Comparative study of the effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp using the electrosomatographic technique

Please read our article Introduction to spiritual research using the electrosomatographic scanning technique before reading this article, so as to understand it better.

1. Introduction

Candles have been in use for thousands of years. During the 18th century candles were mainly made from tallow and were widely used to aid travellers at dark and for lighting homes and places of worship at night. These days candles are mainly made from paraffin and come in various shapes, sizes and fragrances. Even though candles are no longer a major source of light, they are still very widely used whenever there is an electricity outage at night, in the absence of inverters and other alternatives. Lit candle vigils are also prevalent worldwide as a means of protest. In many countries of the world candles symbolise celebration, mark romance, define ceremony, and accent decor. Besides this, candles are also frequently used on graves, and to commemorate the memory of people who have passed away.  Another very popular use of candles is lighting them at the altar. In some parts of the world lamps fuelled by clarified butter (ghee-lamps) are used instead, though their use is rapidly on the decline.

Though a lit candle serves many purposes, are we aware of what happens at a spiritual level when a candle is lit? To ascertain the effect of a lit candle and a lamp lit using clarified butter (ghee-lamp) at a spiritual level, with the help of modern equipment, we did a comparative study using the electrosomatographic technique on ten seekers from around the world – five seekers without negative energy distress and five seekers with negative energy distress. We used the DDFAO equipment for this study.

2.Some details of the experiment

2.1 Duration of the experiment

31st December 2008 to 27th January 2009

2.2 Age group of the subjects

21 to 56 years

2.3 Methodology

Please refer to our article Introduction to spiritual research using the electrosomatographic scanning technique for details on the methodology.

After recording the baseline reading of each participating seeker, we asked each of the seekers to hold a lit candle for ten minutes. The first scanning was done ten minutes after exposure to the stimulus. This reading was A1. Then readings were taken at 1-4 hour intervals until the readings came to the baseline reading and then that section of the experiment was concluded.

Upon taking a new baseline reading, each of the seekers was asked to hold a lit ghee-lamp and the above process was repeated till the subjects reached their baseline state.

3. Observations

Effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp for ten  minutes
Name of seeker		On activity of the upper four chakras (chakrās)		On activity of the lower three chakras (chakrās)
		Upon holding a lit candle	Upon holding a lit ghee-lamp	Upon holding a lit candle	Upon holding a lit ghee-lamp
Seekers without negative energy  distress	Mr. PH	Increased	Decreased	Decreased	Increased
	Mr. RS	Increased	Increased	Decreased	Decreased
	Mr. VD	Increased	Increased	Decreased	Decreased
	Ms. LV	Increased	Decreased	Decreased	Decreased
	Mr. AD	Decreased	Decreased	Increased	Decreased
Total	Increased	4	2	1	1
	Decreased	1	3	4	4
Seekers with negative energy distress	Ms. BS	Decreased	Increased	Decreased	Decreased
	Ms. VM	Decreased	Increased	Increased	Increased
	Ms. SJ	Increased	Increased	Increased	Decreased
	Ms. AP	Increased	Increased	Increased	Decreased
	Ms. YV	Increased	Decreased	Increased	Increased
Total	Increased	3	4	4	2
	Decreased	2	1	1	3

Duration of the effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp for ten  minutes
Names of seekers		Upon holding a lit candle	Upon holding a lit ghee-lamp
Seekers without negative energy distress	Mr. PH	3 hours 16 minutes	77 hours 56 minutes
	Mr. RS	4 hours 30 minutes	31 hours 56 minutes
	Mr. VD	78 hours 34 minutes	44 hours 16 minutes
	Ms. LV	3 hours 55 minutes	16 hours 45 minutes
	Mr. AD	11 hours 31 minutes	3 hours 9 minutes
Seekers with negative energy distress	Ms. BS	22 hours 21 minutes	3 hours 45 minutes
	Ms. VM	3 hours 36 minutes	130 hours 25 minutes
	Ms. SJ	31 hours 15 minutes	22 hours 34 minutes
	Ms. AP	24 hours 15 minutes	23 hours 4 minutes
	Ms. YV	156 hours 45 minutes	95 hours 15 minutes

 

Minimum and maximum duration of the effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes
Type of seeker	Time	Lit candle	Lit ghee-lamp
Seekers without negative energy  distress	Minimum duration	3 hours 16 minutes	3 hours 9 minutes
	Maximum duration	78 hours 34 minutes	77 hours 56 minutes
Seekers with negative energy distress	Minimum duration	3 hours 36 minutes	3 hours 45 minutes
	Maximum duration	156 hours 45 minutes	130 hours 25 minutes

The following is the summary of our observations.

3.1 Effect of holding a lit candle for ten minutes on the activity of the Kundalini chakras

3.1.1 Effect on the activity of the upper four chakras

• 80% of seekers without negative energy distress showed an increase in activity
• 60% of seekers with negative energy distress showed an increase in activity

3.1.2 Effect on the activity of the lower three chakras

• 20% of seekers without negative energy distress showed an increase in activity
• 80% of seekers with negative energy distress showed an increase in activity

3.2 Effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes on the activity of the Kundalini chakras

3.2.1 Effect on the activity of the upper four chakras

• 40% of seekers without negative energy distress showed an increase in activity
• 80% of seekers with negative energy distress showed an increase in activity

3.2.2 Effect on the activity of the lower three chakras

• 20% of seekers without negative energy distress showed an increase in activity
• 40% of seekers with negative energy distress showed an increase in activity

3.3 Duration of the effect of holding a lit candle for ten minutes on the activity of the Kundalini chakras

3.3.1 Minimum duration

• 3 hours and 16 minutes in the case of seekers without negative energy distress
• 3 hours and 36 minutes in the case of seekers with negative energy distress

3.3.2 Maximum duration

• 78 hours and 34 minutes in the case of seekers without negative energy distress
• 156 hours and 45 minutes in the case of seekers with negative energy distress

3.4 Duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes on the activity of the Kundalini chakras

3.4.1 Minimum duration

• 3 hours and 9 minutes in the case of seekers without negative energy distress
• 3 hours and 45 minutes in the case of seekers with negative energy distress

3.4.2 Maximum duration

• 77 hours and 56 minutes in the case of seekers without negative energy distress
• 130 hours and 25 minutes in the case of seekers with negative energy distress

4. Input from the subtle-knowledge section

We showed the tables and above observations to seekers from SSRF’s subtle-knowledge section with subtle-analysis ability. We asked them questions on some of the observations and sought their help in understanding what was actually happening at the subtle-level. Their input gave us an insight into the reasons underlying the observations, and an understanding of the different variables deciding the outcome. The following were our questions and their answers.

4.1 Spiritual science underlying increased activity of the upper four chakras of seekers upon holding a lit candle

Question: Upon holding a lit candle for ten minutes, why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras suggestive of increased activity in 80% of seekers without negative energy distress, and 60% of seekers with negative energy distress?

Subtle-knowledge section: A lit candle emits Tama-predominant, that is, tamasik vibrations.
The below drawing based on subtle-knowledge shows what happens in the spiritual dimension when a candle is lit. It is based on subtle-knowledge received by Ms. Yoya Vallee .

 

The above drawing based on subtle-knowledge shows that a lit candle is tamasik.

• Effect of holding a lit candle on the upper four chakras of seekers without negative energy distress and the underlying science: Upon holding a lit candle for ten minutes, theupper chakras of seekers without negative energy distress were activated to fight against the distressing vibrations emitted by the candle. As these chakras became active to resist the distressing vibrations, the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras were suggestive of increased activity.
• Effect of holding a lit candle on the upper four chakras of seekers with negative energy distress and the underlying science:Upon holding a lit candle in hand for ten minutes, theDDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras of seekers with negative energy distress were also suggestive of increased activity. However, the reason was entirely different. In these seekers, the activity of the upper chakras increased, as the black energy centres created in their upper chakras by superior subtle-sorcerers (mantriks) from Hell became activated to imbibe the Tama component emitted from the lit candle.

4.2 Concentration of Tama component in the body of seekers from the lit candle leading to a decrease in activity of the chakras

Question:Among the ten seekers participating in this experiment, in three seekers the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras were suggestive of decreased activity.

In 80% of seekers without negative energy distress, the DDFAO readings corresponding to the lower three Kundalini chakras were suggestive of decreased activity. What is the spiritual science underlying these observations?

Subtle-knowledge section: Contact with Tama component emitted by a lit candle makes the body inactive from the perspective of imbibing Divine consciousness (Chaitanya).

The bodies of these seekers imbibed the Tama component emitted by the lit candle. As a result Tama component was concentrated in their bodies. That is why the chakras of these seekers became inactive.

4.3 Imbibing of Sattva component from the lit ghee-lamp leading to an increase in activity of the upper four chakras of seekers without negative energy distress

Question:Why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras suggestive of increased activity in 80% of seekers without negative energy distress upon holding a lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes?

Subtle-knowledge section: The below is a drawing based on subtle-knowledge received by Ms. Yoya Vallee showing what happens in the spiritual dimension when a ghee-lamp is lit.

The upper four chakras are more sensitive to Sattva component than the lower three chakras. Hence, they imbibed Sattva component swiftly and stored it in the body. As these seekers did not have any negative energy distress, there was no resistance to this imbibing process. The resultant rapid concentration of Sattva component activated the chakras.

4.4 Upper four chakras of seekers without negative energy distress and with a spiritual level above 60% imbibing Sattva component to a large extent from the lit ghee-lamp leading to their moving to the non-materialised (nirgun) state

Question:Why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras of Mr. PH and Mr. AD, seekers without negative energy distress and above the 60% spiritual level , suggestive of decreased activity upon holding a lit ghee-lamp for ten  minutes?

Subtle-knowledge section: As Mr. PH and Mr. AD do not have negative energy distress, there was no resistance to the imbibing of Sattva component emanating from the lit ghee-lamp. Hence, they imbibed Sattva component swiftly and stored it in their bodies. The resultant rapid concentration of Sattva component activated their upper chakras to a great extent. If the proportion of Sattva component in any component increases dramatically, it moves beyond the components.. This means that it moves from the materialised (sagun) to the non-materialised state. That is what happened in the case of these seekers and the DDFAO equipment reflected the non-materialised state as inactivity of the chakras.

4.5 Black energy covering on the upper four chakras of seekers with negative energy distress reducing due to contact with Sattva component emitted from the lit ghee-lamp, thereby resulting in increased activity of these chakras

Question:Why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the upper four Kundalini chakras of seekers with negative energy distress suggestive of increased activity upon holding the lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes?

Subtle-knowledge section: In the case of seekers with negative energy distress, due to constant attacks by negative energies and due to black energy centres created by negative energies, black energy was accumulated in the upper four chakras. This made them inactive, that is, it decreased their ability to function. Due to the contact with Sattva component gained from the lit ghee-lamp, the Raja-Tama predominant black energy covering was destroyed. As a result, the upper four chakras began functioning, that is, they become active.

4.6 Science underlying the increase in activity of the lower three chakras upon holding a lit ghee-lamp in the case of a seeker without negative energy distress and following the Path of Action

Question: Upon holding a lit ghee-lamp, amongst the five seekers without negative energy distress, why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the lower three Kundalini chakras of only Mr. PH suggestive of increase in activity?

Subtle-knowledge section:Every individual performs spiritual practice as per his basic constitution. Hence, according to the particular process of mission as per the particular path of spiritual practice, activity in particular chakras is conducive, that is, favourable for his mission. When seekers following the Path of Action (Karmayoga) come in contact with a Sattva-predominant, that is, sattvik component, their lower three chakras that are related to bodily actions become active. Mr. PH is a seeker following Karmayoga. That is why upon holding a lit ghee-lamp his lower three chakras became active.

4.7 Effect of positive components seen at the level of particular chakras depending on the type of negative energy possessing the individual

Question: Why were the DDFAO readings corresponding to the lower three Kundalini chakras of 40% of seekers with negative energy distress suggestive of increased activity upon holding the lit ghee-lamp for ten minutes?

Subtle-knowledge section:The effect of positive and negative components is seen on the constitution of an individual at the level of the chakras as per the type of negative energy possessing that individual. The lower chakras of Ms. VM and Ms. YV were affected by inferior subtle-sorcerers at that point in time. (Superior subtle-sorcerers affect the upper four chakras.) That is why the lower three chakras responded to the purity (sattvikta) from the lit ghee-lamp with an increase in their activity.

4.8 Spiritual science underlying the maximum duration of the effect of holding a lit candle on the chakras of seekers with negative energy distress being more than the maximum duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp

Question: In the case of seekers with negative energy distress, the maximum duration of the effect of holding a lit candle was 156 hours and 45 minutes; whereas that of holding a lit ghee-lamp was 130 hrs and 25 minutes. What is the spiritual science underlying this difference?

Subtle-knowledge section:

• Seekers with negative energy distress already have black energy centres that give maximum response to distressing vibrations; the effect of the tamasik lit candle lasting longer than that of the sattvik lit ghee-lamp: Negative energies create black energy centres in individuals with negative energy distress. These centres give swift and maximum response to the distressing vibrations around them. Their bodies are conducive to the Raja-Tama-predominant components in the atmosphere. Hence, the effect of any Raja-Tama-predominant component lasts longer than that of any sattvik component. That is why the effect of holding a lit candle lasted longer than that of holding the lit ghee-lamp.
• Sattvik vibrations from the lit ghee-lamp being used for destroying the distressing vibrations in the body; the effect of the ghee-lamp lasting shorter than that of the lit candle: The Ssattvaik component has the effect of a subtle battle on the bodies of individuals with negative energy distress. Hence, even though the body imbibes positive vibrations from the sattvaik component, they are utilised for destroying the distressing centres in the body. That is why the effect of the sattvaik component does not last as long as that of the tamasik component.

4.9 Duration of the effect of sattvaik and tamasik components on a seeker with negative energy distress depending on the severity of the distress

Question: In the case of Ms. VM, a seeker with negative energy distress, the duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp was 130 hours and 25 miuntes. The duration of the effect of holding a lit candle was only 3 hours and 36 minutes. What is the reason underlying the longer duration of the effect of a ghee-lamp compared with that of a lit candle?

Subtle-knowledge section:

• General rule – A lit ghee-lamp is sattvik, so its effect lasts longer than the tamasik lit candle: A lit ghee-lamp is more sattvik than a lit candle. The proportion of deeper and lasting effect of the Sattva guna is more than that of a lit candle. This is because the Tama guna inherently has the tendency of going towards dissolution, and has more inertia compared with Sattva guna. That is why its effect is short lasting. Sattva guna has higher ability of affecting the seven Kundalini chakras and making a longer lasting impact as compared to Tama guna.
• The effect of sattvik component being dependant on the spiritual emotion (bhāv): The more our spiritual emotion, that is, bhav (bhāv) is while holding the sattvik object, the higher is the extent of concentration of its sattvikta in our body. That is why bhav spiritual emotion is important.
• As negative energy utilised the distressing vibrations emitted by the lit candle to attack all those  who were present in that environment, its effect being was short lived on the seeker: Upon holding the lit candle, there was greater effect of its tamasik vibrations was more on the immediate environment than on Ms. VM. This was because the mantriks used the lit candle to attack those present in that environment. That is why there was less effect on the seeker.
• Effect on body being is more greater if the posssessing negative energy is powerful: If the negative energy possessing a seeker is powerful, then this negative energy imbibes the distressing vibrations from the lit candle to strengthen its black energy centres in the seeker’s body. In that case, the effect of a lit candle on the Kundalini chakras of the seekers lasts longer on the Kundalini chakras of the seekers.

4.10 Duration of the effect of tamasik components on the chakras depending on the severity of negative energy distress in seekers

Question: What is the spiritual science underlying the wide variation in the duration of the effect of holding a lit candle in two seekers with negative energy distress? The effect lasted for 3 hours and 36 minutes when Mrs. VM held the lit candle; whereas it was for 156 hours and 45 minutes when Ms. YV held it.

Subtle-knowledge section:

Ms. VM has mild negative energy distress. That is why on holding a lit candle, only a small proportion of the Tama guna emitted from the lit candle was imbibed by her. This Tama guna was quickly destroyed by the Sattva guna in her. Hence, the effect of holding a lit candle lasted only for 3 hours and 36 minutes.

On the other hand, Ms. YV has severe negative energy distress. She is possessed by a superior mantrik. The upper four chakras of seekers possessed by superior mantriks have a greater ability to respond to, imbibe and emanate distressing vibrations from the environment. Hence, the mantrik possessing Ms. YV utilised the opportunity to imbibe a large proportion of Tama guna from the lit candle. Hence, the effect lasted for a longer duration of 156 hours and 45 minutes.

4.11 Duration of the effect of the lit candle depending on whether the spiritual level is above or below 60% in the case of seekers without negative energy distress

Question: What is the spiritual science underlying the difference in the duration of the effect of holding a lit candle on two seekers without negative energy distress? The effect on Mr. PH lasted for 3 hours and 16 minutes, whereas on Mr. VD it lasted for 78 hours and 34 minutes.

Subtle-knowledge section: The spiritual level of Mr. PH is above 60% and he predominantly has vibrations associated with positive energy. Hence, when he held the lit candle he imbibed the Tama guna emitted from it to a small extent. That is why its effect lasted for a shorter duration of 3 hours and 16 minutes.
Though Mr. VD is also without negative energy distress, his spiritual level is below 60%. That is why his body imbibed the Tama guna emitted from the candle to a greater extent. Hence, its effect lasted for a longer duration of 78 hours and 34 minutes.

4.12 Duration of the effect of sattvik components on the chakras depending on the severity of negative energy distress in seekers

Question: In the case of Ms. VM, a seeker with negative energy distress, the duration of holding the lit ghee-lamp was 130 hours and 25 minutes. However, in the case of Ms. BS, also a seeker with negative energy distress, the duration of holding the lit ghee-lamp was 3 hours and 45 minuntes. What is the reason underlying the longer duration of the effect of a ghee-lamp on Ms. VM compared with that of on Ms. BS?

Subtle-knowledge section:

Ms. VM has mild negative energy distress. Hence, after holding the lit ghee-lamp, the Sattva guna imbibed from it was destroyed slowly. That is why its effect lasted for a much longer duration of 130 hours and 25 minutes.

Ms. BS, a seeker with severe negative energy distress is possessed by a superior mantrik. The mantrik has created black energy centres in her body that respond quickly and maximally to distressing vibrations. Her body is not conducive to the functioning of any external sattvik component. In fact, any sattvik component has a battle-like effect on her body. Hence, even if her body does imbibe any sattvik vibrations they are utilized in destroying the black energy centres in her body. That is why their effect lasts for a shorter period.

4.13 Duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp on seekers without negative energy distress and above the 60% spiritual level depending on their path of spiritual practice

Question: In the case of Mr. AD, a seeker without negative energy distress and with a spiritual level above 60%, the duration of the effect of holding the lit ghee-lamp lasted 3 hours and 9 minuntes. However, in the case of Mr. PH, also a seeker without negative energy distress and with a spiritual level above 60%, the duration of the effect of holding the lit ghee-lamp lasted 77 hours and 56 miuntes. What is the reason underlying the longer duration of the effect of a ghee-lamp on Mr. PH compared with to that on Mr. AD?

Subtle-knowledge section:

The upper four chakras of seekers above the 60% spiritual level have good ability to respond to Sattva guna and condense it. That is why, as Mr. AD’s upper four chakras concentrated  Sattva guna, they gave up their sagun status and started moving to the nirgun state. When Sattva guna increases in seekers associated with positive energy and have enhanced ability to respond to sattva quality and who are above the 60% spiritual level, their Sushumna-nadi (Sushumnā-nādī) gets activated.  An activated Sushumna nadi causes all the chakras to go to the nirgun state, that is, non-active state. That is why the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp on the seven Kundalini chakras of Mr. AD was just 3 hours and 9 minutes.

In their spiritual journey, some individuals go from the nirgun to the sagun state, while others go from the sagun to the nirgun state. Mr. PH has a spiritual level of more than 60% and a high proportion of vibrations associated with positive energy. As he follows the Path of Action, as per his spiritual constitution, his lower three chakras are sensitive to the Sattva guna. That is why when he held the lit ghee-lamp, his lower three chakras first imbibed the Sattva guna and concentrated it within. Due to this they went beyond the sagun state and showed an inclination towards inactivity. Then this concentrated Sattva guna started its journey upwards to activate the Divine consciousness (Chaitanya) in the upper four chakras. Hence, after some time the upper four chakras also concentrated Sattva guna. As a result, they too gave up their sagun status and showed inactivity indicative of the nirgun state. As this process took a longer time, when Mr. PH held a ghee-lamp its effect lasted for as long as 77 hours and 56 minutes.

4.14 Spiritual science underlying the duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp being longer than that of holding a lit candle in the case of a seeker with positive vibrations, spiritual level above 60% and without spiritual distress

Question: In the case of Mr. PH, a seeker with positive vibrations, a spiritual level above 60% and without spiritual distress, the duration of the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp lasted 130 hours and 25 miuntes. The duration of effect of holding a lit candle lasted only 3 hours and 36 minutes. What is the reason underlying the longer duration of the effect of a ghee-lamp compared with that of a lit candle?

Subtle-knowledge section:

As Mr. PH’s spiritual level is above 60% and he has positive vibrations in the body, he could imbibe a large proportion of the sattvik vibrations emanating from the ghee-lamp. That is why the effect of holding a lit ghee-lamp lasted for 77 hours and 56 minutes. After holding a lit candle in hand, only a small proportion of the tamasik vibrations emanating from it were absorbed. Even these were destroyed quickly by the sattvikta in his body. Hence, its effect on his seven chakras lasted for a very short period of 3 hours and 16 minutes.

5. Conclusions

5.1    Detrimental effect of Tama guna from a lit candle

• When seekers without spiritual distress hold a lit candle, due to contact with its tamasik vibrations, Tama guna gets concentrated in their body. Due to this, the activity of their upper and lower chakras decreases.
• Black energy centres in the body of an individual with negative energy distress respond swiftly and maximally to the distressing vibrations emitted from the lit candle. That is why the duration of the effect of a lit candle lasts longer than that of a lit ghee-lamp. On the other hand, the sattvik vibrations from a lit ghee-lamp are utilised for destroying the distressing centres in the body. Hence, its effect lasts for a shorter period.
• Effect of a lit candle lasts as per the severity of negative energy distress: The duration of the effect of a lit candle lasts for a shorter time in an individual with mild negative energy distress. This is because the Tama guna from the lit candle is imbibed to a lesser extent. Individuals possessed by a superior mantrik imbibe Tama guna to a greater extent. That is why its effect lasts longer.

5.2    Benefit of sattvikta from a lit ghee-lamp

• When seekers without spiritual distress hold a lit ghee-lamp, due to contact with its sattvik vibrations, Sattva guna gets concentrated in their body. Due to this the activity of their upper four chakras decreases. In seekers following the Path of Action, even the activity of their lower three chakras decreases.
• In seekers with a spiritual level above 60% and without spiritual distress, due to contact with sattvik vibrations from a lit ghee-lamp, the Sattva guna in their bodies increases. As a result, their upper four chakras give up their sagun status and move to the nirgun state. That is why their activity decreases.
• By holding a lit ghee-lamp which emits sattvik vibrations, the black energy covering on the upper four chakras of seekers with negative energy distress decreases . When seekers with negative energy distress hold a lit ghee-lamp, due to contact with its sattvik vibrations, the black energy covering on their upper four chakras due to storage of black energy decreases. Hence, the activity of those chakras increases. In seekers possessed by inferior negative energies, the activity of the lower three chakras also increases.
• When seekers with mild negative energy distress hold a lit ghee-lamp, the Sattva guna imbibed from it decreases slowly. Hence, its effect lasts longer. In seekers with severe negative energy distress, the imbibed Sattva guna is used to destroy distressing black energy centres in the body. As a result, its effect lasts only for a short duration.
• Upon holding a lit ghee-lamp, the duration of its effect on the seven Kundalini chakras is shorter in the case of seekers going from the nirgun to the sagun state. In case of seekers going from the sagun to the nirgun state, the effect lasts for a longer period.

6    Summary

6.1    Minimise use of candles

This experiment showed us the detrimental effect of being in contact with a lit candle. Presently the use of lit candles is highly prevalent. Having understood its effect, we can try to limit its use to the minimum.

6.2    Steps to limit the adverse effect of candles

When it is unavoidable to use candles, we can try to minimise their adverse effect. This can be achieved by creating a protective border by writing the chant of God’s Name around the lit candle. We can also pray to God with spiritual emotion for protection from the adverse effects of contact with a lit candle.

6.3    Try to use a lit ghee-lamp wherever possible

This experiment also showed us the beneficial effect of using a lit ghee-lamp. The practice of using a lit ghee-lamp is fast declining. Besides reasons such as being a bit cumbersome compared to using a candle, an important reason is lack of awareness of its highly beneficial effect. Having understood its importance, we can make efforts to use it wherever possible.

6.4    Importance of lighting a ghee-lamp in front of the altar

The main spiritual objective in lighting a candle or lamp in front of the altar (images or symbols of God) is to imbibe the sattvikta emanating from the altar. When we light a candle, not only are we unable to imbibe the sattvikta, we also spread tamasik vibrations in our environment. On the other hand, when we light a ghee-lamp, we are best able to imbibe the sattvikta. Taking this into consideration, as far as possible we can try to light a ghee-lamp in front of the altar.