Today, as I write this, there is a full eclipse of the sun. This rare event happens when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun. Even though the moon is hundreds of times smaller than the sun, the apparent size of the two bodies seems the same because the moon is so much closer to the earth. During a full eclipse only the corona, the intensely hot outer rim of the sun is visible. Normally, this cannot be seen, but it is as if Divine Mother wants to give us an occasional demonstration of the precision of Her universe.
The solar eclipse of 2017.
Although this event is very interesting to scientists, astrologers, and viewers, I am more interested in its spiritual symbolism. The moon is often considered to represent our hidden, emotional nature, while the sun represents the outward-flowing life-force. Paramhansa Yogananda, in a fascinating statement, said that the physical sun is the symbol of our spiritual eye. The implications are vast, implying that the whole of the physical world is merely a symbolic representation of inner, spiritual realities.
When the moon eclipses the sun, the sky darkens, and when emotions obscure our higher nature, our minds grow gloomy. Emotions, especially when negative, have a unique ability to sap our spiritual strength. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras it says, “Yogas chitta vritti nirodh,” meaning Self-realization occurs spontaneously when we are able to neutralize the whirlpools of likes and dislikes. So, how can we accomplish this?
It does no good to repress our emotions. That will lead to more problems than it solves. So, does that mean that we should freely express our emotions, no matter how hurtful? No, of course not. The secret is to transmute their downward-pulling energy into devotion or other practices that stimulate our spiritual zeal.
Yogic techniques, such as watching the breath or Kriya Yoga, help us gain control over the reactive process. Over time, meditators find profound changes in their ability to remain calm and centered no matter what life throws at them.
In daily life, you can neutralize a negative emotion by practicing its polar opposite. Love overcomes hatred, and joy drives out sorrow. Ultimately, the bliss of God neutralizes everything else. Life’s lesser things fill our visual field only because, so long as we identify with our ego, they seem much closer to us. Once, Swami Kriyananda was lamenting his attachment to good food. Paramhansa Yogananda told him not to worry about it, saying, “Once ecstasy comes, all other attachments fall away.”
Finally, realize that it is God’s power that energizes everything. The moon generates no light of its own; it only reflects the light of the sun. Similarly, the ego is but a dim reflection of the soul, God’s spark within each of us.
In the light of God,
Nayaswami Jyotish
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15 Comments
Thank you Jotish this is a very beautiful and interesting article. It makes me think that in these special times on earth, it’s even more urgent looking inside ourselves to prevent a total Eclipse of our heart, living our precious life cultivating every day our spiritual garden thinking and acting in the Dharma. Devoting every moment to God’s light ?
I was affected by the eclipse. I felt it as a heavy oppressive weight pushing me down. I was confused because no one else mentioned this happening to them. The experience was not at all pleasant and I was glad when the eclipse was over. As a Kriya Yogi for more than 10 years, your post makes perfect sense to me. Thank you for helping me understand what I experienced.
Thank you, Jyotish, for this and all your other inspiring articles. I cherish them…. Devi’s too. I hope to get back to Ananda to visit you wonderful folks again in the near future.
Thank you so much for these articles! This article especially resonated with me, and as I meditate more, I more frequently notice when my “moon” is obscuring the light.
Dearest Jyotishji,
Thank You. So well spoken!
Like Candice, I too felt the negative force of the eclipse and chose instead to focus on the Light.
It was a time to be inward and meditate, absorb myself in the Light within, and then do my best to share it with all.
After the eclipse was over, the energy all around shifted.
As always, I am grateful for the reminder. I look forward to sharing this wisdom with some open truth thirsty souls. In His Love, steve
Thank you so much for sharing with us your thoughts and this view of life! It really accompanies me to read you!
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for the blog :)
Joy,
Prem
ॐ गुरु ॐ
It’s god power energizes everything
Nayaswamiji,
Thank you for enlightening us on the inner meaning of Eclipse.The path to inner peace is so important in these days of outer unrest. Hope I always recollect these points.
Thank you Nayaswami Jyotish ji, for the inspiration and clarity on how to pursue our path on a daily basis . Loved the explanation ?
Dear Jyotish ji, Thanks a lot … I was in Awe, looking at this rare phenomenon on TV.. Its beautiful.!! This Spiritual Truth and aspect of it is more beautiful and brings peace to the heart. Thank you Ji.
Thank you SO much dear Nayaswami Jyotish for this greatly welcome reminder on the affects the Eclipse has in the general but very important well-being – or not – in our lives. I did notice the negative force but I too, chose to focus on the Light and meditate longer still to strengthen the positive (not always easy when trying to calm the monkey mind when there is so much happening in our lives and those around us). I have many times read about the Eclipse etc. and always found it interesting BUT I just absolutely love your particular expression of it all in it’s deeper spiritual
sense and especially as you and Devi always bring in the master/s. Namaste and God Bless
Thanks for a nice article. Beautiful symbolism in the eclipse that I was not aware of.
http://www.astrogems.com/newsletter/eclipses.htm
On avoiding eclipses by Yogananda and Amma.
Namaste