Diya
The flame is a symbol of going from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. It is the essence of all prayers. The hrishis have sung in the Upanishads: Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya!
The flame symbolises the journey from the seen to the unseen: drishya se adrishya ki yatra!
The flame of knowledge can only be lit within when all the 5 elements that we are composed of, are awakened. Thus the prayog includes a small copper lotha (vessel) filled with water, above which is placed a small bowl with whole grain (preferably wheat) which symbolises the earth element. The flame symbolises the fire element, and all this is done in the presence of wind and the sky to complete the pious process.
The Prayog
The pious flame is invited at the beginning of each session. It is invited with great reverence for our physical and mental state at that moment greatly affects the flame. The ever enlarging positive vibrations left by the enlightened souls in the cosmos are attracted, thus building a strong magnetic aura around us which supports us to uplift our consciousness. The body is still, in sukhasana, with the spine erect, hands folded with thumbs touching the heart, gap in between the fingers. The eyes are closed with attention to the breathing to make the mind still. Once the body and mind are still and silent, the flame is invited.
