TOGETHER FOR AN ALL-NIGHTER
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu
Last night was an important evening for our Hindu students and their families. Many gathered in their temples to observe Maha Shivaratri, otherwise known as the “Great Night of Shiva.” On this occasion, Hindus remember the heavenly dance of Lord Shiva, who stomps out darkness and ignorance in the world. Overcoming evil with goodness, they gather throughout the evening and end with a feast at sunrise.
There are a couple of aspects about Maha Shivaratri that really stand out to me. One is the idea that the faithful gather for an all-nighter. Darkness and ignorance are a force to be reckoned with, for sure, and Hindus acknowledge that this struggle takes time. As opposed to the culture that expects little to no response time and instant gratification, they have the maturity comprehend the power of evil forces, and the wherewithal to persevere and be diligent. A healthy respect for adversity, I believe, leads to humility and growth.
Another aspect of this observance that stands out is the call to come together as a community. In doing so, Hindus signal that no individual is able to confront darkness and ignorance alone. These obstacles require a ban of believers, summoning energy from one another, uniting to face evil together. Somehow, as one, the gathered is able to gain courage to face the fear of darkness, more readily name ignorance in the world, and stand firm in this cosmic battle. Goodness, I believe, is harnessed exponentially when we gather together. This has become even more evident for me, as I reflect on the power of being on campus for in-person school this year.
In my own faith, this struggle against darkness and ignorance is particularly relevant at this time. For, Christians are in the midst of the season of Lent, a time of introspection; the great journey within the heart and soul. This inward pilgrimage seeks to square up against insecurities, temptations, and that which hold us back from the goodness, or God-ness, that yearns to break through. Our tradition teaches us that this road leads to death, or a casting out of the darkness, giving way to the sunrise and resurrection of Easter.
May we all take inspiration from our Hindu friends who gathered together for an all-nighter. Give us the courage to face darkness and ignorance, both within ourselves, and in the world around us. And, with prayer, embolden us to do our own heavenly dance, naming and stomping out the forces of evil.
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Last night was an important evening for our Hindu students and their families. Many gathered in their temples to observe Maha Shivaratri, otherwise known as the “Great Night of Shiva.” On this occasion, Hindus remember the heavenly dance of Lord Shiva, who stomps out darkness and ignorance in the world. Overcoming evil with goodness, they gather throughout the evening and end with a feast at sunrise.
There are a couple of aspects about Maha Shivaratri that really stand out to me. One is the idea that the faithful gather for an all-nighter. Darkness and ignorance are a force to be reckoned with, for sure, and Hindus acknowledge that this struggle takes time. As opposed to the culture that expects little to no response time and instant gratification, they have the maturity comprehend the power of evil forces, and the wherewithal to persevere and be diligent. A healthy respect for adversity, I believe, leads to humility and growth.
Another aspect of this observance that stands out is the call to come together as a community. In doing so, Hindus signal that no individual is able to confront darkness and ignorance alone. These obstacles require a ban of believers, summoning energy from one another, uniting to face evil together. Somehow, as one, the gathered is able to gain courage to face the fear of darkness, more readily name ignorance in the world, and stand firm in this cosmic battle. Goodness, I believe, is harnessed exponentially when we gather together. This has become even more evident for me, as I reflect on the power of being on campus for in-person school this year.
In my own faith, this struggle against darkness and ignorance is particularly relevant at this time. For, Christians are in the midst of the season of Lent, a time of introspection; the great journey within the heart and soul. This inward pilgrimage seeks to square up against insecurities, temptations, and that which hold us back from the goodness, or God-ness, that yearns to break through. Our tradition teaches us that this road leads to death, or a casting out of the darkness, giving way to the sunrise and resurrection of Easter.
May we all take inspiration from our Hindu friends who gathered together for an all-nighter. Give us the courage to face darkness and ignorance, both within ourselves, and in the world around us. And, with prayer, embolden us to do our own heavenly dance, naming and stomping out the forces of evil.
Berkeley Preparatory School
Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.