The Light of Man—and Woman

An Opera by Deon Nielsen Price. Presented by Culver Crest Publications.

King Janaka asks, “Yajnavalkya, what is the light of man?”

Yajnavalky answers, “The sun, O King, for, having the sun alone for his light, Man sits, moves about, does his work, and returns.”

Queen Sita chimes in, “Woman sits, moves about, does her work, does her work!”

King Janaka, “So, it is. When the sun has set, what is then the light of man?”

...moon...fire...sound...

King Janaka, “When the sound is hushed, then what is the light of man?”

Queen Sita, “Then what is the light of woman?”

Yajnavalkya, “The self indeed is his light.”

King Janaka, “Who is that self?”

Yajnavalkya, “He who is within the heart, his Soul, surrounded by the senses.”

Queen Sita, “She who is within the heart; her Soul, surrounded by her senses.”

Yajnavalkya, “Person of light, consisting of knowledge, wisdom.”

Queen & King, “Person of light, consisting of knowledge, wisdom.”

Yajnavalkya, “If a man clearly beholds his Soul as the lord of all, then he is no more afraid.”

Queen Sita, “If a woman clearly beholds her soul as the lord of all, then she is no more afraid.”

All, “Then they are no more afraid. O light!”