DEEPAVALI
Deepaawali
means an Array of Lamps i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array)
It is a
festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual
darkness. It celebrates the victory of good over evil - and the glory of light.
The
illuminations and fireworks, joy and festivities, are to signify the victory of
divine forces over those of wickedness. On Deepavali day, triumphant Sri Ram
returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the demon of Lanka. On Deepavali
day, we celebrate the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu.
On this day
also Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasur.
On Deepavali
day, everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air
of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about
unity. It instills charity in the hearts of the people.
In a happy mood
of great rejoicing, village folks move about freely, mixing with one another,
all enmity being forgotten. They embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a
great unifying force. The holy vibrations produced by the greetings of love
fill the atmosphere, and are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart
in every man and woman in the world.
The
Message of Deepavali :
Om asato ma
sadgamaya,
Tamaso ma
jyotir gamaya,
Mrityor ma
amritam gamaya.
Lead us from
falsehood to truth; from Darkness to light; from Death to immortality and from
Lethargy to Activity.
According to
the Vedic culture, the message of Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya (from darkness unto
light) is given through the festival of Deepawali to all peoples of the world.
During the night of Deepawali the myriads of little clay lamps (dias) seem to
silently send forth Deepawali messages: Come let us remove darkness from the
face of the earth. This is not the work to be done by one dia or by one
individual. It requires collective effort. In the diffusion of light the
question of high and low is forgotten. This is the lesson taught by both small
and big dias.
The second
message of the burning dias is to destroy the difference between rich and poor-
the destruction of discrimination based on poverty and wealth. The burning dia,
whether in a palatial bungalow or in a grass hut, is a symbol of this unity.
The wall of separation based on economic status cannot prevent the penetration
and spread of the light of the dia.
The third
message of the burning diias of Deepawali is to kindle the extinguished lights
of our neighbours. Let us find out what is needed- whether there is a shortage
of wick or oil- and just by a little help the neighbour’s lamps can be lit. One
dia can light several others. A little charity can bring joy to countless
others.
The row of
lamps teach yet another lesson and that is of unity as exemplified in Satyam,
Shivam Sundaram- Truth, Joy and Beauty.
The lights of
Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the
streets and lanes. This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual
must be reflected outside. Passersby may thereby be prevented from stumbling on
their way to reach their destination.
The lights of
the dias on earth beckon the lights in the firmaments to descend upon earth and
establish the heavenly kingdom of God for the welfare of the human race.
Feeding empty
stomachs, lighting blown-out dias and providing cheer and joy amongst the
downtrodden is to enter the true spirit of Deepavali. This is the true prayer
to Lakshmi Devi.
DEEPAVALI--- THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The
light reflected in the individual mind is the soul. The light reflected in the
cosmic mind is the universal spirit. The microcosm and the macrocosm. Beyond
both the individual and the cosmic is the one light of infinite spirit beyond
name and form. The infinite consciousness is beyond all form and beyond all
personality. This is the ultimate Reality.
For
the ultimate Reality of infinite inner Consciousness, the best symbol is light.
The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the self is ever shining
steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit still, close the eyes, withdraw the
senses. Fix the mind on this Supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by
attaining inner illumination. Wake up from the slumber of ignorance through meditation
and self-inquiry. Realise the constant and eternal light of the soul.
"The
self is self luminous being pure Consciousness. The cognition of all objects
arises from the light of pure Consciousness." -Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
May
we attain perfect inner illumination. May the Supreme light of lights enlighten
our understanding. May we attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the
eternal, all pervading Self. May we all prosper gloriously on the material as
well as on the spiritual planes.
