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Divali, the light of profound and deep wisdom
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Divali, the light of profound and deep wisdom
“Which else shall beautify a home, but the flame of a lovely lamp. Which else shall adorn the mind. But the light of wisdom deep.”
How else can one define or explain the greatness of Hindu festivals – Divali or Deepavalee and what it eventually symbolises and epitomizes to the Hindus, whether they may be keeping very aloof at a remote corner of the earth or clinched together with members of their own community? It is virtually the festival of light(s): Deepavalee meaning a row or chain of lights. Although Divali falls on a moonless night, whereby nature has made the night the darkest, mankind has truly made it the brightest.
Candidly speaking, the outward manifestations of festivities are generally common to all communities – celebrating the festival of lights with sweets, succulent cakes, new clothing, etc. However, the ultimate significance and importance eventually transcends above religion and community symbolising in essence knowledge over ignorance. The main theme is the same: decisive conquest of immense darkness and ignorance by the liberating power, which virtually results in the release of the concrealed light.
Broadly speaking, the very concept of oneness of any custom or tradition has been elaborately illustrated by an episode in the Mahabharata by Kama – the very stalwart of the kurus. He ridicules the manner in which the people in Madras follow certain practices, patterns and culture indicating sharp diversities, hence culminating in great rivalry among different people(s) of that land. Yet overiding all the local variations and indiscrepancies, the customs and tradition have withstood the ravages of multifarious wars and weathering and today stand proudly welded into a firm and solid concept – “the Sanatana-Dharma”.
The Bhagvad Gita depicts: As every tradition traces its origin to mythology of “Puranar” the story of Narakasura supports this concept – the victory of wisdom over ignorance. As Lord Krishna propounds in the Bhagvad Gita the Celestial song: “For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the evil doers, for the sake of family - establishing righteousness, I am born age to age”.
In fact, the stories are written and told with the main object of drawing the attention of the reader to the deeper significance of the festival and to virtually highlight the meaning attached to it, other than what is apparent. Narakasura was the king of Pragiyotishpura. By virtue of this prowess and the boons secured by the merit of “tapas”, he became omnipotent and the mortals. Hence, the afflicted approached Lord Krishna and Dwarka to put an end to this growing threat. A very fierce encounter ensued between the supreme and the demon but was overpowered by the Lord, thereby liberating and assuaging the grieved. Bhumi, none other than the mother of Bhauma – rose from the Earth and said to the Lord: “He was created by you - he is ended by you as well. May you spart in your glory.”
Thus, the earth and her people were delivered through the roe clutches of the Dark Demon and the day became a day for rejoicing, in commemoration of the decisive conquest of the challenging darkness and ignorance by the liberating power.
The search of peace and mutual understanding</B>
In the epic Ramayana, it is again celebrated as the victorious return of Ram to Ayadhya, defeating the demon Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. It should be noted that, all through the Ramayana, one comes across the overpowering of the low nature of man such as viciousness, lust, immorality, etc. by the higher and nobler nature of man – virtue, morality and magnanimity (e.g) Vali and Ravana were very great in their own ways, having acquired vigour, strength and health through “tapas” and penance. When they were again confronted and bemused with power and lust, they eventually became vulnerable to sensitive objects. Again, it is the great victory over ignorance by the brillance of wisdom evinced by the hero of Ramayana – Rama.
Invoking Laksmi (Light) is practised by most business communities. She (Laksmi) is personified as the very symbol(s) of Wealth and Beauty. She is also known as “fortuna”, the bestower of fortune and the ceremonial lights are to welcome her.
As a matter of fact the Jains explain this phenomena as the very day commemorating the passing into Nirvana (divine sleep) of Mahavira. The lighting of lamps is attributed to the material substitute for the light of Holy Knowledge that was being extinguished by the passing of Mahavia.
From Darkness towards light: The various incarnations – of Supreme symbolically fought the demon of Ignorance and destroyed him, thus establishing the real knowledge of the lights of brillance. We could be always guided by the divine words of Lord Kirshna or Rama or lighten ourselves by Adi Shankara and other sublime sages and seen, and constantly repeat the songs of the great Upanishads and do pray for a better and brighter future. “From the unreal lead me to the real. From darkness lead me to light. From death lead me to immotality”. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (Peace, Peace and Peace)!
In the context of the Holy Bible – Let’s see what Jesus Christ said concerning light :- “Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but a candlestick, and, it gives light into all that are in the house.”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Indeed light is for household rise. Thus, certain churches, celebrating Divali give a good and concrete example of mutual love and understanding. This symbolises the friendly cohabitation of co-religionists in a plural society.
Ultimately, in the context of Arya Samaj and in the Vedic way of life, it is to be noted that, on Divali night, when every house will be lit up and adorned with “diyas”. Let every one turn his/her attention to this great ascetic. A great and memorable scene occurred in Binai, Khuti, Ajmer an-Deeepavali night in the year 1883.
Silently Maharshi Dayanand Saraswatee Maharaj breathed his last with the following words : “Let thy will be done !” On his lips, which shimmered with a bright smile. If by his life – Swami Dayanand taught us how to lead a life of glory, by his death, he has taught us how to die courageously. May all prestige and honour be bestowed upon him.
The very significance of the Festival of Lights “Divali” is also epitomised in our duties and responsibilities for the triumph of Truth and Justice. The Festival of Lights is an opportunity for all of us to be enlightened with nobler values for our social, professional, political as well as cultural excellence and the reinforcement of our mental and physical features with faith in God. May we aspire and be inspired from the light of Divali to guide us in our sincerity of purpose - to help protect the whole world with added vigour.
Light like virtue, eventually reinforces the will to overcome the doubts and fears of human existance. It also procures glory and bliss to life for gratification and excellence. The Light of the Sun everyday reminds us of our daily commitment to dispel the darkness that permeates the lives of mankind. Our ancestral traditions call us everyday at sunset to light the lamp in our respective holy shrines to ward off the spectre of darkness invading our lives.
The way Divali is celebrated may evolve but, given the universal nature of Light, it will always symbolise goodwill, life and enlightenment as an array liking all human beings.
It should also be noted with fasting, purification, prayers, lights, caring and sharing. Let the gloom be expelled from every corner of the human heart and let there be warmth of love and happiness in every Mauritian home.
<B>Sookraj Bissessur</B>
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