Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Yoga / Hindu 20th Century	About Sri Chinmoy Timeline (1931 - 2007)
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Original Language English	Flames
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger Themes   Eternal Life   Fire	What is important In Infinity? Smiling flames. What is important In Eternity? Climbing flames. What is important In Immortality? Glowing flames.
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

Why does the modern spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy keep repeating that flames are so important?

Fire has some important layers of meaning as a sacred metaphor. First, it represents intense purification. We are the gold in the alchemist's crucible, and the fire burns away the dross -- imperfections, false attachments -- until we shine with our innate essence.

But on an even deeper, mystical level, fire is actually experienced. In ecstasy, there is often a sense of heat -- filled with immense love -- that permeates the body. This warmth seems to emerge from the seat, flares in the belly, and rises upward, fanning out at the heart. As this fire moves through the body, it also moves through the awareness, consuming all thoughts (or, more accurately, the tremors from which thoughts emerge). This fire burns away even the thought of "I" -- only the sense of this living flame remains.

This is such a wonderful fire that mystics often describe it as a flame of love, so enchanting that, like the moth, you want to dart in and be utterly consumed.

This is Sri Chinmoy's flame. This is the flame of Infinity, the flame of Eternity, the flame of Immortality.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2008 by Ivan M. Granger.
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