HINDU FESTIVALS >> DEEPAVALI

by Shri Prakash Gossai

In many parts of the world and especially in North America ethnic diversity is cherished and as such the many customs and traditions that are part of our rich cultural heritage will certainly live on- DIWALI, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE. To my mind, the Festival of Lights provides a wonderful opportunity for all Hindus to learn more of the GODDESS LAKSHMI and the many stories linked with DIWALI. It is my hope that year after year conferences and discussions will make it clearer the inner meaning of Diwali and hence remove the darkness that surrounds us both morally and socially.

Deepawali is a Sanskrit word coined from two other words-deep-which means lamp or light, awali-which means a row. Hence Deepawali means a "row of lights".

The “Diya” apparatus itself teaches a great lesson to the aspirant. The symbolism is most profound. The vessel (Diya) is compared to the “Body” reminding us of the basic five elements making up our physical form: Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Air. The Ghee in the vessel is the “Mind”. The Flame (Brightness) represents our spiritual consciousness. The brightness of the flame obviously depends on the purity of the Ghee.

Conclusion: The purer the Mind, the more spiritually conscious we become; this is Divya Drishti.

We should not look at the Diya simply as only a source of light, but as a constant reminder of a process to purify our thoughts.

Pure thoughts>pure words >exemplary behavior >The True Devotee

The festival is also called Diwali which encompasses “divya” meaning divine, spiritual or inner light, indicating that Diwali is not only a festival of lights but it signifies the Supreme Light, Param Jyoti, illumination of pure consciousness, the Atman.

Deepawali falls on the last day of the dark half of the month Kartika (Oct-Nov). Please see calendar for dates >>

Deepawali relates to the spiritual process of SELF REALIZATION- the process through which the individual Atma comes to realize that it is not deadable or killable, but that it is immortal and is only a manifestation of the Supreme Brahman.

Diwali symbolizes the victory of:

• Light over darkness

• Good over evil

• Knowledge over ignorance

Light, Good and Knowledge are attributes of the Supreme Brahman. One of the common requests we make of the Lord is “Asato ma sadgamaya, Tamaso ma Jyotirgamaya” whereby we beg for the transformation of untruth to truth and from darkness to light. Even in the Gaitree mantra, we make a similar petition- “Dyeeyo yonah prachodyaat”-may I be in communion with His supreme luminosity.
In Gita the Lord is described as Light of lights, he is said to be beyond darkness, Knowledge, the Knowable-the goal of Knowledge, seated in the hearts of all.

Diwali focuses on LIGHT. It is through light that the beauty of this world is revealed and experienced. In darkness, we can only recognize the thing and person behind us by light. Most civilizations opine that light is a gift of God. It has always been a symbol of what is positive in our world. To Hindus darkness represents ignorance. Light is wisdom to remove such ignorance. Wisdom is the force to destroy lust, anger, envy, greed, fear etc.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Diwali is a unique occasion. On this glorious night of nights, isolate yourself from the maddening crowd, sit in peace, calm your mind, attune your senses through chanting of bhajans, jap and meditation on the the One Effulgent Light. Empty the mind and with concentrated devotion seek the Atma, the spirit of Pure Consciousness, the Divine light. Remove your darkness and become filled with the Eternal Light. This could be your triumph, the unfoldment of your ‘divya dristi’ the divine light.

SIDDHI BUDDHI PRADE DEVI, BHUKTI MHUKTI PRADAA YINI
MANTRA MURTI SADAA DEVI, MAHA LAKSHMI NAMO-ASTUTE
O Devi, giver of intelligence and success and of worldly enjoyment and liberation (as well). You always have the mystic symbols as Your form. O Maha Lakshmi, my obeisance to You.

The celebration is very much associated with the worship of LAKSHMI-The Goddess of Light. Some authorities claim the Divine Mother comes out to visit every home and would make Her dwelling in such homes permanent, if certain factors prevail. If in a home where there is beauty, neatness, tidiness, peace and harmony, quest for knowledge, wisdom, truth, righteousness, ambition, austerity, industry, spirit of service and sacrifice, Lakshmi’s presence is definitely felt.

SOCIAL TOUCH

Regardless of origin and local interpretations, Diwali is a day of fun, festivity and joy for people of all walks of life. Preparations begin weeks before the day itself. Cleaning and decorating are activities common to all. Family members get involved in projects to create newness in the home. In the evening special poojas-prayers are done and then hundreds and thousands of Diyas are lit. The darkness of the night disappears to usher in light that will stay forever.

JAI SHREE RAM