Jyoti: Light, Spiritual Force

Jyoti means light. We see it used in mantras as far back as the times of the Upanisads.

Upanisad Verse:

Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrtyor Ma Amrtam Gamaya

Lead us from untruth to truth. 
Lead us from darkness to light. 
Lead us from death to immortality.

Here, the darkness mentioned in the second stanza reflects a spiritual ignorance and a feeling of suffering; while the usage of jyoti (light), references sacred beingness itself, the light which helps us move beyond darkness. Jyoti is the light of Brahman. Holding to that light, and requesting that the divine guide us, signifies our humility and respect for the holy source.

© 2014 Luminous Soul/Sanskrit Studies & Manorama

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