One light in a room full of light might have it's significance, adding to the brightness, but one light in the darkness will appear to do so much more. I have struggled with the concepts posed by your talk for many a year. I was raised Catholic & became agnostic at 17. I was introduced to Swami Satchidananda when I was 27 & with my young family, moved to be near their newly relocated ashram, in '80. During the 4 years there, I felt as if a door had been opened; the door to "spirituality." I shut myself off to the "outside" world though. I was being "spiritual," not political, etc. Next I got into "positive thinking" via Norman Vincent Peale & Rev. Robert Schuller....& finally, after many more explorations into various approaches & philosophies, I found myself feeling almost athiest...so, I settled on agnostic. Again! Full circle! I know that I resonate with what you say...& others like you though, even if there might be some differences in the "details." I often feel alienated from my friends & even my own children & family, because I now want to delve head-first into the truth of what is going on in the world. No more pretending...not looking...etc. But, I can seem like "Debbie Downer," & most people don't want to wake up or become aware. Doing so implies some responsibility on their part. (Even a simple thing like not shopping at WalMart seems too much of a sacrifice...despite my pleas!) Most people I know today, are swamped with the burden of just making ends meet & keeping their heads above water. Having to work full-time while being a single parent...etc. It isn't so much laziness or apathy (though there IS plenty of that, too) but I think people feel powerless. Knowing means doing & doing seems useless....Connecting with one's own belief & then reconnecting with the Source...with "All That Is" & seeing the Oneness in All...from that point, as you say, we can be strong enough to look the "beast in the eye"....not to harm it, but to transform it's energies. One light pours forth into the darkness....& like a mirror, will attract other light to it. We can not overcome that which we will not acknowledge though. I once dreamed (long, long ago) that I had died & was standing at an entrance. I was told that I'd been given so much knowledge yet had kept it to myself & hadn't helped others by sharing...so I was denied entrance. I have always remembered that dream. I haven't always been discerning though & have wasted much energy, "throwing pearls before swine." Finding the balance isn't easy. Final thought...in an initiation in '94, I was given the name Clarion. I asked what it meant & was told, "You know, the person who goes out in front (of the procession) announcing the arrival (of whatever!)" The puzzle pieces continue to fall into place! I look forward to more of your talks! Thank-you...Namaste, Janaki