‘The
Festival of Lights around the world’
I think every
culture, all over the world, in some way celebrates the festival of lights.
Every Indian religion
celebrates Deepavali, more commonly known as Diwali, though they might attach a
different reason behind it.
Christians all over
the world celebrate Christmas by illuminating lights.
Jews celebrate Hanukkah
by lighting candles.
Native Americans also have the similar
festivals of lights.
In Brazil, people go to the beach at
midnight on the New Year’s eve to pray to Lemanja, the African goddess.
Hundreds of candles are lit in the sand.
And
many others such as : St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden, St. Martin’s day in Holland
and Loi-Krathong (Loy-kruh-thong) in Thailand.
Since
the beginning of the time, humanity has been fascinated by the light and power
of sun. Almost all the great cultures of the past recognized Sun as, not only
the sustainer, but the very source of life. Hence Sun was considered the
highest among gods in ancient Greek, Roman and eastern religions; such as
Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. Every ancient religion worshiped either sun or its
symbol; fire.
The rituals and
cultural traditions are usually symbolism. They usually have another deeper
meaning which, over the period of time, gets lost or forgotten.
Light and fire are
associated with knowledge.
We cannot see clearly
in the dark. So we need light in the physical world to see and find things.
Similarly, the light
of knowledge; ‘Gyana’ is required in the mental and spiritual fields, to
understand things properly and to travel on the path of spirituality.
So the real purpose
of Deepavali, Diwali or any other festival of lights is to remind us the need
of ‘Gyana’, the light of knowledge, to illuminate our minds.
Knowledge is Light:
and the light of knowledge helps us to find the Truth.
Truth can set us
free.
A beautiful prayer
from the Vedas: not asking for health wealth or prosperity but;
“Tamaso Ma
Jyotirgamaya”… “Lead me from darkness to light”.
“Asato Ma
Sadgamaya ….. Lead me from Falsehood to Truth”
“Mrityur-Ma Amritam
Gamaya….
Lead me from mortality to immortality; from bondage to freedom”
‘Rajan Sachdeva’
