The Oneness of It All
In this month of darkness, in this the darkest month, the light of the human spirit shines forth in a fullness shown by so many, in so many ways. As the days grow shorter, houses and trees are decorated, and snow falls. In the hushed silence of the nights, lights shine in windows, and the beauty is shared by all. For this season of giving brings the festivals of lights: Diwali (now past), Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa. Each tradition incorporates light in its ceremonies and decorations. But all is not well. Millions know no peace in any season.
Yet even those living in the worst conditions show the light of the human spirit and celebrate the season of light in personal ways. For the human spirit is indomitable.
In December’s darkness we light lights. For we are beings of light. A light glows within each one of us. And, at the most basic level, we are beings of light because we are made from stardust. Perhaps that is why the stars hold such majesty for us– we are made from star material.
Einstein said: “A human being is part of the whole, called by us the ‘Universe”– a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings, as something separated from the rest– a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
MOONSIDE 
After a long time, it is a delight to read your wonderful reflection on oneness again. Thank you so much for bringing forth this luminous post. In this meditation on darkness and light, your words gently remind us of a deeper truth — that light is not merely something we kindle outside, but what we essentially are. Beyond seasons and festivals, the human spirit shines as pure awareness, undivided and indomitable. The reference to stardust beautifully echoes Advaita: the same consciousness that illumines the cosmos shines within us. A truly inspiring post. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy, peaceful New Year 2026 in advance.
Regards,
Arun 🙏
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December 22, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Dear Arun,
Bahut, bahut dhanayawaad, Arun!! Your message means SO much to me! Parts of it were written long ago. I tried to edit it to the essentials. Your words encourage me so much as I am struggling through Paramahansa Yogananda’s lessons in Kriya yoga, some of which I find hard to grasp with my simple and aged mind. You give me hope that maybe some of it is sinking in. A happy holiday season to you filled with peace within and the very best for the New Year to you and yours. Yes, it helps me to know I am in keeping with Advaita Vedanta in this post. 🙏🏽
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December 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Namaskar ji.
Lots of thanks to you too.
Kriya Yoga is very important and it has to be practiced honestly.
I have been trying but couldn’t do it.
A fully dedicated space is required for it.
You will be happy to know that I have started my project to construct and develop one meditation Centre.
In this connection I have published a post.
Name has been chosen as AADYA MEDITATION CENTRE AND ACADEMY.
July 2026 is target to start it functional.
I feel encouraged by your feedback on my posts.
I will invite you to my spiritual center.
Best regards to you.
Arun
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December 22, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Thank you for telling me all and with such honesty. I am still practicing the Kriya Yoga with some modifications. I called up the Self-realization fellowship monastery and spoke to one of the nuns twice and she made some modifications in the practice for me. I do only one meditation a day and I do the Energization exercises seated. I hope to eventually stand for the exercises and do two or more meditation shawl a day. It sounds great that you are opening a meditation center. I would be truly honored if you were to tell me about it. I am too old and unsteady to travel. I am so glad you told me you find Kriya Yoga challenging, too. I wonder if we are talking of the same practice. I will keep trying my best. The nun was most emphatic that I do whatever it took to enable me to talk with God. It sounds like, yes, it must be practiced honestly but there is some leeway. I feel still quite challenged. And the readings challenge me and I must read them two or three or four times. I think you would not have trouble with them. If you are in the same practice you can call the Self-realization fellowship and speak with a nun or monk. Bahut, bahut dhanayawaad for all, Arun ji. Blessings be upon you.
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December 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
So beautiful, inspiring, and profound. Yes, we are light lovers, for light is our ultimate nature. Loved this lightful share, Ellen. Very precious around the darkest days. Much appreciated! Sending light and blessings to you and yours an wishing you a wonderful holiday, my friend ✨🙏💖🎄
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December 22, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Thank you, Susana, wishing you and yours all manner of blessings of light! 🙏🏽Ellen
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December 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
So very beautiful. You are such a wonderful writer. Your words are the light you spread.
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December 22, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Thank you so very much, Gigi… Means a lot to me!! Thank you!!🌲🌹🌸
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December 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM
My pleasure.
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December 22, 2025 at 1:32 PM
😀 Thank you!
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December 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Thank you, Ellen, for this quote from Einstein. Compassion is the key to unlocking our sense of isolation and rigid opinions. Happy season of Light to you!
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December 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM
You’re right! Compassion is the key. Maybe that is beyond your gate. :-)Happy Holidays to you!
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December 22, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Thank you for pointing out these truths here.
Not sure if the right description here is ‘ironically’. But, yesterday was the start of winter in the northern hemisphere.
The sun’s direct rays at noon yesterday were over The Tropic of Capricorn. This is 23 and a half degrees south latitude.
Today at noon these rays will be slightly further north.
That means the northern hemisphere will receive another minute of daylight compared to yesterday.
So, to those who get depressed by the long, cold, dark nights, I say hold on a little longer.
Do not despair.
Each day will see a little more daylight than the day before.
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December 22, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Thank you for your kindly encouraging words.
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December 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM