A Search for Unity

It is today, for many people across the globe, the end of the year, the end of one more revolution in the cycle of time. It is Diwali, the festival of lights.

For all the lamps that we may light outside, there remains that unseen and unknown flame within that waits, silently, to be discovered and to illumine that which remains so darkly concealed within us. Let them serve, then, to remind us of what they symbolise: let this be a time to renew our aspiration for love, peace and harmony, within and without.

A happy Diwali to all who celebrate it! Best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.

When I give up the helm
I know that the time has come for thee to take it.
What there is to do will be instantly done.
Vain is this struggle.

Then take away your hands
And silently put up with your defeat, my heart,
And think it your good fortune to sit perfectly still
Where you are placed.

These my lamps are blown out at every little puff of wind,
And trying to light them I forget all else again and again.

But I shall be wise this time and wait in the dark,
Spreading my mat on the floor;
And whenever it is thy pleasure, my lord,
Come silently and take thy seat here.

- Rabindranath Tagore