Musings on Light

In pathway this week we read some of my favorite passages in the Book of Mormon.  3^rd Nephi 12-17.  This is when the Savior visits the Americas.  He visits the Nephites teaching, ministering and extending invitations to follow Him.  I really liked 3^rd Nephi 12:14-16-

14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;

16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

3 Nephi 12:14-16

I love His description and invitation to the people.  He asks them to be a light.  Light is significant to me for many reasons, but I thought I would start with looking up what the Webster dictionary said about light

Full Definition of light

1.      1 a :  something that makes vision possible

1.      b :  the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors

2.      c :  electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second; specifically :  such radiation that is visible to the human eye

2.      2 a :  daylight

1.      b :  dawn

3.      3 :  a source of light: as

1.      a :  a celestial body

2.      b :  candle

3.      c :  an electric light

4.      4 archaic :  sight 4a

5.      5 a :  spiritual illumination

1.      b :  inner light

2.      c :  enlightenment

3.      d :  truth

6.      6 a :  public knowledge

1.      b :  a particular aspect or appearance presented to view

7.      7 :  a particular illumination

8.      8 :  something that enlightens or informs

The word light is amazing.  It has so may contexts, all involving vision, of one kind or another.  Mental, Physical, emotional, and spiritual light.  I love the word light because it means so much to me, not only in scripture, but also in art, and yoga. 

I love photography, which is a graphing of light.  Understanding how to capture it makes some beautiful images and gives an understanding of how light can illuminate a subject, or keep it in shadow. In yoga we talk about how every person has an inner light, that we can connect with personally, and use that light to connect with God.  We also acknowledge that light in the expression when we say Namaste at the end of every class.  “The light and love in me acknowledges the light and love with in you”.  All beings have that divine spark, an inner light.   .  Light is an energy, it sustains life.  Light is necessary for so many reasons, yet it is so readily available we may take it for granted.  When the Savior talks about light in 3^rd Nephi 12:14-16, He talks to us about light, in the form of a candle.  He asks a question, would you light a candle and hide it?  Would you deprive yourself or others of the light?  No!  You would put it on a candle stick so it would give light to all the house.  To me, this means to be fearlessly yourself.  Be an example of righteous living to all.  Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed or afraid to share your light.   The world needs your light.  You have no idea when or where that light is needed, so don’t hide it.  Don’t turn it off.  I don’t think that the Savior randomly chose to call Himself the Light of the World.  Light is a concept that is easily understood by all.  He is the ultimate light, when we follow Him, we make His light that much stronger.  We shine so He can be known in the world. 

It mattereth not

I am now in my second semester in Pathway.  I can’t believe that I have made it this far.  It has been great, but also a lot more work than I had originally thought.  IN my religion class this week we from Alma 43-63.  The mere fact that I read 20 chapters in a week was enough to treat myself to a little treat as I write this blog post.  Thank goodness that it is girl scout season.  What I read in the last chapters has had a lasting impact on me.  Let me introduce you to my current favorite Book of Mormon hero: Pahoran.  Here’s why:  As a yogini, I look to my teachers for guidance and wisdom.  I have had some truly amazing teachers, and I really think Pahoran would be some kind of prophet yogi sage today.  The situation he was in when he received an epistle from Moroni was not great.  He had been unseated in his land, and fled with many people to the land of Gideon.  Moroni did not know any of this when he wrote is epistle.  Pahoran’s response is a well thought out RESPONSE.  Not a reaction.  Not more accusations.  He was not on the defensive, he validated all of Moroni’s concerns, and empathized with him before he said this in verse 9 of chapter 61

“And now, in your epistle you have censured me, BUT IT MATTERETH NOT; I am not angry, but REJOYCE in the greatness of your heart.”

I love this because in yoga, we talk a lot about Reaction versus Response.  Pahoran’s example was a perfect example of how to respond without taking offence.  He was wise enough to understand that Moroni was suffering, and that those words, even though true, were written under duress.  He was able to see that and take his pride out of it, and in doing so see the strength, passion, and love Moroni had for his men, and the God he served.  What an amazing example. A reactionary response is the opposite.  

One of my favorite talks by David A. Bednar is “And nothing shall offend them” form October 2006 general conference.  In it he talks about the example of Pahoran as a gauge of spiritual maturity. 

One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”

We are in charge of ourselves.  We have no control over others.  We cannot be acted upon.  There is no way we can know for certain the intentions and thoughts of others.   There is such freedom and peace when we cultivate the ability to take nothing personally, like Pahoran did.