Every year as Christmas approaches, I like to see how people are celebrating. Each season seems to bring more lights strung over homes and fences. But putting up hundreds of lights does not mean we are celebrating Christmas. One light is enough: one light, right inside, dispelling the darkness of anger, fear, and greed. India has a great festival called Dipavali, from dipa, light, and avali, rows. Homes all over India will be lit by rows of lights. It’s a beautiful sight, but in every religion the real festival of lights is the display within: patience, sympathy, good will, security, selflessness, love, wisdom. What a long row! We can go in the midst of people and they will receive the benefit of this light. One person being patient brightens everything around. Being patient with those who differ from us, with those who oppose us, with those who aren’t patient with us – this is the real meaning of spiritual growth.

Eknath Easwaran http://joshuastarlight.tumblr.com/post/69230688650/every-year-as-christmas-approaches-i-like-to-see

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The world has lost a friend. A giant has fallen. Nelson Mandela was a friend of mine; we first met in Egypt in 1961. I was present at his inauguration in Pretoria, South Africa. We met in the United States whenever he was visiting. I know that he had great courage and great love, enough courage to tell a friend when he or she was wrong and enough courage to love them even if they were wrong. He had the ability to forgive the apartheid guard that watched over him 27 years and invite him to his inauguration. I am grateful that we have had such a great teacher and a great friend.

Maya Angelou http://joshuastarlight.tumblr.com/post/69229598877/the-world-has-lost-a-friend-a-giant-has-fallen

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