By Bhavani |
There are many ways, when one is open to seeing the synchronistic symbolism of life, that even the most unlikely and mundane activity can become a perfect and meaningful metaphor for understanding the deeper progression of the Path of Purification to Inner Freedom . . .
This past spring I had the good fortune to be a visitor at the Sat Yoga Ashram in Costa Rica for an extended stay. As one of the ways to give meaning and purpose to my days there, I was offered an assignment of seva, or “right service.” (In Sanskrit, seva means “selfless service or dedication to others, without expecting any reward or personal gain.”)
I was asked if I would like the experiment of “remaking” decades and buckets worth of old and very dirty candle remains. Without hesitation I said, “Yes, I would. I’ve never done that before.” The mission I felt was to “invite in magic”; the results I envisioned as “purified pillars of light.” The ultimate repurposing of the old, which I heard was going to be thrown away, would bring forth New Light. I loved that!
For many reasons, this character “Bhavani” found this task (which spanned several weeks) to be very creative, enlivening, and “soulifying.” It seemed to be speaking to her in very meaningful messages and metaphors about her own Path of Mystery and Purpose . . . the Purification Process itself. First, the call of the creative fire is heard; then full engagement with the alchemical process unfolds.
Here’s how it began. . . . An old discarded kitchen gas stove just happened to land out in the workers’ equipment barn. It would furnish the “fiery flames” necessary to melt down this huge collection of aged, gritty, and filthy clumps of hardened wax remains (kind of like the ego). Into a very large and outlived old pressure cooker, I dumped a bucket-full of this stuff and turned on the heat at full power! . . . I watched in transfixed wonderment as the nigredo floated up to the surface and the wax began to gurgle and bubble in an exquisite froth separating grime from forgotten whiteness.
After it had cooled enough, I poured the waxen lava carefully through a filter made of old dish towels and a sieve. The grime and dirt stuck to the towel, while the liquid gold was free to be. From there I poured the “born again wax” (some of it colored with crayons) into wick-ready metal cylinders (see pictures). Other things such as air-pocket removal had to happen through the day to insure success. The next morning would be the unveiling of the new pillars of light—truly an amazing moment to behold each time.
I had this realization, during all of this, that this whole process mirrored myself, since I am in this purification process as well. I felt awe and realized the Divine is everywhere and has the perfect assignment for each being to understand itself best.
The recreation of this practical beauty took its time, with lots of spills, leaks out the unsealed molds, and strange colors emerging in the experiments. I had to think and be careful with the fire and possibly burning myself. Paying attention to one thing at a time is actually the “Ultimate Presence” there is.
I loved the empty quiet that whispered to me in the dusty airless barn as I went into this alchemical surgery. Being left alone for hours without supervision felt glorious and fun and freeing. The end results are beautiful, useful, and needed.
