DR. DAVID FRAWLEY (PANDIT VAMADEVA SHASTRI)

The Sun is obviously the most powerful influence in nature, responsible for the light through which all life on Earth functions as well as sustaining the force of gravity through which the Earth revolves. The Sun is the ruler or cosmic lord of our solar system and all that occurs within it. Yet though we may welcome the Sun’s light every day, we seldom consider the spiritual reality of the Sun or honor the sacred presence and higher spirit behind it. We take sunlight for granted or value it for providing us better health or an alternative energy source!

However, if we look at traditional and ancient cultures from throughout the world, we discover a strong awareness of the Sun as a spiritual force, and as a great symbol and a secret doorway to a higher reality. There are extensive religious, spiritual, yogic, astrological and shamanic traditions that revere the Sun in various ways and that also seek to understand the wisdom and grace behind its outer form, intuiting through the Sun, the supreme force behind all existence.

The Sun is the most visible representation of the deity, the veritable “Face of God” as the ancient Vedas eloquently state. The Sun is no mere luminous material globe or light in the outer sense, but the source of life, intelligence, love, and consciousness: light in the inner sense as well. Throughout the ancient world, continuing in some areas down to present day, we find a worship of the Sun as part of a greater religion or spiritual path of light, enlightenment and self-realization. This solar religion or solar dharma generally occurs along with a cult of the sacred Fire and the mystic Moon and other aspects of light, and as part of a worship of nature as a whole and of the cosmic mind.