A Flame for Christmas... by anahata.c
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Description
Many years ago, I studied meditation on the heart, an ancient yogic practice. My dear friend Andre, an Eastern Orthodox monk, came to me on Christmas with a gift: "Here," he said: "Merry Christmas!" "Wait!" I said. "Let me feed you! Don't go yet!" He pulled the gift from its bag. It was blizzarding at the door: "It's a candle made I from a deep blue glass," he said. "Light shines through it: See?" (Andre was a great artist. It was exquisite.) "Now listen," he said: "You put in front of you, then you let the light shine through it, and it'll hit your heart. Then you meditate on the light. Yogis call it the anahata chakra, we call it the 'Sacred Heart': And really, they're both the same. I made it to quicken your practice! Now let me go!" "I can't take this from you!" I said. "It's too much!" He threw his hands up: "It's Christmas! Light the flame in your heart--then give the light to others! Now meditate! Go, go!" I kept that candle till he passed. And I made him 24 drawings of the candle, one for each hour of the day. This drawing was for midnight when the light was the darkest blue. I added flare tonight in PS, to symbolize light in darkness... And if you're interested: My sitename came from that practice: Ie, Anahata Chakra, which literally means: "The center where there is no sound". In other words, the place of total silence in the center of the Heart...
Comments (31)
koosievantutte
very fine image, mark and a great story. merry christmas to you too.
LivingPixels
Merry xmas mark excellent image such an excellent story!! LOL have a good day my friend!!
magnus073
Mark I pray my net will last long enough to let you know how moved I am by this wonderful Christmas story that is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. This midnight drawing is inspiring and learning the reason you selected your site name was a added treat. Merry Christmas
lizzibell
Great story wonderful image...
lyron
Marvelous story Mark and great image as always. Happy Holidays!!!
beachzz
A most beautiful story, Mark, and perfect for this night. I love your friend without even knowing him and I am so happy he gave you that candle. It gave us this image, and all the love and soul you put into it. Thank you. May this be a wondrous time for you.
durleybeachbum
A heartwarming story in lots of ways! So interesting to hear how you chose your sitename, too. A beautiful drawing:I posted a candle today too, mine is in warm colours. Have a lovely time! Andrea
flavia49
beautiful!! Happy Holidays to you too!!!
blankfrancine
This is very powerful for Christmas morn,Mark. HOpe you are having a wonderful day.
helanker
OH Mark, what a beautiful and very touching story. And the image is so beautiful and just as touching as the story. I love it.
IO4
Wow, what an amazing and wonderful story. What a fabulous and special gift. The drawing is beautiful, thank you for sharing that. Happy Christmas:)
bmac62
As the old time radio commentator, Paul Harvey, said, "...so good to know 'the rest of the story". Glad you added the PS flare...which in my mind's eye is your trademark. I'll bet those 24 versions make a remarkable display. Wonderful symbolism, no matter whose path each of us chooses to follow:) Thank you for this posting and enjoy these days warmly inside Mark!
Miska7
Very nice image and story! Great textures and style. Really well done. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ShadowsNTime
Wonderful story! My favorite color, I wonder if there is a connection:-) I am always surprised at how beautiful simple things can be and this is simple and serene. I have a picture my mother painted 40 plus years ago, three blue candles on black velevet. Its my favorite painting of hers. It encompasses not only the light but the powerful connection of three. Your drawing encompasses that without three. To me it is divine! Peaceful and Happy Christmas to you and those you love Mark!
anaber
Hi,Mark!:-))Wonderful Gift you had long time ago, from your frien Anfré!! and so beautiful you share it with all of us,today!!I think its a wonderful tribute you did to him and a great story in your life,that you never forget for sure!!The blue candle and the light is wonderful and the shine around is magical!Its a wonderful image in the night:-)))wonderfully done!And you did a very good choose with your "nickname" for YOU!Thank you for sharing, Mark!Merry Christmas.
miashadows
You really have that light in your heart Mark.Have a wonderful Christmas.Very beautiful work !!!
auntietk
...
MrsRatbag
Perfection.
novelist
How beautiful. What a lovely story and image. It's so wonderful to find a gift like this today.
sandra46
Awesome work!!!
Meglaurel
my mind is contemplating total silence ...at the center of the heart.
bpclarke
A gorgeous gift and work. Superb in every way. A gift of the heart to one for the soul and spirit.
goodoleboy
Guess what....rather than a long comment, let me say, a fantastic rendition of the candle, and a highly informative and poignant narrative of your creative experience with the monk, Mark! And, Happy Holidays to you from one who doesn't celebrate Christmas.
faroutsider
Thank you for the light and for the silence...
romanceworks
It is a candle that radiates peace, the kind of peace that quiets the heart. A deep blue silence you can see and feel even with your eyes closed. CC
three_grrr
One can meditate on the light from this candle, just as you did on the light from the real one. It exudes peace, and the silence that is in the center of the heart. I hope your Christmas was filled with joy.
elfin14doaks
Whoa, this is most beautiful. We use colors in meditation too. I hope your Christmas was great and wish you much peace and light.
npauling
A very beautiful candle with super lighting that really makes it glow.
JaneEden
Oh what a beautiful story Mark, how wonderful to have known and loved such friend's as you dear departed Andre. I love this picture you made of the beautiful and calming candle, thank you for sharing it and your memories with us! hugs Jane xx
Marinette
...quando c'è silenzio nel cuore è perchè si ha bisogno di amore(pensiero personale). E' comunque una bellissima storia e un disegno stupendo!!!:) gea