A message of Deepawali...

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http://www.omshaantih.com/Kedar/Diwali/Diksha.htm

 

Deepawali

Contribution by Swami Dikshananda Saraswati

Arya Samaj, Delhi, India

The following article was written on 17-10-1978

 

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...

 

The message of Deepawali

 

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.

 

http://www.hinduism.co.za/deepaval.htm