Diwali: May YOUR Light Shine Bright

Insight Into The Spiritual Significance of Diwali
...the Mythology, Rituals & Customs

Remembering The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

Here in India and in many countries around the world, billions of people are celebrating Diwali (aka Deepavali). Popularly known as the "festival of lights". What is less known, forgotten, overlooked, is the the most significant spiritual meaning of Diwali, and that is "the awareness of the INNER light", unfortunately this simple and profound meaning has become overshadowed with the mythology, rituals and customs, with less emphasis on the inner cultivation of light.

Before the mythological stories overshadowed the once deep spiritually celebrated occasion, and the occasion became commercialized with gifts, sweets, drinking and partying, Diwali's primary significance was to celebrate the 'light of the soul'. The soul called 'Atman' is central to Hindu philosophy, it is the fundamental belief that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, it is that which is called the Atman.

The celebration of Deepavali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.

While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets, parties, gambling, drinking etc), it is important not to overlook the true essence of Diwali, that is to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).

Mythology, Ritual & Customs of Diwali (ref: Wikipedia)

Deepavali (also spelled Divali in few countries) or Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Fiji, and Suriname.

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: Dīpāvali), which translates into row of lamps. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) (or Deep in Sanskrit) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

Jainism
In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha by Mahavira in 527 BC.

Sikhism
In Sikhism, Deepavali also commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by defeating Emperor Jahangir; the people lit candles and diyas to celebrate his return. This is the reason Sikhs also refer to Deepavali as Bandi Chhorh Diyas, "the day of release of detainees". Deepavali is widely celebrated in both India and Nepal.

1st Day of Diwali
The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya.

2nd Day of Diwali
The second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.

3rd Day of Diwali
It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu.

4th Day of Diwali
The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

Celebrate With Atman in Mind
Even though people celebrate Diwali in their own ways, I think it is not only important to remember and understand the spiritual meaning of Diwali and other Hindu/Vedic occasions. It is what will bring greater wealth and experiences into your life.

Overtime the spirituality, science and philosophy of Vedantic Hinduism has become watered down by rituals and mythology, the deeper and more significant meanings are no longer taught by many establishments. Even the rituals themselves, while deeply scientific and meaningful in nature, have become something that are just done. With very little 'mind attention'.

So this Diwali, light a candle, sit in front of the candle and meditate, even just for a few minutes, and reflect on your inner Divine Light.

Happy Diwali! May YOUR Light Shine Bright

Adventure With Love, Peace, Joy

-Beejal Parmar