Atta Dipa Viharatha (Pali) – the Buddha’s parting words are usually translated as “be islands unto yourselves, refuges unto yourselves, seeking no external refuge; with the Dhamma as your island, the Dhamma as your refuge, seeking no other refuge.”. ... but I prefer the metaphor of “light”. Be a light unto yourself - don’t depend on external authorities – verify it for yourself. We cannot see light because it is who we are – our essential nature – the light that we are is the lamp of awareness. Light has no boundary – no beginning or end. Dwell as light – nonabiding awareness.