A Light in the Dark Night               Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Light is so valuable. Streetlights show the way for numerous travelers at night, helping to guide them home safely. A light in the dark night provides a sense of security and is a formless wall of protection for people. 

 

In old China, the charitable often donated medication, tea, or porridge to the needy, and the bright light they frequently provided on dark roads was especially helpful for those traveling from afar. Sailors find their way at sea because of the guidance given by lighthouses. Airplanes flying at night rely on the guidance of lights in order to take off and land safely. The light in front of the Buddha statue also provides much strength to those sentient beings living a life of darkness. 

 

Light teaches us to cherish sunlight, electricity, and even moonlight and starlight because they are so important in our lives. Without light, the world is thrown into darkness, and life would not be meaningful. 

 

In reality, the light of our minds serves more significant purposes than external light. What is the light of our minds? It refers to wisdom, reasoning, compassion, generosity, joy, and humility. When the light of the mind is lit up, not only are we able to see all phenomena of the world, we are also able to make connections with them. We can see clearly the relationships between self and others and create better causes and conditions therein. 

 

Streetlights and the light of the mind are not the only lights in the dark night. A person, a book, a school, or a place of practice can also be lights in the dark night! For instance, a learned person is a bright light, because students will gather around to learn from him or her. A person with high morals is a bright light, and those seeking the path to practice will come his or her way. Someone who is capable and helpful will attract others from near and far looking for his or her guiding light. A compassionate person is like a person with a light; people will like to be around this person and will rely on him or her. 

 

Wildlife gathers in forests or high mountains because they are the bright light that provide shelter. Sea creatures look for unpolluted waters in the oceans and rivers, which provide them a safe harbor to live. 

 

We all have the potential to be a bright light. However, we should first ask ourselves, "Are we the light of our family? Can we be the bright light of society and ignite the light for other community members or even all humankind? " As long as we are willing to light up the light of our minds, then we can help purify society. Therefore, each of us should vow to become a light in the dark night to ignite the hearts of humanity!