"Star Creation" ©  1996~ pencil mandala by Carol E. Fairbanks

"You were born from a ray of God's majesty and and have the blessings of a good star."
                                                                                                                      ~ Rumi


                                                      Star Stuff

Teresa of Avila once wrote that when we get to the very essence of who we are, "the core of Self", we discover a beautiful "diamond" more brilliant than we can ever bear.  When images "dance" from my brushes and pencils, I can catch a glimpse of what she was talking about.  But most of the time, unfortunately, I relate to myself and others as if we were "lumps of coal".  How different the world would be if we saw that luminous "core" in others and ourselves!  Would we ever dare to injure or even say a bad word about a priceless diamond?  Would we not value it and care for this precious jewel beyond all?

In yoga training at Kripalu, I learned the eastern custom of bowing to one another with hands in prayer position and greeting a person with the word, "Namaste".  That Sanskrit word means that the "light in me honors the light in you."  When I taught yoga, I would always end my classes by inviting the students to place their hands over their heart and honor the place of "light, love and truth" within. I further suggested that they then open their eyes and honor that same light in others by greeting them with the word, "Namaste".  That yoga class practice demonstrated to me the peace we can experience in relating to ourselves and others in this honoring way.

Even though I have had momentary glimpses of this "diamond" within through prayer and meditation, nothing has been quite as powerful as those teacher-images "birthed" in my transpersonal art.  With only a vague intention, those images brought to me a truth seldom reflected though my experiences in the world.  As I look at my drawing, "Star Creation",  I see no fear, nor anger, I see only Light.... the light of knowing and being without question.  The art images, like the parables, tell a story that teach me of the Divine plan for my life.  It is a plan of love, joy and peace beyond imagining.  It is an order and harmony beyond anything that I could possibly contrive.  I only have to accept the truth of who I am and allow my "diamond" within to shine brightly, as well as, to see that luminance of the "diamond" in others.  Okay, so it's a stretch..... but it is possible!  Now that's the kind of world I want! I guess it begins with me.