Om parasmai jyotise namaha, Salutations to the Sun who gives the light to all others.
glossary
parasmai — the Supreme SB 2.4.12, SB 4.1.56
parasmai — unto the Transcendence SB 3.9.14, SB 4.17.29
parasmai — unto the Supreme SB 4.3.22
parasmai — unto the transcendental SB 4.17.33
parasmai — to outsiders SB 8.17.20
convey (parasmai)
conveyance (parasmai)
disburden (parasmai)
lend (parasmai)
make (parasmai)
refer (parasmai)
transfer (parasmai)
parasmaipada — a verb form indicating things done for others
The Sun engages in a particular form of service: it makes sacrifice (or self-emptying-out) in order to be the conveyance of light for others. If there were no light, there would be no sentient, conscious, self-aware life with the possibility of yoga, following a path of union with the Divine.
We get a very clear sense of the Sun as embodiment of dharma (dharmaswarupa), then engaging in self-sacrifice in order that others may have life and fulfilment.
Surya (or the Sun) is often identified with Aditya, Savitr and Pusan, another important Vedic deity. He is extremely brilliant and rides in an exquisitely beautiful chariot drawn by seven horses. He gives light, produces day and night, gives power and strength to living beings, makes them active and destroys their laziness and disease.
Savitr is the aspect of the Sun before sunrise. He is golden all over. He establishes people in their respective places. He gives light and energy and guides people in the right path.
At first, God stands at a distance watching man’s efforts, like the teacher who stands apart when the students write out answers to his questions. Then when man sheds his attachment to Bhoga and takes to good deeds, and Seva, God comes encouragingly near. For, He is like Surya Narayana, who stands waiting outside the closed door, like the servant who knows the rights of the master and his own limitations. He does not announce his presence or bang the door. He simply waits. And when the Master does but just open the door a little, the sun rushes in and promptly drives out darkness from within. When His help is asked for, He is present by the side of man, with hands extended to render assistance. (Prema Vahini)
Download 108 Names of Surya, the Sun
