Venerating Lord Surya, the Embodiment of Supreme Light:
Verses from the Scriptures of India
Shri Bhagavad Gita, 15.12; cited in Jnaneshwar’s Gita: A Rendering of the Jnaneshwari by Swami Kripananda (S. Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1999), p. 248.
Click here to read about Shri Bhagavad Gita.
Every morning since this verse appeared on the Siddha Yoga path website, I have read it with the same experience: first a very deep breath, and then a feeling of great joy and love so intense that my eyes become moist.
Florida, United States
Reading and holding this passage in my heart, I realize that my spiritual path is brightened by the Sun—Lord Surya—every day, every moment of the day.
With each breath, I am created, nourished, and sustained by the effulgence of Lord Surya. I experience peace.
With each breath, I am created, nourished, and sustained by the effulgence of Lord Surya. I experience peace.
Texas, United States
When I share kind words with others, I feel that brilliance, the light of Consciousness, shimmering in myself and others. When I look at the sunset, the moon, and the fire, I perceive their luminous beauty, and that beauty inspires me to appreciate the beauty on earth. Because of the sun, flowers blossom; because of the moon, there are tides; because of the fire, wood gives its warmth. All this creation is made of God’s love.
Rodez, France
Reading this verse reminds me that Lord Surya lives inside me. There are times in my day when a light shines through my awareness. A simple conversation with another person turns into God talking to God, even if only for a second in time.
I am so grateful for these moments.
I am so grateful for these moments.
Florida, United States
This verse powerfully calls to my mind the visions of Gurumayi that I experience during meditation. The radiance that emanates from her presence within warms my whole being, as though I’m receiving the embrace of the sun.
Massachusetts, United States
This beautiful verse explains to me why the sources of light—in the sun, in the moon, in fire—are so mesmerizing. One of the times I feel the Truth of this verse most potently is at the moment of sunrise. When the first rim of vivid light appears on the horizon, or above the clouds, or from behind the mountains, I feel as if I am joining all beings in turning toward the lord of the sun and offering pranam in awe.
In this moment, I do know that this brilliance belongs to God. And at the same time, through Shri Guru’s grace and my own efforts in sadhana over the years, I also recognize that this brilliance belongs to me—as my own luminous Heart.
In this moment, I do know that this brilliance belongs to God. And at the same time, through Shri Guru’s grace and my own efforts in sadhana over the years, I also recognize that this brilliance belongs to me—as my own luminous Heart.
Hampton, Australia
This verse evokes remembrance of my oneness with all of life. The very essence of life—“that brilliance” which we see in the sun, moon, and fire, and by whose light all is illumined—lives in me as my own light. I know this not only as words but as a profound inner experience, because the light of this knowledge has been awakened in me by Shri Guru. Light kindling light.
Maine, United States