The Power of Inner Light

Inner light is a divine gift carried within the human soul. This light serves as a guide, directing individuals toward truth, fairness, justice, morality, peace, responsibility, diligence, constructiveness, productivity, beauty, goodness, and the paths of a meaningful life.

Thus, as a gift of creation, every human carries a divine light within. This light not only lends meaning to individual existence but also anchors one on the path of morality and virtue. However, this light is not static. It requires constant nourishment through love, knowledge, compassion, and righteous values. Otherwise, it weakens, and the soul drifts into darkness—a state marked by imbalance, suffering, and hardship. Jesus emphasized the importance of inner light with these words:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

This teaching underscores that humans must not only illuminate themselves but also radiate light to others. A person who keeps their divine light alive nourishes their soul while serving society.

Syriac culture holds a profound awareness of light as a symbol of divine wisdom and love. Mor Philoxenos of Mabbug (440–523) reinforces this understanding:

“The true light within the soul comes from God. This light erases every shadow within a person and purifies them in God’s presence.”

These words reveal that true enlightenment is attainable only through inner

transformation. A Syriac proverb encapsulates this:

“The only way to conquer inner darkness is to turn toward the light and nurture it.”

Philosophically, light symbolizes truth and goodness. In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, light represents humanity’s need to escape the darkness of ignorance and attain enlightenment. Syriac mysticism enriches this perspective. Mor Isaac of Nineveh (613–700) states:

“When the soul is filled with God’s light, a person’s eyes see the unseen and discern light even in darkness. This light is a reflection of God’s love, guiding humanity to truth and joy.”

Amid life’s chaos, safeguarding and strengthening this divine light is a fundamental duty. In an era dominated by technological progress and materialistic values, we exert great effort to nourish our bodies but often neglect our souls. When this happens, inner peace fractures, and existential emptiness emerges. Jesus’ words offer guidance here:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6: 22-23).

Nurturing our inner light is not only an individual responsibility but a collective duty.

When individual lights unite, societal enlightenment grows. A recurring phrase in Syriac prayers reflects this truth:

“In Your light, we find light; show us the paths of Your wisdom.”

In conclusion, we must strive to nurture our inner light to fulfill our responsibility to ourselves and others. Only then can we balance material and spiritual dimensions, living deeply meaningful and harmonious lives guided by this light. For life’s true purpose emerges when one reflects their inner light -both onto their own life and the lives of others.

Yusuf Beğtaş