Light (theology)

For other uses of light, see Light (disambiguation). "Divine light" redirects here —for other uses, see Divine light (disambiguation)

In theology, light or divine light is a term used to refer to an aspect of divine presence, specifically an unknown and mysterious ability of God, angels, or human beings to express themselves communicatively through spiritual means, rather than through physical capacities. In this context, "light" can carry the full range of divine or else human-understandable concepts ranging from pure emotion up to concepts and conceptualizations.

Hence human beings are said to be recipients of knowledge, "truth," or "illumination," originating from God (in a transcendent reality) to human beings in the 'known universe,' through spiritual means.

Various local religious concepts exist:

• Inner light – Christian concept and Quaker doctrine
• An Noor – Islamic term and concept
• Ein Sof – in Rabbinic Judaism
• Tabor Light – in Eastern Orthodox theology
• Theoria – in Christian theology, illumination on the path to theosis
• Ayat an-Nur – in Arabic, the Sign of Light

Zoroastrianism

Light is the core concept in Iranian mysticism. The main roots of this thought is in the Zoroastrian beliefs, which defines The supreme God Ahura Mazda as the source of light. This very essential attribute is manifested in various schools of thought in the Iranian Religions and philosophy. Latter this notion has been dispensed into the whole Middle East, having a great effect of shaping the paradigms of different religions and philosophies emerging one after another in the region. After the Arab invasion, this concept has been incorporated into the islamic teachings by Iranian thinkers, most famous of them Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi, who is the founder of the illumination philosophy.

Although this school had stemmed from the Iranian culture and beliefs, it has spread far into Europe and can be seen and traced in the teachings of the Enlightenment era, Renaissance movement, and even the secret cults as early Illuminati.

Sant Mat

In the terminology of Sant Mat Light and Sound are the two main and expressions of God^[1] and from them all the creation comes into existence. Inner Light (and Inner Sound) can be experienced with and after an initiation by a competent Guru during meditation, and are considered the better way to reach Enlightenment.

See also

• Illumination
• Surat Shabd Yoga

References

1. ^ Kirpal Singh (1999). Naam or Word. Blaine, WA: Ruhani Satsang Books. ISBN 0-942735-94-3