Jesus and Lights

Diwali and Jesus

Yesterday the Friends of India had the Diwali celebration on campus. Diwali is one of the most popular celebrations in India – it is called the “Celebration of Lights”. Chris Hale, from Ardhana, shares on Aradhna's blog a brief reflection from a booklet he read that gives interesting insight into Diwali (his link is http://aradhnamusic.com/)

I just received an amazing little booklet of Christ's words in the Sermon on the Mount, in typical North India Bhojpuri poetic style. I've been meditating on them over the last couple days. The booklet is put out by the Mukteshwar Math (Mutt) in Varanasi, where our dear friend, Swami Muktanand lives. The Math and Swami ji are featured in the upcoming DVD, Sau Guna in the songs Holy River and Yeshu Bhajan. I've attached a picture by Michael Wilson, that was taken at the Math. The little booklet is called, Sanatan Guru Yesu Ki Vani (the Word of the Eternal Guru Jesus).


Here is a line for our Diwali meditations. (sorry all you English speakers, skip down to the translation!)

Deep na jala rakein koi neeche
Rakhat sab jan deewat ke unchen
Ho ujiyaar bhavan sab taasen
Mudit banat sab jan tam naasen
Chamke Jyoti Janan bich aise
Chamkit deepak-deewat pe jaise
Lakh jisse tumhare bhal kama
Karei stuti, Prabhu pitu naama

No one lights an oil lamp and hides it somewhere
It is placed for all to see
So that light spreads through the whole house
It makes all joyful and casts off the darkness
So like a lamp stand shining out its light
Let your beautiful works be
They will praise the name of the Lord, our Father

If you aren’t familiar with Aradhna look around their website. They have influenced our Yeshu Satsangs greatly. Many of my favorite worship songs are now in Hindi! Aradhna has a new album coming out soon!