The Radiance of Life

Throughout history, people have spoken of a subtle radiance surrounding life. Ancient writings describe halos around Saints, auras of energy around the devoted, and the “spark of life” distinguishing the living from the departed. Today, science is beginning to glimpse this same mystery in the phenomenon known as ultraweak photon emission – sometimes called the “human glow.” Using sensitive instruments, researchers have discovered that every living cell – from brain neurons to skin cells – emits tiny flashes of light. This glow is far below the threshold of our eyes’ detection, yet it remains steady and continuous. Remarkably, the glow fades and disappears when life ends. These findings invite us to consider what this hidden light might reveal about the nature of life, the activity of the mind, and the deeper light spoken of in many traditions.

“One study looked at meditation and our overall mental state, and how they could affect the biophoton emissions. In this study, participants who regularly practiced meditation showed higher levels of biophoton emission. It’s as if their bodies were glowing more brightly. This suggests that relaxation and positive mental states might increase the light within us.”

In Christianity, Jesus told his followers, “You are the light of the world.” In Hinduism, the Upanishads proclaim, “The self is the light of all lights.” In Sikhism, Guru Nanak spoke of the “inner flame” that burns within every soul. These teachings converge: life itself is luminous, and to know this inner light is to know God. This brings us to the teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), Who reminds us that the inner Heavenly Light and Sound are not abstractions but direct experiences, available through meditation. Just as science now observes photons leaving our cells, spiritual practice allows us to perceive a higher radiance – not with our physical eyes, but with the wisdom eye within.

“Now, enlightenment doesn’t mean you go around with a light on your face. But it can happen. People will see you with Light around if they have their Wisdom eye open. Now, we see Jesus’ drawings and Buddha’s pictures, or the Saints, have halos around them – that is Their Light. So actually, that’s exactly what it means by enlightenment, because They have (inner Heavenly) Light. Actually, there is light, but this (inner Heavenly) Light – we cannot use our normal, mortal eyes to discern. We have to use the Wisdom eye, or the Heaven eye, or the God’s eye, the Buddha’s eye, or the Tao’s eye, whatever name you call it.”

Here, the connection is made complete. The light of the body that science measures, the light of wisdom that religion teaches, and the light of the soul revealed through practice – all point toward the same truth. Life is radiant. Death is its cessation. But the eternal self, the true Light, shines beyond physical decay.