Suppose we are walking on a road and suddenly the power goes off. Though we might initially groan or rant, we will soon pull out our flashlight. That flashlight can illumine a few steps ahead. Suppose that flashlight has a hidden setting that transforms it into a floodlight — that would illumine the whole road ahead of us. Thankfully, we all have such a magical flashlight. 

During our life-journey, unexpected perplexities and adversities can plunge us into darkness. At such times, when we don’t know what to do, we can focus on the two eternal truths that we are all parts of Krishna and are meant to serve him. Asking ourselves the question, “How can I serve in this situation?” will show us a few steps ahead — indeed, that service attitude will become like a flashlight. 

More importantly, this service attitude will connect us with Krishna in our heart. He is the source of everything that illumines our inner world: love, wisdom, confidence. The Bhagavad-gita (10.11) states that when we connect ourselves with Krishna by practicing bhakti-yoga, he illumines our heart with the light of transcendental knowledge. That light can give us clarity, comfort and confidence. And through us, the light of Krishna’s grace can help others too. 

If we strive to stay in the light by striving to serve Krishna, he can make us channels for his love and wisdom and compassion to illumine the world. We may become stronger flashlights that can illumine the path ahead for some people around us. Or if Krishna so wills, he can empower us to become powerful floodlights and illumine the lives of many people, far and wide. 

Therefore, whenever faced with darkness, we can strive to stay in Krishna’s light and he will transform our flashlights into floodlights. 

Think it over:

  • Amid life’s darkness, what is our flashlight?
  • How can we stay in Krishna’s light?
  • How can Krishna transform our flashlight into floodlight?

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10.11: To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.

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