Vedic Community Forum

Dear Sadasyas,

As we come together during this season of light, I send you my warmest wishes for peace, joy, and a deep sense of connection to the divine.

We all grow up in our own bubbles, shaped by the traditions and experiences we know. But as we travel through life, and encounter non-dual perception, meeting others and learning from their paths, we come to realize that the same Self exists in all of us, expressing itself in different forms. This realization brings us closer to the understanding that, though we may appear different, the same love, the same light, resides within us all, waiting to be recognized.

Whether it is Christmas, the celebration of Lord Jesus’ birth; Hanukkah, a time to remember the miracle of light and rededication; Kwanzaa, a celebration of culture, community, and heritage, each tradition carries its own beautiful reminder of the divine presence that unites us all. Diwali and Navratri that recently passed are similar expressions.

At the heart of these celebrations if we look closely, is the desire towards expressing our devotion—Bhakti—whether expressed through the love of Jesus, the light of the menorah, or the values of unity and strength in Kwanzaa. These are all reflections of the same truth: we are never separate from the Divine, are we..... Ishvara’s love shines within and around us, and in our shared devotion, we experience the oneness that binds us all.

Throughout the year, reflect alongside me, upon all the festivals humanity celebrates since eternity. Each one, in its unique form, is an expression of divine love, connection to each other, and sense of devotion. When we see the thread of Bhakti running through these diverse celebrations, we come to recognize that Ishvara is not bound by culture, time, or place and is shining at us in diverse forms. By recognizing the universal essence of these experiences, we open our hearts and feel a deeper sense of gratitude and fulfillment.

May this season fill your heart with love, and may the coming year bring you peace, clarity, and the reminder that the Divine is always near.

PS: Posting a photo of my grand nephew in India.

With love and blessings,

Acharya Shunya