Two Quick Notes & EXCERPTS RE: Light, Love, Fate, & Destiny (a post-practice Monday post) November 9, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Life, Love, Meditation, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Atharva Veda, destiny, Diwali, Dr. R. L. Kashyap, fate, Govardhan, Kali Puja, light, Love, relationship, Seamus Heaney, Shicksalstag, Stephen Knapp, The Ramayana
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Happy Diwali, Kali Puja, and Govardhan! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
For Those Who Missed It: This post-practice post for Monday, November 9th, was previously posted. The 2026 prompt question was, “If you made a Top 10 ‘Most Important Things Needed for a Successful Relationship’, what would be at the top and what would be at the bottom of the list?” [NOTE: You don’t need to make the whole list — unless that’s how your brain works and/or you might find it helpful — just consider the most obvious and the least obvious things you value in a romantic relationship, a platonic relationship, or a familial relationship (i.e., with a sibling).]
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“History says, Don’t hope
On this side of the grave,
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up
And hope and history rhyme.”
— The Greek Chorus in The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes by Seamus Heaney
Historically (at least as early as 1848), November 9th has had a dark history in Germany. Some people consider it fate; some consider it destiny. Either way, it is known as Schicksalstag (“Destiny Day” or “Fateful Day”).
While, some people — particularly in the 1920s and 1930s — used the history of the date to perpetuate more darkness, there has also been some light on this date (especially in more modern history).
Since this year’s practice overlapped the fourth and fifth days of Diwali, we focused on the light.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT SCHICKSALSTAG.
“So as we look at ourselves, we may also say that our present life is the result of past karma, and our present actions will create our future circumstances…. Our karma is a matter of creating balance within us and in our actions.”
— quoted from “Chapter 4: Explanations of the Essential Vedic Principles: Principle 9 — The Soul Undergoes Reincarnation” in The Power of Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture by Stephen Knapp
On the fourth and fifth days of Diwali, the light is on relationships — specifically, husbands and wives on the fourth day; siblings (especially brothers and sisters) on the fifth day. One of my favorite Diwali stories, related to a husband and a wife, is also a story about the difference between destiny and fate — and a very clever woman who makes sure the light overcomes the darkness.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT THE FINAL DAYS OF DIWALI.
“I go around your mind just as the sun[light] goes around heaven and earth
May you be the one loving me only, not another
may you not go away from me”
— quoted from Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
