Forces of Light and Darkness Mythologies are full of stories of the perpetual fight between the demons and divine forces. Demons are called asuras and divine beings are called devatas . Devata word comes from the root „ d iv‟ means light. Devatas represent the forces of light. In physics we learn about two types of forces – centripetal and centrifugal. The centripetal and centrifugal forces are shown in the following diagram. In this diagram a man is swinging a ball tied to rope. Two forces operate here – force which moves the ball away from the person and the force which pulls ball towards the person. The ball remains in circular motion due to the two opposing forces. These two types of forces also operate in our life. The forces which take us away from our center – “atma” or the Self and the forces which take us towards the center. The centripet al force of nature is called Devas and the opposing forces are called asuras. Our mind has a tendency move outwards in search of happiness. We seek happiness in material objects. We consider the matter as reality. In the process we forget our own true nature as pure awareness. We identify ourselves with body mind complex. Once we identify with the body mind complex, we start experiencing ourselves as finite beings forgetting our true nature as infinite consciousness-bliss. This tendency of mind to move away from the Self to non-self is due to the forces of darkness. This force of darkness which b inds one to the physical objects is the real “ satan ” . On the other hand, deep inside us there is always a feel for what Truth is, what is right and what is wrong. It is like a compass needle always pointing towards Northern hemisphere. Our actions are guided by conscience which keeps us on the path of right living in accordance to higher values of life – love, compassion, equality. This represents the force of Light. Forces which take us towards the center of our inner Self – devatas. There is always a constant tussle between forces of darkness and light. This is beautifully depicted through the mythological story of asuras and devatas churning the milky oc ean. In the pr ocess of churning the milky ocean, initially poisonous substance called halahal is generated. Subsequently many precious gifts are produced finally leading to emergence of nectar – amrita. The process of churning of