Master Of Light or Slave To Darkness

In prayers, we ask for light (clarity), but also protection. We ask that all evil and ill-will be pacified.

We might assume that this means outer evils, but it also addresses our inner evils. If we are not alert, our informed cleverness might be a carrier of the dark lord’s bidding: ‘dark lord’ = universal selfishness that keeps sentient beings bound to sensuality. Sensuality can be part of our path as long as we don’t become addicted, as this causes suffering.

If we are vague or have an intellectual understanding, we can fall prey to gossip or speculation. We might believe that we do no harm, but the problem lies in thinking that we are masters of light when this acquired idea that we are the light is, in fact, the root of darkness. We need to go beyond this and that. Tricky isn’t it?!

If we only see others’ faults, then we move into darkness.
If we lack empathy, then we move into darkness.
If we want to be admired, then we move into darkness.
If we manipulate, then we move into darkness.

Dark is only known by virtue of light.
Light is only known by virtue of shadows.

If everything was light, we wouldn’t be able to see anything.
Likewise, if everything was dark, we wouldn’t be able to see anything.

Because of the unity of these two, things are known.