Happy Deepavali

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of India’s most significant cultural festivals, celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm all over the world. 

It marks a time when streets glow with lights, homes radiate warmth, and hearts are filled with hope and joy. 

Followers of all major Indian religions—such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains—associate this day with unique and notable events from their own religious histories, each offering a distinct spiritual or historical reason for celebrating this festival of lights and happiness.

Beyond illuminating homes, shops, and workplaces with diyas (small oil lamps) - beyond the external brightness - Diwali is also associated with renewal and transformation by discarding the old and welcoming the new. People symbolically discard the old clothes, furniture, and personal belongings and replace them with new ones. Renovating and painting homes, purchasing new houses or vehicles, and upgrading household items are all common practices leading up to Diwali - acts that reflect a desire to refresh both surroundings and spirit..

Philosophers and intellectuals, however, view these traditions symbolically and interpret them on a deeper level. 

They interpret Diwali as an opportunity to cast off outdated beliefs and dogmas, and to embrace new, practical, and uplifting ideas - 

To light the lamps of Gyana —knowledge—to dispel the darkness of ignorance and to let the inner light guide toward truth, harmony, and wisdom.

  

As this beautiful and famous Vedic prayer says:

          "Asato ma, Sad Gamaya 

           Tamso ma, Jyotir Gamaya 

           Mrityur ma - Amritam Gamaya"

Meaning:

Lead me from unreal to Real

From darkness to light - from ignorance to knowledge and wisdom -

And from death to immortality.

Lord Buddha said:

                     Appo Deepo Bhava

Be your own lamp - your own light.

How long will you be able to walk in someone else's light? He asked.

So be your own light - light the lamp of Gyana in your heart. 

May we all follow the above great teachings from the Vedas, Lord Buddha, and other holy scriptures and illuminate our minds and move toward truth, harmony, and wisdom.

             Happy Deepavali to all 

                                         ' Rajan Sachdeva '