Rig Veda 10.37.8-10; Raimundo Panikkar, The Vedic Experience: Mantramanjari
(Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1977) pp. 294-95.
The Rig Veda, the most ancient among the scriptures of India, venerates the sun as a bearer of luminosity and a source of vitality. In Gurumayi’s teachings the sun is honored as a symbol for the highest Truth, the light of our innermost Self, and a major force in the change of seasons that affects nature and the lives of all creatures on Earth.
Around December 21, a significant moment in the annual course of the sun takes place and this is the Winter Solstice or the Summer Solstice, depending on which side of the Equator we live. After this time, days become gradually longer in the Northern Hemisphere and shorter in the Southern Hemisphere.
By reflecting on these scriptural verses and using them as a prayer at the time of the solstice, we can express our gratitude to the sun for its benevolent blessings.
Radiant verses--the sun echoes inside my heart. My soul awakens, dancing in such harmony!
Ostuni, Italy
As I contemplated the words from the
Rig Veda, I was drawn to go out into my garden to see the early morning rays of the sun.
Gazing at the bright rays dancing through the branches of a tree, I felt renewed respect and awe for the sun. With a heart filled with gratitude, I offered
pranam, feeling the warm rays enveloping me, hugging me with love, peace, and blessings. I felt I was born again.
Nairobi, Kenya
These verses reflect the feeling I had this morning when I opened the shutters on my windows at home. As I was contemplating the bright horizontal stripes on the horizon with their soft orange and yellow patterns, I was happy to be meeting a great friend. Above, the sky was cloudy and I knew that the instant was fleeting. I understood that Lord Surya was saying to me with a smile, “I am always with you even when you don’t see me!”
Rodez, France
The words
recognizing our innocence are so rich with compassion. This phrase from the
Rig Veda reminds me of how thankful I am for the compassion of the great Masters who have walked this path all the way to the goal, and then reached back to guide us with such gentle and nurturing hands.
The longer I traverse the Siddha Yoga path, the deeper are the depths of the teachings revealed, and the more captivating this incredible journey becomes. Every revelation feels like another new beginning, as if grace has generously offered yet another opportunity to actually understand the highest purpose of life. This is both humbling and exhilarating, and I love it all.
With all my heart, I thank you, Gurumayi, for being the compassionate Master in my life.
West Vancouver, Canada