BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE DISTANCE

II. Spiritus

A bright light that’s far away can’t be distinguished from a dim light that’s near.
It’s only when their distances are the same that brightness can be compared.
An idol on the closet shelf inspires more devotion that a glorious god at infinite remove.
An inferior teaching practiced with dedication
Can be as transformative as a superior tradition not put into practice.
Only careful devotion can demonstrate which one is truly the brighter light.
Therefore, make use of the starlight at hand without regard for absolute magnitude.

Credit: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2