Wintertime can be a dull, dreary, and cold period especially when you look at the drab and grey weather outside. Thankfully, we have the joyous celebrations of Christmas to look forward to.
Why is Christmas important? It is because Christmas ensures that we end every year with warmth and togetherness. And that we have renewed hope to start the new year afresh. More than ever now, the world is in need of feelings of hope, joy, and unity, which is what Christmas is all about. Hence the significance of Christmas. This Christmas, ensure that the only thing you ‘catch’ is the infectious Christmas spirit - the feeling of love, warmth, joy, sharing, peace, silence, and brotherhood.
Let’s take a step back and think about the different symbols associated with Christmas
- the Christmas tree, star, bells, candles, carols, presents, Santa Claus, silence, and peace. Do you know why these symbols are so important? Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains how the integral symbols of Christmas all point to a deeper meaning
- one that gives us hope and happiness all year round.
Symbols of Christmas & their meaning
1) The Christmas Tree -
The evergreen pine or fir tree is synonymous with Christmas. Do you know the significance of the Christmas tree? This green symbol of hope and joy has so many lessons for us.
a) Be evergreen & equanimous: Have you ever wondered how this tree looks during the other seasons? We don’t really think about this tree except at Christmas time. Well, this tree looks just the same in every other season - in wind and hail, sun and storm. It does not shed its leaves at any time of the year. Nature’s contrast to other types of trees!
Gurudev says, “All through the year the Christmas tree is green.” What does this teach us? Just as this tree does not change its appearance (nature) because of good or bad weather, we should also remain true to our innate nature - equanimous and happy irrespective of good or bad times in our life.
b) Be positive & blossom: Gurudev says, “The Christmas tree is pointing upwards and its branches grow on all sides. We all have that capacity to blossom to the fullest of the human potential.” This tree is a symbol of positivity and hope. Just as it expands and grows on all sides, we can continuously grow in knowledge - the sort of knowledge that makes us kind, giving, and sensitive to those around us. In the true Christmas spirit!
c) Give generously: Gurudev says, “A Christmas tree only gives, it does not take anything for itself. It just gives.” Without the tree, where would you hang the bells, decorations, and star - all lovely symbols of light, color, hope, and promise in life? This is the way we should strive to be in life - giving, generous, living in service, as the greatest joy lies in giving.
“Without love, generosity & a spirit of sacrifice, life does not have any meaning. Christmas is a time to recognize that these higher values are an inseparable part of your being.”
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
2) Gifts -
Christmas would not be complete without the tradition of giving and receiving. We all love gifts and all that it symbolizes. Have you thought about what Christmas gift you would like most this year? Here’s what Gurudev says about gifts.
“Each one of you is a special gift on the planet! You are the Christmas tree. The gifts you are carrying in your life are for others. You offer the gift of service to anyone in need, and you will wonder how your needs are being taken care of!”
Gifts remind us to:
a) Serve others: It is our duty to use our talents and skills, our very nature to uplift someone who needs it.
Gurudev adds that while we peel the wrapper of our gifts, we should be careful not to tear the wrapper but should unravel our gifts carefully. The wrappers represent the body, situations, and the environment. The gifts are our innate nature. Open it gently, patiently, he advises.
b) Spread joy: When we share this gift with everyone around us, we will inevitably spread joy. Gurudev adds, “In winter, the Christmas tree gives presents.” This is an example for us on which to mold ourselves - just as the Christmas tree makes everyone happy by bearing gifts, we should make everyone around us happy by always smiling and being happy ourselves. Because when we are happy, we create waves of happiness that touch every person who comes in contact with us. So, make it a point to just be happy - no matter what. This is the gift we must give to the world. Imagine the possibilities if we all follow this!
3) Christmas lights -
We all love the star and decorative lights on the Christmas tree. This is especially true on a dark and cold night when the lights seem to be a guiding force. They emit heat as well as light. This is an important symbol for us. Find your light - the inner light. And then shine on those less fortunate than yourself.
How can you find your inner light? This is possible through meditation. When you go deep within yourself, you will come in touch with your inner light - where there is inner peace, where the ultimate knowledge lies, and where there is only love. Radiate this light and shine on others. This is the truth about Christmas that we should all celebrate.
What is knowledge?
Gurudev says that knowledge is not information gleaned from books nor is it something you gather from reading all the scriptures of the world. True knowledge makes you aware and centered. You become someone who is filled with love, who empathizes with others, and is ready to be of service to humanity.
4) Christmas carols -
One of the most popular Christmas carols is Silent Night.
It carries the message of peace and silence. Where true joy exists. Singing Christmas carols generates pleasant vibrations in the spirit. And you experience ecstasy for a long time. This is why carols make you feel one with the world. Such is the significance of singing in groups - like in satsangs.
Can you hear the carols already?
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright...
5) Silence -
It is the end of the year. it is darker than normal, nature is still, animals are in hibernation, and the birds are quiet. Amidst this still and quiet night, springs celebration - lights, joy, and love and that is Christmas. Symbols are all outer phenomena. If you look within yourself, you will discover that everything is still and quiet there too. From this stillness, comes the message of faith and love.
With the sun there is activity, and you are outward-looking. However, in winter, there is stillness, and you are inward-looking. This is where love springs.
When you find inner silence. And you get the message of Christmas.. You will feel the connection with infinity, the endless.
6) Peace -
“The little mind is dependent like the child. The big mind is like a mother. When the small mind is away from the big mind, there is chaos and confusion. When the individual self sleeps in the lap of the universal self, when they are together, there is real peace.” Gurudev talks about the ultimate communion of the individual self with the cosmic self. He says that when mother (divinity/universal self) and child (individual self) are together, it is holy and that is where there is eternal peace.
How can you achieve this peace? The mother and child are together in meditation. When you meditate, your individual self becomes one with the universal self. And this is real peace. This is the message of Christmas that we must take away.
Based on wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
This Christmas, find a sense of togetherness with yourself and tap into the joy within. Discover the peaceful gifts of yoga and meditation at the Online Meditation & Breath Workshop. The festive season just got more fun!
