To Light One Candle

Here is a comprehensive summary of "To Light One Candle: Universal Prayers for Peace" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu, based on the provided text:

Book Overview:

"To Light One Candle: Universal Prayers for Peace" is a compilation of sacred verses, prayers, and mantras from the Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, presented with the intention of fostering inner peace, spiritual growth, and universal goodwill. The book emphasizes the transformative power of these ancient utterances, suggesting that by reciting and contemplating their meaning, individuals can cultivate positive qualities, overcome negativity, and connect with a deeper sense of universal consciousness. The title itself, inspired by an ancient Chinese proverb, highlights the book's core message: that even in times of darkness or difficulty, taking individual action (lighting one candle) can bring about positive change.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into five parts, each focusing on a different aspect of spiritual development and the cultivation of positive qualities:

• Part One: Divya Prakashasya Udghatanam (Opening to the Light Divine)

  • This section emphasizes the importance of starting the day with an inward focus, acknowledging and connecting with the "Light Divine" within. It advocates for clearing the mind of distractions and cultivating reverence for life and oneself. Prayers like the Brihadarāraṇyaka Upanishad's "asato mā sad gamaya" and the Ashram Pad Bhajanavali's "tvam eva mātā cha pitā tvam eva" are presented to guide this opening.
  • It also includes the foundational Jain Navkār Mahāmantra (Aum Namo Arihantānam), which is explained as a reverence to five supreme beings in the Jain tradition: Arihantās (victorious ones), Siddhās (liberated souls), Āyariyās (masters), Uvajjhāyās (teachers), and Sāhūs (renunciates). The recitation of this mantra is believed to help subside negative tendencies and manifest positive qualities.
  • The Gāyatrī Mahāmantra from the Rig Veda is also featured, invoking the divine light for guidance.

• Part Two: Sadguna Jagruti (Awakening Four Beautiful Qualities)

  • This part focuses on cultivating four essential virtues:
    • Maitrī (Lovingkindness): The feeling of friendly connectedness with all beings, recognizing the shared life force. Prayers emphasize not causing harm and treating all beings with respect. Examples include verses from Jain Yogaśhāstra and Buddhist teachings on abstaining from unwholesome deeds.
    • Pramoda (Appreciation/Sympathetic Joy): The joy derived from appreciating the virtues and happiness of others, which helps overcome jealousy and cultivates one's own good qualities. Verses highlight the importance of recognizing teachers and the gifts of human birth.
    • Karunā (Compassion): A deep empathy and a desire to relieve oneself and others from suffering, rooted in ahimsā (non-violence). The text stresses the importance of being mindful of how our actions affect others and turning ourselves into instruments of peace. Prayers from the Skandapurāņa and Jain texts emphasize this compassionate action.
    • Mādhyestha (Equanimity): Maintaining a balanced and unperturbed mind amidst life's ever-changing events. The text encourages drawing inspiration from Awakened Beings to remain centered, unaffected by praise or blame, and to overcome negative emotions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed through patience, humility, honesty, and contentment.

• Part Three: Kshamaapanaa (Forgiving Ourselves and Others)

  • This section emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness, both for oneself and for others. It encourages releasing resentments, dropping grudges, and extending loving acceptance. The process involves acknowledging our role in creating suffering, ceasing to judge, and seeking forgiveness from all beings. Prayers from Jain and Buddhist traditions focus on freeing oneself from animosity and hurtfulness, and on the importance of mutual forgiveness. A profound prayer from the Jain Pratikraman Sūtra details the impact of actions, even incidental ones, and asks for forgiveness for any harm caused.

• Part Four: Ātmadarshan (Realizing the Self)

  • This part explores the experience of glimpsing one's true nature, often referred to as realizing the Self or God's grace. It describes this as a state of equilibrium, integrity, and peace that arises when desires and delusions fall away. The classic meditation posture is highlighted as a way to connect with this innate luminosity. Prayers from the Ishāvāsya Upanishad and Jain Yogaśhāstra emphasize the wholeness and self-illuminating nature of the true Self, free from the illusions of the material world. The Buddhist Dhammapada verse on impermanence is also included to aid in detachment from suffering.

• Part Five: Shivam Shantiḥ (Offering Blessings and Peace to the World)

  • The concluding section focuses on extending well-wishes and peace to the entire universe. It encourages transforming thoughts into blessings, promoting compassion, cooperation, and harmony. The text suggests that by sending out positive intentions like "May you be happy!" and "May you be free from suffering!", we contribute to the healing of the planet. Prayers from Jain and Vedic traditions are offered to invoke universal peace, contentment, and the removal of obstacles and negativity.

Key Concepts and Practices:

• Mantras and Mudras: The book explains that mantras are sacred utterances by enlightened beings that carry potent vibrational energy. It also introduces the concept of mudras (hand gestures) that accompany meditation, symbolizing various positive attitudes.
• Universalism: The authors emphasize that despite the different origins of the prayers, they all point to a universal truth and can complement each other. The book draws from Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions to illustrate this unity.
• Personal Transformation: The overarching message is that through the diligent practice of reciting and contemplating these prayers, individuals can achieve personal transformation, leading to inner peace and a more harmonious existence.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This principle is central to the Jain teachings presented, highlighting its importance in all actions and thoughts.
• Mindfulness and Awareness: The text consistently encourages awareness in all activities, from walking to speaking, as a way to prevent the creation of negative karma.

About the Authors:

• Clare Rosenfield: A poet, meditation teacher, and social worker, Clare brings a broad spiritual perspective, drawing from Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Sufism. Her international experience and dedication to interfaith understanding inform her contributions to the book.
• Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Gifted in Sanskrit, Jain mantras, and music, Pramoda is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Jain philosophy. She is actively involved in humanitarian and animal welfare projects, bringing a practical application of her spiritual beliefs.

In essence, "To Light One Candle" is a guide to harnessing the wisdom of ancient traditions to cultivate inner peace, foster positive qualities like lovingkindness, compassion, and equanimity, and ultimately, to contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.