Diwali - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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Diwali - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

Diwali Festival

 

Meaning Of Dipavali or Diwali

 

"From the very name of the Dipavali festival, it can be seen that

the Divine effulgence is manifested in it. Dipavali means the array

of lights. Tamaso maa Jyotirgamaya (Lead me from darkness to light),

is an Upanishadic prayer. This means that where there is darkness,

light is needed. What is this darkness? Sorrow is one form of

darkness. Peacelessness is another. Loss is another. Disappointment

is one form of darkness. Lack of enthusiasm is another. To get rid

of the darkness of sorrow, you have to light the lamp of happiness.

To dispel the darkness of disease, you have to install the light of

health. To get rid of the darkness of losses and failures, you have

to usher in the light of prosperity. These apparently opposing

conditions are not totally separate from each other. They are inter-

related. If there is no sorrow, one cannot know the value of

happiness. If there is no darkness, the value of light cannot be

appreciated. Hence, if the greatness of light is to be realised,

darkness is necessary. It is rightly said that pleasure is an

interval between two pains. From the practical worldly point of

view, the festivals have one aspect. From the spiritual viewpoint,

they carry different significance. But there is a common purport in

both." Sai Baba, SS. 12/91, p. 326

 

Origin Of Dipavali/Diwali

 

"The life-story of demon Narakasura reveals the magnitude of his

wickedness. His entire realm was plunged in darkness. No lights

burnt in the homes or streets. No woman could be seen anywhere in

the open. He imprisoned thousands of princesses and tortured

innumerable men. Unable to bear these indignities, the women

appealed to Krishna for help. As Narakasura had inflicted sufferings

on women, he had to be punished by a woman. For this reason, Krishna

took Satyabhama with him and destroyed him in the battle. Dipavali

celebrates the victory of Krishna over Narakasura. It is also known

as Naraka Chaturdashi." Sai Baba, SS. 1/91. p. 14

 

Meaning Of Narakasura

 

"The city in which demon Narakasura had his capital was known

as "Praag-jyotisha-puram". The name consists of four

syllables: "Praag", "jyoti", "sha" and "puram". "Praag"

means "former"; "jyoti" means "light"; "sha" means "forgetting";

and "puram" means the body. Together the term refers to the heart.

The inner meaning of the term is that man in his body is forgetting

the light, Atma-jyoti (spiritual light), in him. The word "Nara" has

various meanings. One is 'Atma'. Another meaning is 'that which is

not permanent.' As 'Nara' (man) has forgotten his true spiritual

state and when bad qualities enter the city of 'Nara', man

becomes 'Narakasura', a demonic being. The term Narakasura also

means one who carries people to Naraka or hell." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89,

p. 14

 

Anger Killed Narakasura

 

"You must pay attention to a strange strategy that the Lord

employed. The Lord invaded Narakasura's kingdom, not once but again

and again. Of course. He could have accomplished the Asura's

(demon's) destruction during the very first campaign. But He did not

do so. He forced him to explode into furious anger, again and again.

Each attack by the Lord made him automatically weaker. His

resistance became feebler and feebler. Anger is debilitating in its

effect. The nerves become weak; blood is rendered warmer; its

composition changes. A simple burst of fury consumes the strength

gained from food during three months. Anger drastically reduces

one's stamina. So, the Lord made Narakasura flare up in anger, again

and again. When he was rendered faint and flickering, the Lord

decided that he did not deserve death at His hands. He took His

consort, Satyabhama, with Him and directed her to kill the ruffian.

She could do it easily, for three-quarters of his might had been

subtracted by the Lord's strategy" Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. XI, dis. dtd

26-10-81. p. 181

 

Symbolism Of The Satyabhama Principle

 

"When Narakasura was destroyed, that is to say, when six foes of man

(kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya), which drag him towards

a fall, are overpowered, then the flame of wisdom can shine clear

and bright. It is in order to demonstrate this on this (Dipaavali)

day, lamps (Dipas) are lit and arranged in every house, dispelling

darkness, which is the home of evil and vice. Satya or truth will

defeat the forces of falsehood. That is the meaning of Sathyabhama

being the instrument, which the Lord used to destroy Narakasura.

Cultivate Sadgunas (good qualities), engage yourselves in Sat-karmas

(good actions), be always in Sadgoshti (good speech)." Sai Baba,

SSS, Vol. V., Discourse on 11-11-1966

 

"According to the legend, Krishna killed Narakasura with the help of

Satyabhama. What does this signify? Each of us has to fight and

destroy the demonic forces within

 

each by resorting to Sathya (truth). 'Sathyameva Jayate' (Truth

alone triumphs).' Speak the truth' isaVedic injunction." Sai Baba,

SS. 1/90, p. 11

 

Historical Reasons Of Dipavali

 

"It was on Dipavali that Sri Rama's coronation took place after his

victorious return to Ayodhya from Lanka vanquishing Ravana and his

Rakshasa brood. For a long period, Ayodhya had been plunged in

darkness (when Rama was in exile in the forest). In the absence of

the effulgent Rama, Ayodhya was a city of darkness. The forests were

filled with light. The return of Rama was hailed by the people of

Ayodhya as the return of Divine Effulgence. Hence, they celebrated

the event by the lighting of lamps everywhere." Sai Baba, SS. 12/91.

p. 327

 

"This is the day on which the Lord in His Vamana incarnation sent

Emperor Bali to the Nether World after He had got the promise of

three feet of ground (measured by the Lord's foot) from Bali. Vamana

(as the incarnation of Vishnu) used the gift of three feet of land

to put down the egoism (Ahamkaara) of Bali. Bali is described as

Chakravarti, sovereign lord. In every human being, there is a

sovereign who presides over all qualities. That sovereign is the

ego. Dipavali is a festival, which is designed to celebrate the

suppression of the ego by the Higher Self. Man is plunged in the

darkness of ignorance and lost the power of discrimination between

the permanent and the evanescent. When the darkness of ignorance

caused by Ahamkaara (the ego-feeling vanishes), the light of divine

knowledge, the effulgence of the Divine is experienced." Sai Baba,

SS. 12/91. pp. 327 & 328

 

"In Kerala, it is believed to be the day when Emperor Bali, who was

allowed to visit his erstwhile kingdom just for one day in the year,

is welcomed by his grateful subjects. His subjects could welcome him

with illumination and fire-works." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII, Dis

did: 25-10-1973. p. 203

 

"Dipavali is also the day on which Vikramaditya ascended the throne

acquired." Sai Baba, SS, 12/91. p. 328

 

"It is also the anniversary of the passing away of the founder of

Jainism, Mahavir." Sai Baba, SS. 1/89. p. 13

 

Scientific Reasons Of Dipavali

 

"Looking at the Dipavali festival from the scientific point of view,

it should be noted that at one time in the distant past, our

ancestors lived in the Arctic region (the polar region). In this

region, darkness prevailed for six months. The sun appears on Mesha

Sankranti day (the sun entering the Aries sign of Zodiac). The sun

sets in this region on Tula Sankranti day (when the sun enters

Libra). In the movement between these two signs, there is an

interval of six months. After the sun sets in Libra, the dark half-

year starts. Today is the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) in the month

of Kartik. It is the New Moon day (Amaavaasya). This month is called

Kaumudi. The people in the polar region used to start lighting their

lamps from this day. The lighting of the lamp is not without

significance, as they would be in darkness for a long period. They

described the lamp that was lit as "Nitya-jyoti" (the perennial)."

Sai Baba, SS, 12/91, pp. 326 & 327

 

"Five thousands years ago, there were some planets (going round the

earth). Some of these planets disappeared from time to time. There

was one planet called Naraka, which used to go round the earth. In

the course of their orbits, sometimes the moon and the Naraka planet

used to get close to each other. At one time, the Naraka planet

appeared to be approaching close to the earth. The inhabitants of

the earth were filled with dread of the approaching catastrophe.

They prayed to the Lord for averting the imminent disaster and

saving them. At that stage, Sri Krishna used his extraordinary

knowledge (Prajnaa) to destroy the planet. This extraordinary

knowledge of Krishna was termed "Sathya". That is to say, Krishna

destroyed the Naraka planet in association with "Sathya". The

denizens of the world started celebrating that day with the lighting

of lamps and adoring the Lord who saved them. That day of the Lord's

triumph was celebrated as a festive occasion." Sai Baba. SS. 12/91.

p. 327

 

Why Are Lamps Lit On Diwali/Dipavali?

 

"The following day (of Diwali) is Amaavasya (New Moon day). Krishna

freed from the prison 16,000 women and asked them to go back to

their respective homes. But all the Gopikas (cowherdesses) fell at

Krishna's feet and pleaded that it would not be possible for them to

live in dignity in their old homes after having been the prisoners

of Narakasura and they would prefer to end their lives at his feet

rather go back. 'You, who are the protector of the universe, cannot

protect us?', they pleaded. Krishna agreed to protect them. Because

of the pledge, he gave them that he would bear the responsibility of

protecting them, he was called their "Bhartaa" (supporter). This has

been wrongly interpreted as meaning that he was their husband. It is

a libel on Krishna to say that He married 16,000 Gopikas. This

Amaavasya day is the day of liberation for the Gopikas. It is a

moonless day, when the night is utterly dark. The Gopikas prayed

that as on that day they had got the light of freedom. It should be

marked by illuminations, which would make everyone rejoice as on a

full moon night. It is for this reason that the day, which is New

Moon day, is illumined by lamps and fireworks and turned into a Full

Moon night." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 14

 

Reason Of Fireworks On Diwali

 

"There is a scientific reason also for this celebration. With the

end of the rainy season, water stagnates in many places, and the

surrounding areas team with mosquitoes and other insects. The smoke

from the crackers and fireworks destroys these insects and

disinfects the atmosphere." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 14

 

Symbolism Of Light

 

"What is light? It is the means by which we are able to see various

objects. During the day we see things by the light of sun and at

night by the light of the moon, stars and lamps. What is it that

enables us to know that we are seeing things by sunlight or other

sources? It is through the eyes. In the Dream State we see many

objects although our eyes are closed. Who is the seer in that state

and who is the experiencer of the dream? It is the Buddhi

(intelligence) that is able to see things by its own luminosity

(Tejas). In the Sushupti (deep sleep) state even the Buddhi is not

present, but blissful feeling is experienced. Who is the experiencer

of this bliss? That is the Atma (the Indwelling Spirit). "I am the

Atma and the Atma is "I" is the truth that has to be recognised by

everyone. It is the Atma that activates the Buddhi, which enables

the eyes to perceive objects. The Atma is the truth and you are the

Atma. It is when this truth is experienced, then alone can man

realise the transcendental unity that subsumes everything." 'Sai

Baba, SS, 9/87, p. 243

 

Full Dark Night Vs. Full Moon Night

 

"The difference between the New Moon night (Amaavasya) and a full-

moon night (Pumima) is as between darkness and light. During

Amaavasya, the night is pitch dark. People do not relish this

darkness in any way. Darkness invokes fear. It also breeds evil

thoughts and provides opportunities for evil deeds. Darkness is

welcomed only by evil-minded persons. No good-intentioned and

righteous persons will welcome darkness. Darkness is a valuable ally

for thieves and rogues. Hence, only the evil-minded will not hail

the advent of the full moon. The hearts of good persons, filled with

good feelings, are cool like the moon. Children delight at the sight

of the moon. Poets are inspired to pour forth the joy in their

hearts at the sight of the moon. On the day of the full-moon

(Pumima) man's heart is also pure and bright. People should

recognise the relationship between the full moon and the mind. The

Vedas declare the moon emerged from the mind of the Cosmic Person

(Viraat-Purusha) and the sun emerged from his eye. The human mind is

a reflection of the moon. When there is the full moon, the mind

blossoms effulgently, drives fear and confers peace and joy." Sai

Baba. SS. 7/96. p. 169

 

Sun Light

 

"During the day, the sun affords light to the world. Without the

sun, the world will cease to exist. The sun is the visible deity for

the world. Without the sun, there can be no life on earth. Crops

cannot grow. There will be no air, no food and no means of

sustenance for living creatures. It is only because of the sun that

rivers flow, crops are grown, life is sustained and there is

happiness and comfort. It is the power of the sun that helps to

purify the heart." Sai Baba, SS. 7/96, p. 169

 

The Light Of Dharma

 

"Triloke deepako Dharmaha: The light that illumines the three worlds

is Dharma (righteousness). What is this Dharma? 'Dhaarayte iti

Dharmaha' 'Dharma is that which upholds everything.' This means that

without Dharma, the cosmos cannot exist. Dharma is the life-breath

of all actions. There can be no life without the sustaining power of

Dharma. Every object in the universe is governed by its 'Dharma'

(the law of its being). For instance, there is fire. What is

its 'Dharma'? The capacity to bum is the basic trait of fire. When

the burning power is lost, it ceases to be fire. Likewise,

the 'Dharma' of ice is coldness. When the ice loses its coldness, it

ceases to be ice. For man, the Dharma is 'righteousness'.

Righteousness implies harmony in thought, word and deed... The'

Dharma' of man is to speak the truth and adhere to

righteousness.Man's Dharma is threefold. It relates to his body,

his mind and his Atma. Good deeds, good thoughts and godly

experiences of bliss are the expressions of this triple 'Dharma'.

The reference to the light that illumines the three worlds should be

understood in this way." Sai Baba, SS, 7/96, p. 170

 

Significance Of Lighted Lamps

 

"A lamp has a unique power, which is not possessed by any other

object. It dispels darkness. For this reason, Bharatiyas (Indians)

have always worshipped lighted lamps. Before commencing any

auspicious or religious function, the ceremonial lamp is lit.

Another notable quality of the lamp is that the flame goes upward,

the path of the Brahman. The sinful path leads downwards. The light

of the lamp, however, can only dispel the darkness outside but

cannot remove the darkness that envelops the heart as a result of

attachments and aversions carried from previous lives. Not all the

blaze of the light, which filled Lanka when Hanuman set it on fire,

could remove the darkness from Ravana's heart. Because his heart was

filled with lust and hate, no light could penetrate it." Sai Baba.

SS, 8/87. p. 209

 

"The lamp points out to this fact. Whenever it may be placed, the

flame goes upward only never moves down. Likewise the flame of

wisdom (Jnana) leads one to a sublime level through the path of

righteousness." Sai Baba. SS, 1/89, p. 15

 

How To Light The Inner Lamp?

 

"If you want to light a lamp, you need four things. First, a

container; second oil; third, wick; fourth, a match box. If anyone

of these is lacking, you cannot light the lamp.

 

This lamp, however, can only remove the darkness. How can the

darkness of the heart be removed? It can be removed only by the

light of wisdom (Jnana Jyoti), and nothing else. How can this light

of wisdom, this spiritual light, be lit? This also needs four

elements. Vairaagya (detachment/ renunciation) is the container.

Devotion (Bhakti) is the oil. One-pointed concentration (Ekaagrataa)

is the wick. Knowledge of the Supreme Truth is the matchstick.

Without all the four, the light of the spiritual wisdom cannot be

got. Of the four, the primary requisite is the spirit of

renunciation (Vairaagya). Without this detachment, all knowledge of

scriptures is of no avail." Sai Baba. SS, 1/89, p. 15

 

Significance Of Lighting Lamps With The Same One Candle

 

"On Dipavali day, we light numerous lamps with one candle. The light

with which other lamps are lit is a symbol of the Divine. Other

lamps are Jivana Jyotis (individual lamps). They derive their light

from the One Supreme Light. It is to teach this truth to men that

the Festival of Lights (Dipavali) is observed. Thus, every festival

has an inner meaning and purpose." Sai Baba, SS, 1/90. p. II

 

"One lamp symbolizes the Supreme Effulgent Lord. The others

symbolize the light in individual selves. The truth of the Vedic

saying, "The One willed to become the Many", is exemplified by the

lighting of many lamps with the flame of one. The Dipavali festival

thus bears out the profoundest spiritual truth." Sai Baba. SS, 1/89,

pp. 14 &15

 

"The lamp is not merely the symbol of knowledge to truth. It is also

the symbol of the One, the Anna that shines in and through all this

multiplicity. Just as with one lamp, a thousand lamps can be lit,

and the One is as bright as ever in spite of the thousands deriving

light from it. So too, the Anna illumines the Jiva (individual

selves) and shines in and through them, without undergoing any

diminution in its splendour." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, Dis dtd 25-

10-1973. p. 205

 

"As God is the embodiment of effulgence, you have to make your life

effulgent to experience God. You have to realise that the light of

your life has come from that Supreme Source of all lights (Parama-

Jyoti). The individual flame should merge in the Supreme Divine

effulgence from which all other lights have emanated. Meditating on

the Supreme Effulgence (Parama-Jyoti) the individual has to merge

his individual effulgence in the Supreme Effulgence." Sai Baba, SS.

8/97. p. 199

 

"On this day (Dipavali) we light thousands of lamps with a single

lamp. We light many candles with the flame of a single candle. But,

remember that only a burning candle can light other candles. An

unlit candle cannot light other unlit candles. Only one who has

earned wisdom can enlighten others who are in ignorance. One who is

himself unillumined cannot illumine others, dwelling in the darkness

of Maya (delusion). One must light one's own lamp from the Universal

Light of Love and there from one can transmit illumination to all

who seek and strive. All lamps shine alike, since they are all

sparks of that Parama-Jyoti, the Universal Luminosity, that is. God"

Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. XI. dis. dtd 26-10-81, p. 182

 

"Light the lamp of the world with divine love. Divine love lights

the lamp of life, which you are not able to perceive. None can

regulate divine love. Worldly love is fraught with conditions and

expectations in return. Divine love does not expect anything in

return." Sai Baba, SS. 4/97. p. 206

 

Seek Divine Light Within You

 

"The light of the Divine is within you. Why do you go seeking for it

elsewhere? This is the light of love and bliss. Never forget God,

whatever may happen to you." Sai Baba. SS. 8/97, p. 202

 

Symbolism Of The Krishna Principle

 

"When we inquire into the significance of the Dipaavali festival, we

find that traditionally it is a joyous festival to celebrate the

destruction of demon Narakasura by Sri Krishna. It is only when we

first understand the meaning of the Krishna Principle will we be

able to understand the significance of the Naraka Principle. Krishna

is the embodiment of the Five Elements (Ether, air, fire, water and

earth). He is also the embodiment of the Five life-breaths (Praana,

Apaana, Saamaana, Udaana and Vyaana). "Kleem- Krishnaaya Govindaaya

Gopi-jana-vallabhaaya Swaah." This Mantra contains the essence of

the Bhaagavata. The five names represent the Five Praanas (vital

airs). "Kleem" refers to the earth. "Krishnaaya" refers to

water. "Govindaaya" refers to Agni (the Fire-God). "Gopi-jana-

vallabhaaya" refers to Vaayu (air). ""Swaah" refers to ether or sky.

When we recognise that the Divine is immanent in the five elements,

we will realise that there is no place in the cosmos where these

five are not present. The human body is composed of the five

elements. These elements, because they constitute the body, can

affect only the body but not the Atma (soul) in any way."

 

"Krishna's encounter with demon Naraka has to be understood against

this background. "Nara-ka" means one who is opposed to the Atma.

Nara-ka does not mean a demon" Sai Baba. SS, 1/90, p. 10

 

Significance Of Dhana-Lakshmi Puja On Dipavali

 

"Dipavali is also a day dedicated to the Goddess of Riches, called

Dhana-Lakshmi. They celebrate the Day as Dhana-Lakshmi Puja Day in

many states of India. Newspapers highlight the celebration with big

headlines. But, riches when one comes by them, have to be revered as

something given on trust, and must be used for the amelioration of

the needs of society, not for personal aggrandizement. When people

use it for parading their

 

wealth, they become ludicrous specimens of humanity. How can wealth

and scholarship shine, except against the background of virtue and

humility? Riches may come or riches may go; scholarship may be

acquired or may not be acquired, even joy may come and go. Whatever

happens, man must be unmoved, he must not swerve from the path that

he has chosen towards the goal. March along, straight, never

deviating towards falsehood or trickery. Do not be attracted by

glamour of name and form. SeekJhe Atma with one-pointed zeal. This

is the message I give you on this Festival of Lights (Dipavali)."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VIII, Discourse on 25-10-1973. pp. 206 & 207

 

"Let me tell you frankly, I do not like this Lakshmi Puja, which

people do, expecting to grow rich and accumulate wealth. They even

speak of Dhana-Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and have Stotram to

propitiate Her. Lakshmi or wealth accrues by fair means as well as

by foul. Money is earned by gambling, by various forms of deceit, by

highway robbery itself, by high and low, by all and sundry. Worship

Lakshya (goal), I shall appreciate you. Keep the Lakshya, the goal

of expanding love till it embraces all beings, till it sees

everything as your own self. Keep it ever steady before your mind's

eye. Then Lakshami will other own accord favour you to the extent

necessary for realising the Goal. Never doubt that. Never falter."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. Ill, p. 35

 

Significance Of Decoration On Dipavali

 

"Dipavali is the day when old clothes are discarded and new ones are

worn. Home and its precincts are swept clean, given a new look, and

made to appear fresh and fine. Flowers are arranged in lovely

designs in each room and in courtyard. Festoons of green leaves add

charm to every door. But even while doing all this, attention has to

be paid to the discarding of wom-out prejudices and adoption of new

habits of love and mutual respect, the freshening of one's attitude

towards one's kith and kin, brothers and sisters of all creeds and

castes, the hanging of the festoons of friendship and fraternity

over the door sill of the heart. This will make the Festival really

meaningful and fruitful." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VIII, Discourse on 25-

10-73. p. 204

 

How To Observe Dipavali?

 

"Dipavali has to observed as the day for getting rid of all the bad

qualities in us, symbolized by demon Narakasura. The Gopikas who

were freed on that day represent the imprisoned good qualities in

us. They should be manifested effulgently. This is the inner

significance of the festival. As long as demonic qualities remain in

man, he will be immersed in darkness. Bad qualities and thoughts

have to be got rid of altogether. I desire that our festivals and

holy days should be observed in the right spirit, with an

understanding of their deeper significance. The destruction of

Narakasura symbolizes the destruction of evil and the restoration of

what is good." Sai Baba, SS, 1/89, p. 15

 

"The Narakasura in man can be destroyed by the constant dwelling of

the mind on Krishna who slew him, as the Bhagavad relates. The

Smarana (God's remembrance) has to be constant. This state of

constant remembrance can come only through long practice. It will

not be acquired suddenly." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. V, Dis. 11-11-

66, pp. 300 & 301

 

"On this Dipavali Day, resolve to light the lamp of Namasmarana

(repitition of God's name) and place it at your doorstep, the lips.

Feed it with the oil of devotion. Have steadiness as the wick. Let

the lamp illumine every minute of your life. The splendour of the

Name will drive away darkness from outside you as well as inside

you." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. V. Dis dtd: 24-10-65, p. 110

 

"Dipavali is intended to teach you the lesson of light and love.

Move out, clasp, spread, expand, give up limits of mine and thine,

his and theirs, caste and creed, in one limitless flow of love. That

is the culmination of all spiritual Sadhana (practice). Love is the

breath of the Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant). I call upon you to

celebrate the Dipaavali, not by feasting and exploding crackers to

disturb the peace of the neighborhood, but by silent lighting of

lamps and silent service through love.'' Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. V.

Discourse on 9-10-70, pp. 346 & 348

 

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1998)

 

"Dipavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with piety and

gaiety at Prasanthi Nilayam on 19th October 1998. Bhagavan came to

Sai Kulwant Hall at 3.15 p.m. and gave the bliss of His Divine

Darshan to the devotees. Before giving His Discourse on this

auspicious day, Bhagavan graciously permitted Prof. Venkataraman to

make a brief speech, who explained the inner significance of

Dipaavali. After Bhagavan's Divine Discourse and distribution of

Prasadam, there was superb display of fireworks and crackers.

Devotees, particularly, students, who also fired the crackers, had

real fun. There was a display of lights at night in the entire

premises of Prasanthi Nilayam." Editor, SS. 11/98. p. 305

 

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1991)

 

"Other notable events in the month began with the celebrations of

Dipavali on 5th November 1991. Bhagavan's scintillating discourse on

that day was followed by a brillian and deafening display of

fireworks, which delighted both young and old. Bhagavan fillet the

young ones with joy by a generous distribution of sparklers.

Dipavali was followe' by Akhanda Bhajan from 9th to 10th November.

Bhagavan inaugurated the celebratio by lighting the Akhanda Jyoti in

the Mandir (temple) at 6 p.m. on the 9th. Non-sto Bhajans were kept

up alternately by students from the three campuses - boys and girls

for 24 hours. The Bhajans concluded on Sunday with the distribution

of Prasadam (swe and lemon rice) to all the devotees with the

benediction of Bhagavan." Editor, SS, 12/91, p. 332

 

 

 

Glimpses Of Dipavali Celebrations At Trayee Brindavan (1986)

 

"Dipavali is celebrated with rejoicings as the day on which the

forces of evil represented by demon Narakasura were destroyed by Sri

Krishna. Bhagavan Baba, addressing a large gathering at "Trayee

Brindavan" on 1st November 1986 said that each individual should

observe Dipavali as the day on which the demoniac qualities in him,

such as envy, hatred and anger, are weeded out and divine qualities

like truth, righteousness, love, compassion and peace are

cultivated. Selfishness is the root of all evils in man and it

should be eliminated. Narakasura, though a demon, was a devotee of

Shiva. He had immense strength and power. He indulged in many wicked

acts because of his hatred towards Krishna. Hatred is the parent of

many sins. It is the gateway to hell. The burning of crackers on

Dipavali day is done by way of expressing joy at the victory of the

Divine over the evil forces. The lamps are lit on that day to

signify the lighting of the inner lamps in all beings from the one

Supreme Source of all light, the Divine. It is this unity of the

individuals with the Divine that should be realised by everyone.

Besides a fireworks display at night, Narayana Seva was arranged

during the day in Brindavan in connection with Dipavali." Editor.

SS, 11/86. p. 278

 

>From the book - Festivals in Prasanthi Nilayam - An Exposition by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C

Bhatnagar.