Derived from
the Sanskrit word Deepavali this
translates to “row of lights,” that honours the triumph of good over evil,
light over dark, and knowledge over ignorance. Lamps are lit on this day
not just to decorate homes, but also to communicate a profound truth about life
-- when the darkness within is dispelled through the light of wisdom; the good
in us wins over the evil.
Deepavali, in essence, is celebrated to kindle the light of wisdom in every heart, the light of life in every home, and bring a smile on every face. Life has many facets and stages to it. It is important that we throw light on all of them, for if one aspect of our life is in darkness, we cannot express life in its totality. The rows of lamps lit on Diwali remind us that every aspect of life needs our attention i.e. “lighting good qualities”.
Some of us have forbearance, some have love, strength, generosity; others have the ability to unite people. When all these qualities are lit, awakened, that is Deepavali. That’s why it is said - don't be satisfied with lighting one lamp; light a thousand! If you have the value of service in you, don't be satisfied only with that. Light the lamp of wisdom in yourself and acquire knowledge. Awaken all the facets of your being.
Another
profound symbolism of Deepavali is in lighting firecrackers symbolizes “Letting
go”. In life, we often become like a firecracker, waiting to explode with our
pent-up emotions, frustration and anger. When emotions are kept suppressed,
cravings and aversions are bound to reach a point where they explode. Bursting
crackers is a psychological exercise from ancient times to release bottled-up
emotions.
When you see an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within as well. Along with the explosion, there is a lot of light as well. When you let go of these suppressed emotions, the light of knowledge absolutely dawns.
When you see an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within as well. Along with the explosion, there is a lot of light as well. When you let go of these suppressed emotions, the light of knowledge absolutely dawns.
Deepavali also means “to be in the present” -- dropping the regrets of the
past, the worries of the future, and living in the moment. The sweets and exchange
of gifts symbolizes forgetting the bickering and negativities of the past, and
renewal of friendship for the times to come. A true celebration means
dissolving all differences. Happiness and wisdom have to spread in society, and
that can happen when all come together and celebrate. Even if one member of the
family is shrouded in darkness, you cannot be happy. You need to kindle wisdom
in every member of your family. Extend it to every member of society, every
person on the planet.
No Deepavali
celebration is complete without the “spirit of service”. Whatever we own today,
should be shared with others, for it is in giving that we receive. That is true
celebration.
Deepavali
must be about every moment and every day.
Light the
lamp of love in your heart; the lamp of abundance in your home; the lamp of
compassion to serve others; the lamp of Knowledge to dispel the darkness of
ignorance and the lamp of gratitude for the abundance that we are blessed and bestowed
with.
