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Forces of Light and Darkness

Mythologies are full of stories of the perpetual fight

between the demons and divine forces. Demons are called

asuras  and divine beings are called devatas . Devata  word

comes from the root „d iv‟   means light. Devatas  represent the

forces of light.

In physics we learn about two types of forces – 

centripetal and centrifugal. The centripetal and centrifugal forces are shown in the

following diagram. In this diagram a man is swinging a ball tied to rope. Two forces

operate here – force which moves the ball away from the person and the force which

pulls ball towards the person. The ball remains in circular motion due to the two

opposing forces.

These two types of forces also operate in our life. The

forces which take us away from our center –  “atma”  or

the Self and the forces which take us towards the

center. The centripetal force of nature is called Devas

and the opposing forces are called asuras. Our mind

has a tendency move outwards in search of happiness.

We seek happiness in material objects. We consider the

matter as reality. In the process we forget our own true

nature as pure awareness. We identify ourselves with

body mind complex. Once we identify with the body

mind complex, we start experiencing ourselves as finite beings forgetting our true

nature as infinite consciousness-bliss. This tendency of mind to move away from the

Self to non-self is due to the forces of darkness. This force of darkness which binds

one to the physical objects is the real “satan ”  .

On the other hand, deep inside us there is always a feel for what Truth is, what is right

and what is wrong. It is like a compass needle always pointing towards Northern

hemisphere. Our actions are guided by conscience which keeps us on the path of right

living in accordance to higher values of life – love, compassion, equality. Thisrepresents the force of Light. Forces which take us towards the center of our inner Self

 – devatas. There is always a constant tussle between forces of darkness and light.

This is beautifully depicted through the mythological story of asuras and devatas

churning the milky ocean. In the process of churning the milky ocean, initially

poisonous substance called halahal is generated. Subsequently many precious gifts are

produced finally leading to emergence of nectar – amrita. The process of churning of

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milky ocean is symbolic of the inner struggle which everyone goes through due to

devatas and asuras in our consciousness. During the spiritual journey, initially one

becomes fully aware of the negativities in oneself – represented by halahal. One

develops several positive qualities and perhaps some special mental abilities  – called

siddhis represented by the gifts emerging out of milky ocean. Finally one attains theeternal life represented by amrita - the nectar. Eternal life is obtained when one

realizes that he/she is birthless deathless spirit – pure consciousness – sat-chit-ananda.

-  By Prabhuji

asuras

devatas

Self (atma)  Body