Devi and I led the first Ananda pilgrimage when we were living in Italy in 1984. After going to Assisi and other sacred places, we visited Florence for its great art and history. While there, we went with a wonderful guide to one of the world’s greatest museums, The Uffizi Gallery. She told us, “We don’t have enough time to visit the whole museum. That would take days, but I will show you a few of the most important works.” One of the paintings she showed us was Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci. As our group gazed at it, she asked, “Do you see anything unusual?” We offered a few comments, none of them central to her point. Finally, she explained that all of the light in the painting was emanating from the Madonna and child.
“Adoration of the Magi” by Leonardo da Vinci.
Each of the other figures was a psychological study of what happens when you face the light of God or when you turn away from it. The faces of those who gazed at the Madonna and child were illuminated, while those who turned away in doubt or scorn were darkened. The same is true for our minds. When we face the light we are illumined, and when we turn away we feel sad or negative.
Our daily choice is whether to turn toward the divine or away from it. The Christ (or Krishna) consciousness hidden in the heart of every atom is most present, in our own body, as the light of the spiritual eye. Like the Magi coming to the Christ child, we must offer gifts of concentration, devotion, and adoration. Then that opal flame will lead us out of this prison of duality. Or we can choose to turn away and live in the shadows.
We don’t have enough time to visit all the attractions in this great museum of life. We’ve done that for so many lifetimes that we feel the dull ache of “museum brain,” or, as Paramhansa Yogananda called it, “an anguishing sense of monotony.” Now, if we finally want to leave, the light in the forehead marks the exit. The great spiritual masters come to guide us to that light. As we approach we become illuminated and, eventually, enlightened.
In the light,
Nayaswami Jyotish
12 Comments
Wonderful Nayaswami Jyotish & Devi . Thank you for sharing :)
I love these Touch of Light blogs- they inspire me every time! This one was especially poignant, since at a very early age I felt the anguishing monotony of life, but I didn’t know what it was until much later. Why choose to live in shadows when there is glorious light, joyful thrilling light as a choice. Thank you once again for the reminder and inspiration to always seek the highest.
Recently, I was in the hospital and my roommate was an ill, sad, bitter woman. She complained about her care, the nurses and her estranged daughter. My experience was the complete opposite and I couldn’t help but notice this and be thankful for my positive state of mind and the presence of God and Guru in my heart. Her MD was an abrasive, loud person who delivered the devastating news to her that she was dying and there was nothing anyone could do for her and that hospice would be started if she agreed. My daughter and I were shocked by his brash tone as well as by the lack of privacy as only the curtain separated us from this tragic drama.
in my post-op stupor, I called out to her how sorry I was after the Dr. had gone.
When I was being discharged I went over to her bedside to say goodbye. All I could think to say to her was “follow the light” and I pointed mid-brow. She became teary and showed me her picture of Jesus on the nightstand. I kissed her goodbye with a promise I would pray for her and wished to help her if I could.
As we turn toward the light of God, may the illumination take root and shine out for others who are in darkness.
This is my favorite art piece for Christmas cards!! I found it several years ago. The thing I noticed right away was that the Infant Guru is touching the devotee on the forehead — the spiritual center. Wow!
Thank you for this. It’s touched me very much. I’ve read it several times – each paragraph has much in it to remember. I especially liked the image of “museum brain”. Do I really need to see/do that one more thing before I’m ready to give it all up? I’m printing this to read regularly!
Wonderful, thank you.
Thank you, Jyotish, for this beautiful analogy and for the inspiration that you and Devi share with us. It’s great to get these letters every week.
Master’s joy to you both!
I love the way you explode your metaphor out from the painting into the museum at large, with the light at the forehead as the exit. Superb!
Thank you Jyotish!
Beautiful analogy Jyotish! Brings to mind our recent trip to Uffizi. Thanks to you & Devi for these blogs & your unending love, light & joy.
Russ & Zory
In the light. :-)
Once again, thank you. Very inspiring. May Babaji’s blessings always be with you both.