Yoga Sutra I.36: There is always a light within us that is free from all sorrow and grief, no matter how much we may be experiencing suffering....
In the first chapter of the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali offers several practical solutions for reducing the symptoms that inevitably arise from the various obstacles and challenges in life. Of these, one personal favorite of of Kate Holcombe (Yoga Journal Magazine) is in I.36, with visoka va jyotismati. Here, Patanjali reminds us that whatever is happening in the world around us or to us on the outside, on the inside is a quiet, deep place free from sorrow or suffering. Patanjali describes this sanctuary within as simply a light or shining brightness. It is both universal and nonthreatening, so that even in the darkest moments of our lives, we may be comforted by this image of illumination within that is free from all pain, even if it is just a tiny spark so deep inside us that we sometimes forget it is there.
This light that removes darkness and brings clarity can be a beacon to us, however faint, in the darkest of nights or winters. Through the breath, through meditation, through simple movement, or even just through quiet reflection, we can remind ourselves of this quiet, subtle, yet powerful resource within."
... your light can be whatever you need it to be. It can be like Patanjali visualizes it, a light or shining brightness... or it can be a warm glowing light, or the flickering of the flame of a candle.... But whatever your light looks like, locate it so you know where to go when things are looking dark.
Kami
