us from darkness to light. 
   Lead us from death to immortality. 

Here, the darkness mentioned in the second stanza reflects a spiritual ignorance and a feeling of suffering; while the usage of jyoti (light), references sacred beingness itself, the light which helps us move beyond darkness. Jyoti is the light of Brahman. Holding to that light, and requesting that the divine guide us, signifies our humility and respect for the holy source. 

Copyright 2012 Luminous Shabda/Sanskrit Studies, Manorama

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Taken from the 

New Luminous Shabda Glossary
 of Sanskrit & Yogic Terms 
by Manorama

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