Let the Sunshine,Let the Light in!

“Let the sun shine! Let the sunshine in!

Let the light! Let the bright light in!

The bright light in!

Let the Sunshine!

Let the Light of Consciousness shine in!”

“Don’t you put your candle out!

Let the light of your Consciousness shine!

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!”

--Adaptations of two popular songs

Yoga refers to our consciousness as light. Expanding that light within us is the

goal of yoga, through both its physical and mental practices. When we expand

that light and let it shine in our lives, we become healthier, more peaceful, and

closer to our spiritual goals, whatever they may be.

Our spiritual goal may be to experience God, or fulfill our purpose in this Earthly

journey, or be even more love and a servant to the people in our lives or the world

in general.

So, how does yoga say we can increase our innate consciousness, the innate

light within ourselves? A little philosophy might help answer that. According to

the Samkhya (Sankhya) philosophy, nature is a web of three energy forces or

strands, called “gunas.” These strands are called “sattva,” “rajas,” and “tamas,”

and are woven together to create all the aspects of our life.

The “sattvic” strand is the one that reveals our core Self to ourselves. This core

light is our consciousness. Our goal in yoga is to experience our true Self and let

the awareness of our core Self govern our life.

We can find the “sattvic” strand in every aspect of our lives.

Some examples of daily actions in certain areas of our life that will bring us

closer and closer to the awareness of our true Self are:

Mind—clear, cheerful, enthusiastic thoughts, and inspired toward spiritual

pursuits.

Exercise—done to make the body flexible, energetic and the mind tranquil.

Food—fresh, easily digestible, neither over-cooked or undercooked, organic or

grown without insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, etc.

Job—performed joyfully, lovingly, for the sake of duty itself and useful to others,

especially in a non-harming (“ahimsic way”).

Entertainment—that delights the sense of a calm and tranquility, spiritually

inspiring, soothing to the mind and senses, not involving violence or loud

sounds, bright lights and colors.

Making choices in our lives that move us to experience “sattva” will create an

inner world of peace and joy. The peace and joy will make us healthier and will

spread throughout the rest of our life. We will be able to enjoy life and our

relationships more deeply, even during stressful times of war, natural disasters,

or political elections.

Let your light shine! Get to know your true Self! Let is shine; let it shine; let it

shine.

I bow to the divinity within you!