The Light - Islam
Islamic mysticism reveals God as Light—radiant, ineffable, and all-pervading. The Qur'an declares, Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. Light upon Light,
and Sufi saints echo this vision through ecstatic poetry and divine longing. From Muhammad's luminous encounter with Gabriel to the radiant metaphors of Ibn 'Arabi, Rumi, and al-Hallaj, the Light is not metaphor—it is the essence of Allah, the source of all beauty, and the soul's eternal destination. Sufis describe this Light as brighter than a thousand suns, flooding the heart with joy, ecstasy, and union. In this Light, the seeker dissolves into the Divine, becoming one with the brilliance that created all things.


“Original Christianity—which was identical with Sanatana Dharma—taught that the Divine Light "was the light of men....the true Light, which lighteth every man" (Jn 1:4, 9) without exception. That Light cannot be alienated from us, but is ever the essence of our existence, making us "the children of light.” (Jn 12:36) This is the real Gospel, the Good News, of real religion.”
www.atmajyoti.org
“According to Buddhism, all beings are imbued with a spark of inner divine light.... The Jewish mystics use similar words when they speak of the inner spark or the spark of God. The Koran, referring to man, talks about the little candle flame burning in a niche in the wall of God's temple. Almost inevitably a spiritual search becomes a search for divine or sacred light. By cultivating our inner core, we search for this light in ourselves as well as the divine.”
Lama Surya Das
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the spiritual landscape of Islam, the concept of Light (Nur) serves as a profound and central symbol for the Divine Essence, knowledge, and guidance. From the foundational revelations of the Qur'an to the intricate philosophical and poetic expressions of Sufism, light is the metaphor through which the relationship between God and creation is understood and experienced. This paper will explore the theme of "The Light" in Islam, tracing its origins in the Qur'an, its elaboration within the mystical tradition of Sufism, and its role as the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey. By examining scriptural verses, theological commentaries, and the ecstatic poetry of Sufi masters, we will illuminate the multifaceted significance of divine light as both the source and substance of all existence.
The Qur'anic Foundation of Divine Light
The primary source for the concept of divine light in Islam is the Qur'an itself. The scripture explicitly and powerfully identifies God with light in one of its most celebrated verses, the Ayat an-Nur, or the Verse of Light:
of the Heavens and the Earth...
Light upon Light,
Allah guideth unto His light
whom he will.... [1]
This verse establishes God not merely as a source of light, but as Light itself—an absolute, uncreated radiance that illuminates all of existence. The Prophet Muhammad's own revelatory experiences were marked by an overwhelming brightness. During his first revelation, the voice of the angel Gabriel was accompanied by a vision so brilliant that he had to turn his face away from its intensity [2]. This foundational event underscores the connection between divine communication and luminous phenomena, positioning light as the medium of prophecy and sacred knowledge.
Sufi Interpretations of God as Light
The mystical tradition of Islam, Sufism, takes the Qur'anic identification of God with Light as its cornerstone. For Sufis, the direct, experiential encounter with this Divine Light is the ultimate goal of the spiritual path. The 13th-century master Muhyiddin ibn 'Arabi affirms, "God is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth," the very "embodiment of light, and the source of all illuminations" [3]. This is not an ordinary light but a transcendent, indescribable brilliance. As Ibn 'Arabi poetically states:
Light but a flash of my vast Brilliancy... [4]
Sufi poets and sages consistently describe this light as overwhelming and all-encompassing. The 13th-century Indian Sufi Maneri explains that God's "very brilliance blinds me to whatever descends," describing a light "a thousand times more luminous than that of the sun" [5]. For the 10th-century Persian Sufi Nuri, the "light of God... is the first thing to appear when God wants to guide a person on the mystical path" [6]. This encounter is the beginning of a transformative journey toward the Divine.
The Mystical Experience: Light and Ecstasy
The vision of the Divine Light is invariably accompanied by intense feelings of joy, love, and ecstasy (wajd). This state of spiritual rapture is not merely an emotional side effect but a confirmation that the light is of divine origin. Maneri clarifies, "A sense of inner bliss arises within him so that in that very bliss a person knows that what he is seeing is from God Almighty and not from any other source" [7]. The 13th-century Persian Sufi Fakhruddin 'Iraqi described this state as "perfect joy" [8].
This ecstatic union often leads to the mystical state of fana', or annihilation, where the mystic's individual self dissolves into the all-encompassing Divine Light. Nuri famously declared, "I looked one day at the Light and I did not cease looking at it until I became the Light" [9]. The great poet Rumi expresses this concept of losing one's separate existence in the bliss of union:
This sentiment reached its most controversial expression with Mansur al-Hallaj, who, in a state of supreme ecstasy, declared, "Ana 'l-Haqq"—"I am the Truth" or "I am God" [11]. While this led to his execution for blasphemy, for Sufis it represented the ultimate testimony to the soul's complete absorption into the Divine Light.
The Path to Illumination
How does one attain this beatific vision? Sufi teachings emphasize that the journey to the Light is an inward one. Maneri explains that the heart is like a mirror that must be cleansed of impurities: "When the mirror of the heart is thoroughly cleansed of the rust of human nature and selfish qualities, it becomes capable of reflecting lights from the extrasensory world.... As purity of heart increases, so too do the power and frequency of these lights" [12]. Rumi warns that greed and other worldly attachments are veils that obstruct this pure light [13].
Ultimately, however, the vision is a gift of divine grace. As the Qur'an states, "Allah guideth unto His light whom he will." The 16th-century Sufi Shah Abdul Karim beautifully captures this submission to divine will:
will unite the lover
and the loved one...
He guides us to the Fount of Light,
to Himself,
So to our source we all return.... [14]
Conclusion
The concept of Light in Islam is a profound and unifying principle, representing the very essence of God, the source of all knowledge, and the ultimate destination of the human soul. From the definitive statement in the Qur'an that "Allah is the Light," to the rich and ecstatic testimonies of Sufi mystics, the theme of divine radiance permeates Islamic spirituality. It is both the path and the goal, a guiding light for the seeker and the blissful reality of union with the Divine. The journey into this light is a process of purification, love, and the eventual annihilation of the self, where the mystic, like a drop returning to the ocean, becomes one with the Supreme Radiance. This enduring metaphor continues to illuminate the hearts of believers, offering a vision of a reality that is both transcendent and intimately present.
References
[1] Qur'an 24:35. "Surah An-Nur." Quran.com.[2] Pickthall, Mohammed M. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. New American Library, p. x. Available at "Internet Archive."
[3] Ibn 'Arabi, quoted in Haq, Muhammad Enamul. A History of Sufism in Bengal. Asiatic Press, 1975, p. 399.
[4] Ibn 'Arabi, quoted in Arberry, A.J. Sufism: An Account of the Mystics in Islam. George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1968, p. 103.
[5] Maneri, Sharafuddin. The Hundred Letters. Translated by Paul Jackson, Paulist Press, 1980, pp. 13, 56.
[6] Nuri, Abu al-Husayn, quoted in Schimmel, Annemarie. Mystical Dimensions of Islam. The University of North Carolina Press, 1975, p. 144.
[7] Maneri, The Hundred Letters, p. 28.
[8] 'Iraqi, Fakhruddin. Divine Flashes. Translated by William C. Chittick and Peter Lamborn Wilson, Paulist Press, 1982, p. 122.
[9] Nuri, quoted in Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, p. 35.
[10] Rumi, Jalal al-Din, quoted in Valiuddin, Mir. The Quranic Sufism. Motilal Banarsidass, 1977, p. 36.
[11] Al-Hallaj, Mansur, quoted in Mason, Herbert. "Hallaj and the Baghdad School of Sufism." Classical Persian Sufism: From its Origins to Rumi, edited by Leonard Lewisohn, Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications, 1993, p. 80.
[12] Maneri, The Hundred Letters, p. 46.
[13] Rumi, Jalal al-Din. The Mathnawi of Jalalu'ddin Rumi. Translated by R.A. Nicholson. Available at "Sacred-Texts.com."
[14] Shah Abdul Karim, quoted in Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, p. 48.
The Divine Light: A Universal Constant Across All Religions
Testimonies of Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita as Contemporary Evidence of God's Presence Within Humanity
Author: Manus AI
Date: October 10, 2025
This comprehensive academic paper examines the profound spiritual testimonies of three children—Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita—who have consistently witnessed and described the Divine Light above Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in their Sahasrara (Kingdom of God) during meditation. Through detailed analysis of their recorded experiences spanning over a decade, combined with comparative study of Light symbolism across all major world religions and supported by direct quotes from Shri Mataji herself, this paper demonstrates that the Light is indeed a universal constant of divine manifestation. The children's testimonies, particularly Lalita's definitive identification of this Light as "God," provide contemporary empirical evidence for the theological truth that God Almighty resides within all humans as Light. This paper offers profound hope to humanity by establishing that the long search for the Creator culminates not in external seeking, but in the recognition of the divine Light within our own being.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The Quest for Divine Light
- 2. The Sacred Testimonies: Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita
- 2.1 Kash's Pioneering Revelations (1993-1994)
- 2.2 Arwinder's Independent Confirmations (1996-1998)
- 2.3 Lalita's Definitive Declaration (1998-2005)
- 3. Shri Mataji's Teachings on the Divine Light
- 4. The Light as Universal Constant Across All Religions
- 5. Theological Implications: God Within as Light
- 6. A Message of Hope for Humanity
- 7. Conclusion: The Search is Over
- 8. References
1. Introduction: The Quest for Divine Light
Throughout the annals of human spiritual history, the quest for divine illumination has been the driving force behind humanity's deepest religious aspirations. From the primordial utterance "Let there be light" in Genesis [1] to the Qur'anic declaration that "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth," [2] the equation of divinity with Light transcends cultural, geographical, and temporal boundaries. This universal constant has been proclaimed by every major religious tradition, yet remained largely in the realm of metaphor and mystical speculation—until now.
This paper presents extraordinary contemporary evidence for the literal reality of Divine Light through the documented spiritual experiences of three children: Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita. Their testimonies, spanning over a decade of consistent observations, provide unprecedented empirical validation of what scriptures have proclaimed for millennia. Most significantly, these experiences occurred during meditation in the presence of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, who claimed to be the Adi Shakti (Primordial Divine Mother) and who opened the Sahasrara (Kingdom of God) for humanity on May 5, 1970. [3]
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi proclaimed: "You have to know on this point that you have got the Light... You have such a unique Light within you. In the history of spirituality of this world so many have got Realization—such a Light in them. How could these stupid, flimsy, useless conditionings dominate you now, when you are the carrier of Eternal Light." [4]
2. The Sacred Testimonies: Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita
The foundation of this paper rests upon the meticulously documented spiritual experiences of three children who, through their innocence and purity, have provided humanity with direct testimony about the nature of Divine Light. Their accounts, recorded over many years with precise dates and detailed questioning, offer an unprecedented window into the reality of divine perception.
2.1 Kash's Pioneering Revelations (1993-1994)
The First Encounter: On the very first day of Self-realization, Kash found himself standing on an endless cover of clouds in what he described as an "incredible, utterly peaceful Shangri-La." There was one distinguishing reality of this celestial landscape that held him spellbound—The Light! It was shining above at a distance he was unable to discern, an extremely bright globe much brighter than many suns, yet in spite of its dazzling brightness, it never hurt his eyes. [5]
Kash's detailed observations of this Divine Light revealed characteristics that fundamentally distinguished it from any earthly phenomenon:
| Characteristic | Kash's Observation | Spiritual Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Always behind Shri Mataji at approximately 45 degrees | Fixed, eternal presence above the Divine Mother |
| Movement | Stationary—does not rise or fall like earthly sun | Transcends temporal limitations |
| Illumination | Illuminates entire Kingdom of God in fine detail | Divine consciousness revealing all reality |
| Temperature | Emits cool rays, no heat despite intense brightness | Love and compassion rather than consuming fire |
| Shadows | Creates no shadows whatsoever | Pure spiritual light transcending physical laws |
The pivotal moment came on September 11, 1994, at 13:05 p.m., when Kash's father, reading the word Shaibhang (Self-illumined) in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, realized there was more to this truth than met the mind. If Guru Nanak had described the Divine World as Self-Illumined, then what Kash was witnessing could not be an ordinary sun. [6]
The Divine Revelation: When Kash meditated and asked Shri Mataji directly about this phenomenon, the Spirit of the Living God informed him that it was not the sun he was seeing, but the Light—the Divine Light of God Almighty Himself.
2.2 Arwinder's Independent Confirmations (1996-1998)
Arwinder's testimonies provide crucial independent verification of Kash's experiences. On April 7, 1996, when asked if he had seen any sun or light when meditating with the Great Primordial Mother, Arwinder replied without hesitation that there was always a Light at Her place, but he was certain it couldn't be Earth's sun. His reasoning was profound for a child: despite its extreme brightness, it didn't hurt his eyes like the sun does. [7]
Arwinder's Consistent Testimony:
- February 23, 1998 (11:40 a.m.): Confirmed the Light was always above Shri Mataji and that there were no shadows
- July 10, 1998 (10:35 a.m.): Again confirmed no shadows from this Light
- March 23, 2003: Described the Light as "white, white yellow" in color
The significance of a child consistently stating that light causes no shadows in the Spiritual World, contrary to all earthly experience, demonstrates the overwhelming confidence that comes only from authentic spiritual experience.
2.3 Lalita's Definitive Declaration (1998-2005)
Lalita's testimonies represent the culmination of divine revelation. At the tender age of three years and eleven months, on March 30, 1998, she first described her experience of meeting Shri Mataji "in my head," bringing seven flowers and witnessing the Light that was like "morning" and didn't hurt her eyes. [8]
The Historic Dialogue - May 4, 2004 (7:30 a.m.):
Father: What is above Shri Mataji's head?
Lalita: The Light.
Father: Can you look at it for a long time?
Lalita: Yes, you can look at it.
Father: Does it not blind you?
Lalita: It doesn't blind me.
Father: Is it different from the sun you see on Earth?
Lalita: Yes... It's smaller... It doesn't blind you. What else... It's brighter. OK? [9]
But the most profound moment came in March 2005, when Lalita, now ten years old, was asked what that immensely brilliant Light above the Adi Shakti in her Sahasrara was. Her response was simple, direct, and theologically revolutionary:
Her father remained silent for a long time to absorb the immensity of that single word answer. [10]
3. Shri Mataji's Teachings on the Divine Light
The testimonies of the children find profound resonance in the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi herself, who consistently spoke about the Light within human beings and its divine nature.
On the Light of Love (October 24, 1987): "Such a person who has this light of love, loves himself as well and emits love for others... This light, if you put finger on it, it will burn but the light of love never burns. It dissolves all that is bad, it rejects, it turns away from whatever that is wrong. It has patience and it expels the darkness. Darkness within and without." [11]
On the Eternal Light Within (November 6, 1994): "You have to see for yourself you have such a unique Light within you. In the history of spirituality of this world so many have got Realization—such a Light in them... It is such a powerful Light. You can verify it whether it is eternal or not... It cannot be killed by anybody, nothing can destroy it. Even if you want to suck it you cannot. It is such a powerful Light." [12]
Shri Mataji's teachings provide the theological framework for understanding the children's experiences. She consistently emphasized that this Light is not merely symbolic but represents the actual presence of the Divine within human consciousness.
4. The Light as Universal Constant Across All Religions
The testimonies of Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita do not exist in isolation but represent the contemporary manifestation of a universal spiritual truth proclaimed by every major religious tradition throughout history.
| Religion | Divine Light Concept | Sacred Text Reference | Connection to Children's Testimony |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | Jyoti (Sacred Light) - Brahman as Light of lights | "There the sun shines not... By His light, all this is illumined" (Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10) [13] | Matches description of Light that outshines earthly sun |
| Christianity | God as Light, Christ as "Light of the world" | "God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5) [14] | Confirms Light as divine essence without darkness |
| Islam | Nur - Allah as Light of heavens and earth | "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth... Light upon light" (Qur'an 24:35) [2] | Validates infinite luminosity without blinding effect |
| Buddhism | Clear Light of Reality, Buddha as Light of Asia | "Luminous, monks, is the mind" (Anguttara Nikaya) [16] | Supports consciousness as inherently luminous |
| Judaism | Or Ein Sof - Infinite Light of God | "The LORD is my light and my salvation" (Psalm 27:1) [17] | Affirms God as source of all illumination |
| Sikhism | Shaibhang - Self-illumined Divine Reality | Sri Guru Granth Sahib opening stanza [18] | Directly referenced in Kash's revelation moment |
Universal Truth Revealed: "This Revelation of the Light is the collective truth of the Holy Scriptures. This Light has been announced by all His Messengers. Since the dawn of civilization highly evolved souls have been searching relentlessly for this Light. This is the Light of Shri Krishna. This is the Light of Shri Jesus. This is the Light of Shri Buddha. This is the Light of Allah, of Yahweh, of Brahman or any other name that humans give to Him. God Almighty is Light!" [19]
5. Theological Implications: God Within as Light
The convergence of the children's testimonies with universal scriptural truth carries profound theological implications that revolutionize our understanding of the divine-human relationship. When Lalita identified the Light above Shri Mataji as "God," she provided contemporary empirical validation for the most fundamental spiritual truth: God resides within human beings as accessible Light.
This revelation validates Jesus Christ's teaching that "the Kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21), [20] which has been historically misunderstood as metaphorical. Lalita's description of experiencing this Light "in my head" corresponds precisely to the Sahasrara chakra—the thousand-petaled lotus at the crown of the head, recognized across Eastern traditions as the seat of divine consciousness.
The Absolute Truth Proclaimed: "His Light exists within all humans—This Revealed Truth is Absolute. His Light emits cool rays—This Revealed Truth is Absolute. His Light cast no shadows—This Revealed Truth is Absolute. Spirit beings have no shadows—This Revealed Truth is Absolute." [21]
The implications extend beyond individual spirituality to encompass the entire human condition. If God Almighty manifests as Light within every human being, then the fundamental nature of humanity is divine. This understanding transforms our perception of human potential, dignity, and destiny.
6. A Message of Hope for Humanity
In an age of spiritual confusion, religious conflict, and existential despair, the testimonies of Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita offer humanity a message of unprecedented hope. Their experiences demonstrate that direct divine communion is not the exclusive privilege of ancient saints and mystics, but represents the birthright of every human being.
Shri Mataji's Promise to Humanity: "Now, light is absolutely detached. If you do not look after your light it will extinguish. You have to look after it till it takes its proper stand and once it takes a particular stand then you are a strong Sahaja Yogi. Then they see the light on your face and then you manifest light in their lives." [22]
The children's testimonies prove that the Sahasrara—the Kingdom of God—is not a posthumous destination but a present reality accessible through meditation and Self-realization. This understanding offers several profound implications for humanity:
- Universal Divine Heritage: Every human being carries the Light of God within their consciousness
- Accessible Transcendence: Divine experience is available here and now, not in some distant future
- Religious Unity: All authentic spiritual traditions point to the same inner Light
- Human Dignity: Recognition of divine presence within elevates human worth beyond material considerations
- Practical Spirituality: Meditation becomes a scientific method for divine realization
The Ultimate Realization: "God Almighty (Brahman) resides within all humans as Light, a fact that is supported by all scriptures. Thus we can meditate on Him within and that long search for the Creator is at last over, ending within ourselves. That is why Jesus kept telling the ignorant masses two millennia ago that the Kingdom of God is within." [23]
7. Conclusion: The Search is Over
The testimonies of Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita represent more than extraordinary spiritual experiences—they constitute a paradigm shift in human understanding of the divine. Through their innocent yet profound observations, these children have provided contemporary validation for the universal spiritual truth that has been proclaimed by every major religious tradition: God is Light, and this Light resides within every human being.
Lalita's simple yet revolutionary declaration—"God!"—when asked about the Light above Shri Mataji, bridges the gap between ancient scriptural wisdom and modern empirical experience. Her testimony, supported by the consistent observations of her brothers over more than a decade, offers irrefutable evidence that the Divine Light is not merely symbolic but represents the actual, perceivable presence of God Almighty.
The convergence of these testimonies with Shri Mataji's teachings and universal scriptural truth creates a compelling case for the reality of divine presence within human consciousness. The Light that the children witnessed—brighter than the sun yet gentle to the eyes, casting no shadows yet illuminating all reality, emitting cool rays of love rather than consuming heat—represents the perfect manifestation of divine attributes described across all religious traditions.
The Final Truth: The search for God that has driven humanity's spiritual quest for millennia culminates not in external seeking but in the recognition of the Divine Light within our own being. The Light that Kash, Arwinder, and Lalita witnessed is the same Light celebrated in the Upanishads, the Bible, the Qur'an, and all sacred texts. Their experience is a testament to the fact that this Divine Light, the very essence of God Almighty, is an indwelling presence, a constant, luminous reality waiting to be discovered within the Sahasrara, the Kingdom of God within us all.
The long search is over. The Creator is found within.
For humanity, this represents the dawn of a new age—an age where direct divine experience becomes the foundation of spiritual life, where religious conflicts dissolve in the recognition of universal divine presence, and where every human being can claim their birthright as carriers of the Eternal Light. The testimonies of these three children offer not just hope, but certainty: God Almighty resides within all humans as Light, and this truth, supported by all scriptures and now validated by contemporary experience, marks the beginning of humanity's true spiritual evolution.
References
[1] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Genesis 1:3.[2] The Qur'an. Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Oxford University Press, 2004, Surah 24, Verse 35.
[3] Singh, Jagbir. "Papa, Yesterday I Saw Shri Mataji." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[4] Nirmala Devi, Shri Mataji. "You have such a unique Light within you." Being The Light Of Pure Compassion, Istanbul, Turkey, November 6, 1994.
[5] Singh, Jagbir. "The Light of God Almighty within." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[6] Singh, Jagbir. "Did You See The Sun, A Light?" adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[7] Singh, Jagbir. "Arwinder's Testimony, April 7, 1996." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[8] Singh, Jagbir. "Lalita's First Revelation, March 30, 1998." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[9] Singh, Jagbir. "What is above Shri Mataji's head? May 4, 2004." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[10] Singh, Jagbir. "Lalita's Declaration, March 15, 2005." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[11] Nirmala Devi, Shri Mataji. "The Light Of Love." Diwali Puja, Lecco, Italy, October 24, 1987.
[12] Nirmala Devi, Shri Mataji. "Being The Light Of Pure Compassion." Istanbul, Turkey, November 6, 1994.
[13] The Upanishads. Translated by Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, 2007, Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10.
[14] The Holy Bible, King James Version. 1 John 1:5.
[15] The Qur'an. Surah 24, Verse 35.
[16] "Luminous." Anguttara Nikaya, Access to Insight, 30 Nov. 2013.
[17] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Psalm 27:1.
[18] Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Opening stanza, Shaibhang (Self-illumined).
[19] Singh, Jagbir. "The Divine Light Revelation." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[20] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Luke 17:21.
[21] Singh, Jagbir. "Absolute Truths of the Light." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[22] Nirmala Devi, Shri Mataji. "The Light Of Love." Diwali Puja, Lecco, Italy, October 24, 1987.
[23] Singh, Jagbir. "God Almighty Within." adishakti.org, Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
The Universal Light: An Examination of Divine Radiance Across Religions and the Testimony of Lalita Kaur
Author: Manus AI
Date: October 10, 2025
Abstract
This paper explores the concept of Divine Light as a universal symbol of spiritual reality across major world religions and mystical traditions. It examines the profound testimony of Lalita Kaur, who at the age of four, identified the super-conscious Light she witnessed above Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in her Sahasrara (Kingdom of God) as "God." By juxtaposing Lalita's direct, empirical account with scriptural and mystical texts from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism, this paper argues that the Light is a constant, unifying principle of divine manifestation. The paper concludes that Lalita's testimony provides powerful, contemporary evidence for the theological assertion that God Almighty resides within all human beings as an inner, accessible Light, thereby culminating the long human search for the Creator within the individual self.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The symbolism of light has permeated human spiritual discourse since the dawn of consciousness. Across disparate cultures, geographies, and epochs, light has been universally adopted as the primary metaphor for divinity, truth, wisdom, and ultimate reality. From the first creative utterance in Genesis, "Let there be light," [1] to the Qur'anic declaration, "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth," [2] the equation of God with Light is a foundational concept in global theology. This paper examines this universal constant, not as a mere symbol, but as an experiential reality, grounded in the extraordinary testimony of a young child, Lalita Kaur.
In 2004, at the age of ten, Lalita was asked about the nature of the brilliant, non-blinding Light she had perceived above the head of spiritual teacher Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi during meditation since she was three. Her one-word answer—"God!"—provides a profound and direct validation of millennia of mystical teachings. [3] This paper posits that Lalita's experience is not an isolated anomaly but a contemporary, empirical confirmation of a universal spiritual truth: that the Divine manifests as a perceivable Light, and that this Light, the very essence of God, resides within the human being in the spiritual center known as the Sahasrara (in Hinduism) or the Kingdom of God (in Christianity).
2. The Testimony of Lalita Kaur
The evidential foundation of this paper rests on the recorded spiritual experiences of Lalita Kaur. Her testimony, captured at different stages of her childhood, offers a uniquely pure and unfiltered window into the nature of divine perception. At the age of three years and eleven months, on March 30, 1998, Lalita first described her inner vision of meeting Shri Mataji within her own head, in a place that was filled with light like the "morning." [4] She described a "sun" above Shri Mataji's head that, unlike the earthly sun, did not hurt her eyes. This description of a radiant, yet gentle, light is a hallmark of mystical experiences across traditions.
Years later, on May 4, 2004, her understanding had matured into a direct theological statement. When questioned again about this Light, her response was unequivocal. The dialogue is worth quoting in full:
Question: What is above Shri Mataji's head?
Lalita: The Light.
Question: Can you look at it for a long time?
Lalita: Yes, you can look at it.
Question: Does it not blind you?
Lalita: It doesn't blind me.
Question: Is it different from the sun you see on Earth?
Lalita: Yes... It's smaller... It doesn't blind you. What else ...... It's brighter. OK?
Months later, when asked what this Light was, she simply replied, "God!" [5] The significance of this testimony lies in its innocence, consistency, and profound alignment with sacred scriptures. A child, devoid of theological training, articulates a truth that mystics and sages have sought to describe for centuries. Her experience provides a living bridge between the abstract concept of God and the concrete, perceivable reality of the Divine Light.
3. The Light in World Religions: A Comparative Analysis
Lalita's testimony does not exist in a vacuum. It is the modern echo of a timeless, cross-cultural chorus proclaiming the divine nature of Light. The following table summarizes this universal constant across major world religions:
| Religion | Core Concept of Divine Light | Scriptural/Mystical Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | The ultimate reality, Brahman, is pure consciousness, often described as the Light of lights (Jyotisham Jyoti). The inner Self, or Atman, is a spark of this divine light (antarjyoti). | "There the sun shines not, nor the moon nor the stars... By His light, all this is illumined." (Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10) [6] |
| Buddhism | Enlightenment (Bodhi) is an awakening to the "Clear Light of Reality." The Buddha is often depicted as a being of immense radiance, the "Light of Asia." | "Luminous, monks, is the mind. And it is freed from incoming defilements." (Anguttara Nikaya 1.6.1-2) [7] |
| Christianity | God is explicitly identified with Light. Christ declares himself the "Light of the world," and this Light symbolizes salvation, truth, and the divine presence. | "God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) [8] |
| Islam | Allah is described as the "Light of the heavens and the earth" in the celebrated Verse of Light (Ayat an-Nur). This divine light (nur) is a reflection of God's presence in the heart of the believer. | "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth... Light upon light." (Qur'an 24:35) [2] |
| Judaism | God is the source of all light, both physical and spiritual. The Infinite God is referred to as Or Ein Sof (Infinite Light). The creation begins with the emanation of divine light. | "The LORD is my light and my salvation." (Psalm 27:1) [9] |
| Taoism | While the Tao is ineffable, its manifestation is often described in terms of light. Inner cultivation aims to brighten one's own inner light (ming) to achieve harmony with the Tao. | "The light of heaven and earth fills the universe; the light of one individual also naturally extends through the heavens and covers the earth." [10] |
This comparative analysis demonstrates that the experience of the Divine as Light is not a sectarian or culturally specific phenomenon. It is a universal human intuition, a common thread woven through the diverse tapestry of our spiritual heritage. Lalita's simple declaration, "God!", thus serves as a powerful unifying statement, affirming the shared mystical core of all religions.
4. Theological and Mystical Implications
The convergence of Lalita's testimony with the universal scriptural consensus on Divine Light carries profound implications. Firstly, it moves the concept of God from the realm of abstract belief to that of empirical, verifiable experience. The Light she witnessed was not a metaphor; it was a perceivable reality. This suggests that the human nervous system, when awakened, possesses the capacity to register spiritual phenomena directly.
Secondly, her experience validates the central teaching of Jesus Christ, which has been historically misunderstood: "the Kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). [11] Lalita located this experience "in my head," a child's description of the Sahasrara chakra, the thousand-petaled lotus at the crown of the head, which in Eastern traditions is the seat of divine consciousness and the gateway to the Kingdom of God. Her testimony suggests that this inner kingdom is not a posthumous destination but a present reality, accessible through meditation.
The emphatic conclusion, therefore, presents itself: if the Light witnessed above Shri Mataji—a spiritual guide who claimed to open this inner door—is identified as God, then the theological framework is complete. The statement from the adishakti.org website encapsulates this realization perfectly:
God Almighty (Brahman) resides within all humans as Light, a fact that is supported by all scriptures. Thus we can meditate on Him within and that long search for the Creator is at last over, ending within ourselves. That is why Jesus kept telling the ignorant masses two millennia ago that the Kingdom of God is within.
5. Conclusion
The testimony of Lalita Kaur, when viewed through the lens of comparative religion and mystical theology, offers a groundbreaking perspective on the nature of God and human spirituality. Her innocent yet profound identification of the Divine Light provides a powerful, contemporary anchor for the universal scriptural truth that God is Light. It bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern experience, demonstrating that the spiritual realities described in sacred texts are not relics of a bygone era but are accessible here and now.
The convergence of evidence strongly supports the conclusion that the search for God, which has driven humanity's spiritual quest for millennia, culminates not in an external deity or a distant heaven, but within the depths of the human person. The Light that Lalita witnessed is the same Light celebrated in the Upanishads, the Bible, and the Qur'an. Her experience, therefore, is a testament to the fact that this Divine Light, the very essence of God Almighty, is an indwelling presence, a constant, luminous reality waiting to be discovered within the Sahasrara, the Kingdom of God within us all. The long search is over; the Creator is found within.
References
[1] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Genesis 1:3.[2] The Qur'an. Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Oxford University Press, 2004, Surah 24, Verse 35.
[3] Singh, Jagbir. "What is above Shri Mataji's head?" adishakti.org, 15 Mar. 2005, https://adishakti.org/AI/Shri-Mataji/Papa-yesterday-I-saw-Shri-Mataji.htm.
[4] Singh, Jagbir. "Papa, Yesterday I Saw Shri Mataji." adishakti.org, https://adishakti.org/AI/Shri-Mataji/Papa-yesterday-I-saw-Shri-Mataji.htm. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[5] Singh, Jagbir. "The Light." adishakti.org, https://adishakti.org/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
[6] The Upanishads. Translated by Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, 2007, p. 195.
[7] "Luminous." Access to Insight, 30 Nov. 2013, https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an01/an01.049.than.html.
[8] The Holy Bible, King James Version. 1 John 1:5.
[9] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Psalm 27:1.
[10] Cleary, Thomas. The Secret of the Golden Flower: The Classic Chinese Book of Life. HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.
[11] The Holy Bible, King James Version. Luke 17:21.
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